Retiring in Belize as an American: Complete guide

Many Americans decide to retire in Belize because of its affordable cost of living, Caribbean beaches, and retiree-friendly policies.

Monthly expenses for a single person average just 723 USD before rent, which makes this Central American country much cheaper than most US cities.¹

Belize also has a special retirement program, called The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP), which makes it easy for retirees as young as 40 to move there.²

At the same time, it's important to understand the local healthcare system and infrastructure limitations to make an informed decision about retiring in Belize. Here's everything you need to know.

Table of contents
Is Belize a good place to retire? Retiring in Belize from US: programs Retiring property abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise How to retire in Belize as an American How much does it cost to retire in Belize What are the best places to retire in Belize? What should you know about Belize healthcare?

Is Belize a good place to retire?

Yes, retirement in Belize for US citizens can be a great idea.

Belize is located on the Caribbean coast, bordering Mexico and Guatemala. It's a former British colony and the only English-speaking country in Central America, which makes it easier for American retirees to adjust.

Belize Tourism Board also offers a special retirement program called the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program. It allows Americans ages 40 and older to get residency in Belize and live there year-round - as long as they have a qualifying monthly income of 2,000 USD.²

Combined with an affordable cost of living, moving to Belize can be a great idea for American retirees who are looking for a relaxed beach lifestyle.

Pros and cons of retiring in Belize

Moving to Belize can give you a relaxed retirement at a lower cost than in the US, but there are a few challenges that you need to be aware of.

Pros of retiring to Belize

• Slower pace: People focus on relationships over schedules, and the relaxed way of life is in sharp contrast with the typical American rush

• USD goes further: A couple can live well on 1,500 to 2,000 USD per month in many areas in Belize, and local food and services cost much less than in the US (although imported items cost about the same or more)³

• English language: Unlike other Central American countries, you won't face a language barrier because English is the official language in Belize

• Low visa requirements: The retirement visa program only requires 2,000 USD in monthly income. You won't pay taxes on your income and you can bring your belongings and car without paying import fees²

• Warm weather: It’s a tropical climate, and the ocean breeze makes it comfortable to be outside most of the year

• Easy flight to and from the US: Belize is connected to many major US cities, such as Miami and Houston

Cons of retiring to Belize

• Basic medical care: Simple procedures are cheap - a hernia surgery costs under 2,500 USD.⁴ But for serious health issues, you'll likely need to go to the US

• Power and water issues: Most expat areas have backup generators and water tanks, but living in a country with unreliable infrastructure may become irritating

• High crime areas: The US State Department warns travelers to be extra careful in Belize (Level 2 warning) and to avoid Belize City if possible (Level 3 warning).⁵ Most retirees live in safer areas outside the city

• Rainy season: You can expect up to 150 inches of rain and sometimes strong storms from June through December⁶

Naturally, retiring in Belize has pros and cons.

But if you want to live in an affordable tropical country with English as the official language and don't mind dealing with a weak infrastructure and medical system, Belize can be the perfect option for you.

Retiring in Belize from US: programs

Most American retirees move to Belize through the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP), though other options exist as well.

For example, you can get a temporary residency by investing 500,000 BZ (approximately 250,000 USD) in Belize.⁷

That said, the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) is typically the easiest and most cost-effective way to retire in Belize as an American. Here's everything you need to know.

Who qualifies for The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)?

You qualify for the QRP if you:
are ages 40 or older earn at least 2,000 USD monthly (or 24,000 USD yearly) from outside Belize²

Your income can come from many sources, including:

• Pensions and Social Security
• Investment accounts and annuities
• Personal savings and inheritance
• Retirement plans and reverse mortgages

Your income must be in one of the accepted currencies, which includes USD. You can also receive it in GBP or CAD.

Program requirements

You must stay in Belize for at least 30 consecutive days each year.²

The program also requires you to pass a security check from Belize's Ministry of National Security.²

Benefits of the Qualified Retirement Program

The main benefit of the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) is that it lets you live in Belize year-round with no restrictions. Your spouse and children under 18 can also join you under your QRP status.²

You won't be taxed on your income outside of Belize, so you'll essentially be living there tax-free. There are also no capital gains or inheritance taxes.

There are additional perks, such as being able to bring in a vehicle (less than 5 years old) tax-free, with the option to replace it every 3 years.²

You can also easily purchase land or a home for residential use.

Retiring property abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise

Now that we covered some of the basics, the only question left is: how to send money to pay for your property overseas?

Wise offers you a quick, secure and transparent way of sending money to Belize. You get the mid-market exchange rate for your payments and see how much it’s charged for the transfer before sending the money from your bank.

With the Wise Account you can also hold 40+ currencies, spend money in 150+ countries, and receive like a local in 8+ different currencies.

Get started with Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

How to retire in Belize as an American

---

1. Confirm your eligibility

Check that you meet the QRP requirements: you must be 40 or older and have a stable monthly income of at least 2,000 USD from outside Belize.² Your pension, investments, or Social Security can all work as sources of income.

You'll also need to pass a background check.

2. Gather required documents

To get approved for The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP), you must submit a completed application along with your:

• passport
• birth certificate
• marriage certificate
• police record
• bank statements showing proof of income
• other applicable documents, if necessary

3. Research locations

You’ll want to figure out where you want to live in Belize.

Most retirees choose between Ambergris Caye for beach living and tourist amenities, Placencia for a quieter beach town atmosphere, Cayo District for jungle living and lower costs, or Corozal for proximity to Mexico with its "big city" conveniences.

