The government of Belize has established the Qualified Retired Persons Program (QRPP) to encourage retirees to settle in the country. Obviously, you will have to meet certain criteria. Read through the advantages and disadvantages of both the QRPP and the Permanent Residency Programs before making a decision.
To be eligible for the QRPP, you must be more than 45 years old and receive a monthly income of more than USD2,000. Your dependents, that is your spouse and children (less than 18 years old or students less than 23 years old), may accompany you.
To qualify for the program, you have to submit your application to the Belize Tourism Board, which operates under the Ministry of Tourism. The documents to be produced are:
The QRPP card allows you to travel in and out of Belize and stay as long as you like without having to renew the tourist visa every 30 days.
Successful applicants are permitted duty free import of all personal belongings and one vehicle, boat, and airplane
Good to know:
Retirees are not allowed to work in Belize. However, they can invest or volunteer. You are required to renew each year, proving that you have met all the conditions set by the program, including spending at least 30 consecutive days in Belize each year. Should you decide you would like to switch to the Permanent Residence program, none of the time spent under the QRPP will be counted toward the year needed to apply for residence, and duty will have to be paid on all imported items.
Useful links:
Ministry of Tourism Belize Tourism Board belizetourismboard.org
QRPP details and application belizetourismboard.org/Belize-Retired-Persons-Incentives-Program