Belize permanent residence

You must have legally resided in Belize for at least one year when you apply, without leaving the country for more than 14 days in total during that year, show that you have been and will remain financially stable, and have no conviction by a court in any country for an offence carrying twelve months' imprisonment or more, unless pardoned. People who entered Belize as minors under 16 and have lived there for at least ten years, legally or not, may also apply.

Your passport must show an arrival stamp at least one year before the application; if the current passport does not, bring the previous ones. Remain legal in your current status (student, dependant or employment permit) throughout the procedure.

Submit originals and copies of: the passport, with copies of the biographic page and all visa pages including blank pages; the Residence Medical Examination Form completed by a licensed physician in Belize, plus HIV, VDRL and TB tests (for dependants aged 12 and over); a Belize police record for you and dependants aged 16 and over, valid six months; proof of financial stability, such as bank statements, an employment letter and Social Security contribution record, business licences and tax assessment, or proof of support from a sponsor with legal status; and two 2 x 2 inch photos each.

Only a legally married spouse can be included on the same application; common-law partners apply separately. A spouse adds the registered marriage certificate, and children add the birth certificate and consent from the other parent.

Permanent residence fees, in force since 1 May 2020, depend on nationality: CARICOM BZ$1,000; Central America, Mexico and the Dominican Republic BZ$1,500; Commonwealth BZ$3,000; European countries BZ$6,000; other countries BZ$4,000. The Immigration Department's country table shows which group each nationality falls into. Minors pay 50% of the adult fee for their nationality.

Submit the application at an authorised Immigration Office, which schedules an interview within two weeks for you, your spouse and your referees, who bring their identification. The Police Special Branch interviews you at home within three months after the Immigration interview. The Nationality Department vets the application under the Belize Nationality Act, and Immigration notifies you of the outcome or of any missing documents.

After approval, pay the fee at an Immigration Office and submit the security bond form with copies of your sureties' Belizean passports or voter cards. The residence card can be collected at the Belmopan office about five weeks after payment.