Belize is one country in Central America that’s characterized by numerous islands, lush jungles, and rainforests, and also an incredible Caribbean shoreline. So why would you want to move to Belize? The answer to this question is quite broad, but we can simply say that it is a great country with a high quality of life. They say that knowledge is power, and before you can make up your mind about moving to Belize from North America, then here are some facts that you need to know. It will all be worth it if, after 20 or 40 years of living in Belize, you can look back and say, ‘I am glad I moved from America.’
The Process To Move from America to Belize
Enjoy beachfront views in a hammock on the Placencia beach.
Belize is a very welcoming country for foreigners, especially those who are done working, and all they want is to enjoy life in a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The Qualified Retirement Program is an initiative that allows people who are 45 years and above to settle in the country effortlessly. Their dependents get to enjoy the benefits of it as well — free residency. You can also move to Belize using a visitor’s permit and apply for permanent residency after one year. Once granted, it comes with privileges similar to those enjoyed by citizens in the country.
An hacienda-style home in Belmopan. Image via Vista Real Estate
To move to Belize, you need to fill out 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). The entire application process happens in the migration department offices in the City of Belmopan. You can also apply for full Belize citizenship after staying in the country for a minimum of five years, and the application fee is US$1,000 per person. As long as you hold a valid passport, you can also travel without a visa to Belize and stay for 30 days before renewing it or taking any action to acquire residency. However, you will pay US$25 for the 30-day renewal of your stay.
Real Estate Acquisition
Real Estate Opportunity : Alaia Belize
If you want to buy land or a home in Belize, even while abroad in America, all you need is a budget. The real estate sector is open to anyone who wants to invest, whether locals or foreigners. All you need is a reliable real estate agent; after that, then they will help you buy your dream home or land. Thereafter, start living the life you’ve imagined, whether that’s farming or simply off-grid.
Get in touch with an agent, like The James Group or Vista Real Estate, here.
An Overview of Belize
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- Chicken, rice, and plantain at Tugusina Garifuna Shack. © Oliver Pilcher
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- Coral Caye. © Oliver Pilcher
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- A ray offshore Belize. © Oliver Pilcher
Belizeans have been called some of the friendliest people in the world. Besides being fun-loving generally, enjoying the occasional fete — there’s the surrounding environment, like beaches. Why wouldn’t anyone want to spend their time with such people after retirement? Besides, if you move to Belize from the United States of America, it’s more advantageous as compared to other nationalities moving some the currency favors the U.S. Dollar (USD). You can actually use USD countrywide except in government offices, which only recognize Belize dollars (BZD). Alternatively, you can convert your US dollars to Belize dollars; the rate is 1 US dollar to 2 Belize dollars. While most people hesitate to move to a country because of language barriers, Belize’s first language is English. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, you’re left with no excuse at all.
The Bottom Line is Belize
Hummingbird Highway, Belize. Photo courtesy Vista Real Estate
Belize comes with a smooth move — the migration laws are quite favorable, and every citizen from America looking forward to moving should not hesitate. Now, you may be wondering about what are the best places to live once you move to Belize. Your real estate agent and the friendly locals should help you make up your mind about this. However, some of the highly-rated places in Belize include Ambergris Caye, Placencia, Caye Caulker, Corozal, and the Cayo District.
The Placencia Residences. Image by Vista Real Estate
The smartest thing you can do when looking to buy real estate is to get to know someone local. Vista Real Estate can fill that role capably for anyone looking to buy a home in Belize. Their main office may be in Belize City — the traditional business capital of the country — but they have agents throughout Belize. That means that whether you’re looking for an island getaway, a snug condo in the culturally rich town of Dangriga, or a treehouse among the wild Cayo District, they have someone who can provide you with an insider’s look at the ins and outs of the local market.
There is no singular one-size-fits-all solution to real estate, but firms like Vista Real Estate create a standard that allows both agents and customers to thrive.
