Belize is becoming a highly sought-after location due to its stunning beaches, diverse culture, affordable living, and tropical climate. It has a thriving expat community that’s growing quickly. Now is the perfect time to make the move.
With more employers open to remote work, it’s possible to live and work in a variety of exciting locations around the world. Retirees are also looking for more adventures, entertainment, and affordable countries and cities to settle into.
We’ve prepared this Remitly guide to make your move easier, providing you with crucial information such as key steps to moving, visa options, cost of living in Belize, cultural insights, and the best locations to settle in Belize.
Why Belize is drawing expats like never before
Belize is a lower-middle-income Central American country featured as one of 2025’s top destinations for expats. Immigrants are attracted by its developing infrastructure, beautiful landscapes, warm climate, friendly locals, and strong expat community.
Have I mentioned its low cost of living? Life in Belize can be cheaper than in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Real estate prices are also lower. A beachfront villa is more attainable in Belize than in the US. You may also enjoy tax and duty exemptions. For example, vehicle models not older than five years are eligible for tax and duty exemption under certain programs.
English is the official language, while Spanish and Belizean Creole are also widely spoken. Fortunately, most citizens are multilingual, so you’ll have an easy time navigating life as an English speaker.
Current population statistics in Belize
Belize’s population and housing census is carried out every ten years. The latest official census was conducted in 2022, and put the population at 397,483.
The ethnic composition of Belizeans is Mestizo-Hispanic/Latino (51.7%), Creole (25.2%), Maya (9.8%), Garifuna (4%), and East Indian (1.5%). Other ethnicities including white, Asian, and Mennonite fill the remaining 7.8% of the population.
A look into Belize’s multicultural community
The immigrant population is big and growing fast. Estimates show that immigrants comprise 15% of Belize’s population. As of 2023, there were 62,043 registered immigrants in Belize. The country hosts over 13,000 Canadians, over 9,000 Americans, and more who visit the country as tourists.
With a diverse local and expat community, Belize’s cultural landscape is impressive, influencing aspects like festivals, food, art, and heritage. Prepare to celebrate and soak up the various cultures by attending festivals and sporting and holiday events, such as:
- Garifuna Settlement Day
- Lobsterfest
- International Costa Maya Festival
- La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
- Belize Chocolate Festival
- Holy Week (Semana Santa)
- Deer Dance Festival
- Belize International Film Festival
Biodiversity hotspot
The cherry on top, for me, is Belize’s rich biodiversity一the variety of all living things, plants, animals, and their natural homes.
Belize has thousands of types of animals and plants, some rare and only found there. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, giving you front-seat views of endangered hawksbill turtles, West Indian manatees, sting rays, coral, Belize leaf-toed gecko, tapir, cacomistle, and jaguarundi.
The landscape is breathtaking, ranging from the majestic Maya Mountains to thick, lush forests, a picturesque coastline with amazing coral reefs, and plateaus.
What does it cost to live in Belize?
As we’ve discussed, part of Belize’s allure is a lower cost of living. But what are the numbers?
Cost of living breakdown: Comparison between North America and Belize
The table below shows how much common everyday items cost in Belize, compared to North America.
| Item | Belize (Average annual cost in USD) | North America (Average annual cost in USD) |
| Housing (rental) | 14,400 | 22,044 |
| Utilities, e.g., electricity | 1800 | 1334 |
| Internet | 960 | 1186 |
| Groceries | 3000 | 9985 |
| Healthcare | 1800 | 14,570 per person |
Potential savings to expect
Expect to spend at least 35% less than in the US and Canada, depending on your location and lifestyle. You can live comfortably with a budget of $1000 USD per month. You could enjoy living in a house facing the sea, in a small town, paying between $300 USD and $800 USD per month in smaller towns.
You only need $40 USD to eat at a fine-dining restaurant, and a taxi back home will set you back around $7 for a short trip (Top Tip: Always negotiate with the cab driver before beginning the journey, as not all taxis are metered or regulated).
One-off costs before settling in
It’s easy to forget to budget for one-off costs when moving to a new country. This can include logistics and fees required to get the right documentation.
Expect these one-off costs when moving from Canada or the US to Belize.
- Visa fees vary from $200 USD per person, depending on the type of visa.
- Residency application fees could reach $4,000 USD per person.
- International moving companies charge up to $10,000 USD in moving fees.
- The signing of a lease agreement may cost around $20 USD.
