There are many reasons to consider living in Belize, whether it’s to retire or just to escape a few months out of the year. Its diversity of natural attractions and laid-back lifestyle are only part of what makes the country alluring. There is an intangible romance that permeates the air in Belize. It’s this magical atmosphere that makes many vacationers who come to Belize fall in love and decide never to leave. You will find that many of your new neighbors might well be international wayfarers, including many Americans and Europeans, who turned a vacation destination into a home. With picturesque sunrises, breathtaking beaches, warm Caribbean waters, cool Trade Winds, lush rainforests, magnificent waterfalls and a people as warm as the year-round tropical weather, Belize is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a life of leisure – your very own carefree and tropical paradise.
If it sounds good; living it is even better. Picture yourself lying lazily in a hammock under the shade of a coconut palm with a good novel. Sun-soaked shores and the soothing Caribbean Sea are your new backyard. If a more rustic setting strikes your fancy, you can escape into a lush rainforest setting. Its democratic government has over 50 years of stability. It is only a 2 hour flight from major US airport hubs. Forty percent of the national territory is protected by law, with the second largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere; 3 of the 4 atolls in the Atlantic; the largest Jaguar reserve in the world; more than 540 different species of birds; the largest cave system in Central America; a unique jungle habitat of pine and rainforest and the cradle of the ancient Mayan civilization. The many recreational activities available give a whole new meaning to the expression “free time”. Modern Maturity magazine rated Belize as one of the top ten places to retire in the world.
The options are vast for living in Belize. You may purchase a luxurious condo nestled right along the beach on a tropical island or coastal beach. You can even purchase your own private island! And the prices are very accessible. There is also easy access to land for development and construction of a home. If you plan on living here for only a couple of months in the year, you can turn your property into an investment through management companies that will rent and maintain your home during your absence. If you are retiring, the government has a generous Retirement Program that includes tax exemptions for your retirement income and on the importation of cars, boats, aircrafts and personal effects. Think of retiring in Belize as one continuous vacation; the best you’ve ever had. Retirement is usually at the end of life, but in Belize it’s only the beginning of really living.
Government Retirement Program
In 1999 the government of Belize passed the Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Act. The program offers the benefits of official residency into the country along with many benefits and incentives including many enticing tax exemptions.
Who Qualifies?: Anyone 45 five years and older from anywhere in the world qualifies for the program. This includes his or her dependents which may be spouses and children under the ages of 18. Children up to 23 can be incorporated if enrolled in a university.
Benefits & Incentives: On entering Belize, you have one year in which you can import all your personal effects (used and new) free of all import duties and taxes. These may include Household Goods, Vehicles, Boats and a Personal Aircraft. Your retirement income, from pensions, investments and income generated outside of Belize, is exempt from all taxes and levies. Ounce you have finished the paperwork and settled into your new home, you can begin enjoying the many natural wonders and the diversity of cultures in Belize.
Where to Go
By far and away, the allure of real estate in Belize is beachfront property. You can choose between luxurious condos or beachfront acreages. Although prices are still very accessible, real estate values have steadily increased, making buying property a solid investment as well.
Ambergris Caye: In terms of real estate, this island is the most popular with constant development along the stretches of beach on the north of the island. A range of very luxurious condos are available as well as beachfront acreages where you can build your own home. Spectacular sunsets and the iridescent Caribbean await you on this tropical paradise.
Placencia: The spectacular coastal beaches of this peninsula have quickly gained popularity as prime real estate. Prices are generally lower and even more accessible than in Ambergris Caye. Luxurious condos and beachfront acreages are available. You will fall in love with the tranquil atmosphere and spectacular sunsets on this peninsula.
