Area: 22,966 km²
Residents: 385,854 (estimate July 2018)
Population density: 17 E / km²
Form of Government: Parliamentary monarchy
Neighboring countries: Mexico, Guatemala
Capital: Belmopan National
language: English
Religions:
50% Roman Catholic,
7.4% Pentecostal movement,
5.3 % Anglican,
5.2% Adventist,
4.1% Mennonite,
3.5% Methodist,
1% Muslim,
0.6% Jehovah’s Witnesses
Currency: Belize dollar (BZD)
1 Belize dollar = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
1 USD = 2.02 BZD (fix)
1 EUR = 2.40 BZD
1 BZD = 0.40 EUR
1 CHF = 2.22 BZD
1 BZD = 0.43 CHF
(rate from 01/14/2021)
Telephone area code: +501
Time zone: UTC − 6

In 2019, 12 Germans officially emigrated to Belize and 13 returned to their homeland. Within the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, 141 Germans officially emigrated to Belize and 99 moved back to Germany. Belize is a paradise for people who love their personal freedom. There is no tax office based on the European model, no trade office, no regulatory office, no speed controls and no red lights.

According to Best-medical-schools, Belize, formerly British Honduras, is a small and beautiful pearl in the Caribbean. Creoles, Maya, Garifuna, mestizos live here peacefully together with immigrants from many parts of the world. The main attractions are the largely intact second largest coral reef in the world with the world-famous Blue Hole, the impressive Mayan ruins and the untouched jungle with its diverse flora and fauna.

Travel and Visa

Changed travel regulations during and after the corona pandemic

Belize City International Airport is open to international travel. The western (Benque Viejo del Carmen) and northern (Santa Elena) land borders have been opened to foreign tourists (daily between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

Travelers, including children from 5 years of age, must present a negative PCR test upon entry, which is not older than 72 hours at the time of entry. A rapid antigen test may also be accepted; The Belizean authorities can provide further information on the recognized tests. Entry by air is also permitted with complete vaccination protection, which has existed for at least 14 days and must be proven with official proof. Staying and traveling in the country are only permitted in “Gold Standard Hotels” or in the “Tourism Safe Corridor” with certified travel companies. Corresponding travel bookings must be proven upon entry.

For foreign persons with residence, real estate or business interests in Belize, there are different rules and restrictions from the rules and restrictions mentioned.

Further information, e.g. B. also for entry by sea (yachts up to 100 GRT) can be found on the website of the Belizean Chamber of Tourism.

Source: Federal Foreign Office on July 22, 2021

General provisions for travel and residence (until the corona pandemic)

Upon arrival you will receive a visa valid for 30 days, which can be extended to up to 6 months at any immigration office in the country (at borders and larger cities). The current fee is USD 50 per month. A return or onward flight ticket as well as proof of sufficient financial means (75, – USD / day) must be presented upon entry. The exit fee is currently US $ 19 for overland travel and US $ 37.50 for travel by plane. An entry fee is currently not required.

Immigration and permanent residence, residence permit

Before you can apply for permanent residence, you must have resided in Belize continuously for 12 months, with a maximum of 14 days interruption.

There are special immigrant programs for retirees (aged 45 and over) with a proven regular source of income (no less than $ 2,000).

Those who take part in this program can also include their relatives in the program. Relatives include spouses and children under the age of 18. It can also include a person up to 23 years of age who is enrolled in a university.

Benefits of the program:

• Upon first entry into Belize, personal effects and an approved means of transport can be brought in free of all import duties and taxes
• Income from any source outside of Belize is not taxed

The following evidence must be submitted to the Belize Tourism Board (a legal entity that works closely with the Department of National Security and the Department of Migration and Nationality) to apply:

• Birth Certificate – A copy of the applicant’s certificate and each of their relatives to be included
• Marriage certificate (if married)
• Police clearance certificate (max. 1 month old at the time of application)
• Passport – Clear (notarized) copy of the applicant’s and all dependents’ full passport (including all blank pages) (copies must contain passport number, applicant’s name, number of pages and notary’s seal or stamp)
• Proof of income
  ) Official statement from a bank or financial institution that the applicant will receive a pension of at least $ 2,000 per month
  b.) A financial report from a financial institution, bank, credit union or building society in Belize certifying that the investment or the applicant’s investment is equivalent to at least $ 2,000 per month or the equivalent of $ 24,000 per year
• Medical Exam – Applicants should undergo a full medical examination including an AIDS test (a copy of the medical certificate must be attached to the application)
• 4 current photos (passport size), taken from the front and from the side (both of the applicant and of the relatives)

Every family member is obliged to submit all proof (except proof of income).

Professionals and investors need proof of availability of at least US $ 25,000 for permanent residence. Sometimes third-party guarantees are also required to cover the cost of a return ticket. You can apply for a residence permit at the Immigration Headquarters in Belmopan. Processing takes 3 to 6 months. This permit includes the working permit.

In the case of married people, the partner pays a fee of US $ 50 and then receives a residence permit depending on that of the applicant. The monthly renewal of the visa does not apply to him. The applicant only has to be able to prove that he can also support the spouse financially.

Emigration and Living Belize – Conclusion

The climate, nature, great leisure and recreational value, uncomplicated free life, cheap staple foods and a tax haven are positive. Further advantages are: high level of satisfaction among immigrants, no nuclear power, lots of forest, low population density. There are no restrictions on the acquisition of real estate for foreigners. The higher crime rate and the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes are negative. You should definitely be able to speak English well !