The primary reason is that as a resident you can work in Belize without needing a work permit. Work permits cost $1,500 per year for U.S. citizens. Having your residence also makes it easy to travel in and out of the country. You must live in Belize for 50 consecutive weeks before you can apply for permanent residence.
Can an American work in Belize?
Any foreign citizen who wishes to work in Belize MUST be a legal resident (have resided in Belize for at least six months). He/she must be in the country legally, with proper visas and/or permits issued by the Immigration Department.
Can an American move to Belize?
So, can a US citizen permanently move to Belize? The short answer is “yes”. Belize is one of the most welcoming countries in Central America for expats and there are many options you can consider.
How do I get a work visa for Belize?
In order to submit a Temporary Employment Permit application with the Labour Department you must hold a valid passport and a valid Belize visa. If your application is approved you must visit the nearest Immigration Office to the Labour Department office where you made your submission for the permit.
What does an American need to move to Belize?
To move to Belize, you need to fill some migration forms and then provide official documents such as passport copies, police records, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of income (at least $2,000 per month or more).
How much is a work permit in Belize?
Payment Required
| Work Permit Processing fee in Belize City | US $ 800.00 |
|---|---|
| Administrative & Miscellaneous Expenses (Courier, Telephone, Stamp, Photocopy, Labour Dept. Fee, Fax) | US $ 100.00 |
| Total | US $ 900.00 |
| General Sales Tax (12.5% of $900.00) | US $ 112.50 |
| Total Due | US $ 1012.50 |
How easy is it to get a job in Belize?
If you are not a permanent resident in Belize, you will need a work permit to legally work. Self-employment permits are by far the easiest to obtain, as you will most likely be viewed as someone with a business that will in fact create jobs and employ local Belizeans.
What are the dangers of living in Belize?
Belize city is one of the most dangerous cities in the world… But it only has 60,000 people in it, mostly during the weekdays. The killings tend to be gang related, drug related. In a specific area, south side, We live on the north side, in a very safe area.
Can an American retire in Belize?
Is it safe to retire in Belize? Generally Belize is a very safe place for expats to live. As with all countries there are areas you should avoid but the traditional expat loacations of Placencia and Ambergris Caye have very low crime rates compared to Belize City.
How do I become a resident of Belize?
To be eligible for permanent residency, you need to live in Belize continuously for one year without leaving the country for over 14 days. You must apply through the Department of Immigration and Nationality Services. Application costs for permanent residency vary depending on the nationality of the applicant.
What’s the average income in Belize?
Gross national income per capita in Belize from 2010 to 2020 (in U.S. dollars)
| Characteristic | Income per capita in U.S. dollars |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,970 |
| 2019 | 4,700 |
| 2018 | 4,550 |
| 2017 | 4,420 |
What is the cost of living in Belize?
Cost of living in Belize compared to the US
| City | One bed city centre apartment – rent/month | Mid-range, 3 course meal out for 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Belize City, BZ³ | 274.52 USD | 60 USD |
| Ambergris Caye, BZ⁴ | 515.92 USD | 70 USD |
| Corozal, BZ⁵ | 700 USD | 27.32 USD |
| New York, USA⁶ | 3,017.19 USD | 100 USD |
Can I move to Belize right now?
You can move freely within the country, open a bank account in Belize and travel in and out of Belize without any restrictions. Best of all, the clock starts running and after 5 years you can apply for full citizenship. Application fees for Permanent Residency vary by nationality, ranging from U.S. $250 to $5,000.
What jobs are in demand in Belize?
Gotta-have-’em jobs in Belize
- Teaching English. If you are a native English speaker, one of the best jobs in Belize for Americans is teaching English as a foreign language. …
- Public Health and Medicine. …
- Ecological Conservation. …
- Nonprofit / Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) …
- Community Service. …
- Feeling Uber Adventurous?