Moving to Belize: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Belize: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 6 residence programmes, tax-residency requirements and climate. Explore the basics and compare residence routes.
Taxes
In Belize the top income tax rate is 25%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Belize you need at least 183 days a year (183 days in calendar year; QRP holders not taxed on foreign income). The typical route is Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) programme: Age ≥40, ≥US$2,000/mo foreign income deposited in Belize, security check; ~US$1k fee + US$750/dependant There are 4 open residence programmes in Belize — see the list below.
Living there
Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate with winter highs around 27.5 °C and summer highs around 31.5 °C.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 25% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 25% |
| Résidence fiscale | après 183 jours — 183 days in calendar year; QRP holders not taxed on foreign income |
| Voie de résidence typique | Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) programme — Age ≥40, ≥US$2,000/mo foreign income deposited in Belize, security check; ~US$1k fee + US$750/dependant |
| Type de climat | tropical monsoon · 27.5° / 31.5° (Belize City) |
Residence programmes in Belize
Active programmes
- Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Incentive Programme — Revenu / an CHF 19'200 · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence — other · 2026-10
- Temporary Employment / Self-Employment Permit — employment · 2026-10
- Family Residence (dependants / spouse of Belizean) — family · 2026-10
Changes or availability under review
- Work Where You Vacation (remote work permit) — Revenu / an CHF 60'000 · 2026-10
Launched 2021 by Belize Tourism Board; current operation unconfirmed
Upcoming · not yet available
Proposed or legislated routes without a confirmed operational application process.
- Investor Residence Permit — Investissement CHF 400'000 · 2026-10
Immigration Amendment Bill introduced 2 Oct 2026; not yet law, no forms or fees
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Belize to become tax resident?
après 183 jours. 183 days in calendar year; QRP holders not taxed on foreign income Mostly Belize-source taxation for individuals
How much tax will I pay in Belize?
In Belize the top income tax rate is 25%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Belize offer?
Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Incentive Programme; Permanent Residence; Temporary Employment / Self-Employment Permit; Family Residence (dependants / spouse of Belizean); Work Where You Vacation (remote work permit)
What is the usual way to move to Belize?
Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) programme. Age ≥40, ≥US$2,000/mo foreign income deposited in Belize, security check; ~US$1k fee + US$750/dependant
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Bolivia · Brazil · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Rep. · Ecuador · El Salvador · Guatemala
Information générale uniquement – pas de conseil fiscal, juridique, migratoire, en investissement ou financier, ni de relation client. Chiffres simplifiés, indicatifs et parfois dépassés. Vérifiez toujours auprès de l'autorité officielle et d'un professionnel agréé du pays concerné avant d'agir. Les liens partenaires éventuels sont signalés et peuvent nous rémunérer.