Should i move to belize

Property taxes are around the one percent mark. To avoid income taxes, the government has created the Belizean International Business Corporation IBC law which allows people to transfer income and assets to an IBC from which dividends are not taxable. Only a two-hour flight from Miami, Belize is easily accessible to the United States. Just below Mexico, next to Guatemala, and bordered by the Caribbean, Belize is also a great base for traveling to the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America.

For a country roughly the size of Massachusetts with a small population of ,, Belize packs a big punch in terms of variety and diversity. The quality of life is high and the cost of living is low.

Life is uncomplicated but always interesting. Numerous expat communities have formed in Belize. The beaches of Placencia Village are famous among expats because of their beauty and villages. Those in search of accommodation in a limited budget can find a great place in the Corozal district. Belize recognizes that local businesses are crucial for its economy, so it makes it easy for its residents to start their own companies.

The country offers special programs for those who wish to work or begin their own businesses. The employment opportunities available in the country have also been vigorously increasing and skilled professionals find jobs without much trouble. With a significant spike in the growth of tourism and ecotourism, the tourism sector and other related sectors have been a great source of job opportunities for both residents and expats. In , the sector was successfully able to generate nearly 14, direct employment opportunities, which is Furthermore, related sectors, such as transportation, restaurants and others, were able to produce 40, jobs, which was You can find all 5 kinds of Belize cats—Puma, ocelot, margay, jaguar and jaguarondi— in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

You may not have known this, but Belize has the only preserve of jaguars worldwide. At one point, the Belize jaguars population was at risk. Numbers are not as great as they once were but they are still growing, which is a positive step for our wildlife.

Until the s, margays were hunted illegally for the wildlife trade , which resulted in a large population decrease. Since , the margay has been listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List because the population is thought to be declining due to loss of habitat following deforestation. The Scarlet Macaw is a large colorful bird, with bright red blue and yellow feathers decorating a head to tail length that can be as long as 32 inches.

Today, the Scarlet Macaw is protected against being traded, sold or bought for commercial use unless you have a special permit. Like the Black Howler Monkey, the Spider Monkey lives in the upper areas of the forest, preferring the safety of the canopy over the dangers of the ground. Long limbs and a prehensile tail which they use more often than their own fingers , the Spider Monkey is agile and moves through the tree tops with the grace of a trapeze artist.

Called the mountain cow by locals, the Tapir looks like it could be related to an elephant because of its large nose, but it is actually related to the rhinoceros and the horse. These facts make it an exciting country for those who love wildlife and specifically, Belizean cats. If you have an interest in exploring caves—we have good news! Caves were used by the ancient Maya for performing spiritual rituals like sacrificing to their Gods and bloodletting.

In Maya religion and mythology, caves were considered to be the home of gods and an entrance to the ever mysterious underworld. A number of celebrities have also visited Belize, which has added to its fame. Cameron Diaz, Leonardo Di Caprio, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, and Tiger Woods are just a few among many famous celebrities who love this country for its beautiful views and peaceful lifestyle.

For more information on diving in Belize, here is another great article. Snorkeling and Diving in Belize. In Belize, you get the choice of public and private health insurance. Generally, most expats opt for private insurance to get higher quality coverage. Healthcare in Belize costs a small fraction of what it would cost retirees in the US. Other than antibiotics, pain medication and regulated substances, people can buy medication in Belize without needing a prescription.

Belize is home to beautiful scenery. The Belizean Inland is adorned with old Mayan ruins from the Northern region to the Southern region, as well the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second biggest barrier reef worldwide, that spreads across the whole coastline.

There is a never-ending list of activities for tourists and expats while they live in Belize. For instance, watching birds, exploring caves, hiking in forests, riding on horses, snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and hunting in the jungles—the list goes on. This makes it convenient to dine, shop, ask for directions and go about your daily life here without the hassle of having to master a foreign language.

The good news is that Belize is only a two-hour flight from Houston and Miami, and less than five hours if flying from New York. Belize is certainly not the least expensive place to live, but if moving here from a large U.

Living expenses vary based on where in Belize you live, such as if you live on or near the beach, you can expect to pay more, but in other areas, you can live comfortably on a smaller budget. Everyone feels welcome and at peace in Belize. Belize offers an excellent incentive for Northern American retirees to move to its country. To qualify for QRP, you just need to be 45 years old and live in Belize at least one month per year. There are some considerations to keep in mind if you are planning to buy a home in Belize.

Belize tends to have issues with electricity, cell phone service, and accessing the internet. It can be frustrating at times, especially to those of us who are used to always being connected and greatly depend on electricity, cell phone service, and the internet to conduct business and stay in touch with loved ones. The good news is that these are starting to get better and more reliable in Belize, but issues at times are to be expected.

Like most Caribbean islands, everything is done at a much slower pace in Belize, so having patience is key. Belize does tend to have high crime rates, but the majority of serious crimes happen in Belize City or by the Guatemalan border, which skews the numbers for the entire country.

Violent crimes against expats and tourists are very infrequent, and visitors typically feel very safe when they are not in those areas. Relocating to a new country, whether you are planning to live there full-time or part-time, can be a daunting task. Below is a brief guide to help you navigate the process of moving to Belize and what you can expect. Any visitor who stays in Belize for more than 30 days and less than 6 months must have their passport re-stamped by a local immigration office and pay a monthly fee for each additional month they wish to stay.