Moving a young family to Belize

Over the years I've seen a number of families come and go. It seems to be a great experience for a while, but then parents have a hard time making a living and it doesn't work out so well, so they go back to wherever home was. The schools are still quite primitive compared to US standards, and their resources are very limited. There are few opportunities for extracurricular activities... music, sports, clubs, art... few libraries, no book stores, no entertainment beyond the holiday 'traveling carnivals' that have rides and game booths. Not much stimulation or inspiration... nothing like the museums and botanic gardens, theme parks, etc. you may be used to. The best advice always, for considering a move to Belize, is spend at least 6-12 months here before making a commitment. It's a very expensive mistake if you wind up deciding it doesn't fit your needs. Good luck with it!

Good Evening.
I agree with the above.
Finding work in Belize would be difficult if you are not a permanent resident, which requires 1 year in-country. An employer must, in fact, prove that there are not any properly qualified Belizeans in order to hire a non resident. You must have a special skill and make appropriate connections to find what you might consider a reasonable position. If you have permanent residency, you can apply for any job you may be qualified for.
You can apply for a work permit without being a permanent resident, but they seem to be granted primarily for a new business that will hire Belizeans. Because you have a ‘special skill’, you might be able to get a work permit anyway, but not likely much need in Belize, so might be difficult to utilize.
You would definitely need to spend time there to assess the possibilities. Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for.

Thank you for the sound advice

  hope you are able to negotiate the process easily.

This is a recipe for disaster. Belize is a questionable retirement destination except for eccentric expats let alone for young families. It is expensive, inefficient, with poor infrastructure,  lack of amenities and commodities one might be used to, very basic first aid medical care and a school system based on the UK c1950.

We all have our opinions 

Brutally honest, but accurate IMO.  Plus, I don't know many 'gringo' families here where the kids weren't always looked upon as 'outsiders'.  Thus either fawned upon or subtly discriminated against. Not very healthy, again, JIMO.

Hello,, I can only comment on the District of Corozal, as this is where I have settled on retiring to. Corozal is, by far the most affordable areas of all of Belize.
Corozal in the most Northerly District in Belize, bordering the Mexican Border and the city of Chetumal

There is a large Expat community in Corozal and a number of planned expat waterfront neighbourhoods, several of which are in the village of Consejo
In my opinion this is a very good location for a young family has School buses to from the village to town
I schooled one of my children at St Francis Xavier Primary School in Corozal for a year it was always planned for just 1 year, he enjoyed his time there and made lots of friends, and still is. I know there were a number of Expat kids in this school at the same time as mine
Let me know if you need any more info, especially if you need info about property in the area

Thanks for you post. I have a friend who lives in Corozal. She’s been there 3 1/2 years. My husband and I are planning to move there soon. We have permanent custody of our 10 year old grandson and was happy to hear about the schools. I’m a Registered Nurse and will looking for work also. Do you know any expats working there as nurses?
Thanks!

I do not know of any Expat working in Belize, FYI, Belize has a large percentage of unemployment and the wages are very low compared to US/UK. Can I send you a private message

I have a Canadian friend who is a nurse and worked in the local hospital for a number of years before they 'retired' her. She didn't say so outright, but I got the impression she was continually dismayed by some of the practices.

Having said that, there might be a niche where a 'home nurse visit' would have value, and you could have your own private business helping people at home. Depending on regulations, I can see that being a possibility. It's unlikely you could get a nursing position with the local health department, but you might be able to start your own business and provide services they can't.  With the number of retirees coming to Belize, businesses catering to them are more likely to prosper than tapping into the local community.

Good luck and best wishes for your great success.... we need good people coming into Belize!!

We are a retired couple living in belize . We have adapted well here . But would suggest living here for a year and experience all types of weather and the culture ins and outside does and donts . We live in a nice comunity . The biggest thing is dont come in like you are better then the locals. Blend in . Dont flash money . Be glad to help you out with anything you need . Gary gray

@Tambennett hi. I’m reading your post about 2 years later and our family is considering the same. Me, my husband, and 2 year old. Did you end up moving to Belize? Would love to hear about your experiences.