- Passport application fees are up to $200 USD in the US and up to $120 USD in Canada.
Choosing your new home in Belize
Consider avoiding some areas and regularly checking the embassy’s security updates. For example, while most expats don’t choose to settle in Belize City, particularly the southside, it’s still wise to stay informed via your embassy’s travel advisories.
Popular areas among American expats include Ambergris Caye, Placencia, Caye Caulker, and Cayo.
Best Belizean cities for different lifestyles
Different Belize cities offer unique experiences for particular lifestyles, making them popular destinations for expats with certain needs.
- Placencia attracts retirees who enjoy the good life, sipping their drinks by the beach. Retirees also love Orchid Bay and San Pedro.
- Families seek close-knit expat communities and access to decent schooling options, and many choose San Ignacio. Placencia is also gaining interest.
- Young professionals may prefer living in Belmopan, where they can experience city life and work opportunities, as well as access higher education at the University of Belize.
- Remote workers are drawn to Caye Caulker, where outdoor recreations like snorkeling define work breaks, and workwear is mainly beach shorts. The vibrant nightlife is a score when you’re looking for a great work-life balance.
You may opt to hire real estate agents such as RE/MAX and Keller Williams to help you find the right place. Alternatively, talking to members of the expat community could help you navigate the rental markets.
What life is really like in Belize
Before relocating, assess the advantages, potential challenges, and culture to have a clear picture of what to expect if you move to Belize.
Advantages and possible challenges
Advantages
- Warm and friendly locals
- No language barrier
- Breathtaking landscapes
- Pleasant weather all year round
- Affordable living
- Strong and supportive multicultural expat community
- Laid back lifestyle
- Low taxes
Possible challenges
- Poor infrastructure, such as roads and unreliable internet and cell signal in some areas
- More limited access to advanced healthcare
- Security concerns exist in some areas.
How to blend in with the local community: cultural tips for expats in Belize
Belize has a rich culture, and learning about customs and social expectations can be a good way to help you settle in and show understanding and respect to the locals.
- It’s considered polite to greet people in the streets and to be an active community member.
- Belizean culture tends to be more conservative when it comes to public displays of affection. Discretion is often appreciated.
- Seek permission before taking pictures, especially of indigenous people. Respect places of worship.
- Haggling is not common.
- Tipping at least 10% is considered polite.
- Belizean cuisine features seafood, Caribbean classics like rice and beans, and a variety of meat options. Respect how meals are prepared.
- Participate in Belizean holidays and festivals to better understand the local culture and nuances.
After a few visits as a tourist and getting the feel for life in Belize, I decided to relocate. Luckily, navigating the move was fairly straightforward. To work and live there legally, I needed to learn and understand what the Belizean government required of Canadian and American citizens.
Belize offers five possible pathways for foreigners.
Qualified retirement program
Middle-aged and older adults can relocate to Belize through the qualified retirement program, as long as they:
- Are 40 years old or older
- Have a valid passport
- Receive verifiable retirement income of $24,000 USD annually, or $2,000 USD monthly, from outside Belize. Sources include pension annuity, social security benefits, investment account, inheritance, reverse mortgage, personal savings, and retirement contribution plans.
- Open a bank account in Belize and deposit the required minimum amount
- Pass a security clearance done by the Belizean Ministry of National Security
- Stay in Belize for a minimum of 30 consecutive days annually
- Conduct a medical exam, including an HIV test, not older than three months
- Produce a police record from the last place of residence
- Provide two certified or notarized 2” x 2” frontal passport photos
- Pay application fees in US currency. It costs around $1,350 USD per person(additional fees for spouses and children under 18 years old).
If you’re looking to retire and live in Belize, but also start a business, you must meet all the above requirements, including additional ones such as:
- Invest a minimum of $500,000 USD
- Employ at least five Belizean citizens
- Provide a business plan
- Live in Belize for 90 non-consecutive days
- Obtain prior approval from the Belize Tourism Board
Temporary residence program
The temporary residence program allows citizens of eligible countries, including the US and Canada, to stay in Belize for up to one year. The residency status is renewable annually, and you can include your spouse and children under 18 years old.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Prove investments in Belize of a minimum of $500,000 BZ ($249,000 USD). You can partner with a local Belizean company or purchase real estate.
- Rent or buy a home in Belize
- Pass the Ministry of National Security’s security clearance
- Write a letter detailing why they wish to move to Belize, addressed to the Director of the Nationality and Passports Department.
