Living in Belize
Advice for British people living in Belize, including information on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more.
Overview
This guide sets out essential information for British nationals residing in Belize, including advice on health, residence requirements and more. We are unable to provide any guidance on general lifestyle enquiries apart from the information and links listed.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Belize for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
See moving or retiring abroad and our support for British nationals abroad: a guide.
Entry and residence requirements
All visitors to Belize must present a passport that is valid for no less than six months after the intended period of stay in Belize, proof of an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds to cover the cost of the length of their stay.
Entry requirements for British nationals can be found on our travel advice page. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days as a tourist, you must apply for an Extension of Stay permit at any of the Immigration Offices.
If you wish to reside in Belize, you should apply for permanent residence after legally residing in the country for a minimum of one year; or if you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply to enrol in the Qualified Retired Person programme.
British nationals are not permitted to work or study in Belize without a valid permit. Information and advice regarding residency, work permits and student visas should be obtained from the Belize Immigration Department.
Healthcare
There is not a reciprocal health care agreement between Belize and the UK.
Public and private healthcare are available in major towns but severely limited in rural areas. Basic public healthcare is free but there is often a shortage of medicines and equipment. More information about the public health system can be found on the website of the Belize Health Ministry.
Private medical care is expensive and requires upfront payment prior to treatment. If travelling and/or living in Belize, it is highly advisable to purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment and/or necessary repatriation.
Pharmacy services are generally acceptable in larger cities but specialized prescription medications may be unavailable. If you bring your own prescription medications, you must carry a current doctor’s prescription for each medication.
See also travelling with medication.
You should also make sure you have health insurance for UK treatment or the NHS will charge you for any care you receive in the UK. The NHS has information for people moving abroad.
View the high commission’s list of medical facilities.
Taxes
See tax if you leave the UK to live abroad and tax on your UK income if you live abroad.
You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
For information on payment of Belize taxes, please visit the website of the Income Tax Department.
Pensions
See State Pension if you retire abroad and new State Pension. If you get a ‘‘life certificate” from the UK Pension Service, it is essential that you respond as soon as possible to avoid suspension of your payments.
There is no joint tax agreement with the UK, so if you plan to move to Belize, please be aware that your UK State Pension would not increase with inflation when you take up residence.
Benefits
See claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad. Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you are abroad and how to claim them.
Driving in Belize
Visitors need to be 18 years or older and have a valid driving license or international driving permit in order to rent a car and/or drive around legally. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is only valid for one year. If you are planning to reside in Belize, you should get a Belize driving license. If you are asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s license, you should contact the DVLA.
Voting
See voting when you are abroad. British nationals living abroad can vote in some UK elections but will need to register as an overseas voter.
Births
See registering a birth abroad.
Deaths
See: what to do after someone dies; and bereavement pack/information for Belize.
Getting married
Renewing passports
See overseas British passports applications and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport).
Pets
For information on bringing pets to Belize, you will need to apply to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. For returning to the UK with your pets, please see travelling with pets.
Accommodation and buying property
There are no restrictions on buying, renting, or selling real estate in Belize. The Department of Lands assesses properties and the amount of tax payable will depend on the type and value of the property.
For information on investing in Belize and taxation, see BelizeInvest website and setting up a business in Belize.
Finance
There are a number of banks in Belize and you should seek advice directly from them on how to open a personal or corporate account. You will need to provide a reference from your UK bank and a notarized copy of your passport to comply with Central Bank of Belize regulations.
See our guidance on financial assistance abroad and our support for British nationals abroad: a guide.
Education
Belize generally has a good standard of education for all ages and the school system is similar to that in the UK. All non-nationals are required to have a student visa issued by the Belize Immigration Department to attend school in Belize. For information on the school system, visit the Belize Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology.
Disclaimer
This information serves as a guide only and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British High Commission will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Updates to this page
Last updated 23 March 2021 + show all updates
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines
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First published.