Living in Belize: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Belize.
Multicultural country, Belize is a perfect blend of English, Spanish and local dialect. With its Maya sites, coastal plains, coral reefs and low mountains, thisCommonwealth's country offers expatriates one of the most beautiful natural environment in the Caribbean region.
Various economic sectors, such as textile, construction and services are looking for skilled professionals.
Belize is a developing country which is found in Central America, south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. It borders the Caribbean Sea to the east. It stretches over some 22,966 km2 and is divided into six districts: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek and Toledo. Belize's capital city is Belmopan. Its largest cities are Belize City, San Ignacio, Orange Walk Town, Dangriga, Corozal Town and San Pedro.
Demographics
In 2016, the country's population amounted to some 380,010 inhabitants. Belize has been attracting expatriates from around the world for many years. The official language is English, but many other languages, such as Spanish, Belizean Kriol, German, Chinese, and some Mayan languages are also spoken. In fact, due to immigration from surrounding Central American countries, there are more native Spanish speakers than native English speakers, and Mestizos make up the largest portion of the population. German is spoken primarily within the Mennonite communities.
Economy
Belize is a developing country, and the economy reflects that. Significant loans, poor management, large numbers of imports, low numbers of exports, the size of the country, and significant tax and duty breaks to large corporations all have an impact. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amounted to more than $3.4 billion in 2015. Economic growth revolved around 2.9%. However, the unemployment rate among Belizeans stood at 11.1% as of September 2016.
Some of the largest contributors to Belize's economy are agriculture, fishing, retail, telecommunications, the government, and manufacturing.
Belize's main economic allies are the United States, Mexico, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Politics
Belize is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State of Belize and is represented by the Governor General, Sir Colville Young. The government's executive branch is exercised by the Cabinet under Prime Minister Dean Barrow's guidance. Belize's National Assembly consists of 31 elected members in the House of Representatives and 12 appointed members in the Senate.
Belize is a member of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean Community, CARICOM.
Climate
Belize has a sub-tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season generally begins in January and ends in May, while the wet season lasts from June to December. Though it varies by region, June, July, and September tend to be the wettest months. Hurricanes and flooding can occur during this season. Temperatures vary between 18ºC and 35 ºC, with April and May registering as the hottest months.
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Belize.
Marriage in Belize
Belize is an ideal wedding location. Whether you are looking for palm trees, sea, mountains, Mayan ruins, or waterfalls as your backdrop, Belize has ...
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Belize.
Visas for Belize
Belize is a developing country, so it can be challenging to find accurate information on travel ...
Permanent residency in Belize
How can I obtain permanent residency in Belize? Finding accurate information about permanent ...
Retirement visa for Belize
Many expats have chosen Belize for retirement. The many benefits of Belize include: year-round warm ...
Work
Dive into the Belize labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Belize.
Finding work in Belize
It may be harder to find work in Belize than you imagine. With high unemployment and a low minimum ...
Setting up a business in Belize
Setting up a physical business or an offshore company in Belize offers many advantages, ...
Jobs in Belize
Discover professional opportunities in Belize and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Belize. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Belize.
Study in Belize
Belize can be an ideal destination to pursue your higher education. The ecological, anthropological, and archaeological richness here is hard to ...
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Belize: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Belize: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Belize.
The tax system in Belize
Taxes get a bad rap, but every country needs them to sustain infrastructure and government functioning. Unfortunately, they tend to be complicated. ...
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Belize.
Travelling around Belize
Belize's varied landscape means you will likely be using multiple modes of transportation. From golf carts and scooters to yachts and jets, you have ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Belize, driver's license exchange and international permits.
How to drive in Belize
In Belize, you can drive with an international driver's license, and you can often drive with a license from your country of origin. Eventually, ...
Removal
Moving to Belize? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Relocating to Belize
Moving is always a big project, but an international move requires special considerations. If you ...
Moving with your pet to Belize
If you have pets and are planning to move to Belize or make an extended visit, you will almost ...
Free quotes for your move
Get the best offers to easily organize your relocation to Belize.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Belize.
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Belize.
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Belize looks like? Here's a taste.
Articles from the magazine
Les and Colette in Big Falls: "We love the tranquility of the small village"
Les and Colette come from Oregon, US, where they had their own business. They first traveled to Belize in 1986. Following their retirement, they moved permanently to Big Falls three years ago.
San Pedro Scoop!
Hi, my name is Rebecca Coutant and that's me in the blue headed out to swim with whale sharks. I've lived on the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize for 6 years. SIX YEARS! I can hardly believe it. At the age of 32, I moved here (solo) leaving Manhattan.
An enthusiastic expat in Belize
Kristin (also known as the Solar Super Mama) is an American expat in Belize — a country that she fell in love with at first sight, back in her college days. Kristin speaks to Expat.com about expat life with four kids in the picturesque Belize village of Monkey River and her wide range of passions — from nature and food to entrepreneurship, alternative ways of educating your children, and positive attitude towards life!
Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity
Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.
How different countries approach midday breaks
Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.
Understanding inheritance law and taxes
The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.
Expat women: Why setting boundaries is important
Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?
How to manage international teams and overcome cultural barriers
Taking on a management role abroad is an intriguing career move, yet many underestimate the significance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace for a successful international leadership role. What key aspects should you consider beyond the usual cultural stereotypes?
