Belize ~ Qualified Retired Person Incentive Program
Time to Permanent Residency: 1 Year ~ Time to Citizenship: 6 Years
Under the Qualified Retired Person Incentive Program (QPR), the Belize Tourism Board grants resident visas to individuals aged 45 or older, who prove a foreign source pension or annuity or other acceptable source of income of at least USD2,000 per month. Applicants must sign an undertaking to transfer the aforementioned income into a bank, credit union or any financial institution in Belize.
Usually this requirement is met by making a deposit of US$24,000 in a Belize local bank.
With the program, you will get a residency visa, which must be renewed every December 31st. You must meet the required requirements in each renewal and remain in the country a consecutive period of 30 days per year. The program allows the inclusion of dependents.
Along with the visa, you will benefit from an exemption of customs duties for the first year on importing household and personal effects, a ship, an aircraft and a vehicle every three years.
With the QPR card you will not be able to work for a company in Belize, but you can keep your companies abroad, work online or for clients from abroad.
After 1 year legally residing in Belize, you will be eligible for permanent residency, and after 5 years of permanent residency you may apply for citizenship.
Requirements
– Be at least 45 years of age.
– Proof of income: An official statement from a bank or financial institution certifying that the applicant is the recipient of a pension or annuity of a minimum of US$2,000 per month, or a Financial Statement from a financial institution, bank, credit union, or building society in Belize certifying that the applicant’s investment or deposit will generate the sum of a minimum of US$2000 per month, or the equivalent of US$24,000 per year.
– No criminal record.
– Be in good health and do not have any contagious disease.
Documents Required
Original or Certified copy of Birth Certificate (if applicable)- Original or Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Original Police Clearance Certificate
- Certified copy of passport
- Proof of income
- Medical Certificate
- Four passport-size photos
- Original Bank Reference Letter (Not older than 6 month)
