Ever wondered what it’s like to be living in Belize? Or are you considering moving to Belize yourself? Well this article will give some of the best reasons why more people are falling in love with this country!

Activities

Belize is a mecca for natural beauty and falls nowhere short of its dubbed title, “Mother Nature’s best kept secret”!  Inland is decorated with ancient Mayan ruins from North to South which is paralleled by the second largest barrier reef in the world that spans the entire coastline. There are a host of activities to choose from like bird-watching, cave tubing, zip lining, hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, diving, fishing, hunting and much more. Places to see include the Belize Zoo (widely known as the “Best Little Zoo in The World”), San Pedro (popular tourist destination and main town on Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye), Caves Branch Outpost (nature reserve with the largest cave tubing system in Central America), and Mayan ruin sites like Altun Ha, Xunantunich and Caracol (there are many more each with their own historical background and unique physical structure).

People & Culture

Belize has a very diverse population. The main ethnic groups that originated in Belize are Creole, Maya, Mestizo and Garifuna. However over the years, many other nationalities settled here further diversifying the country.  These include Chinese, Taiwanese, Asians, Spanish, Americans, Germans, Canadians, Dutch and Europeans. Belizeans have a very welcoming, laid-back nature that is lost from many other parts of the world. They also enjoy the slower paced life taking time to appreciate the simpler things. In Belize you’ll always feel like you’re among friends.

Retirement Program

Belize offers a very inviting retirement program to retirees that want to move here from other countries. Some of these benefits include importing personal effects (which include a boat or vehicle) free of duties, exemption of all taxes on income received outside the US, and inclusion of dependents (spouse and children). The application process is fairly easy and there are many attorneys with expertise in this area who are willing to assist.

Proximity to the U.S.

Belize is very easily accessible from the United States. It is a mere two to two-and-a-half-hour flight away from several major airports in America. Belize is also neighbors with Mexico, sharing a border with the city of Chetumal in Quintana Roo. Although many who live here enjoy the simplicity of the lifestyle, it’s reassuring to know that the comforts (shopping malls, large department stores, entertainment complexes, etc.) you have grown up with are merely a couple inexpensive hours away.

Reasons this country is so beloved by immigrants and nationals alike are innumerable. Its characteristics are very unique to this country and living in Belize is incomparable to anywhere else in the world. From its scenic islands and Mayan mountains to the culture of its people, the charm of Belize will surely win you over.

Below are recommended sites of service providers that might come in handy when moving to Belize.

Recommended tour guides and companies:

• Wet n’ Wild Adventure Tours in Belize
• Belize Tours by Willard Young
• Cave Tubers
• Cave Tubing R Us

Recommended Accommodations, Homes and Real Estate Agents:

• CPC Real Estate Solutions Ltd. – Belize real estate Agent
• Playa del Consejo – Belize condos for sale
• Coconut Row Guest House in Hopkins Belize
• Streamline Construction – Belize construction company
• Latitude Adjustment -Hopkins Belize Long Term Rentals
• Hesed Realty
• Belize Real Estate Brokerage

Visit our Belize Directory for a list of more service providers in Belize.

Most people that retire in Belize flock to the north at popular Consejo Shores, Corozal. Although Consejo Shores is a growing expat community in Belize with new developments, like Playa del Consejo Condominiums, there are other parts of the country that are just as attractive and charming. One of such places is Hopkins Belize. This small fishing village in southern Belize is ideal for those considering retiring in Belize. Need some convincing? Here are a few reasons why.

