Does Belize still offer the retirement deal, or has the quota been filled? Thinking of coming down next year about october.

I have no problem with them having gauranteed income requirements. But having to deposit $24,000/year in a BZ bank is kinda high.

No it is not-consider this
costs: Rent 1500bzd
per mo.Utilities 500bzd
food 1000bzd
Entertainment 3000bzd

Total cost with no travel is 6000bzd per month,and this is realistic.

Three times the amount spent on entertainment than food? Perhaps we live different lifestyles. Except, wait a minute, is Belikin food or entertainment?

If I may borrow from the wonderful, informative and funny "Belizenorth.com" website:

http://www.belizenorth.com/our_budget_vs.htm

You have got to be kidding- that is only 50 beers a monthand what do they eat at 30 dollars per week

well, that budget is probably a little on the tight side as far as food and some other things go. I do drink beer but I can live on a budget also. My income should also actually increase once I get there because I will be representing a company in Belize, but my retirement income is only $1300/month from the Army. Probably have to just pay the visa fee's to start.

Does a running business offer the same type of benefits like being able to import your household goods?

You guys use butane for cooking? Any other natural gases in Belize? I ask because we have a process that turns raw sewage and contaminated oils into a form of hydrogen. Clean up the environment and get gas almost free.

To have a business means you do not fall into the retirement category-no retirees are allowed to have an income that is derived from business in Belize (except a Bz savings acct. but no-one is silly enough to change a large amount of U.S. into Bzd-that really would be crackers.).
1300usd per month is honestly not enough esp. on the islands-however it is a good start -the trick is to find a business to start or buy that can double that income(in a short period of time)
Yiou will have to form a company in belize which will allow you to apply for a work permit (cost 1500BZD)-once you have that you do not need any visas-after one year you may apply for residency which costs 1500bzd and you will have to apply for a further 6 month work permit whilst your residency goes through at a pro rata cost (750bzd).
we use butane although I believe someone is trying to start up an alternative gas supply.