Belize work visa (Temporary Employment Permit)

Professional workers include managers, directors, realtors, doctors, architects, accountants and chefs; technical workers include supervisors, mechanics, electricians, welders, nursing professionals and IT technicians. Self-employed workers are business owners, directors and corporate officers. You must be residing in Belize, hold a valid passport and a Belize visa if your nationality and length of stay require one.

Annual fees in Belize dollars: professional workers with a university degree BZ$3,000; technical workers BZ$3,000; general workers and farm hands in the banana, sugar and citrus industries BZ$1,500; general workers in other industries BZ$750; self-employed owners or managers BZ$3,000; self-employed in agriculture BZ$2,000; religious, cultural, educational and voluntary workers BZ$200; import and export traders BZ$1,500; pedlars BZ$1,000; waitresses and domestic workers BZ$1,000, issued only in exceptional cases. Seasonal agricultural workers pay BZ$150 per crop season, and entertainers between BZ$600 and BZ$1,500 per week.

First, the application is submitted at a Labour Department office; employers submit on behalf of employees and self-employed people submit themselves. Second, within 30 days the Labour Department calls to inform you of the outcome; after an approval you collect the approval letter, and after a refusal you collect the denial letter and go to Immigration to update your legal status.

Third, take the approval letter to the Immigration Office near the Labour Department office where you applied; you are told the fee and asked to obtain an Income Tax letter from the Belize Tax Service. Fourth, present your valid passport, the Income Tax and Social Security letters and two 2 x 2 inch photos and pay; the permit is issued immediately once payment is confirmed, after which you apply for a Social Security card.

After at least one year of legal residence, with no more than 14 days outside Belize in that year, an employed person can apply for permanent residence, presenting an employment letter and the Social Security contribution record as proof of financial stability.