AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Chat Area Work Permits

I can see other's points of views. Some of the laws seem downright impractical.

Such as requiring a work permit for volunteers. But as we all know, somebody volunteers to work behind your bar or waitressing in your restaurant is taking a job from somebody who really needs the income.

Umm Pedro1, the hamburger sentence appears to be incomplete...

If you can go to jail (and be deported in 24 hours) if caught working (or making income) in Belize while here on a tourist visa (or extended tourist visas) it is bit more than operating int "spirit of the law". It is a just illegal as using drugs in your own home or driving while intoxicated.

Until a law is written that states, "Telecommuters are exempt from paying any income taxes while living and working in Belize and can stay as long as they went", unfortunately these types of workers will need to follow the rules like everyone else, if they want to be law abiding citizens regardless of their interpretation of the law.

The other option is to use offshore legislation and follow the proper procedures that were deigned for these "offshore" services, not doing business onshore (with Belizean people or companies). They have thought of this.

Regardless, proper immigration status is required. You can even get a self employed work permit, should be really easy, and pay yourself a salary under $BZ400 a week, tax free. Now you are legal and on the record.

That's great and useful information Chris.

Its amazing sometimes just how much crap you have to dig through to find a nugget...and although you should always check with your friendly tax accountant, I believe the $400 Bze a week would be a 100% deduction against any taxes due and levied in the US, along with any customary living expenses if you fire off an article or 2 a year to a travel website or magazine?

There are so many ways to do things legally and still stay ahead of the curve

Tax evasion is against the law, tax avoidance is everyone's right.

You are making this far more complicated than need be. If a person is in Belize and conducts business by computer, telephone or any other means that does not either involve products or services originating in Belize or bringing products or services into Belize, they are not subject to needing any permits from Belize.
Example: if an executive of a US company vacations in Belize and telephones or communicates via computer concerning his business, he certainly does not need a work permit.
The determining factor is where the commerce takes place, not where the individual is located.

What pug says...higher property taxes...would prevent to a degree...someone from volunteering to flip burgers for his buddy that owns a restaurant and has an extra suite for the volunteer to "rent" for free

So do all the volunteers at Holy Cross have to have work permits and if they do not should they and their employers be arrested

IMO: property taxes should go to providing the services that property owners need. That has no relation to what the government should charge for income taxes or fees regulating commerce.

Thanks to all, you have changed my views on immigration laws. I didn't know 12 million illegals were being disrespectful to my country. Sincerely, Thanks

Also Pedro, I find it interesting how much "volunteer" work is provided by people coming and doing it on AC as compared to other more deprived areas in Belize.