If you are interested in finding out about Belize Retirement Living, you are one of many who are looking at Belize as a great place to retire.  For one reason, the climate is certainly appealing, as well as a law that was enacted in 1999 by the Belize Government, which encouraged English speaking people to choose to retire there.  Basically, the law requires the retiree to deposit $2,000 US dollars each month in a commercial bank in Belize.  Applicants must be at least 45 years of age.
Then, if approved, the retiree can bring his household goods, personal belongings, one vehicle, one boat without paying any customs or other fees or tax.  In addition the law states that a person who is retired may replace the car, or other vehicle, and the boat every five years, without paying taxes on them.
The law also states that a retired person may not accept gainful employment but that all of the income received by the retiree may be free from being taxed.  If you want more details you may write to the Ministry of Tourism in Belize.
There are three options for those wishing to retire in Belize or to spend extended periods of time in the country. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The three options include Tourist Card, Qualified Retired Persons Status, and Permanent Residence that can lead to Belize Citizenship.

In addition to the three aforementioned, a Work Permit is a little-known fourth option that can also lead to Permanent Residence but this is usually for individuals with special skills not available locally, or for low-paying jobs that locals tend to shun, such as manual work, farm worker, housekeepers, waitresses and so on.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions I have found that may be helpful to those interested in Belize Retirement Living.

1. Is there an exception to the $2000.00 US monthly?
The income of $2000.00 US monthly must be fulfilled for the application to be considered. No exceptions allowed.

2. Is this program tied to the Permanent Residence Program?
The Qualified Retirement Program is an incentive program run by the Belize Tourism Board and is in no way connected to any of the Immigration’s programs.
3. Is this program tied to the Citizenship Program?
The Qualified Retirement Program is an incentive program run by the Belize Tourism Board and is in no way connected to any of the Immigration’s programs.

4. Will qualifying for this Program make me a citizen of Belize?
Upon qualifying for this program the retiree becomes a Retiree Resident and not a citizen.

5. Will I be guaranteed acceptance into the Permanent residence Program after qualifying for QRP?
Acceptance into the Program signifies just that, it is not a prerequisite for any other program carried out in Belize.

6. Can I make my payment in Belize dollars?
Fees associated with the Program can only be made in US. Payments will only be accepted if they are US dollars or a cashier’s cheque.

7. Can I pay with a personal cheque?
Only cashier’s cheques and bank drafts are acceptable cheque payments.

8. Does the ID card expire?
Your ID cards will have a yearly expiration date. This is done so upon renewal you will be required to bring in your passport and bank statement; to verify your month’s stay and the deposit of $2000.00 US monthly.

9. What taxes am I exempted from in Belize?
When accepted into the program you will be allowed to bring in your vehicle and household and personal effects, as decided by Customs free of all duties and taxes. These are only for personal use and not for business.

10. Can I work in Belize?
At this time there are laws in place limiting foreign employees. For this reason you are encouraged to invest in your own business if you desire to do some work.

11. Can I open my own business?
Should you wish to indulge in work, you are allowed to open your business.

12. How do I bring my pet with me?
Bringing a pet into the country falls under live animal importation and is regulated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).
Requirements:
Domestic pets will be allowed to enter the country provided that owners present the following:
- valid import permit
- international veterinary certificate (needed 7 days prior to departure)
- valid rabies vaccination certificate
- inspection by quarantine officer
- US $30 entry fee + US $12.50 fax fee

Import Permits
To apply for an import permit, you must request an application form from:
Permit Unit
Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA)
Belmopan Showgrounds
Belmopan City
Tel: 501-822-0197/822-0818
Fax: 501-822-3084
Email: baha@btl.net

13. What currency is used in Belize and what is it worth?
The Belize Dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of BZ $2 to US $1. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler’s checks, or credit cards. Always make sure that you understand which dollar rate is being quoted. Is it Belize Dollars or U.S. Dollars?

14. What types of health services are available?
There is a well staffed hospital and several private doctors in Belize City. Also the district towns and larger villages have hospitals or clinics.

15. How is the telephone service in Belize?
Belize Telecommunications Limited provides telecommunication between Belize and the United States, Canada and other countries. The BTL main offices (www.btl.net) are located at the corner of Albert and Church Streets in Belize City at telephone number 227-7085 and the corner of Princess Margaret Drive and St. Thomas Street at telephone number 223-2868.

16. What time zone is Belize in?
Time observed year round is GMT-6, which is the same as United States Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed in Belize.

17. Will there be any problems with immigration when exiting Belize?
After acceptance into the program has been issued, retirees are issued ID cards and these are to be used when exiting and entering Belize so that immigration officers can identify you and treat you as retirees and not as tourists.

18. Can household items be purchased instead of importing them?
Belize offers a range of options in furniture and household items. You may purchase the imported ones or you may purchase the beautifully hand crafted ones made in Belize out of local wood.

19. Can we purchase a vehicle in Belize instead of importing it?
Since Belize offers a range of new vehicles, it would be easier for the retiree to visit a car dealership and purchase a vehicle of their choice and still enjoy the duty free price without the stress of shipping.

20. Can my dependants purchase a vehicle under the Program?
Dependents will not enjoy the duty and tax free concessions that the retiree does. Any vehicle purchased or brought in for them will need to pay relevant taxes and duties.

21. Are taxis available?
Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognized by their green license plates. Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your arrival at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), taxis are available at the entrance to the main terminal. Although there are no meters on the taxis, the drivers do charge somewhat standard fares, but it is always important to understand what your fare will be, prior to hiring a taxi.

While there may not be any Retirement Communities at this time in Belize, there may be in the near future as interest in this area continues to grow.  However there are condos and other properties available in gated communities as well.

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