Belize family visa (Dependent's Permit)

The permit may be issued to a person residing in Belize who is of retirement age (55 years or older), a disabled person or a child under five. The application must be made by a resident of Belize who can provide adequate accommodation, and the dependant must be an immediate family member.

The Immigration Department's table lists the dependant types and proof: spouse, stated as "wife only", with the marriage certificate; a child with the child's birth certificate; a parent with the sponsor's birth certificate; and siblings with both birth certificates. A sibling under 18 also needs a letter of authority from the child's parents.

Bring a letter of financial support with a BZ$1.50 stamp, two photographs, the birth or marriage certificate (translated if not in English), a letter of authority where needed, the applicant's valid passport, the sponsor's identification, a recent bank statement if requested, an employment letter identifying the employer, a copy of the sponsor's work permit or residence and, for business owners, the registration and detailed extract from the business registry (BCCAR).

Fees in force since 1 May 2020 are BZ$200 for all nationals other than those listed for higher fees (BZ$3,000 for the People's Republic of China and BZ$750 for India, Nepal, Thailand, Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). The application is processed on submission and a Dependent Permit sticker is placed in the dependant's passport.

Family members who do not fit the dependant criteria may apply for a family reunification visa, which the Immigration Department lists among its visa types for people coming to remain with family indefinitely, or later for permanent residence, where only a legally married spouse can be included on the same application and common-law partners apply separately.