The Independent Means Visa in Belize offers residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income from foreign sources.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Belize provides a pathway to residency for individuals with stable foreign-sourced passive income. This program is designed to attract retirees, digital nomads, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a tropical paradise with a low cost of living and favorable tax regime.
Overview
A pathway to residency for qualified individuals with passive income in Belize
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals aged 45 or older with passive income from a foreign source
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
Annual renewal required
Months to Visa
3-4 months
Physical Presence Requirement
30 consecutive days per year
Availability
High
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application to the Belize Tourism Board
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
The processing time is typically 3-4 months from the point of submission.
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children under 18 in your application.
What types of income qualify as passive income?
Passive income can include pensions, annuities, Social Security benefits, investment accounts, and other forms of regular income not derived from employment in Belize.
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
The residency permit must be renewed annually, typically by December 31st of each year.
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Belizean citizenship?
Yes, visa holders can apply for Belizean citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency, subject to meeting other requirements.
benefits
The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Belize's vibrant and welcoming environment.
English-speaking Caribbean country
Beautiful natural environment
Relatively low cost of living
Fast Processing Time
No minimum investment required
Average monthly income requirement
Visa-Free Travel Countries
88
Passport Validity
10 years, 5 years for children
Overview
Belize offers a high quality of life, attractive tax regime, and welcoming environment for foreign residents.Benefits:
Advantages:
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
The processing time is typically 3-4 months from the point of submission.
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children under 18 in your application.
What types of income qualify as passive income?
Passive income can include pensions, annuities, Social Security benefits, investment accounts, and other forms of regular income not derived from employment in Belize.
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
The residency permit must be renewed annually, typically by December 31st of each year.
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Belizean citizenship?
Yes, visa holders can apply for Belizean citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency, subject to meeting other requirements.
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Independent Means Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their stable passive income.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport
Proof of Age: Applicants must be 45 years of age or older
Proof of property ownership in Belize is not required, but applicants must provide an intended address
A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through a police record from the last country of residence
Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in Belize+Proof of Income or Wealth: Bank statements showing a monthly income of at least $2,000 USD from a pension, annuity, or other stable source; Or proof of annual income of at least $24,000 USD.
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
165
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
Program Stability
Based on years of activity
Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
Rankings
Safety
Cost of Living
Quality of Life
Healthcare Quality
113
Internet Speed
104
Human Freedom
81
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