Belize
Qualified Retired Person Incentive Program
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. The program allows the inclusion of dependents.
Along with the visa, you will benefit from an exemption of customs duties for the first year on importing household and personal effects, a ship, an aircraft and a vehicle every three years.
With the QPR card you will not be able to work for a company in Belize, but you can keep your companies abroad, work online or for clients from abroad.
After 1 year legally residing in Belize, you will be eligible for permanent residency, and after 5 years of permanent residency you may apply for citizenship.
Requirements
- Be at least 45 years of age.
- Proof of income: 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 US$2,000 per month, or a Financial Statement from a financial institution, bank, credit union, or building society in Belize certifying that the applicant’s investment or deposit will generate the sum of a minimum of US$2000 per month, or the equivalent of US$24,000 per year.
- No criminal record.
- Be in good health and do not have any contagious disease.
Restricted Nationalities
No nationality is officially restricted
dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is recognized in Belize. You are not required to renounce your previous nationality to become a citizen of Belize.
Documents Required
- Original or Certified copy of Birth Certificate (if applicable)
- Original or Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Original Police Clearance Certificate
- Certified copy of passport
- Proof of income
- Medical Certificate
- Four passport-size photos
- Original Bank Reference Letter (Not older than 6 month)
- dual citizenship Yes
- Family members included Yes
- land ownership Yes
- Physical residence required Yes
- Personal visit required No
- Language skills required No
- Interview required No
- Investment Single -
- Investment Family 4 -
- Minimum annual income $24,000
- Time to citizenship 72
- Time to permanent residency 12
- Visa-free countries 99
- Financing available No
Benefits
citizenship benefits
permanent residency benefits
temporary residency benefits
Country details
Visa Free Travel
Taxes
To be a tax resident in Belize you must reside in the country more than half the year. Tax residents and non-residents are subject to income tax on their income derived from Belize. Income from foreign source is not subject to taxation.
The personal income tax rate is progressive up to 25%. Capital gains are tax-exempt.
Belize levies a real property tax of 12.5% of the annual rental value for an occupied property, and a 2% tax on the annual rental value for an unoccupied property. Property tax may not exceed 2% of the market value of the property. There is a land tax of 1% for unimproved lands.
There is a stamp duty on the transfer of assets; rates depend on asset class. Purchase of real property is subject to a 10% stamp duty.
In Belize, you may incorporate a limited liability company or an international company, that besides being tax exempt, provided that business is done abroad, benefits from confidentiality and easy accounting requirements. For further information on Belize corporations, visit incorporations.io/belize.
This should not be construed as tax advice. We have access to a global network of qualified attorneys and accountants who can give you the proper advice for your particular circumstances. Contact us for further information.
- Property tax Yes
- Transfer tax Yes
- Inheritance tax No
- Net worth tax No
- CFC law No
- Tax residency days 183
- Personal income tax rate 25%
- Capital Gains tax rate 0%
- Investment income tax rate 25%
- Territorial taxation Yes