Belize permanent residence
after 1 year of legal residence
People who have lived legally in Belize for at least 1 year, without leaving for more than 14 days in total in that year, can apply for permanent residence. They must show financial stability and a clean criminal record, and go through immigration and police interviews. Fees depend on nationality, from BZ$1,000 for CARICOM nationals to BZ$6,000 for Europeans. Belize also offers a renewable 1-year temporary residence for people investing at least BZ$500,000.
Life in Belize
Money
3
Currency
Belize Dollar
BZD
Belize Dollar
Cost of living
54
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 25%
Income tax (national)
25% of chargeable income for employed persons; residents below an annual income threshold (raised by a 2024 amendment) pay no income tax.
Living
1
Happiness
#25 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Workers, retirees, students, dependants and others who have already lived legally in Belize for a year and want to settle.
Eligibility
Residence period
You need to have lived legally in Belize for at least 1 year when you apply, with no more than 14 days away in total.
- Minimum 1 year of legal residence at time of application
Official wording
Legally residing in Belize for a minimum of 1 year when you apply, without leaving for more than 14 days in total during that year.
Financial stability
Proof that you have been and will be financially stable, for example through employment in Belize, foreign income, self-employment, retirement income or sponsorship by a relative with legal status.
Criminal record
You must have no conviction in any country for an offence carrying 12 months' imprisonment or more, unless pardoned.
- Applies to convictions in any country
- A pardon is an exception
Official wording
No conviction in any country for an offence carrying 12 months' imprisonment or more, unless pardoned.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementEntered as a minor
- Document checklistPassport(s) showing arrival in Belize at least 1 year before applying
- FeesPermanent residence - CARICOM nationals
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 6 documents
- 5 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Belize
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Belize
- Visit & tourismBelize visitor visa (where required) and visitor's permit extension
- Work permitsTemporary Employment Permit
Permanent residence in other countries
- CanadaProvincial Nominee Program
- Republic of the CongoPrivileged resident card (carte de résident privilégié), 5 years
- SwitzerlandSettlement permit (C permit) for non-EU/EFTA nationals
- Cook IslandsCook Islands Permanent Residence
- CameroonResident card (carte de résident) - 10-year residence
- Costa RicaPermanent Residence
