BelizeBusiness and self-employment

Belize investor visa (temporary residence)

Temporary Residence for investors

In short

Belize's Temporary Residence status is for people who have made, or are making, a substantial commercial investment in Belize but cannot meet the ordinary permanent residence rules because of commitments abroad. Applicants show investments in Belize worth at least BZ$500,000, evidence of a residence in Belize and a police record from their last country of residence. The status is granted for one year and is renewable at the end of each year, and the spouse and children can be included in the application.

Apply on Belize Immigration and Nationality Department checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Validity: One year, renewable
Funds required: BZD 500,000Value of investments in Belize.
Family: Spouse and children can be included
Where to apply: Immigration Office authorised to accept residence applications

Who it is for

Belize offers two residence statuses. Permanent residence is for people making Belize their home after a year of legal residence. Temporary residence is for those who have made, or are in the process of making, a substantial commercial investment in Belize but, because of commitments outside the country, cannot meet the ordinary permanent residence conditions, such as not leaving Belize for more than 14 days in the qualifying year.

The key requirement is evidence of investments in Belize valued at not less than BZ$500,000. The status lasts one year and becomes renewable at the end of that period.

Documents

Submit a valid passport from your country of citizenship; a police record from your last country of residence, valid six months from the application date; a letter to the Director of the Nationality and Passports Department explaining why you request temporary residence; evidence of residence in Belize, either a rental or lease agreement with a utility bill or a property title with the municipal property tax assessment; and evidence of investments of at least BZ$500,000.

Investment evidence can include real estate titles, business or personal bank statements, a company registration certificate or other proof of ownership or a controlling interest in a company, a trade licence, social security registration, general sales tax returns and income tax returns.

Required documents

Identity

Valid passport

Money

Evidence of investments in Belize worth at least BZ$500,000

Other

Police record from the last country of residence (valid six months)
Letter to the Director explaining the request
Lease and utility bill, or property title and tax assessment

Procedure

Residence applications are submitted at an Immigration Office authorised to accept them. The general residence process includes an interview with Immigration within two weeks of submission, a home interview by the Police Special Branch within three months, vetting by the Nationality Department and, after approval, payment and a security bond, with the card collected in Belmopan about five weeks after payment. The Immigration Department does not publish a separate fee for temporary residence.

Make the investment and gather title, bank and company evidence.
Secure a residence in Belize and keep the lease or title.
Submit the application with the letter to the Director.
Renew the status each year.

Including family

If you qualify for temporary residence, you may include your spouse and children in your application. Prepare their passports and the marriage and birth certificates, translated into English if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

What investment does Belize require for temporary residence?

Investments in Belize valued at not less than BZ$500,000.

How long is temporary residence valid?

One year, renewable at the end of each year.

Why choose temporary rather than permanent residence?

It suits investors whose commitments abroad prevent them from meeting the one-year residence and 14-day absence limit required for permanent residence.

Can my spouse and children be included?

Yes. If you qualify for temporary residence, your spouse and children can be included in the same application.

How do I prove that I live in Belize?

With a rental or lease agreement and a utility bill, or with a property title and the municipal property tax assessment.

How old can the police record be?

It must come from your last country of residence and is valid for six months from the date of application.

Official sources

Belize Immigration – Residence: do you qualify · checked 24 October 2026
Belize Immigration – Documents you need for temporary residence · checked 24 October 2026
Belize Immigration – Residence process · checked 24 October 2026

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.