4. Plan your housing situation

Decide whether to rent or buy property.

It's a good idea to rent in different areas before buying to get an idea of what you can expect. Renting in Belize typically isn't expensive, but areas that are popular with expats come with the highest price tags.

The Belize Qualified Retirement Program allows you to buy property in Belize without restrictions, and the property taxes are relatively low. Make sure to work with a licensed Belizean real estate agent and lawyer.

Learn more about buying property abroad as an American in our full guide.

5. Open a local bank account

Set up an account with a Belizean bank to deposit your required monthly income. Major banks include Atlantic Bank and Belize Bank. You can also try an international bank like Caye International Bank.

6. Get healthcare coverage

Make sure to get international health insurance that covers medical evacuation to the US.

Local insurance options exist but typically don't cover treatment outside Belize.

7. Plan other practical matters

Now it's time to get adjusted to your new life in Belize!

Set up utilities, internet service, and phone plans. You'll likely need a car, so research your options for buying locally or importing your old car from the US.

How much does it cost to retire in Belize

Living costs in Belize will largely depend on your lifestyle choices.

If you shop at local markets and live like Belizeans do, your costs stay low. Many people can live comfortably on under 1,000 USD per month.¹

If you live in a premium area and frequently buy imported American goods, your cost of living will be higher. That said, you'll still save money on things like utilities and other costs.

What’s the cost of living in Belize?

Daily costs in Belize generally run much lower than in most US cities. Here's what you can expect to pay for common expenses.

Expense	Cost¹
Simple restaurant meal	8 USD
Nice dinner for 2	34 USD
Gas (1 gallon)	7 USD
New Toyota Corolla (or similar car)	21,029 USD
Basic utilities	88 USD
Phone plan	50 USD
1-bedroom apartment, central area	481 USD
3-bedroom apartment, central area	784 USD
Buy an apartment (per square foot)	134 USD

Overall, a couple can often live comfortably on 1,500 to 2,000 USD per month.³

Compared to a city like Boston, you'll spend much less living in Belize - Boston's rent prices are 670% higher than Belize City, restaurant prices are 144% higher, and groceries cost 100% more.⁸

Do you pay taxes after retirement in Belize?

As an American citizen, you'll have to continue paying US taxes even after moving to Belize. The US government taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live.

However, the good news is that you won't pay Belizean taxes on any income from outside the country.

The Belize retirement program offers 0% tax on your retirement income, including Social Security and investments, no capital gains tax, and tax-free imports of your personal belongings during your first year in Belize.²

Can you still collect Social Security after moving to Belize?

Yes, the US Social Security Administration will continue sending your payments while you live in Belize. As a US citizen, you can receive your full Social Security benefits abroad.

There are some restrictions for people living in sanctioned countries, but these countries don't include Belize.

What are the best places to retire in Belize?

While Belize isn't a particularly large country, there are still a good number of places to choose from when deciding where to retire in Belize.

• Ambergris Caye: The largest island in Belize attracts retirees who want to live close to the beach without losing access to modern amenities. San Pedro, the main town, has an active expat community, but you can expect higher costs than in the rest of the country

• Placencia: If you're looking for a quiet beach lifestyle, then you'll feel at home in Placencia. There are diving, snorkeling, and other options to stay active here, and the cost of living is generally lower than in Ambergris Caye

• Corozal: Located near the Mexican border, Corozal is a small town with a low cost of living, but it gives you access to the nearby Chetumal, Mexico, where you can find modern conveniences like a Walmart

• Cayo District: If you prefer jungle living over beach life, this area has beautiful nature and river activities

Belize offers different things for different people, so it's a good idea to try living in different parts of the country to figure out what you like best before you settle down.

What should you know about Belize healthcare?

Medical care in Belize costs less than in the US, but it also doesn't live up to the same standard. If you have a serious medical condition, you'll likely need to plan for treatment outside of Belize.

Most 24-hour hospitals are in Belize City, including the public Karl Heusner Hospital. Private hospitals offer better care and still charge reasonable fees, so many expats use them for routine check-ups and procedures.

For more complicated procedures or specialized treatment, most retirees travel back to the US or visit Mexican cities.

Pharmacies stock common medications at low prices, and many drugs that require prescriptions in the US are available over the counter in Belize. However, it can be hard to find specialized medications.

If you have a prescription, it's a good idea to bring your medications with you until you find a reliable option to get them locally.

---

Retiring in Belize as an American is relatively straightforward through The Qualified Retirement Program.

With just 2,000 USD in monthly income, you can gain residency and enjoy tax-free living in a country where English is the official language.² Even retiring in Belize on Social Security is possible.

The warm climate and beautiful nature make daily life pleasant, and the low cost of living means that your retirement savings go further and allow you to have a nicer lifestyle than in the US.

That said, it's important to have realistic expectations about local healthcare. It can be fine for routine check-ups, but you'll likely need to travel outside the country for any serious medical treatment.

To easily send money to Belize from the US with low fees and no exchange rate markups, use Wise.

Sources

1. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Belize
2. Belize Tourism Board - The Qualified Retirement Program
3. Unbiased - Retiring in Belize
4. International Living - Healthcare in Belize
5. US Department of State - Belize Travel Advisory
6. Chaa Creek - Belize Weather
7. Belize Immigration - Residence
8. Numbeo - Cost of Living Comparison Between Belize City and Boston, MA

Sources checked 03/10/2025