1. Size – Hopkins Belize is a small fishing village in the Stann Creek District that consists of a mere 1,500 villagers. Because of its low population, its beaches and surroundings are still in pristine condition and all its natural wonder is left for you to explore.
2. Real Estate – Overall, real estate is relatively cheaper in Belize than other parts of the Central America.  This fact follows through to the Hopkins Village where you can find homes starting as low as USD$89k and land properties at USD$8,500 if you decide to design and build your own home here. CPC – Belize Real Estate, Hesed Realty, and the Belize Real Estate Brokerage offers a wide range of home, land and commercial property options to choose from. If you choose to visit Hopkins and house-hunt yourself, Latitude Adjustment offers short and long-term cabana rentals to accommodate those like you or you can stay at All Seasons Guesthouse which is only a minute away from the beach and offers private and spacious cabanas and rooms to suit your every need. With restaurants, rentals and tours nearby, your vacation can be as laid back or as adventurous as you like! Nothing is better than a calm and safe location to give you peace of mind and a piece of heaven!
3. People – The people living in Hopkins are mostly Garinagu (descendants from the Garifuna who first settled in Belize when they were exiled from St. Vincent). These Garinagu are very friendly and welcoming to everyone. There are also some expats who have migrated and chose to retire in the village that are similarly warm and welcoming to all, ready to give helpful tips and share knowledge about living in Hopkins.

If those reasons aren’t enough, here is a couple more to help sweeten the pot. Hopkins is also only 20 minutes away from the second largest barrier reef in the world! Making it one of the top dive locations in Belize. The village is also near to other natural sites like the Mayflower Bocawina National Park (home to the longest zip line in Central America), the Mayan Mountains, and the Cockscomb Basin (the world’s first Jaguar preserve). Hopkins is one of the few undiscovered treasures in Belize. If you’re looking for charm, beauty and safety in paradise then Hopkins Belize is the place for you!

Invest in Belize

Belize is a little gem of a country, gracefully nestled amidst Mexico to the North, Guatemala to the West and South and the Caribbean Sea to the East.  A former British colony with a diverse people and culture, Belize is the only country in Central America whose mother tongue is English.  Belize has fashioned herself into a distinctive country able to offer up a buffet of amenities, that caters to a wide range of requirements, whether it be a retreat for a vacation in paradise or a more permanent lifestyle change, or investing and conducting business.  Despite its size, Belize is a little country with huge possibilities and endless opportunities and the experts at Belize Real Estate Brokerage can help.

What can Belize Offer?

The economy of Belize historically relied on forestry and logging, however within recent years the tourism industry, agriculture, the financial services sector and crude oil have emerged as the main earners.  But what makes Belize such an attractive place to do business or even make it a more permanent dwelling place?  There are several aspects that work in her favour.  The government can boast stability, with democratic elections taking place every 5 years without social unrest and a constitution built on English Common Law.  As stated earlier, English is the primary language, with Spanish and Mandarin also widely spoken; two other main languages in which business is conducted worldwide.  The country’s Belize Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar at 2:1, and this has been so for years.  Belize is an accessible country to travel to, with daily short haul flights direct from several major cities in the United States.  Belize has surely built up a superb reputation through professionalism and efficiency when carrying out business on an international playing field.

International Financial Services

One area that has seen significant growth in Belize is the international financial services sector. Belize’s list of offshore services for the international client includes Offshore Company Formation and Management, Trust Formation and Administration, Foundations, Nominee Services, Offshore Bank Accounts, Brokerage Accounts, Credit/Debit Cards, Virtual Offices, and also access to a plethora of global offshore markets.  Belize as an offshore jurisdiction provides privacy and confidentiality, along with the flexibility to tailor your corporate structure to fit your personal or corporate needs.  And of course all this is done with the highest degree of professionalism and efficiency, to guarantee the satisfaction of each client’s individual needs.

Belize – My New Home / Belize – The Perfect Getaway

Now it is not uncommon for professionals visiting Belize on a business venture, to become enticed by her natural environment.  The Caribbean Sea, islands with white sand beaches, as well as lush rainforests with a year round temperate clime would enthral most to want to linger just that little bit longer to explore or simply relax and take it all in.  Belize has been seeing a fair share of influx of not only expatriates looking to settle down and enjoy the sunshine, salt air and sea breeze, but also commercial investors looking to develop more large scale enterprises.  This is most noticeable in the prime real estate areas of Belize, such as Placencia, Cayo, Ambergris Caye and other Belize islands.  So let us help you, with our expert guidance, purchasing and owning a little piece of paradise has never been easier.

