Retire in Belize: Cost of living, visa options, and best cities for US expats

More Americans are choosing to retire in Belize, drawn by its tropical setting and welcoming atmosphere. For US citizens, the combination of English as the official language and strong expat communities makes settling in far easier than in many other destinations. This guide offers a clear look at the cost of living, healthcare, and the best places to call home, helping you imagine what everyday life could be like.

This article is brought to you by Taxes for Expats – an award-winning team that supports Americans abroad in meeting US filing obligations. Navigating how to live in Belize can influence how much disposable income you report to the IRS. As your path unfolds, our team is ready to assist you with treaty claims, FBAR, and other tax planning needs.

What makes Belize a top retirement destination

Now that you have a sense of why Belize draws retirees, let’s explore what makes it easy for Americans to retire here, with clear rules and everyday conveniences that make the transition smooth.

• English is the official language, used across government and national tourism publications. It is the only Central American country with English as its official language.
• Average yearly temperature is about 84°F / 29°C, with a clear, dry, and wet season pattern that shapes daily life. More than 400 cayes and the Belize Barrier Reef frame protected waters and iconic coastlines.
• The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) accepts eligible applicants 40 or older with at least US$2,000 a month in foreign income, supporting stable retirement communities across coastal and inland hubs like the Ambergris Caye. Primary care under National Health Insurance and widely used private clinics reinforce the healthcare system in major towns, making Belize convenient for expats.

Residency and visa requirements for US expats

If you’re planning to stay long-term, Belize offers several visa paths, each tailored to how you want to live, work, or retire. Let’s start with the most popular route among US retirees, the Qualified Retired Persons Program.

Qualified retired persons (QRP) program

QRP is open to applicants aged 40 or older who can show at least US$2,000 per month or US$24,000 per year in retirement income from outside Belize, along with a security check and a written undertaking to deposit funds in a Belize financial institution. Members must spend a minimum of 30 consecutive days in Belize each year to keep their status.

Approval grants a resident card with multiple entries and duty and tax exemptions on household effects, one motor vehicle no more than five model years old with replacement allowed every three years, a motor boat, and a light aircraft under 17,000 kg. Program fees include US$150 to apply, US$1,000 for the principal, US$750 per dependent, US$200 per ID card, and US$25 to renew annually, which affects the overall cost of maintaining the status.

The program exempts foreign source income, capital gains, and inheritance from Belize taxes, and it allows you to purchase land or a home for residential use. Operating a business is possible only with BTB approval through the QRP Investor track that requires a business plan and employing at least five Belizean citizens. The investor option also requires proof of investment capital of at least BZ$1,000,000 and proof of at least 90 nonconsecutive days of residence.

Permanent residency requirements

Permanent residency is designed for those ready to make Belize their home after a sustained legal stay. This path suits retirees who value permanence and can handle the cost and formality of the application.

• Keep at least 12 months of legal residence and be absent no more than 14 days in total during that year.
• Show financial stability and complete interviews with Immigration and the Police Special Branch.
• On approval, pay the required fees, post a security bond, and then receive your residence card; fees are set in BZ dollars and depend on nationality.
• If continuous presence is not possible, Temporary Residence exists for investors with at least BZ$500,000 in Belize.

Work and investment opportunities for retirees

QRP members who want to run a Belize business can apply under the QRP Investor rules noted above rather than seek employee status. Paid employment in Belize requires a Temporary Employment Permit obtained through the Labor Department and Immigration. Permit categories range from professional to general workers, and the cost for a one-year professional worker permit is BZ$3,000.

Self-employed permits are available, carry their own fees, and include an Income Tax letter step during processing. Meeting the QRP Investor benchmarks on capital, presence, and Belizean employment enables business activity alongside residency benefits. Choosing the right status early shapes how to retire in Belize, from processing time to the cost of permits and compliance.

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Belize living costs and daily essentials

Once your visa path is clear, the next step is understanding everyday living and costs. Here’s what the cost of living in Belize looks like – from rent and food to utilities and healthcare – based on current Numbeo data, so anyone retiring in Belize can benchmark a starter budget.

As an American pensioner, you can use the figures as cost expectations for your retirement budget. All prices are in USD, making it easy for you to tailor the amount to your location and lifestyle choices.

Healthcare in Belize for US retirees

Belize blends public and private care, so understanding how services are organized helps set expectations. Here is a concise view of who provides care, where to find it, and when travel for treatment enters the picture.

Belize operates a mixed public and private healthcare system overseen by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, with National Health Insurance established in statute. Public facilities include the national referral Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City and regional hospitals such as Northern Regional, Western Regional, Southern Regional, plus community hospitals and polyclinics in towns like Punta Gorda and San Pedro. Licensed private providers complement public hospitals, and the US government notes that appropriate treatment is typically available only in or near major cities.

In cities, basic healthcare is generally available, while advanced treatment is scarce and ambulance capacity is limited, so the State Department urges medical evacuation coverage. For many retirees, the calculus for whether Belize is a good place to retire includes proximity to hospitals and clinics for routine needs and a clear plan for treatment outside the country when necessary.

