Long Stay Visitor Permit

Belize's Long Stay Visitor Permit, marketed as "Work Where You Vacation," allows foreign nationals to live in Belize while working remotely for employers or clients located outside the country. Introduced through the Immigration (Amendment) Act, 2021, the program targets remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals. Eligibility is currently limited to citizens or permanent residents of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, or Canada.

• Citizen or permanent resident of the EU, UK, US, or Canada
• Gainfully employed by or own a business outside of Belize
• Annual income of at least USD 75,000 (individual) or USD 100,000 (with dependants)
• Travel insurance with a minimum of USD 50,000 in health coverage
• Police record from country of residence issued within the past 6 months
• No local employment permitted -- remote work must be for entities outside Belize

• Job letter issued within 30 days (if employed) or business registration and annual tax return (if self-employed)
• Proof of annual income meeting the minimum threshold
• Notarized banking reference and statement of account
• Police record from country of residence issued within 6 months
• Certified copy of applicant's passport bio-data page
• Certified copies of each dependant's passport bio-data page
• Proof of residence in an eligible country (if a permanent resident rather than citizen of an eligible country)
• Travel insurance with minimum USD 50,000 health coverage

The permit is valid for up to 6 months (180 days) in any calendar year. It cannot be extended -- holders who wish to return must submit a new application for a subsequent period. The 180-day maximum is per calendar year, so consecutive permits within the same year cannot exceed this limit. Holders must depart before the permit expires.

Dependants include the spouse and unmarried children under 18, including stepchildren, legally adopted children, or court-certified dependants. Dependants are included on the same permit and are subject to the same restrictions, including the prohibition on local employment. The income threshold increases to USD 100,000 per year when including dependants. The application fee is USD 200 per child under 18 (compared to USD 500 per adult). Children of permit holders may enrol in Belize's school system during the permit period.

Belize determines tax residency based on spending more than 182 days in a basis year in the country. The Long Stay Visitor Permit is limited to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year, which falls just below the 182-day tax residency threshold. This means permit holders who stay within the allowed period should not trigger Belizean tax residency.

Applications are submitted online through the Immigration Department's portal at iisconnect.immigration.gov.bz, or by emailing completed applications and supporting documents to [email protected] or [email protected]. Applicants must create an online account using their passport data. After submission, the Immigration Department reviews the application and documents. Processing time is not officially specified.

Application fee: USD 500 per adult, USD 200 per child under 18.

As of 1 December 2024, all travellers entering Belize must complete a digital embarkation/disembarkation form through an online immigration and customs declaration system.

The Long Stay Visitor Permit does not directly lead to permanent residency. Permanent residence requires legally residing in Belize for a minimum of 1 continuous year with no more than 14 days' absence, followed by a separate application. Citizenship may be pursued after 5 years of permanent residency.