Question: What are the terms and conditions for Qualified Retired Persons?

Answer: Terms & Conditions

Below is a copy of the terms and conditions form. Please review.

You may obtain the official printable document by clicking here.

1.     All Qualified Retired Persons must adhere to the general procedures cited by the Customs Department for the clearing of all personal and household effects including 'Mode of Transportation'.

2.     Qualified Retired Persons are not allowed to seek employment or work for pay while in this program or in Belize.

3.     Qualified Retired Persons within this program must inform the Belize Tourism Board regarding any changes stated on the application form. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of applicant's status.

4.     Qualified Retired Persons must adhere to all existing laws of Belize, in addition to the Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Act, 2001.

5.     All benefits provided by this program will be exclusively used by the Qualified Retired Persons and his or her dependents.

6.     The Belize Tourism Board has the authority to carry out any investigation with respect to the validity of any document provided by the applicant under this program.

7.     Participants within this program must inform the Belize Tourism Board prior to leaving the country indefinitely so that the assets purchased under this program can be liquidated.

8.     All documents presented to the Belize Tourism Board become the property of the Board.

9.     The applicant must not have any criminal matters with the law at the time of application.

10.   Applicants must present a listing with all the necessary information with regards to his or her dependents. If the applicant has a dependent over eighteen and in school, then he or she must present a proof of enrollment from that institution.

11.   Qualified Retired Persons must submit a yearly bank statement showing compliance with the financial requirements of the program.

12.   Qualified Retired Persons must spend an equivalent of one month in Belize annually to maintain their status as a Retiree Resident.

Acceptance of these terms and conditions must be endorsed with the signature of the applicant in the presence of a witness.

Question: Where do I get Insurance in Belize?

Answer: Getting Insurance in Belize

If after purchasing property you would like the security that an Insurance Policy provides, you may contact the following:

Atlantic Insurance Company, Ltd.
Cor. Cleghorn St. & Freetown Road
3rd Floor, Atlantic Bank Building
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-2657
FAX: + 501-223-2658
Email: info@atlanticinsurancebz.com
Http://www.atlanticinsurance.com

Belize Insurance Center, Ltd.
212 North Front Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-227-7310
FAX: + 501-227-4803
"Email: info@belizeinsurance.com
Http://www.belizeinsurance.com

Bryant Victor L & Co. Ltd.
TEL: + 501-224-4407
FAX: + 501-223-0025
Email: vlbryant@btl.net

RFG Insurance Company Ltd.
P. O. Box 662
6 Fort Street-BC
Fort George,
P.O. Box 438,
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-227-7493
FAX: + 501-227-8617
Email: fandg@btl.net
Http://www.fandginsurance.com

Home Protector Insurance Co. Ltd.
TEL: + 501-224-4510
FAX: + 501-223-1986

Insurance Corp. of Belize Ltd.
TEL: + 501-223-5328
FAX: + 501-223-1317

Question: Where do I find Medical Care in Belize?

Answer: Medical Care in Belize

There is a well staffed public operated hospital and several private hospitals in Belize City. The district towns also have private and government operated hospitals or clinics.

Belize Diagnostic Center
Leslie Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-224-5778
Email: belizerad@btl.net
Http://www.belizediagnostic.com

Belize Medical Associates
St. Thomas Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-0303
Email: bzemedasso@btl.net
Http://www.belizemedical.com

Bethesda Medical Center
Santa Rita Road
Corozal District
Belize
Tel: 501-422-3000
Fax: 501-422-3198

La Loma Luz Hospital
Santa Elena
Cayo District, Belize
Tel: 501-804-2985/824-2087

Northern Medical Specialty Plaza
Orchid Street
Orange Walk Town
Orange Walk District
Belize
Tel: 501-302-3708
Fax: 501-322-2320

Universal Health Center
Cor. Chancellor & Blue Marlin Ave.
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-224-5537
Email: univhs@btl.net

Question: How do I apply for the Retirement Program in Belize?

Answer: Application Process For Retirement Program

Each application for the Retirement Program will be processed by the Belize Tourism Board and forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Nationality. Persons interested in the program must submit completed applications to the Belize Tourism Board with the following supporting documentation:

Click here for complete information on Belize Retirement Incentives Program

Birth Certificate:
A copy of a certificate for the applicant and each dependant

Marriage Certificate:
(if married and spouse is a dependant)

Authentic Police Record:
An authentic police record from the applicants last place of residency issued within one month prior to this application

Passport:
Clear copies of complete passport (including all blank pages) of applicant and all dependents that have been certified by a Notary Public. The copies must have the passport number, name of principal, number of pages and the seal or stamp of the Notary Public.

Proof of Income:
(a.) An official statement from a bank or financial institution certifying that the applicant is the recipient of a pension or annuity of a minimum of Two Thousand United States Dollars (US $ 2 000) per month.

Medical Examination:
Applicants should undergo a complete medical examination including an AIDS test. A copy of the medical certificate must be attached to the application.

Photos:
Four front and four-side passport size photographs that have been taken recently of applicant and dependents.

Click here for complete information on Belize Retirement Incentives Program.

