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Belize — Digital Nomad Visa: Work & live in the Caribbean with the “Work Where You Vacation” program

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Live and work in Belize: the best of both worlds

Belize isn’t only turquoise waters, barrier reefs, and lush jungle. For digital nomads, it’s a hidden gem: English as the official language, close to the U.S., a more affordable cost of living than many Caribbean islands, and a government-backed path to work remotely from paradise. Below is everything you need—what the program is, who runs it, requirements, and how to apply smoothly.

What is “Work Where You Vacation”?

Launched in 2021, Belize’s program invites remote professionals and families to live legally in the country while working online for foreign employers or clients.

Stay length: up to 6 months, with the option to extend.

Who regulates and processes it?

The program is promoted by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and coordinated with the Belize Immigration & Nationality Department. Applications are handled online via BTB guidance and finalized with Immigration upon entry.

The program operates under Belize’s long-stay tourism/remote-work policy framework published by BTB in 2021 and administered in coordination with Immigration for entry permits.

Duration & extensions

  • Initial approval: up to 6 months.
  • Extension: you may re-apply for a further period through BTB/Immigration.

Core requirements

To qualify, you’ll generally need to show:

  • Minimum income: USD 75,000/year (individual) or USD 100,000/year (with family).
  • Remote work proof: contract with a foreign employer or freelance activity with non-Belize clients.
  • Health insurance valid in Belize.
  • Valid passport (≥ 6 months).
  • Clean criminal record from your country of residence.
Always check the latest instructions with BTB and Immigration before applying:
• TravelBelize (Belize Tourism Board — Official)
• Belize Immigration & Nationality Department

Step-by-step application

  1. Complete the online BTB application and upload supporting docs (passport, income proof, remote-work evidence, health insurance, police certificate).
  2. Pay the application fee (around USD 500).
  3. Wait for approval (typical cases: 2–4 weeks).
  4. Travel to Belize and register with Immigration to receive your official permission for the approved period.
  5. Re-apply if you want to extend your stay.

Why Belize? Key advantages

  • English-speaking Caribbean country.
  • Family-friendly (dependents can be included).
  • Lower living costs than many island nations.
  • Stable connectivity in urban/tourist hubs.
  • A rich mix of Caribbean & Maya culture.

Official references (save these)

The QUESTRAVEL experience

At QUESTRAVEL, we’ve helped clients choose Belize as their first Caribbean base. The #1 success factor is clear income proof presented exactly as authorities expect, followed by a clean, well-organized application. We guide you through the BTB submission, insurance selection, and Immigration check-in so your approval stays on track.

💡 Thinking about Belize? Book a session at fromquestravel.com and we’ll map your end-to-end plan—documents, timelines, family add-ons, and city/coast recommendations to fit your lifestyle.

Updated on: 03/11/2025