How do I become a Belize citizen?

With citizenship comes to right to obtain a Belize Passport. To acquire citizenship, applicants must have been a resident or have permanent residency status for a minimum of five years. After five years permanent citizens submit an application for citizenship and this is usually processed within 6 months.

Can I get dual citizenship in Belize?

Dual citizenship is recognized in Belize. You are not required to renounce your previous nationality to become a citizen of Belize.

How long does it take to become a resident of Belize?

You must live in Belize for 50 consecutive weeks before you can apply for permanent residence. To do this, enter the country on a tourist visa and then renew your visa every 30 days until you reach 50 weeks. At that point, you can submit your application for permanent residence.

How much does it cost to get dual citizenship in Belize?

Usually this requirement is met by making a deposit of US$24,000 in a Belize local bank. With the program, you will get a residency visa, which must be renewed every December 31st. You must meet the required requirements in each renewal and remain in the country a consecutive period of 30 days per year.

Is it hard to get citizenship in Belize?

To acquire citizenship, applicants must have been a resident or have permanent residency status for a minimum of five years. After five years permanent citizens submit an application for citizenship and this is usually processed within 6 months. Note that this process can take up to a year, or more.

How to Obtain Your Belize Residency, Visa

What is needed 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).

Can a US citizen move to Belize?

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.

Can U.S. citizens buy property in Belize?

Belize is one of the most amenable countries for foreigners looking to buy real estate, as the rights of non-nationals are exactly the same as nationals. Unlike in many other countries, non-nationals can buy a property outright rather than have to settle for a long-term lease with the national government.

Can a US citizen get a Belize passport?

To obtain a passport in Belize, you must be a citizen of the country either by birth, descent from Belizean parents, marriage to a citizen or through registration and naturalization -- for those who were born outside Belize.

Can I live permanently in Belize?

Permanent Residency in Belize:

To be eligible for permanent residency in Belize, you need to live continuously in the country for one year without leaving the country for over 14 days. You must apply through the Department of Immigration and Nationality Services.

Can I retire to Belize?

Belize has one of the world's best retiree programs. Through the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program, the government gives qualified retirees an exemption from taxes on all income derived from sources outside Belize, whether such income is earned or passive, and whether or not it is remitted to Belize.

Does Belize have good healthcare?

Medical care in Belize generally gets a poor grade, but it has been steadily improving in the last few years. Most expat residents say the country needs more healthcare facilities, more specialized physicians and staff, and better equipment.

How much does it cost to live comfortably in Belize?

And though Belize's cost of living is comparably lower than that of the U.S., its costs vary per area. However, you may very well be able to survive with a monthly budget between $1,200 and $1,500. But housing and food will play a significant role in your monthly bill. Below, we take a closer look at those options.

Can an American work in Belize?

Getting a work visa

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.

Who may apply for citizenship in Belize?

CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION

Those that have lived in Belize as a permanent resident for at least 5 years may apply for naturalization.

How long can I stay in Belize without a visa?

No visas are required for citizens of the United States for tourist visits of up to 30 days, but they must have proof of their intent to depart Belize (such as onward or return air tickets) and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Belize.

How do I become a temporary resident of Belize?

How strong is Belize passport?

As of March 2019, Belizean citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 100 countries and territories, ranking the Belizean passport 51st in terms of travel freedom (tied with the South African passport) according to the Henley visa restrictions index.

Is there a Costco in Belize?

You're a hobby shopper.

There's little opportunity for non-essential shopping in Belize, and there are no big chain stores. You won't be able to shop at Wal-Mart, Costco or Sam's Club. This is a small country where life is simple. You'll find everything you need, but probably not everything you might want.

What is the hardest country to get citizenship?

The most difficult countries to obtain citizenship include Vatican City, Liechtenstein, Bhutan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Switzerland, China, and North Korea. If you have ever submitted an application for citizenship, you will know just how difficult the process can be.

What is the cheapest country to buy citizenship in?

Vanuatu has the simplest and cheapest citizenship by investment conditions in the world. In our ranking, the country's program ranks third after Malta and Cyprus. It is the fastest low-cost program: citizenship can be obtained in just a month.

Can you buy a citizenship?

Citizenship by Investment (CIP): These are programs where you can literally pay a fee (usually more than $100,000) or invest in property in exchange for full citizenship and a passport. Countries that fall into this bucket include Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, Cyprus, and Malta.

Can I get my Social Security if I move to Belize?

Social Security is available for any U.S. citizen, regardless of the country you're currently living in.