Question: What you need to know in advance of traveling to Belize?

Answer: What You Need to Know in Advance of Travel

Health: All travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health (high altitude or pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required pharmaceuticals, etc.).  While some of this information may be found in the documents listed above, the key resource for health information is the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/travell.  The CDC website also provides general guidance on health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect-bite protection.  The CDC also maintains an international travelers' hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or, by fax, at 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299).   See also the resources listed below.

Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid, Medical Evacuation

Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than $50,000.  Note that U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States, nor do the Social Security Medicare and Medicaid programs provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States. 

If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does.  There are health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel.  Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.  The names of some of the companies offering short-term health and emergency assistance policies are listed on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html.

Bringing Medications or Filling Prescriptions Abroad

A traveler going abroad with a preexisting medical problem should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs.  Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.  (A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on the Department of State’s website at  http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm.   Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Consular Information Sheet for each country.)

If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you.  Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost.  To be extra secure, pack a backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage.

If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a “medical alert” bracelet.  You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining required treatment should you become ill.

Information on filling a prescription abroad and other health issues may be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html.

Doctors and Hospitals

If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States.  (Note, however, that payment of hospital and all expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.)  For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html.

Health and Evacuation Insurance:  Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad, including coverage of medical evacuation (not covered by most domestic policies).  Note that U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. 

There are three ways to access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements: 

• On the Internet:  http:// travel.state.gov .
• By Fax: on a fax machine, dial 202-647-3000 and follow the voice prompts.
• By Telephone: dial (888) 407-4747 from within the U.S., or, from overseas, (202) 501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Question: What is the Qualifying Process?

Answer: Qualifying Process 

Anyone forty-five years and older can qualify for the program. A person who qualifies can also include his or her dependents in the program. Dependents include spouses and children under the age of eighteen. However, it can include a person up to the age of twenty-three if enrolled in a university.

INCOME FROM PENSION OR OTHER SOURCE

1. Qualified Retired Persons
To be designated a Qualified Retired Person under the program, applicants must receive a monthly income of not less than US $2,000 through a pension or annuity that has been generated outside of Belize.

2. Certification
i) When a company grants a pension, that company has to prove that it has been in operation for at least 20 years by submitting proof of registration.

ii) The company that grants the pension shall certify that the pension of no less than US $2,000.00 per month will be forwarded to a reputable financial institution within Belize. This letter must be signed by the manager, president, or by a legal representative of the company.

iii) Certification by a Certified Public Accountant independent of the company:

-Stating the date the company was established
-Verifying the authenticity of the above mentioned letter
-Certifying that the obligation signed in favor of the beneficiary is not less than US $2000.00 per month.

iv) The applicant must present two (2) bank references from the company that is sending the pension.

v) The company granting the pension must present a document outlining its pension scheme.

Requirement ii, iii, iv could be omitted where the company sending the pension is considered to be a Fortune Five Hundred Company.

3. Background Check
All applications are subject to a background check to be carried out by the Ministry of National Security.

Question: What do I need to know about banking services in Belize?

Answer: Local Banking in Belize

Only the Central Bank authorized dealers and authorized depositories may deal in foreign currencies, Under the Exchange Control Regulation, Section 43, of the Laws of Belize (1980). Additionally, the permission of the Central Bank is required in order to secure a loan from outside Belize which involves a foreign currency and to service repayment of foreign dept. Foreign investors are required to register any investments made in Belize with the Central Bank to facilitate the repatriation of profits, dividends, etc. The approvals from the Central Bank are easily secured for lawful and approved enterprises.

Foreign exchanges accounts can be opened at local banks with the consent of the Central Bank.

There are five commercial banks that serve the country of Belize. Banking hours vary depending on the bank and the location. Most banks have branches in the six districts.

Most banks offer ATM, Credit Cards, Travelers Cheque and Money Order Services.

The office of American Express is located in the upper floor of the Belize Global building on Albert Street in Belize City.

TEL: 501-227-7363.

Atlantic VISA Center is located at the Atlantic Freetown Branch.

The Belize Bank, Limited
Market Square,
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-227-7132
Email: bzbnk@btl.net
Http://www.belizebank.com

Bank of Nova Scotiaa
Albert Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: 501-227-7027

Alliance Bank of Belize
Princess Margaret Drive
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-6111
Email: alliance@btl.net

Atlantic Bank Limited
Freetown Road,
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-4123
Email: atlantic@btl.net
Http://www.atlabank.com

First Caribbean Bankk
Albert Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-227-7211
Email: barclaysbz@btl.net

Offshore Banking & Services

Belize is proud to provide the security and peace of mind to international clients and to welcome you and your business associates interested in doing business or opening an account through the services of our offshore companies in Belize. You can rest assured that the necessary offshore duties are being performed by an established and knowledgeable organization.

