Moving to Belize from the USA

Checklist for Americans moving to Belize — the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program, banking, leases in Cayo, Placencia, or Ambergris Caye, and your first 30 days.

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Visa & legal right to stay

Pick a route: QRP (45+, $2,000/mo income), Permanent Residence (after 1 year of in-country stay), or work permit
Must
For QRP: apply through the Belize Tourism Board (BTB)
Must
Tourist stamps are renewable monthly at Immigration for the first year on the PR path

Paperwork to gather before you fly

Apostilled FBI background check (under 6 months)
Must
Apostilled birth and marriage certificates
Must
Bank/income statements proving the $2,000/mo QRP threshold (or pension letter)
Medical certificate of good health
Must
Pet docs: USDA-endorsed health certificate within 30 days of travel

Money & banking

Open a Belize bank account once residency is approved (Atlantic, Belize Bank, or Heritage)
QRP residents pay no Belize income tax on foreign income
Keep US accounts open — Belize banking is limited and slow
Must
USD is widely accepted (BZD pegged 2:1)

Housing

Stay in an Airbnb for 30–60 days to scout neighborhoods
Use BelizeRealEstate.com, AMP Realty, or local Facebook groups
Long-term leases are typically 6–12 months with 1–2 months deposit
Verify water, power (BEL), and internet availability before signing (Starlink common on cayes)

Healthcare

Buy international insurance with medevac coverage — KHMH is limited
Must
Plan to use Chetumal, Mexico for hospital care; Mexico City or US for serious cases
Belize Healthcare Partners (Belize City) is the best private hospital locally

First 30 days on the ground

Pick up your QRP card from the BTB once approved
Must
Register with Immigration if on a tourist stamp — monthly renewals at $50 BZD
Must
Get a Belize SIM (DigiCell or Smart)
Import your QRP-eligible vehicle duty-free within the first year if applicable
Register with the US Embassy in Belmopan (STEP)

FAQ

Does QRP let me work in Belize?

No — QRP is explicitly for retirees and remote workers earning from abroad. You cannot take local employment on it. Use a work permit for that.

Can I really get permanent residency in 1 year?

Yes — after 12 continuous months physically in Belize (no more than 14 days outside), you can apply for permanent residency, which does allow local work.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.