Quick answer
The Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) allows persons aged 40 or older with a guaranteed retirement income of at least $2,000 per month or $24,000 annually from outside Belize to obtain residency status with multiple entry privileges. Benefits include duty-free import of household effects, a vehicle (model within 5 years), and tax exemption on foreign income. The initial visa/residency card is issued upon acceptance and must be renewed annually [5].
Key facts
| Age requirement | 40 years or older (applicant and dependents include spouse and children under 18)[5] |
| Minimum income | $2,000 per month or $24,000 per year from a source outside Belize (in USD, GBP, EUR, or CAD)[5] |
| Residency requirement | Must spend at least 30 consecutive days per year in Belize[6] |
| Qualifying countries | All Commonwealth countries (except Belize), USA, EU member states, selected Asian-Pacific countries, and all South American countries[7] |
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
Applicants must be at least 45 years old to qualify for the QRP.
Documents you'll need
New Application
- Completed, signed, and dated application form for applicant and each dependent [5].
- Notarized or certified copy of birth certificate for applicant and each dependent [5].
- Notarized or certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable) [5].
- Original police record or certificate no older than 6 months from last place of residency for applicant and each dependent [5].
- Notarized or certified copy of complete valid passport (all pages, including blank) for applicant and each dependent [5].
- Certificate or document showing applicant as recipient of retirement income of $2,000 monthly or $24,000 annually in an approved foreign currency [5].
- Original or certified copy of international bank statements showing deposit of the required retirement income [5].
- Signed undertaking letter to deposit funds into a Belizean financial institution (template provided by BTB) [5].
- Original medical certificate or lab report of complete physical exam including HIV test, no older than 3 months, for applicant and each dependent [5].
- Two 2x2 inch frontal passport photos: one notarized/certified and one unnotarized/uncertified of the same image, for applicant and each dependent [5].
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Prepare all required documents as listed above [5].
- 2
Complete the QRP Member Application Form and Dependent Application Form (available on BTB website) [5].
- 3
Submit the application forms and supporting documents to the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) along with the non-refundable application fee of US$150 per application [5].
- 4
Undergo security clearance by the Ministry of National Security [6].
- 5
Upon approval, pay the final program fees: Applicant US$1,000, Dependent US$750, and QRP ID Card fee US$200 per card [5].
- 6
Receive the QRP Resident Card (valid for one year; must be renewed annually for US$25 per card) [5].
- 7
If importing duty-free goods, submit required documents (e.g., master shipping list, vehicle title) to BTB at least three weeks before importation .
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age to apply for the QRP?
You must be at least 40 years old [5].
Can I work or run a business under the QRP?
Yes, with special approval from BTB if you invest at least BZD $1 million (USD $500,000), provide a business plan employing at least 5 Belizeans, and have resided in Belize for 90 non-consecutive days .
How often do I need to renew my QRP card?
The QRP Resident Card must be renewed annually at a cost of US$25 per card .
Is there a physical presence requirement?
Yes, you must spend at least 30 consecutive days per year in Belize [6].
Can I bring my spouse and children?
Yes, dependents include your spouse and children under 18 years of age [5].
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [5]
Tax exemptions on foreign income
Unnamed source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
Application documents required
Unnamed source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Application fees for new applicants
Unnamed source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Belize's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Belize's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.