Moving to Belize
Belize offers one of the world’s best retirement programs through the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program. This program provides retirees with tax exemption on all income earned outside Belize. To qualify, applicants must be at least 45 years old and demonstrate a solid income of at least $2,000 per month. Retirees must also spend one month of each year residing in Belize.
Qualified retirees who become QRP residents can bring all their personal belongings, including cars, boats, and planes, without paying import duties or taxes if they do so within the first year. Additionally, the cost of living in Belize is relatively inexpensive compared to that in the US, Canada, or Europe. Housing is significantly cheaper, and utilities cost about 25% less. By purchasing local produce, retirees can reduce expenses even further. A retired couple with a monthly income of $2,000 can live comfortably in Belize.
Belize is a Central American country with a kind and friendly population, a stable democratic government, quality and affordable healthcare, and a positive attitude toward protecting its natural resources. With the Caribbean Sea to the east and an abundance of waterfalls, rivers, and lagoons, Belize offers a wealth of water-based activities. The mountains, caves, and rain forests provide terrain and temperature diversity, and Belize has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, yielding an unparalleled number of flora and fauna relative to its size.
Belize’s strategic location, near the US, Mexico, and Caribbean islands, makes it easily accessible by plane. The country has a centrally located international airport outside Belize City, and there are commuter flights throughout the country, making it easy to explore. Belizean people are welcoming, friendly, educated, and eager to assist.
Belizean food may be different from what retirees are accustomed to, but they will likely enjoy the endless variety of inexpensive fresh meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Moreover, foreigners can own real estate in Belize, and there is easy access to find a building lot to construct a dream home. The government of Belize is offering incentives to encourage more tourism, and cruise ship tourism has increased 300% in five years. Finally, Belize protects 60% of its tropical forests, and retirees can explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the country’s aqua blue waters, quiet beaches, bird and wildlife diversity, Mayan ruins, waterfalls, rivers, caves, and tropical forests.