- Submit a medical report for examinations conducted not more than three months earlier, including an HIV test.
- Provide two 2” x 2” passport photos
- Pay the required fees, which depend on your country of origin. Canadians pay $3,000 BZ, while Americans pay $4,000 BZ.
Employment visa
The employment visa is applicable if you’re officially hired in Belize, consulting in Belize, working as a sales representative for an overseas company, a technical professional, or a foreign media personnel.
To be eligible for this visa:
- Provide proof of employment from a Belizean employer, such as a contract or employment letter
- Submit your medical report showing the results of required tests, including HIV, conducted within the last three months
- Show proof that you can sustain yourself in Belize. A letter from your employer works.
- Have a valid passport from your home country
- Provide your bank statements for the last six months
- Share your flight itinerary with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration
- Provide two 2” x 2” passport photos.
- Pay the required fee, which varies depending on your nationality.
Permanent residency visa
You may also apply for a permanent residency visa if you want to stay in Belize indefinitely. To be considered:
- You must have legally resided in Belize for one year, during which you must have not left the country for more than 14 days total.
- Provide proof that you’ve been financially stable for the time you’ve been in Belize, and will continue to be
- You must have never been convicted of an offense in any jurisdiction that led to imprisonment of 12 or more months (unless you received an official pardon).
The process is quite straightforward.
- Gather your original documents. These include a passport, medical certificate and tests, police record, proof of financial stability, photographs, and your spouse’s and children’s documentation.
- Present the original documents to the immigration office. They will be returned after processing.
- Attend interviews with immigration and police officials.
- Receive notification about the outcome of your application.
- Pay fees and submit the security bond, alongside your sureties’ copy of Belize passport or copy of Belize voter’s identification card.
- Receive your residency card.
Digital nomad visa
Belize also offers a digital nomad visa, known as the Long Stay Permit. It allows you to stay in Belize for a maximum of six months, without renewal.
So, who qualifies?
- Citizens or permanent residents of the European Union, the UK, the US, or Canada.
- Remote workers employed outside Belize who make an annual income of $75,000 USD if applying alone, and $100,000 USD if applying with dependents.
You must also pay for travel insurance that offers a minimum health coverage of $50,000 USD.
The visa costs $500 USD for adults and $200 USD for children.
What to do when you arrive
Once the paperwork is complete, you’re ready to move to Belize as a legal immigrant.
Here’s how to settle in smoothly:
- Register with the embassy after arriving.
- Contract a real estate agent to find a place to rent or buy.
- Explore local transportation to figure out how to transit conveniently.
- Set up a local bank account in the local currency (Belize dollar).
- Apply for a local healthcare card.
- Find an expat community near you and attend meet-ups to learn the best places to shop, apps to use and community events.
- Download the Remitly app to seamlessly send money back home to your loved ones.
- Enjoy a work-life balance by exploring the nation’s impressive landscape with friends and family.
Hidden gems for adventure and exploration: Things to do in Belize
As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Belize offers magnificent attractions and activities for outdoor enthusiasts and culture explorers. The government is also keen on sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, so both the private and public sectors have several eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
After you settle, consider exploring:
- Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest reef system in the world
- Mayan Ruins, including Xunantunich
- Great Blue Hole—a world-famous diving site
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
- The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center—home to many local species
- Barton Creek Cave
To take part in eco-friendly practices, support local communities participating in conservation efforts, buy local products, avoid single-use plastics (they’re banned in Belize), embrace renewable energy like solar by sleeping in solar-powered ecolodges, and respect wildlife.
Conclusion
From a warm tropical climate to friendly locals, affordable living, multilingual citizens, a strong expat community, marvelous landscapes, and a favorable tax environment, Belize is truly the gift that keeps giving.
To make your move a success, plan your finances well to meet the visa eligibility criteria and allow you to support yourself when you move there. Learn about the local culture and customs to blend in respectfully. Before you move, explore the available visa options, create a moving budget, and decide on the city to settle in, based on your needs.
For more tips, visit Remitly’s Guide on Relocating to Belize for more resources, and download the Remitly app to support your transition with easy, affordable money transfers.
Enjoy your adventure in Belize!
FAQs
Can retirees live permanently in Belize?
Yes, they can. Holders of the qualified retirement program can apply for permanent residency as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
What is the cost of living in Belize City for expats?
Living in Belize is significantly cheaper than living in North America or Canada. $1000 USD monthly is typically enough to live a comfortable life there.