RESIDENCY AND VISA OPTIONS IN BELIZE Ryan J. Wrobel Attorney-at-Law
Presented by Wrobel & Co. A little about us: Wrobel & Co., Attorneys-at-Law, is an international law firm based in Belize City, Belize. Our office specializes in a wide array of legal services. All of our services - from real estate and retirement services to offshore advice - aim to link people with a better life. Our Belize lawyers know the culture in Belize. We know the legal system. We want to know you.
One Country, Two Tracks 1. Retire In Belize Your Options: 2. Move and Live in Belize in Another Way
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) Overview The Belize QRP is renowned as the most efficient path to foreign residency anywhere in the Americas and a primary reason Belize is known as one of the best places to retire in the Caribbean and, indeed, one of the best place to retire in the world. The QRP is managed by the Belize Tourism Board and provides for a multitude of incentives for applicants that satisfy the program s requirements.
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) Who Can Qualify for the QRP Any person 45 years and older can qualify for the program. A person who qualifies can also include his or her dependents in the program (children must be under 18, unless enrolled in a university, in which case the age in under 23).
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) Incentives & Benefits
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) Incentives & Benefits Qualified Retired Persons can import personal effects free of import duties can import a vehicle no older than 3 years from the present year can import a boat and light aircraft free of import duties to be used for personal use are exempted from payment of all taxes on income received from outside Belize (Note: While the QRP visa offers full-time residency, new residents can enjoy all benefits even by spending as little as a month a year in the country.)
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) Documents Required for the QRP 1. Submit Application Form (Request Form) 2. Notarized Birth Certificate Copy for each member of the family 3. Notarized Marriage Certificate Copy (if married and spouse is a dependent) 4. Police Record from last place of residence, issued less than a month prior to application 5. Notarized Color Copies of Complete Passport (including all blank pages) for each family member 6. Proof of Income, showing a monthly income of a minimum of US$2,000.00 through a pension or annuity that has been generated outside of Belize 7. Medical Examination plus AIDS test for each member of the family 8. Four front and four side passport photographs of each family member
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) General Information for Belize Qualified Retired Persons Qualified Retired Persons are not allowed to seek employment or be invest in Belize; however, voluntary work is encouraged need to submit a yearly bank statement showing compliance with the financial requirements of the program are required to renew your retiree status every year need a customs broker to process you importation of personal effects, vehicle or boat at your expense are not allowed duty free on items used to repair or build, neither tools of their trade
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) How We Can Help Only by retaining a Belize retirement attorney can you ensure the smoothest process possible. All our former clients at Wrobel & Co. have achieved QRP status after being advised by our firm. We can walk you through the various steps of the QRP application process and are at your side every step of the way. We are willing to retain the services of custom brokers and logistic professionals on your behalf and be your Man on the Ground in Belize.
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees Overview Congratulations! Relocating to Belize might just be the smartest decision you ever make. Take it from me 12 years in Belize and countingj
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees Tourist visa Work permit Permanent residency Nationality Your Options
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees Tourist Visa The permanent residents of many countries can obtain a tourist card without applying in advance, including those comprising CARICOM, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Norway, Venezuela, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Japan. Residents of other nations need to apply in advance for a tourist card before they travel to Belize.
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees Tourist Visa A Belize tourist visa enables you to live in Belize (and fall in love with everything the country has to offer) on a monthly basis. Simply go to a Belize immigration office and renew for $25/month for up to six months. After six months, the Immigration Department has the discretion too allow you to stay in Belize for an additional six months with a visa fee increase to $50/month. (At which point, you might want to look into permanent residency.)
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees Work Permit The acquisition of a work permit allows a non-resident/nonnational of Belize to engage in employment.
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees Permanent Residency The basic requirements include: Be physically present in Belize for a period of one year. Fill out a Belize Permanent Residency Application form Take an HIV test Submit a recent police certificate absent of criminal convictions Provide two recommendations from individuals you have known you for at least a year (a lawyer qualifies, hint hint) Pay the application fee, which varies by country You cannot leave the country for a period of more than two consecutive weeks during the previous year
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees Permanent Residency The application generally takes from a few months to around a year. Once you receive permanent residency, you can work in Belize like any citizen, and you can travel to and from Belize without any restrictions. And after five years of being a Belize permanent resident, you will be eligible for full citizenship.
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees
Moving to Belize for Non-Retirees Nationality Once a permanent resident has been in Belize for five years, an application for Belizean nationality can be submitted.
Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) How We Can Help Our law office can help you through any of the processes outlined. Call us to get started on your new life today!
QUESTIONS? If you want to talk to our legal team personally, please contact us today.
Ryan J. Wrobel, J.D., LL.M, C.L.E. Main Office 115 Barrack Road, 3 RD Floor P.O. Box 420 Belize City, Belize Satellite Office Tarpon Street Vilma Linda Plaza, 2nd Floor San Pedro, Belize Belize: +501-223-1013 USA: +1-646-559-6757 Fax: +1-917-591-5875 ryan@lawbelize.bz