All visitors to Belize, regardless of the purpose of their visit, are issued a 30-day visa upon arrival. This is renewable, for up to six months, at any immigration office in the country (at borders and principal cities/towns) by paying US$12.50 per month. You must be prepared to present proof of sustenance for the period in question. If you intend to stay more than six months, you have to apply for a work permit. (See: Immigration & Work Permits)

Normally, any individual seeking permanent residency must have legally resided here continuously for one year. This requirement is waived for retirees with a regular source of income, and professional or skilled people and investors with more than US$ 25,000 in hard currency to invest. These individuals can apply for a permanent residency card immediately upon arrival. This application can be made only at immigration headquarters in Belmopan, and usually takes two to three months to process. During this time, you will need to renew your visa as detailed above, AND obtain a "Temporary Self-Employment" work permit. For retirees, proof of financial independence or pension income is required in lieu of a work permit.

Any individual who will be working on projects within Belize, or conducting business of any kind, whether or not they are generating an income here, must have a "Temporary Self-Employment" work permit. Once permanent residency status is granted, a work permit is no longer required, and residents are permitted to move freely in and out of the country. All work permits are valid for one year; the cost ranges from US$25 for missionaries and volunteers, to US$750 for investors (professional and technical workers). Note: These fees reflect the February 1999 increase.

Belizean nationality may be acquired following a minimum of five years' permanent residency. Currently, there is no requirement for permanent residents to spend a specific amount of time in the country during this five years. However, it has been suggested that this should be taken into consideration when application for citizenship is being made; therefore, residents should keep themselves abreast of changes in the laws to avoid future problems.

Please remember... Residency cannot be applied for from outside the country; you must be legally in Belize to make these applications. For information contact the Immigration and Nationality Department: 501-8-22611 or -22423.

Note: See updated information in Immigration '99.