Belize Qualified Retirement Program

Who Can Qualify for the QRP

• Anyone over the age of 40.
• Must have an income of over $2,000.00 USD monthly.
• Anyone who qualifies may include his or her dependents in the program.
• Dependents include spouses and children under the age of 18; however, it can include a person up to the age of 23 if enrolled in a university.
• Belizeans over the age of 40 who are returning to live in Belize may also qualify.

Documents Required for the QRP

1. Application Form (Request Form)
2. Notarized Birth Certificate for each family member
3. Notarized Marriage Certificate
4. Original Police Record from last place of residence (issued one month prior to application).
5. Color Copy of entire Passport (including all blank pages). This is required for each family member. Each page must be certified and stamped by a notary public.
6. Proof of Income. An official statement from a Bank or any other Financial Institution from the country of residence will be required certifying that the applicant is receiving a monthly income of a minimum of US $2,000.00 through a pension or annuity that has been generated outside of Belize. Once approved, all retirees are requested to open a local bank account and deposit their monthly pensions funds. The Belize Tourism Board will request bank statements on a yearly basis to show proof of income and compliance with the retirement program.
7. Medical Examination plus AIDS test for each member of the family.
8. Four front (profile) and four side passport photographs of each member of the family.

Belize Qualified Retirement Program Incentives and Benefits

QRP Member Benefits:

• Qualified Retired Persons can import personal effects free of import duties;
• Qualified Retired persons are strongly encouraged to purchase a vehicle in Belize. The vehicle must not be more than three years old.
• This requirement is the same for imported vehicles.
• Qualified Retired Persons can import a boat free of import duties to be used for personal use;
• Qualified Retired Persons are exempted from payment of all taxes on income received from outside the jurisdiction of Belize.

QRP Dependent Benefits:

• Belize Residency Status – Dependent will receive a QRP resident card allowing multiple entries into Belize without a Visa.
• Engage in any employment in Belize.
• Carry on any business, trade or profession within Belize if such business relates to activities carried on mainly outside of Belize and conducted exclusively with persons not resident in Belize.
•  Make any investment in Belize.
• Practice philanthropy in Belize.

Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) Retire and Invest

QRP Members will be entitled to carry on business in Belize with approval, if the Member meets the following qualifications:

• A Business Plan
• Proof of Investment of at least 1 Million Belize dollars (US$500,000.00)
• If the person has resided in Belize for at least 180 non-consecutive days.
• The Business must employ at least five Belizean citizens.

Benefits:

A QRP Member granted approval to carry on business in Belize will be eligible for the following:

• Permanent residency after designation as a QRP for five (5) years;
• For the grant of any other license or permit necessary for carrying on business in Belize;
• Practice philanthropy in Belize.

General Information for Belize Qualified Retired Persons

• Qualified Retired Persons are not allowed to seek employment in Belize, however, voluntary work and business investments are encouraged
• Qualified Retired Persons need to submit a yearly bank statement showing compliance with the financial requirements of the program
• Qualified Retired Persons are required to renew your retiree status every year
• Qualified Retired Persons need a customs broker to process you importation of personal effects, vehicle or boat at your expense
• Qualified Retired Persons are not allowed duty free on items used to repair or build, neither tools of their trade