Hello I currently live full time int he U.S. but me and my family are looking to come down to Belize and my current business in the U.S. is Home Theater, Directv, Dishnetwork and Hughesnet. I am curious if there is a need for this in Belize and I am wanting to stay kind of a small business and would be looking to hire 2 to 3 people. So if anyone has any input or thoughts I would appreciate it thanks. Cody

Hi cody, It's hard to get license in Belize, and unless you obtain P.R. first or you can't open any businese here.

You can open a business here prior to having permanent residency, but then you need to have a Belizean partner who will be at least a 50% partner. Once you have residency you can change the organization of your company.

Belize is very strict in business matters. I never started a business here but I heard from a friend that you have to go through different stages to get all those permits. In your case maybe that is more difficult because you are immigrant.

U would be able to do well if u bring a good price to offer to the belizean people....for eg..pple of Caye Caulker would be splendid if they get more channels on their Tv...our cable sucks...we need a competition asap!

U would be able to do well if u bring a good price to offer to the belizean people....for eg..pple of Caye Caulker would be splendid if they get more channels on their Tv...our cable sucks...we need a competition asap!

Hello Cody,
Been visiting Belize for years, permanent resident for 5.
It always amazes me how the info on any given thread varies so much. Usually you can get answers to even esoteric questions from countries all over the world via google, etc. Not so much so in Belize,where it seems due to deliberate vagueness, subterfuge, lack of organization/work ethic, wiggle room to allow officials to make seat of the pants rules, etc., things are always in the gray area.
When I came here on my last tourist visa 5 years ago I was told a simple work permit, obtainable right away, would allow me to get in business. I got one, built a commercial building, no one complained. Fact.
There is a great deal of nepotism involved here though, and if you are going to compete with let's say, the TV monopoly on Caye Caulker, owned by one of the members of the original 7 families, then you can bet your booties that you will be hampered by the Village council among others.
With 1,500 people on that island on a good day, the majority related or good friends, and a resentment for outsiders/gringos, I'd look for another venue.
Just a friendly heads up, been there, take it from a former victim of similar circumstances.
P.S..
Since it involves public media, even at that tiny scale, I'll bet there are other, higher palms to grease as well, more relatives more than likely.

ah yes..you've been here for awhile....