The Global Expat Hub
Belize
English-speaking Caribbean coast, barrier reef paradise and one of the easiest retirement visas in the Americas.
Your plan for Belize checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Belize
Costs and character vary significantly within Belize. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Ambergris Caye beach town — the most popular expat destination in Belize
Laid-back peninsula village with Caribbean beaches and a small expat scene
Quiet border town near Mexico — cheapest expat living in Belize
Jungle gateway town near Guatemalan border — nature and Mayan ruins
Belize by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Tropical with a dry season (November to April) and wet season (May to October). Warm and humid year-round.
Mean temperatures for Belize City.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 1,500 mm (59 in) a year.
Snow None.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationhttps://www.belizelaw.org ↗
OverviewLaw of Belize on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax 0.5% of assessed value annually.
Local & regional income tax No tax on foreign-source income; local income taxed at 25%.
🎓 University
University of Belize.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Belize Telemedia (BTL),Smart.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $12/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $18 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- QRP: $2,000/month pension income, $1,000 fee, immediate permanent residency
- No minimum stay required under QRP
- Duty-free import of personal effects for QRP holders
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Belize embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Belize faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Belize: remote work you can do from Belize City, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Belize and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belize safe for expats?
Belize scores 52 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 64 out of 100 for liveability — #48 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Belize?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Belize from around $1,550 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Belize?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Belize include: QRP: $2,000/month pension income, $1,000 fee, immediate permanent residency; no minimum stay required under QRP; duty-free import of personal effects for QRP holders. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Belize for expats?
The top cities for expats in Belize profiled on this page are San Pedro, Placencia and Corozal. Belmopan is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.