October 2nd, 2023 at 05:02 pm
Retirement Visa for Belize
Decide to make Belize your permanent retirement destination and immerse yourself in the enchanted world of immaculate beaches, verdant jungles, and towering pine trees. Belize is a stunning nation on Central America’s northeastern coast, renowned for its genuine culture, mouthwatering cuisine, friendly people, and lush jungles.
By taking part in the Belize retirement program, you can simply receive a Belize Retirement Visa, which is required in order to retire in Belize. For those who wish to live in Belize and spend their retirement years here, the enchanting nation provides The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP).
“The Qualified Retirement Program” in Belize: What is it?
A pension plan known as the Qualifying Retirement Program, or QRP, exempts qualifying retirees from paying taxes on any income received from sources outside of Belize. To assist those who fulfill the retirement requirements in living and retiring in Belize, the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) was developed.
Who in Belize Can Apply for a Retirement Visa?
You must fulfill the following requirements in order to be qualified for The Qualified Retirement Program:
- You have to be 45 years of age or older.
- You might not be a Belizean citizen, but you must be a citizen or lawful resident of a commonwealth nation.
- You have to be the beneficiary of a retirement income that is approved to be paid to you in an acceptable foreign currency (US, UK, CA, or Canada dollars) from a source outside of Belize that provides at least $2,000 per month or $24,000 per year in retirement income.
- You can give a written assurance that the necessary funds will be deposited in a Belizean bank, credit union, society, or authorized bank.
- You need to pass the Belizean Ministry of National Security’s background investigation and have a spotless criminal record.
- You have to be able to spend a minimum of 30 days in Belize at a time each year.
Documents Needed to Get a Retirement Visa for Belize
- Application Form for Retirement Visa in Belize. It is necessary to fill out the application completely and sign it at the bottom.
- Your valid passport, with the blank pages removed, in notarized or certified copies. The copies must bear the Notary Public’s seal or stamp, your entire name, the number of pages, and your passport number.
- Pictures. Four passport-sized photos, four taken lately from the front, four from the rear, white background, straight head, and visible eyes. Photos must adhere to the requirements set forth by Belize Immigration for photos.
- Certificate of Birth. a copy of your birth certificate, certified or notarized, for you and each of your dependents.
- Certificate of marriage. A certified copy of your marriage license if you are married and traveling with your partner.
- Certificate of police clearance. an original police report from the previous residence that was issued no more than six months ago.
- Evidence of income. a certification or record attesting to your passive income of at least $24,000 annually, or $2,000 each month. The following records can be used to demonstrate your income:
- A bank statement attesting to the fact that you possess the necessary amount of pension or annuity.
- A formal Deposit to a Financial Institution in Belize statement certifying that the amount of your deposit would yield $24,000 per year.
- Health report. a completed physical examination report that includes the findings of any HIV tests that are no more than three months old.
How Do I Apply for a Retirement Visa in Belize?
Applying for a retirement visa from Belize is a fairly simple and quick process. To apply for a Belize Retirement Visa, follow these steps:
- Verify whether a visa is required for entry into Belize. You can enter the nation with your valid passport and avoid applying for an entry visa if you are a citizen of a country that does not require one. Nonetheless, you must apply for and receive a Belize visa before visiting Belize if you are a citizen of a nation where a visa is required.
- Go to the Belize Tourism Board’s official website and select the “Retirement Program” option under the “Programs & Events” section.
- Select the application.
- Application for Membership
- Application for Dependent (If your spouse or children are applying with you) Form
- Finish the checklist of documents. Fill out the online application, print it, and gather all the necessary paperwork based on the application’s requirements checklist. Include the necessary documentation for any dependents you may be traveling with.
- Send in your application. The Belize Tourism Board headquarters in Belize City must receive the completed application form and any supporting documentation.
NOTE: All of the aforementioned documentation is required for each dependent, with the exception of “proof of income.”
Belize Retirement Visa Benefits
The following perks are available to all participants in The Qualified Retirement Program under the Belize Retired Persons Incentives Act:
- Card for QRP Residents. You will be issued a QRP Resident Card upon being eligible for the retirement program. This card will allow you to live in Belize and allow you to enter the nation many times as long as you remain a member of the QRP Program.
- Exemptions from duty. During the first year of the retirement program, you, as a member of The Qualified Retirement Program, will be eligible to import the following goods duty- and tax-free:
- Personal and household goods.
- Personal Transportation (car, light aircraft, boat) imported or bought during the first year of clearance for participation.
- Tax Benefits. You won’t have to pay any capital gains tax or other taxes or tariffs on any income that comes from sources outside of Belize. Low property taxes and taxes on land purchases will also be advantageous to you.
Dependent Advantages. Your family member who is going with you will benefit from:
Working in Belize.
Operating any kind of commerce, business, or profession in Belize if it involves dealings with people who don’t live there.