Belize – little country, big prospects.

Ahhh, retirement! After years of being the dedicated laborer we finally reach the gates of paradise to do what we want, when we want.

Here lies the problem – what should we do?

I mean there’s the typical option of being doting grandparents to Jack III and sisters, Jill and Jane. But isn’t retirement supposed to be about us? Enjoying endless hours of relaxation and having the time of our lives in our golden years?

If you feel like I do, then retirement in Belize is for you! It’s a tropical jewel with lots of culture and scenery. From the golden sandy beaches lining its coast, and Mayan ruins and mountains decorating the lush rainforests to quaint towns and villages filled with friendly people ready to welcome you as their own.

Why Retire in Belize?

Belize’s low cost of living is enough to make it one of the world’s greatest retirement havens. But the country has gone a step further. It also offers incentives to expatriates who want to retire in Belize.

The plan is called the Retirement Persons Incentive Program.  It is just one of the ways that Belize lets you keep more of your assets.  Better still, you don’t actually have to be retired or even of retirement age.  To take advantage of the incentives you must simply be aged 45 or older, have a monthly income of at least $2,000, and comply with several other minor requirements.  And, almost incredibly, you only need to live in Belize for only one month a year!

So why retire in Belize?  Well, local law allows a Qualified Retired Person tax breaks, Belize is an English-speaking country with sub-tropical climate all year round and you have easy access to land for development and construction of a retirement home.  Belize is also in close proximity to the U.S. and Mexico and has a strong, stable currency with an abundance of Natural Resources.

If you have a bit of adventure in you and a desire to kick-back and take life slowly, this could be the retirement destination of your dreams!

How to qualify for the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Incentive Program

To qualify for the program, you must be 45 years or older.  You are allowed to include your spouse and any dependents under the age of 18 in the program (or children under the age of 23 if they are in college).  See our article “How do I apply for the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Incentive Program” to get a thorough walkthrough of applying for this QRP program. Although the process might seem straightforward, it is recommended to get legal advice to make the process of becoming part of the qualified retirement program hassle-free.

Where are The Best Retirement Communities in Belize?

Belize’s laidback lifestyle make is one of the best places to retire. The culture here is so friendly and welcoming; you’ll feel like you’ve lived here all your life. And if the people haven’t won you over, our natural beauty definitely will! Everywhere in Belize has its own unique charm offering beautiful views.  The best retirement communities here have exactly what you’re looking for.

Starting from the north, we have Consejo Shores in the Corozal Bay. This is a private waterfront community with residential and commercial lots for sale. The community features a golf course, parks, library and community center. If this community sounds like the place for you but you’d prefer a move-in ready home, then visit Playa del Consejo Condominiums. They are located within Consejo Shores and have beautiful beachfront condos for sale.

Out in the west is the Cayo District, Belize’s capital. Cayo has a booming industrial sector but is mainly lush greenery with fertile soils and a beautiful backdrop of the Mayan Mountains.  If you’re interested in purchasing a home in this peaceful part of the country check out some of the most popular real estate companies in Belize:

• CPC Real Estate
• Hesed Real Estate
• Belize Real Estate Brokerage

In the south are Hopkins and Placencia. Both are parallel to the glistening Caribbean Sea. Hopkins is a quaint little village known for its fishing and large concentration of Garifuna people. But with recent migration of expats and development of resorts it’s progressing in infrastructure while still maintaining its pleasant appeal. Similarly and not too far away, is Placencia. Known for its beautiful golden beach and excellent fishing drops, the Placencia Village is a bit larger in size and real estate offerings. Despite its larger size, Placencia still maintains its village charm and captivates visitors with its scenic views. If you need a place to stay while house hunting, Latitude Adjustment offers long-term rentals of 5 tropically themed cabanas especially to accommodate those searching for their own piece of paradise.

Belize is a beautiful country filled with natural wonders. It is also home to some of the best retirement communities in the world making it the perfect place for you to retire. We barely brushed the tip of the coconut tree with great places to retire in Belize. Know of any? Let us know in the comments below!

