Your life in Belize starts here
Make your move to Belize
English-speaking and Caribbean-facing, Belize keeps costs low and property very affordable. A dedicated programme for retirees leaves foreign income alone and moves quickly to residency.
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Photo: Chechil Orifa / Pexels
At a glance
Belize, in brief.
How Belize compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Belize ranks among the best for visa ease (9th of 81) and tax friendliness (13th of 81) and english-friendliness (17th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Limited
- Safety
- Higher risk
- Climate
- Warm (~27°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Established
QRP retiree USD 2,000/mo, fast PR, English
Territorial, flat 25%, QRP retirees exempt
Life in Belize
My name is Laura, and I am originally from Cleveland, OH. I moved to Placencia, Belize, about 2.5 years ago. I was a marriage counselor in the US,…
Health insurance in Belize
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Belize, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Belize into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Belize.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Belize moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Belize
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Belize share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Belize stories
- Ambergris Caye
Rebecca Coutant
My name is Rebecca Coutant and I grew up in New Jersey…in a suburb of NYC. My family didn't travel much…just a…
- San Ignacio
Jenny Smedra
My name is Jenny Smedra and I am currently teaching English in the city of Merida, Mexico. I grew up in the…
- San Ignacio
Martin Hendrikx
My name is Martin Hendrikx. I grew up in a UN family so we moved around a lot and when I graduated…
Fresh from Belize
Latest articles.
Retiring in Belize: An Expat’s Comprehensive Guide
Imagine spending your retirement days basking under the Caribbean sun, exploring lush rainforests, or diving into the world's second-largest barrier reef. Belize, with its…
How To Open A Bank Account In Belize
Banking in Belize was once a haven where secrecy was almost guaranteed. However, over the years, the country has introduced new regulations to help…
How To Apply For A Visa In Belize
Belize welcomes immigrants who are in a position to come to the country and establish themselves without government assistance. Professionals whose skills are considered…
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