ALPHA SERVICES
99 Albert Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-227-1847
FAX: + 501-227-5278
Email: alphasvcs@btl.net
Http://www.alphaservicesltd.com

AME CONSULTING LIMITED
7 Craig Street
P.O. Box 1153
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-4501
FAX: + 501-223-4821
Email: ame@btl.net

BELIZE CORPORATE SERVICES:
60 Market Square
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-227-2567
FAX: + 501-227-7018
EMAIL: bblbcsl@btl.net
Http://www.bhiofs.com

BELIZE OFFSHORE CENTER
35 Barrack Road / Craig Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-4351
FAX: + 501-223-3501
Http://www.belizeoffshore.com

BELIZE OFFSHORE SERVICES LIMITED
P.O. Box 445
Suite 5, Garden City Plaza
Mountainview Boulevard
City of Belmopan, Belize
Tel: 501-822-2990
Fax: 501-822-2989
E-Mail: enquiries@bosl.com
Http://www.bosl.com

CITITRUST INTERNATIONAL INC.
35 Barrack Road / Craig Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-3502
FAX: + 501-223-3501
Email: cititrust@btl.net

COMPASS TRUST CORPORATION
40B Central American Blvd
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-227-1306
FAX: + 501-227-0224
Email: rudon@compassgroupintl.com
Http://www.compassgroupintl.com

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANY REGISTRY
35A Regent Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-5026
FAX: + 501-223-5124
Email: bblbcsl@btl.net
Http://www.bhiofs.com

Question: What incentives does a Qualified Retired Person have in Belize?

Answer: INCENTIVES FOR QUALIFIED RETIRED PERSONS

All persons who have been designated a Qualified Retired Person shall be entitled, on first entering Belize, to import his or her personal effects and an approved means of transportation free of all import duties and taxes.

A Qualified Retired Person shall be exempt from the payment of all taxes and duties on all income or receipts which accrue to him or her from a source outside of Belize whether that income is generated from work performed or from an investment.

REGULATIONS

All privileges, exemptions and regulations herein included are governed by the Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Act, 2001 and the ACT will serve as the basis for all purposes of interpretation.

1. Personal Household Effects
Qualified Retired Persons have one year from the date that they officially enter the program to import their personal and household effects free of duties and taxes as determined by the Customs Department. Numerous entries are permitted within the one year period; however, your detailed master list of household and personal effects must be submitted to the Belize Tourism Board upon approval into the Program. After the year has elapsed, you will be subject to all duties and taxes under the Customs Department.

2. Transportation

a. Motor Vehicle
Qualified Retired Persons are strongly encouraged to procure a vehicle in Belize. However, we will facilitate duty and tax exemption on an imported vehicle.

b. Light Aircraft
A Qualified Retired Person is entitled to import a light aircraft less than 17,000 kg. A Qualified Retired Person is required to have a valid Private Pilot license to fly in Belize. This license can be obtained by passing the requirements set by the Civil Aviation. However, if the participant has a valid pilot's license, that license only has to be validated by Civil Aviation Department in Belize.

c. Boat
Any vessel that is used for personal purposes and for pleasure will be accepted under this program.

3. Disposal of Duty Free Items
If for whatever reason a qualified retired person decides to sell, give away, lease, or otherwise dispose of the approved means of transportation or personal effects to any person or entity within Belize, all duties and taxes must be paid by the qualified retiree to the proper authorities.

Qualified Retired Persons must note that only after 3 years and upon proof that the vehicle previously imported into Belize under the Program has been disposed of according to regulations, will another concession be granted to import a new transportation.

4. Offenses & Penalties
Any person who knowingly makes any false declaration or entry in order to qualify for or renew any exemption or privilege granted under the Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Act, 2001 commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars.

5. Fee Structure

a. A non-refundable application fee in the sum of US $150.00 payable to the Belize Tourism Board must be submitted with the application.

b. A Program fee in the sum of US $1,000.00 payable to the Belize Tourism Board must be submitted upon acceptance into the Program.

c. Upon acceptance into the Program a fee of US $200.00 must be paid to the Belize Tourism Board for the issuance of the Qualified Retired Person Residency Card.

d. Each dependent is required to pay a Program Fee of US $750 to enter the Program.

NOTE: All payments must be made payable to the Belize Tourism Board and be in the form of US cash, US bank draft or US cashier's check. Personal or company checks will not be accepted.

Question: Who do I contact to ship my belongings to Belize?

Answer: SHIPPING TO BELIZE

Eurocaribe Shipping Services                                 
P. O. Box 281
# 14 Fort Street
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 501-224-5286/227-8855
Fax: 501-223-1657
Email: eurocaribe@btl.net

Belize Estate Co. ltd.
P. O. Box 151
Slaughter House Road
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 501-223-1783
Fax: 501-223-1367
Email: bec@btl.net

Caribbean Shipping Agencies Ltd.
P. O. Box 352
# 115 Albert Street
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 501-227-7396/227-3015
Fax: 501-227-7681
Email: stanlong@btl.net

Aimar Ltd
Cor. Hutson & Eyre Street
Blake Building, Suite 302
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 501-223-3101
Email: aimar@btl.net  

DHL Worldwide Services

DHL Worldwide Express Svc. (Belize)                                                                  

38 New Road             
Belize City, Belize C.A.

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00, Closed 12:00-13:00
Sat-Sun Closed
Holidays Closed