Belize Qualified Retirement (QRP)

The Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) provides residency for individuals aged 40 and older who can demonstrate a foreign-sourced income of at least US$24,000 annually. The program offers tax exemptions, the ability to import personal goods duty-free, and a straightforward pathway to establish residency in Belize.

The QRP requires a minimum physical presence of 30 days annually, and sets applicants on a path to citizenship within five years of residence. The residence permit is temporary, does not lead to permanent residency, and requires annual renewal.

To qualify for Belize’s QRP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Age: Be 40 years or older.

Dependents: Dependents include a spouse and children under 18 years of age. Children aged 18 to 23 may also be included if enrolled in a college or university.

Income Requirements

Demonstrate a verifiable retirement income of US$2,000 monthly or US$24,000 annually. This income must be generated from a source outside of Belize in an approved foreign currency, including:

• US Dollars

• Pound Sterling

• Euros

• Canadian Dollars

Qualifying Income Sources

Retirement income can be derived from:

• Pension

• Annuity

• Social Security Benefits

• Investment Account

• Inheritance

• Reverse Mortgage

• Personal Savings

• Retirement Contribution Plans

• Other verified means of retirement income

Banking Requirements:

Applicants must provide a written undertaking to deposit the requisite amount into a bank, credit union, or licensed financial institution in Belize.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must pass a security clearance check conducted by Belize’s Ministry of National Security.

Physical Presence Requirement:

Applicants must remain in Belize for a minimum of 30 consecutive days annually.

Qualifying Countries:

Applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries:

• All Commonwealth countries (excluding Belize)

• United States of America

• Member States of the European Union (EU)

• Asian-Pacific countries, including Australia, India, Japan, and others

• All South American countries

• Low taxes
• Mild climate
• English as official language
• Low cost of living
• No investment or donation requirement
• Path to citizenship

Foreigners who participate in the Belize QRP are eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization.

Residency Duration:

Applicants must reside in Belize for five consecutive years before applying for citizenship.

Residency Status Maintenance:

QRP holders must ensure they maintain their residency status for the entire duration before applying for citizenship. This includes fulfilling the annual physical presence requirement of 30 consecutive days per year.

Application Process:

Citizenship applications must be submitted to the relevant Belizean authorities and will include additional requirements such as:

• Proof of continuous residency

• Security clearance checks

• Submission of supporting documents

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Applications for this program may be directed to The Belize Tourism Board (BTB).

Legislation upon which this program is based: Belize Retired Persons (Incentives) Act.