Belize QRP Retirement Residency (40+, $2,000/month income)

Overview

Belize Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program for US citizens 40 and older (the minimum age was lowered from 45 to 40 by the 2023 program amendments). Requires proof of US$2,000/month (or US$24,000/year) in income generated outside Belize — deposits accepted in USD, GBP, EUR, or CAD. Full tax exemption in Belize on foreign-sourced income; you retain your US passport.

Program fees (per the Belize Tourism Board):

  • US$150 application/program fee
  • US$1,000 per applicant
  • US$750 per dependent
  • US$200 per QRP ID card
  • Renewal: US$25/year for the ID card

General requirements

This section details essential requirements for Belize as a destination for US citizens:

  • Valid US passport (at least 6 months validity)
  • Income/investment proof per visa category
  • FBI criminal background check (apostilled)
  • Medical exam (some countries)
  • Initial financial proof

Step-by-step process

  1. Apply at Belize’s consulate in US or in-country directly
  2. Initial entry visa: valid 60-180 days depending on country
  3. Local procedures once in Belize
  4. Temporary residency: typically 1-2 years renewable
  5. Permanent residency after qualifying period
  6. Citizenship: available in some countries (varies)

US tax obligations as expat

⚠️ Critical: as US citizen, you remain obligated to file US federal taxes.

  • Form 1040 annual with worldwide income
  • FEIE Form 2555: exclude up to $132,900 (tax year 2026) if residing abroad
  • Foreign Tax Credit Form 1116: avoid double taxation
  • FBAR FinCEN Form 114: if foreign accounts >$10K aggregated
  • FATCA Form 8938: if assets >$50K (single) / $100K (married)

See: US obligations abroad

Services and banking

As expat in Belize, consider:

  • Local bank account (for daily expenses)
  • Maintain US account (for Social Security, Medicare)
  • International transfers: use Wise (1% excise tax applies after Dec 2025)
  • Credit card: many US ones don’t work; get country one

Healthcare

Medicare generally does NOT cover in Belize. Options:

  • Local insurance: country’s national coverage
  • International insurance (Cigna Global, AXA): worldwide coverage
  • Traveler’s private insurance (short term)

Last verified: 2026-06-11.

General information — not legal advice. Consult immigration attorney in destination country for specific cases.