Belize is a great destination for digital nomads looking for an affordable, tropical paradise to work remotely.
The country offers a long-term visa specifically designed for digital nomads, which makes it easy to stay in the country for extended periods of time.
This article will cover the application process, costs, and requirements for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa. We will also provide tips for making the most of your time in Belize as a digital nomad.
Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker, this guide will help you navigate the process of obtaining a visa and settling into the digital nomad lifestyle in Belize.
Belize for Digital Nomads: Quick Facts
Belize is a country in Central America full of mountains, swamps, and tropical jungles. Mexico bounds it to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
The country has a stunning 174-mile (280-km) coastline, a population of about 441,000 and its capital is Belmopan.
The languages spoken are English, Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan, German, Garifuna, and Chinese.
The Belize Barrier Reef sits just miles off the coast of Belize and is part of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It's, in fact, home to hundreds of species of coral and fish, so it represents a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and biologists worldwide.
Does Belize have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes! Belize has a visa suitable for digital nomads called Work Where You Vacation.
This is Belize's attempt to attract digital nomads and remote workers from all over the world who want to stay in the country for 6 months, with the opportunity to extend the period.
Belize Digital Nomad Visa: Overview
The Work Where You Vacation program includes:
- Work permits waived for participants
- Student permits waived for children of participants
- Special offers on activities, entertainment, and accommodations through “Work Where You Vacation” lodging partners.
Who Can Apply for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa?
All digital nomads who want to spend 6 months enjoying this country can apply for the Belize Digital Nomad visa.
How Do You Apply for The Belize Digital Nomad Visa?
As the Government intends to attract more and more people to the country, applying for the Work Where You Vacation program is quite easy.
You can just apply with the Immigration Department by sending an email with your application to [email protected] or [email protected].
Then, you just have to await your approval.
After that, you will need to:
- Travel to Belize with your travel documents
- Pay the 'Work Where You Vacation' fee at the airport
- Spend a maximum of 180 days experiencing Belize!
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Apply with iVisa nowRequirements To Apply For Belize Digital Nomad Visa
The documents required to apply for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa are the following:
- Proof of employment outside of Belize (min. annual income of USD 75,000 for individuals, USD 100,000 for couples/families)
- A notarized banking reference and statement of account
- A clear criminal record (no more than 6 months old)
- A valid passport
- A travel insurance policy (min. US $50,000 coverage)
How Much Does the Belize Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
Unfortunately, the fee for this kind of visa isn’t specified anywhere.
It could be about $300, as another kind of visa has similar costs and features. However, it's important to do your own research on official government channels.
Timeline for Applying for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa
The timeframe for the process is also not specified, but it can be expected to process in a couple of weeks or more.
Need Help with the Belize Digital Nomad Visa Process?
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Apply with iVisa nowWhat if I’m Not Eligible for the Belize Digital Nomad Visa?
Another alternative is the Temporary Residency visa, which costs $300.
The Ministry of Labour processes and approves issuing work permits for 3 to 12 months. The Immigration Department and the permit fee can range from 100.000 BZD to 600.00 BZD, depending on the person’s level of skill.
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Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Belize
The top spots for digital nomads in Belize are Umaya Village and Caye Caulker. Umaya Village is a resort that was turned into a digital community.
Caye Caulker is instead a five-mile-long island off the coast of Belize.
A great thing about Belize is that it is relatively affordable, especially if you’re used to living in the US or Europe.
The local currency is the Belize Dollar, but the US dollar is accepted widely all over the country.
Unfortunately, the internet connection in Belize is not great. We recommend you check the Wi-Fi speed with the owner of your place before booking it.
Here are some ways to stay connected all around the world:
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Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Belize
There is no VAT in Belize. However, there is a standard GST rate of 12.50%.
As a digital nomad working for a company based abroad, you will not be required to pay income tax while living in Belize.
You will only pay income tax on income earned from a company based within the country.
These are only general guidelines, but we advise you to check with a tax advisor about your specific situation.
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Discover Heavnn TodayAre You Ready To Apply For The Belize Digital Nomad Visa?
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