AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life Living in Belize Permanent Residency

Four gringo people living on $2,000 a month - very difficult.
Don't do it.

We are a family of 5 living in Punta Gorda. We also have homeschooled since being here. Living on the mainland for 2000 Us per month for 4 is very doable as long as you do not plan oon lving like Americans. PM me if you have any questions.

I wonder if the permanent residency angle is less expensive
than the QRP which seems to be benefiting some high priced
lawyers and some immigration officials?

Can I really get permanent residency in Belize just by living
there and showing an income of $2,000 per month and save lots
of bucks on the high priced lawyers who may be working with
immigration on the QRP program and making lots of money off of
unwary people who want to move to Belize?

AlexB, can I ask where you live and where here in Belize you'll be living?

The QRP program is administered through the Belize Tourism Board and not by the Immigration Department.

--Lan Sluder

Residency is not cheap and takes some time after the 12 month residency period. QRP can happen much faster and does not require lawyers and others to help you. You can easily do it all yourself as many here can attest to. We also did residency on our own with no lawyers, etc. Lots of frustration but a good learning process about the country.

Permanent residency does not require the $2,000 per month referenced in Alex B's question.

I don't think you need a lawyer at all for QRP, and yes it is meant to attract affluent retirees. QRP is meant to stimulate the enconomy by providing residency to people who spend money in the local economy and do not take jobs out of it.

When navigating the channels that lead to residency it might be wise to remember that it's a privilege, not a right to move here.

ho much are apts in cay caulker we would like to move there. thanks genentonick@msn.com

what needs to be done can you live there during the process and how much are cheap yearly apt rentals if they have or what would be the best way to go about it thanks Allman/Linda genentonick@msn.com

Permanent Residence in Belize

Before applying, you must stay in Belize for 1 year (you are allowed to be out of the country for a total of 14 days during the year).

At an immigration office, get an application form (4 pages) and a list of requirements.

The requirements per person are:
1. Complete photocopy of passport including front & back covers.
2. Copy of birth certificate.
3. Copy of bank statement(s).
4. Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable).
5. Police background check; 3 photos required (BZ$12.00 when I did it).
6. Statement from Belize Tax Office in Belmopan (no fee when I did it).
7. Medical report showing results of A.I.D.S. test; can not be done at a free clinic (BZ$50 when I did it).
8. Guarantor / Surety signed by a Belizean citizen who has known you for at least 6 months.
9. Photos; the application will state the number & size.

There might be one or two more that I've forgotten (it was a long time ago and the fees have probably changed too). I recall that one document (probably the application) had to witnessed & signed by a J.P. Just go across the road from the Immigration building in Belmopan, to the market and find any J.P. They will do it for no fee.

Submit all the documents yourself; I think the original passport & birth certificates are submitted but not kept. No lawyer necessary.

First interview (about 20 minutes) was one month after submission of application. Second interview (about 5 minutes) was two months later. Then just wait; could be anywhere from 3 more months to ??.

I think payment is made at the end of the process (BZ$1000 to $1500), and the tourist visa/stamp must be renewed every month while waiting.

Apply for Belize Social Security within 2 weeks after receiving PR.