UPDATED JANUARY 26, 2021

We now have a new temporary visa option. Full details below.

More remote workers are trooping into Belize to start their digital nomad journey. The Caribbean country is a vibrant and growing one, with lots of opportunities for anyone looking to work remotely in a comfortable location that works for them. 

Freelancers and digital nomads are leveraging the Belize QRP program as a gateway to Belize. But even this excellent visa program cannot cater to everyone as you must be at least forty-five (45)  years of age to qualify. If you’re a young person considering a move to Belize as a digital nomad, this post will help you get a better view of the different options you can explore.  

Who qualifies for the Belize QRP program?

The QRP stands for ‘Qualified Retirement Program.’

While it’s formally a retirement program for retirees planning to live and retire in Belize, it’s open to almost everyone above 45-years old who meets the requirements. The key requirements here include attaining the age of 45 and demonstrating a pension or annuity of USD $2,000 monthly or USD $24,000 annually. 

The income must be from a source outside Belize and should be deposited in a bank, credit union, or a licensed financial institution in Belize. Eligible individuals must pass security clearance by Belize’s Ministry of National Security and must be ready to live in Belize for 30 consecutive days annually. It is important to note that QRP residents in Belize can still work remotely so long as they do this work for non-Belizeans. 

Belize visa option for digital nomads and young people

Governments often create visas that target digital nomads.

The Cayman Islands Global Citizen Concierge Certificate, for example, allows anyone to live and work remotely in the Caymans for up to 2 years. Barbados also offers a Digital Nomad Visa for 12 months. This costs $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families. The Cayman Islands Global Citizen visa costs $1,500 for two people and an additional $500 for each dependent.

If you’re a digital nomad below the 45 years of age needed for the Qualifying Retirees Program, you’ll have to look at other options other than the QRP. While Belize does not currently have a visa option explicitly targeted at digital nomads, the Belize tourist visa’s flexibility still makes it very easy for youngins to live and work remotely in Belize. 

Living the nomadic lifestyle on a Belize tourist visa

Belize is one of the best places to be a digital nomad.

We get that the sandy beaches, coral reef, lush jungle and towering mountains will delight almost anybody. But when you choose to live and work as a nomad, you need even more than this. As one of the world’s best year-round digital nomad destinations, Belize offers several cities and small towns across the country where you get to enjoy;

• Affordable cost of living in one of the world’s most desirable Caribbean nations
• Safety and security in many of Belize’s beautiful and tranquil municipalities
• Vibrancy and nightlife for culture junkies in places like San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, etc.
• A healthcare sector that is not particularly outstanding but equally not shabby
• Easy settlement into the local community with English being the national language of Belize and with the presence of a significant nomad community already living in Belize.
• Proper Wi-Fi/internet connection so you don’t get to chase internet connection all day like it’s your main job!

Getting a tourist visa in Belize is as simple as it gets.

US and Canadian citizens can even visit Belize without a visa if they are travelling as a tourist, as in this case. You can stay up to 30 days without a visa as a US tourist in Belize. But once you get your visa, you can always renew it for US$100.00 every month.

A Belize tourist visa has a short validity period of 30 days.

Monthly renewals after the first six months will cost US$100.00  per month. The only downside here is having to renew your visa every month. But the process is quite simple and hassle-free, so it’s not really something you should worry about that much. 

NEW! Belize Temporary Residency Visa

Any person who meets the requirements, as set out below, may apply to the Director of  Immigration and Nationality Services to be granted temporary residency in Belize. This program is designed for business owners who have business investments in Belize valued at BZ$500,000.00/US$250,000.00 or more – Temporary Investor Residency status allows you to live, work, and carry out investments and business ventures in Belize. 

Qualifications 

• Non-resident of Belize 
• Must own business investments in Belize valued at not less than  BZ$500,000.00/US$250.000.00 
• Must meet all requirements set out below 

Requirements (originals & copies): 

1. Passport of foreign country of which applicant is citizen 
2. Police Record issued by the last country of residence (dated not more than 6  months from the date of the application) 
3. Letter to the Director explaining the applicant’s reason for requesting temporary  residency 
4. Evidence of a primary place of residence in Belize 

• rental/lease agreement and utility bill, or  
• property title and property tax statement 

5. Details and evidence of investments in Belize valued at not less than  BZ$500,000/US$250.000.00 along with the following – 

• title of real estate ownership 
• business or personal bank statements 
• company registration certificate or other certification showing the interest of applicant in a corporate body as owner of the body or of a majority or  controlling interest 
• trade license 
• social security registration or card 
• general sales tax returns 
• business tax returns 

Upon the approval of an application, there is a temporary residency fee that needs to be paid prior to receiving the permit for temporary residency. This fee is due annually upon the renewal date. The cost varies depending on the nationality of the applicant. If the  applicant does not wish to renew his/her permit, the permit will terminate on the 

expiration date. The turnaround time for these applications is dependent on obtaining security clearance, which may take up to 6 months or more. This program does not lead to Belizean citizenship. Please note that if you would like to obtain citizenship, you will need to apply for and be granted Permanent Residency status for a minimum of 5 years prior to qualifying to apply for citizenship.

Best places for digital nomads in Belize

Most digital nomads prefer places like Caye Caulker, San Pedro Town, and San Ignacio.

Aside from having all the perks and benefits of living in Belize, these popular places boast the best internet connection across Belize. It’s easy to get by comfortably here on the beach with less money too. 

These destinations also offer ample opportunity for anyone looking to explore Mexico while working remotely in Belize. Another plus is that there are many direct flights between major cities in the US and Belize City. It’s easy to fall in love with the beauty and low-key vibe of Belize as a Caribbean country.  Life here as a digital nomad also offers a world of excitement and new opportunities, with or without Qualified Retirement Person status.

Interested in relocating in Belize?  Contact Wrobel & Co, Attorneys-at-Law, and we’ll get you started on your Belize retirement or relocation journey today.

Visit our Belize Retirement FAQ page here.

This information was provided as a courtesy of Wrobel & Co. Attorneys-at-law. It is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should try to interpret or apply any law without the assistance of legal counsel. Please click here for the full disclaimer.