Close your eyes and picture a sandy shoreline with crystal clear turquoise waters washing up on the beach over your feet, as the leaves of tall coconut trees sway in the tropical breeze.

Now, open them.

Wouldn’t you want to spend your days there? Well, you can.

The Caribbean is one of the most sought after destinations for total relaxation. For most visitors, they only get to come once every couple years to reward themselves for their years of hard work; some don’t get the privilege of a visit at all. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

The Caribbean countries include Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bay Islands, Guyana, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Turks & Caicos Islands. These Caribbean countries provide a slower-paced lifestyle with lots of the same modern amenities as in most first world countries for a lesser standard of living. Because of this, your dream of living in the Caribbean is not that far out of reach.

If you’re tired of the congested, non-stop bustling of urban living and are ready to start anew in your very own tropical oasis, follow these 5 steps to retiring in the Caribbean with ease.

1. Research the Caribbean Lifestyle

There’s a common saying that goes “all that glitters isn’t gold”. That saying can hold very true if you just up and move to a new country that you’ve only seen in pictures and haven’t had any personal experience with.

As beautiful and relaxing as the Caribbean is, starting a new life there isn’t for everyone. The Caribbean has a completely different culture from the rest of the world.

Here are some things to look for when researching if the Caribbean lifestyle would be a right fit for you.

• Weather – Make note of the annual temperatures and prepare yourself accordingly. Remember the Caribbean countries are in a sub-tropical climate that is warmer and sometimes more humid than in most North American and European countries.
• Cultural Differences – The cultural differences of a new country do serve as a thrilling perk when travelling. However, for a more permanent relocation, these differences can overwhelm you at first if you aren’t prepared for them.

2. Choose a Caribbean Country to Call Home

To help with this choice, you’ll have to do a little deeper research. Here, you’ll look at factors that are important to your lifestyle.

These are some factors to consider during this phase.

• Food – Although trying new foods is an exciting way to get to know a new country, not having the type of foods you like or are accustomed to can make the move a bit more difficult than it has to be. This isn’t a deterrent, but it’s better to be prepared than surprisingly disappointed when you’re homesick and your comfort foods are nowhere to be found.
• Cost of living – While the Caribbean does offer a cheaper cost of living, you should not underestimate what the costs of imported items you’re used to using everyday may be.
• Infrastructure – Each country in the Caribbean have varying levels of infrastructure. Analyze the options, and see which best suits the lifestyle you’re looking for.
• Health care – Since you’re considering a Caribbean country for your retirement, this point is especially important. It’s common for major health conditions to reveal themselves later in life. So, it’s best to be prepared and ensure that the country you’re moving to has adequate health facilities to deal with any known or anticipated (based on family history) health issues that you will/may need assistance with after your move.

3. Consult an Offshore Retirement Specialist

To make the big move to the Caribbean a whole lot easier, offshore financial service providers offer several investment opportunities to help prepare you for your retirement from an early age. These opportunities include forming an offshore company where you can earn tax-free income that you can use during retirement. Another option would be an offshore pension trust to safeguard your assets until when you retire. There are many other options you can explore, simply consult with an offshore financial service provider and discuss options available.

4. Look for A Home

Now on to the really exciting part- finding a new home. Everyone can appreciate a fresh start; and nothing does just that than a new home in a new country. However, this step will take some time since you aren’t familiar with the new country. The experts at Belize Real Estate Brokerage can help get your house hunt running. You can also consult consult with other local real estate agents to help you find the right home to suite your needs.

Some things to consider when looking for a new home are:

• Size
• Neighborhood
• Proximity to amenities

5. Plan a Visit

This visit is necessary to get a hands-on feel of the area you’ll be living in and to see any homes your real estate agent might have found for you. It is very important for you to visit the Caribbean country before you move so you can make sure that it will suite your wants and needs, so you don’t plunge money into it with investments only to be uncomfortable there.

This list is by no means a definitive list; but rather, a basic guide that can help you decide if a Caribbean lifestyle is right for your retirement.