➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?
Employment contract outside Belize with a minimum annual income of USD 75,000 for individuals and USD 100,000 for couples or families.
➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?
You can live and work in Belize for 180 days, with the opportunity to extend the period.
➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Open to anyone who meet the visa requirements.
➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Not confirmed but expected around $300 USD.
➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?
As a digital nomad in Belize, you are exempt from paying income tax on earnings from a company based outside the country. You will only be taxed on income derived from sources within Belize.
Nomad Visa Belize 2024
Belize is emerging as a top destination for digital nomads in search of an affordable tropical haven for remote work. The country extends a warm welcome with a long-term visa specifically crafted for digital nomads, simplifying the process of staying for prolonged periods.
Belize is a land of rich biodiversity, featuring mountains, swamps, and lush tropical jungles. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the vast Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize is linguistically diverse, with English as the official language, alongside Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan languages, German, Garifuna, and Chinese.
A major highlight is the Belize Barrier Reef, located just a few miles off the coast. This reef is part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the world’s second-largest coral reef system after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It hosts an impressive array of coral and fish species, making it a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and marine biologists from around the globe.
Whether you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, or someone employed remotely, this comprehensive guide will assist you in securing a visa and adapting to the digital nomad lifestyle in Belize.
Belize offers a visa specifically designed for digital nomads under the “Work Where You Vacation” program. This initiative aims to attract digital nomads and remote workers globally, offering them the opportunity to reside in the country for six months with the option to extend their stay.
Belize Digital Nomad Visa Overview
The “Work Where You Vacation” program is designed to make it easy for digital nomads to live and work in Belize by providing several benefits, including:
- Waived work permits for participants
- Waived student permits for children of participants
- Special deals on activities, entertainment, and accommodations through partnered “Work Where You Vacation” lodgings.
The visa is open to all digital nomads who wish to spend 6 months enjoying life in Belize. This program is an excellent opportunity for those looking to blend professional responsibilities with the relaxing, vibrant culture and natural beauty of Belize.
How Do You Apply for The Belize Digital Nomad Visa?
The Belizean government is keen to attract a global workforce, making the application process for the “Work Where You Vacation” program straightforward and user-friendly.
To apply, simply contact the Immigration Department by emailing your application to either [email protected] or [email protected]. The initial step is to submit your application and then patiently await approval.
Upon receiving your visa approval, the next steps are:
- Travel to Belize: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents.
- Pay the ‘Work Where You Vacation’ fee: This fee is payable upon arrival at the airport.
- Enjoy up to 180 days in Belize: Experience the rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm climate that Belize has to offer.
Requirements To Apply For Belize Digital Nomad Visa
The application for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa requires several key documents:
- Proof of Employment: Verification of employment outside of Belize with a minimum annual income of USD 75,000 for individuals or USD 100,000 for couples/families.
- Banking Documents: A notarized banking reference and a recent statement of account.
- Criminal Record: A clear criminal record check, no more than 6 months old.
- Passport: A valid passport with sufficient validity for your stay.
- Travel Insurance: A policy covering at least US $50,000.
Additionally, international tourists must reserve accommodations at a hotel approved by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) to ensure compliance with local tourism standards.
How Much Does the Belize Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The specific cost for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa isn’t publicly listed, but it is likely around $300, based on fees for similar types of visas. However, it is essential to verify the exact fee through official government resources or directly from the Immigration Department to ensure accuracy.
Timeline for Applying for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa
While an exact timeline for the visa processing isn’t provided, applicants can typically expect a processing period of a few weeks. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate any delays and ensure a smooth start to your digital nomad experience in Belize.
Belize Digital Nomad Visa Alternative
If you find that you’re not eligible for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa, consider applying for the Temporary Residency visa, which has a fee of $300. This alternative option involves the Ministry of Labour, which handles the processing and approval of work permits that are valid for periods ranging from 3 to 12 months. Issued by the Immigration Department, the cost of these work permits varies from 100.00 BZD to 600.00 BZD, depending on the applicant’s skill level.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Belize
For digital nomads, Belize offers idyllic locations such as Umaya Village and Caye Caulker. Umaya Village, originally a resort, has been transformed into a vibrant digital nomad community, providing both accommodations and a collaborative work environment. Caye Caulker, on the other hand, is a laid-back, five-mile-long island off the Belizean coast, known for its relaxed pace and beautiful marine surroundings.
One of the appealing aspects of Belize is its affordability, particularly when compared to living costs in the US or Europe. This can make it an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to stretch their earnings further while enjoying a tropical lifestyle.
The local currency is the Belize Dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2:1, ensuring stability and ease of transactions for those used to the US currency, which is also widely accepted throughout the country.
However, one drawback is the quality of internet connectivity. It is advisable for digital nomads to verify Wi-Fi speeds at their intended accommodations before making long-term arrangements to ensure they can maintain productivity.
Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Belize
In terms of taxation, Belize does not impose a Value-Added Tax (VAT), but there is a standard Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate of 12.50%. For digital nomads employed by companies outside of Belize, there is no requirement to pay local income tax on foreign-earned income. This can significantly simplify financial arrangements for those spending extended periods in the country. Income earned from sources within Belize, however, is subject to local income tax.