• Grounds of Longevity: Documentary evidence of legal entry is required.
• Grounds on Family Relations: Marriage certificate and/or a declaration witnessed by a commissioner of the Supreme Court for any person of Common Law relationship, Birth Certificate of each child, proof of citizenship of spouse (permanent Residence/Nationality).
• Grounds on Special or Unique Qualifications: Documentary evidence of training received and training proposal, and for training Belizean counterparts.

Professional workers and Self-employed Individuals not involved in agriculture, pay an application fee of BZ$3,000.00 (US$1,500.00) per year. All other individuals pay a fee lower than BZ$3,000 a year which varies by occupation.

For employees – Employers must submit an online application for the foreign worker he/she wishes to hire and go through the process outlined on the application portal.

Self-employed – Foreign investors and others must submit an online application, and provide the supporting documents and go through the process outlined on the application portal.

To apply for a Temporary Employment Permit a person must submit an online application and fulfill all requirements outlined on the Labor Department’s Temporary Work Permit Application Portal.

Temporary Residence

The temporary residence program was created with the aim of giving investors who meet the minimum requirements of the program the opportunity to reside in Belize for twelve calendar months, which becomes renewable at the end of that period. This status is for investors and dependents who do not meet the requirements for permanent residence in Belize and whose investments in Belize account for a minimum of BZ$500,000.

For more information on the Temporary Residence status, its requirements, and application process, please visit the Immigration Department's Website.

Permanent Residence

An individual can apply for permanent residence after they have legally resided in Belize for a minimum of one (1) year, during which they have not left the country for more than 14 days in total. Permanent Residence fees for adults range from BZ$1,000.00 (US$500.00) to BZ$6,000.00 (US$3,000) depending on the nationality of the applicant and will be paid upon approval. Minors pay a Permanent Residence fee which is 50% of the adult fee based on nationality.

For more information on the Permanent Residence status, its requirements and application process, please visit the Immigration Department's Website.

Nationality/Citizenship

To acquire citizenship, applicants must be a permanent resident for a minimum of five (5) years, in accordance with the Belize Nationality Act of 1981. There is also a provision to register minor children along with the applicant. Citizenship can also be acquired through descent of Belizean parents or grandparents of the person applying or if the individual is married to a Belizean citizen.

For more information on Belizean Citizenship, its requirements and application process, please visit the Immigration Department's Website.