Just go the legal route. Going legal keeps you from being in a questionable "gray" area. Saves headaches in the long run.

I gotta say I have been very confused by the term "telecommuter". The definition I looked up is “To work at home using a computer connected to the network of one's employer.”

The way I understand this conversation is that Advantage Realty says that if I go to Belize for a month or two I need a work permit to run my business over the internet back home. I thought this a little ridiculous sooooo… a few days ago I phoned my lawyer and asked if I needed a work permit when I am in Belize (Because the above is exactly what I do when I am there). He said (quote):

“No, not in accordance with Canadian law. You do not need a permit in Canada unless you are a permanent resident. For example: If you are a permanent resident of Canada and operate a small business in the US you have to pay Canadian income tax above and beyond what you pay in the US. However you can claim tax back from the IRS in the US - OR if the company that you work for/own derives income from the jurisdition that you are working. The work that you do from a computer as a non resident to a company is considered to be work completed at the computer’s terminus.” He then said he would talk to an acquaintance/colleague in Belize City for me to confirm that the law was the same.

He called me back a few minutes ago and confirmed that it is basically the same. You do not necessarily need a work permit per say but you must register and pay taxes if you are a permanent resident and not if you are a “tourist”.

He didn’t charge me a nickel, I got a great lawyer. (Sorry for the oxymoron.)

When you enter Belize for the first time you will be given a stamp for about 30 days stay. If you stay longer and then go and renew your stamp,the new stamp states,

“PERMITTED TO REMAIN ON CONDITION THAT THE HOLDER DOES NOT ENTER INTO EMPLOYMENT PAID OR UNPAID. DOES NOT ENGAGE IN ANY BUSINESS OR PROFESSION WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION AND DOES NOT REMAIN IN BELIZE LONGER” THAN THE DATE SHOWN IN YOUR PASSPORT.

I may be wrong but that is how it was a few years ago.

"DOES NOT ENGAGE IN ANY BUSINESS OR PROFESSION WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION"

Pretty poorly written or at the least ambiguous. If taken as written, it could mean anyone who was in business or employed could not vacation in Belize. Should probably say "does not engage in any business or profession in Belize".

I am sure that is the intent. That is why my interpretation concerning working via the internet, would be that if a person was doing business outside of Belize and was not a citizen or permanent resident of Belize, they would not be liable for any Belize income tax.

In the US a citizen is liable for income tax on income generated anywhere in the world. A person residing in the US that is a citizen of another country is only liable for income tax on money earned from business in the US or from a US company.

Director of Immigration words not mine, I suppose there are only a number of words you can get on a stamp

pretty sure that if you wanted to do any form of work whatsoever it would be prudent to check with the immigration department. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

I've checked with immigration in Belize with this exact issue and was simply met with blank stares and "I'm not sure but will check". After several months of back and forth, the answer remained the same. This form of economy and employment is growing far too quickly for most government's and their legal developments.

I assume you pay taxes where the the money is made. My past experience I have traveled and worked in a few counties. Some counties I register an (NGO) as a non governmental agency. But for the most part I have never been required to pay taxes or register in a county. I am trying to retire here but still have business issues in the US to close out. SO if anyone finds the answer please post! Don't want to end up in jail or WORSE be sent back to the US.
Mary

Just contact a competant attorney in Belize City or Belmopan. I have a number of one that might be able to help you. If interested, send me a PM.