Retire in Paradise: The Belize QRP Program
Discover how Belize makes retirement easy with one of the world's most attractive retiree programs.
The Need-to-Knows: Retiring Made Easy
The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) was created by the Belize government to facilitate eligible persons who have met the income requirements to permanently live, retire, and relax in Belize. It is renowned for its significant benefits and straightforward process, making Belize a top destination for retirees worldwide.
This page provides all the facts about the program. For official inquiries, you can contact the Belize Tourism Board at qrp@belizetourismboard.org or call 227-2420.
Program Details & Benefits
Any person aged 45 or older, from anywhere in the world, can qualify for the program by meeting these criteria:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 45 years old to be the primary applicant.
- Income Requirement: You must show proof of a monthly income of at least US$2,000 (or US$24,000 annually) from a pension, retirement account, or other stable source.
- Foreign Source: All declared income must be from a source outside of Belize and deposited in a Belizean financial institution.
- Security Clearance: You must pass a security clearance check by the Ministry of National Security.
One of the most significant benefits of the QRP program is the complete exemption from Belizean taxes on all income and receipts generated from a source outside of Belize. This includes retirement income, investment income, and capital gains. This allows you to preserve your wealth and enjoy your retirement without the burden of local taxation on your foreign earnings.
To help you settle in comfortably, QRP members are granted a one-time privilege to import personal and household effects up to a value of US$15,000, completely free of import duties and taxes. Additionally, you are permitted to import one approved personal vehicle, boat, and light aircraft every five years under the same duty-free exemption, making your move to Belize both easy and affordable.
The QRP program offers a relaxed lifestyle with minimal obligations. You are only required to spend 30 consecutive days in Belize each year to maintain your QRP status, giving you the freedom to travel. You can include your spouse and dependents under 18 (or under 23 if enrolled in a university) in your application. While the program is for retirees, the QRP Investor option allows you to own and operate a business in Belize under specific conditions.
Application Requirements & Fees
New Application Requirements
- Application Form: Completed, signed, and dated for applicant and each dependent.
- Passport Pages: Notarized/certified copy of complete valid passport (including all blank pages) for applicant and each dependent.
- Birth Certificate: Notarized/certified copy for applicant and each dependent.
- Marriage Certificate: Notarized/certified copy if applicable.
- Police Record: Original police certificate no older than 6 months from your last place of residency.
- Proof of Income: A notarized statement from a financial institution certifying income of at least US$2,000/month or US$24,000/year.
- Written Undertaking: A signed letter stating you will deposit the requisite funds into a Belizean financial institution.
- Medical Certificate: Original medical exam report, including HIV test results, no older than 3 months.
- Photos: Two 2"x2" frontal passport photos (one notarized, one not) for applicant and each dependent.
QRP Investor Application Requirements
A QRP holder who wishes to conduct business in Belize must apply to the BTB with the following:
- Business Plan: Must include plans for the employment of at least 5 Belizean citizens.
- Proof of Investment Capital: Evidence of a minimum of one million Belize dollars (BZD $1,000,000).
- Proof of Residency: Passport pages showing the applicant has resided in Belize for at least 90 non-consecutive days.
Post-Approval Obligations:
- Must submit proof of employment of 5 Belizeans within 12 months.
- Must submit proof of business operation within 18 months.
- Will be required to pay all applicable duties and taxes on the business carried on in Belize.
Renewal Requirements (Annual)
- Renewal Application Form: Completed, signed, and dated for applicant and each dependent.
- Passport Pages: Notarized/certified copy of your complete valid passport.
- Bank Statement: An original or certified annual statement from your licensed financial institution in Belize.
- Photos: Two 2"x2" frontal passport photos (one notarized, one not).
Application Fees (in US Currency)
The following non-refundable fees are required and must be paid in US currency.
| Fee Description | Applies To | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Time Fees | ||
| Application Program Fee | Per Application | $150.00 |
| Applicant Final Fee | Primary Applicant | $1,000.00 |
| Dependent Final Fee | Per Dependent | $750.00 |
| QRP ID Card Fee | Per Person | $200.00 |
| Annual Fees | ||
| QRP ID Card Renewal | Per Person | $25.00 |