AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life Living in Belize Starting bussiness in Belize is any thing but easy

Any one attempting to start a bussiness in Belize or move there Beware! International living doesnt take into consideration BRIBE MONEY! You will need plenty to get your feet in the door.From permits, to trying to get a meeting w Manuel H.to start the process, to Customs robbing you blind,the Govt. wants all your money! Check into getting a cart! The fees to register and pay for its weight, if you can get the city council to give you a permit. I tried 4 times in 4 months and was finally told you have to Bribe Stephanie w 500 bucks to get a permit. Unless you know the Mayors nephew, then he will take your money and still not get you a permit! Then hope you arent competing with any one, cuz they will pay the Tourism Police to hassle you relentlessly. Tried it myself and got to see Hattieville from the inside. Belieze is now 6th in the world of Most Dangerous places! The corruption index shows the govt. is in the top ten Most Corrupt nations and getting worse. I spent 4 months in San Pedro and the mainland cuz you have to go to Belize city constantly to get the run around from what Belize calls their infrastructure. I met people who do have bussiness in Belize, Dont know how they do it. Too many cops to bribe just to be in a 3rd world country!

Wow..thats not true at all, its so much easier getting a business going here, getting residency and being legal than in the U.S. You must have walked in the door with a bad attitude!!! I got my husbands residency for him a few years back when he was never in the country for more than 5 months a year, and have never given a bribe to anyone. I got a retired Vet paperwork and registered with The Belize Veterinarian Board, got him a non profit work permit, besides having my own business, all was easy enough, but heres the simple truth. You have to have respect, you have to respect the fact this is not your country, alot of yes sir and yes mam. Attitude will stop you dead in your tracks. A bribe can be a insult, for newbies dont do it, it is disrespectful. and illegal,
Rod you got screwed, they saw you coming, the first time you were asked for a bribe you should have made a phone call to an attorney, or supervisor.....

"You have to have respect, you have to respect the fact this is not your country, alot of yes sir and yes mam. Attitude will stop you dead in your tracks."

Very true!

Rod, in rereading your post, newbies cant have golf carts. Customs protects economics here. Work permits protect jobs for Belizeans..sounds like you wanted to break alot of laws that protect the country.....

Attitude is the number one factor in getting anything done in this country. Respect and cajoling works well and a little flattery and light banter are expected. Bribes are definitely paid but I haven't ever paid more than an expediting fee for things - enough for a nice dinner in a decent restaurant. I see it no differently than when I send my banker or lawyer in the states or the UK a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers. I see it as basic common courtesy and appreciation.

And as Cooper said there are some rules and laws that are not made to be broken.

Starting a business in Belize isn't easy, but it isn't impossible. And to be precise, starting a business anywhere else in the world also takes effort, money, permits, perseverance and a good attitude.

The really nice thing about Belize is that you can always try again. Belizeans are very forgiving and have lovely attitudes. If you treat us well you will receive the same respect and attitude in return.

This is our home and we welcome newcomers that are willing to learn to appreciate and enjoy our cultural differences and embrace the lifestyle that the Caribbean can offer. Unfortunately not everybody can adapt and roll with the program.

In many cases Belize is a great vacation spot and should be enjoyed in short doses.

I can get manual labor at good price. But getting good technical/professional help is difficult.

Probably more available in Belize City

Some how I've escaped paying a bribe for more than two decades of living in Belize and I have every kind of licence, permit, membership and privilege imaginable. I think its just attitude.

Troll ?