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Visa Information in Belize

As with many other countries, Belize requires visitors to have sufficient funds to support themselves, a return ticket, and a passport. Passports must be valid up until time of departure.

You can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa. If you want to stay longer, however, you need to go to the Immigration Department in Belize City or Belmopan, or to the Senior Immigration Officer in an outlying district for a visa extension.

Residency and Citizenship in Belize

Until a few years ago, Belize offered an "economic citizenship" program that cost $65,000, in exchange for many advantages, including a passport for you and your family members, plus full citizenship except for the right to vote. The program was suspended in 2002.

Today, many expats apply for permanent residency in Belize, which makes it easier to travel in and out of the country and to deal with bureaucracy when you're in it-when getting a driver's license, for instance. You must live in Belize for one year to be granted permanent residency. To do this, enter the country on a tourist visa, apply for residency and then renew your tourist visa every 30 to 90 days until residency is granted.

To become a resident, you must pay a non-refundable fee of $1000 if you're American or Canadian. Most other nationals pay slightly higher amounts to cover the cost of a return ticket to the country of origin.

A completed application form (downloadable at www.embassyofbelize.org) should be submitted to the Immigration and Nationality Department, along with two passport photographs (the backs of which are to be signed by you and a Justice of Peace), recent personal bank statements, and current medical and police records.

To acquire nationality status, you must have a permanent residence, and be a legal resident for a minimum of five years. There is also a provision for the registration of minor children along with the applicant. All necessary evidence should accompany the application to avoid delays.

To qualify, you can from any country in the world and can also include your spouse and dependents under the age of 18 in the program. For more information contact the Immigration and Nationality Department of Belize, the Belize Embassy in Washington, D.C., or your local consulate in the U.S.

Many expats in Belize opt for the Qualified Retired Persons Program residency program in order to gain residency in Belize. To take advantage of this visa, you have to be at least 45 years old and have a monthly income of at least $2,000 from a pension or annuity (including Social Security) generated outside of Belize. Despite the name, you don't necessarily have to be retired.

When dealing with the bureaucracy, it's wise to get the advice from an experienced attorney. Questions about permanent residency should be addressed to the Ministry of National Security and Immigration at +(1)501-222-4620

Slight error, Americans pay double that of Canadians as Canada is part of the Commonwealth, all Commonwealth countries pay a lower rate. Commonwealth citizens also have additional voting rights.

Yes the post is very outdated with not much current correct info. Things cahnge and that info is over 10 yrs old.

No, but you could get a plane to Belize, show your passport at entry, and find a place to live. There are lots of American retirees there. Part of the appeal is that English is the official language.
No visas are required for citizens of the United States for tourist visits of up to 30 days, but they must have proof of their intent to depart Belize (such as onward or return air tickets) and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Belize. � In order to stay longer than 30 days as a tourist (not for paid or unpaid work) an Extension of Stay application must be submitted whilst in Belize at any of the Immigration Offices. It is best to submit an application at least 2 - 3 days before the 30 days period expires. This incurs a fee of BZ $100. Visas for work, both paid and unpaid, are only issued in Belize, call the consulate for further information. Visa Application and Instructions
Belize has one of the world's best retiree programs. Through the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program, the government gives qualified retirees an exemption from taxes on all income derived from sources outside Belize, whether such income is earned or passive, and whether or not it is remitted to Belize. Retire in Belize: The Benefits of Belize's QRP Retirement Program � You don't have to be retired-or even of retirement age-to take advantage of this program. However, you must be at least 45 years old, and be able to show that you have adequate resources to deposit a monthly income of $2,000 or more per month, and comply with several other minor requirements. To keep your QRP status you must spend just one month of the year in Belize.
Other's type of information is here read more
https://www.high-net-worth-immigration.com/us-citizenship-by-investment-and-residency

And ........ this is a NICE PLACE TO LIVE!!! Whether for a year or a lifetime, Belize is a very real, decent, practical, affordable place to live. Add to that - BEAUTY, great weather and incredible people. I'm still totally sold on life here and it's been almost 27 years since I took the plunge.

Affordable is a relative term actually if you want to live like an American or a Belizean!!

Diane and Debunk, did you read the advertisement link David Cross posted?

I highly recommend persons wanting to live in or be a citizen of The wonderful country of Belize apply directly to government and beware of expeditors. Acquiring residency, citizenship or opening a business is a straightforward process.