NOTE! Medicare generally does not pay for care outside the US except in narrow circumstances defined by Medicare, and some Medigap policies offer limited foreign emergency benefits.

Popular Belize cities where Americans retire

Each of Belize’s main retirement spots offers something different – from island living in Ambergris Caye to the quieter pace of Corozal – use our breakdown as a guide to pick the best place to retire in while weighing costs and safety.

Ambergris Caye

San Pedro Town, the heart of Ambergris Caye, had nearly 12,000 residents in the last census and continues to grow with steady development. It is famous for the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where snorkeling and diving are unmatched. American expats are drawn here thanks to strong services, reliable infrastructure, and vibrant communities. Safety follows the US State Department’s Level 2 advisory, with most higher risks outside the island.

Placencia

Placencia Village counted about 1,500 residents at the last census, yet its 16 miles of beaches make it feel larger. Known as “Barefoot Perfect,” this peninsula combines small-town charm with world-class diving.

• American expats enjoy active local groups and a well-established support network.
• Official government figures on living costs are not released; most retirees note that budgets vary by lifestyle.
• Safety is guided by the national Level 2 advisory, with everyday precautions recommended.

Corozal

Corozal Town, home to close to 10,000 people, offers a quieter pace along the northern bay. The town is known for Santa Rita, a Maya site overlooking the water, and its quick access to Mexico for shopping and healthcare.

• Popular with American retirees who value cross-border convenience.
• Safety aligns with the national Level 2 advisory, with higher crime concentrated in other parts of the country.

San Ignacio (Cayo District)

San Ignacio, with more than 26,000 residents in its twin towns, is the inland hub of western Belize. It is a gateway to Xunantunich, the ATM Cave, and other Maya sites, all connected by the landmark Hawkesworth Bridge. The town is American expat-friendly, with lively markets, medical clinics, and good road links to the rest of Belize. Safety is considered consistent with the national Level 2 advisory, where standard awareness keeps daily life comfortable.

How taxes apply to US retirees in Belize

While Belize’s laid-back lifestyle is a major draw, the real comfort comes from understanding how your finances will be taxed both locally and by the IRS, and for anyone who chooses to retire in Belize, the tax rules are straightforward and important to understand.

1. The Qualified Retirement Program gives retirees one of the clearest benefits: no Belize tax on foreign-sourced income, capital gains, or inheritance. It also comes with duty exemptions on personal belongings and a vehicle that meets the entry rules.
2. Regular income earned in Belize is taxed at 25 percent, but updated relief starting in 2025 makes the system friendlier. Annual income of BZ$29,000 or less is not taxed, income up to BZ$32,000 receives partial credits, and those above that level can claim BZ$20,000 in personal relief.
3. Everyday purchases are subject to a 12.5 percent General Sales Tax, which applies to most goods and services across the country.
4. Retirees under the QRP can also import household items duty-free in their first year and bring in one motor vehicle for personal use without the high import duties normally charged.
5. There is no tax treaty between Belize and the US, and there is no totalization agreement for Social Security, so double-filing obligations remain.

NOTE! Even after moving, Americans must still file with the IRS. The foreign earned income exclusion allows up to $130,000 of eligible income in 2025 to be excluded, but pensions and Social Security remain taxable. Holding bank accounts in Belize can trigger FBAR reporting if balances go over $10,000 in a year.

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Everyday challenges that shape retiree life

Of course, even paradise has its practical challenges. Before moving, it’s worth noting what day-to-day life really looks like, and that amidst the color, warmth, and opportunity, life here comes with trade-offs that shape the daily experience. Knowing where the hurdles are helps you weigh costs, choose the right visa path, and decide which community best fits your retirement goals.

• Many who retire in Belize quickly see that only about 601 of 3,281 kilometers of roads are paved, roughly 18 percent. Travel can slow in the rainy season, and the median fixed internet speed was 48.04 Mbps at the start of 2025, with weaker performance in some rural areas.
• Permanent residency requires one full year of legal stay with no more than 14 total days out of the country. Monthly visitor extensions are done in person and cost about US$100 or BZ$200 per 30 days.
• Belize had about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people in the latest available World Bank series. Specialist care is concentrated in Belize City, and public NHI coverage on the islands only expanded in 2024, so many residents maintain private insurance or travel to Mexico for complex care.
• Police recorded 89 murders in 2024, after 87 in 2023. The government declared a state of emergency in June 2024 to curb gang violence, and safety conditions vary by district and neighborhood.

Smooth your tax path when you retire in Belize

Living abroad brings more than lifestyle changes; it also means staying aligned with both Belize’s tax rules and the IRS. From FBAR filings to using exclusions like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, a missed detail can quickly lead to penalties.

At Taxes for Expats, we handle the complexity so you can focus on enjoying your new home by the reef or rainforest without worry.

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