Temporary Residence Permit (Investment)

Belize's Temporary Residence Permit for investors is designed for foreign nationals who have made or are making a substantial commercial investment in Belize but cannot meet the ordinary permanent residence requirement of one year of continuous in-country residence. The permit targets investors and entrepreneurs who have invested at least BZD 500,000 (approximately USD 250,000) in commercial ventures such as real estate, tourism, agriculture, or other business sectors contributing to the Belizean economy. The permit is renewable annually and can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residence and eventually citizenship.

• Investment of at least BZD 500,000 (approximately USD 250,000) in a commercial venture in Belize
• Eligible investment types include real estate, business enterprises, tourism ventures, agricultural projects, and other commercial activities
• Must be legally residing in Belize at the time of application
• Must not have been convicted of a criminal offence carrying a sentence of 12 months or more (unless pardoned)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Valid passport from country of citizenship
• Police record from last country of residence (valid for 6 months from application date)
• Letter to the Director of the Nationality and Passports Department explaining reasons for seeking temporary residency
• Proof of residence in Belize (rental/lease agreement plus utility bill, or property title with property tax assessment)
• Evidence of investments in Belize valued at not less than BZD 500,000 (real estate ownership titles, bank statements, corporate registration certificates, trade licence, social security registration, GST returns, income tax returns)

The permit is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. At each renewal, the holder must demonstrate that the qualifying investment of BZD 500,000 continues in Belize. If the investment falls below the threshold or is liquidated, the basis for renewal is lost.

Spouses and children may be included in the temporary residence application. Each dependant must submit their own passport, police record (for spouse and children aged 16+), and medical examination form. Minor dependants receive a 50% discount on the applicable residence fee. Dependants who wish to work in Belize must separately obtain their own Temporary Employment Permits.

Belize operates a territorial tax system -- only income sourced within Belize is subject to income tax, while foreign-source income is not taxed. Tax residency is established by spending 183 or more days per year in Belize. Belize-source income is taxed at a flat rate of 25% on earnings above the personal relief threshold. Business tax applies to gross receipts from Belize-source business activities. Holders who employ Belizeans must comply with labour laws, social security registration, and tax withholding requirements.

The temporary residence permit does not automatically grant work rights. Holders who wish to work in Belize, including self-employment, must separately apply for a Temporary Employment Permit through the Labour Department. Fees are BZD 3,000 per year for professional or self-employed workers and BZD 2,000 per year for agricultural self-employment.

Applications are submitted in person at any of seven designated Immigration Offices: Belmopan Headquarters, Belize City, Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, San Pedro Town, Big Creek, or Punta Gorda Town. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The process follows seven steps:

1. Gather evidence of legal residence in Belize and financial stability, including investment documentation
2. Submit the application at a designated Immigration Office; an officer schedules interviews and provides a receipt with a file number
3. An Immigration interview is scheduled within two weeks of submission
4. The Police Special Branch conducts a home residence interview within three months
5. The Nationality Department reviews and vets the application
6. Upon approval, pay the residence fee and submit a Security Bond Form with surety identification
7. The residence card is available for pickup from the Belmopan Immigration Office five days after payment

Residence fees vary by nationality: CARICOM countries BZD 200/year, Central American countries/Mexico/Dominican Republic BZD 300/year, Commonwealth countries BZD 600/year, other countries BZD 800/year, European countries BZD 1,200/year (fees are one-fifth of the permanent residence rate).

Processing time: Minimum of 3 months from application submission.

A medical examination by a licensed Belize practitioner is required upon approval, including HIV, VDRL, and TB tests for applicants and dependants aged 12 and above.

Temporary residence holders may apply for permanent residence after residing legally in Belize for a minimum of 1 continuous year with no more than 14 days' absence during that year. After 5 years of permanent residence (with no absences exceeding 30 consecutive days or 3 months total in any 12-month period), permanent residents may apply for Belizean citizenship.