About Belize
Real Estate Tax in Belize
On the transfer of real estate, everyone in Belize pays a 5% transfer tax; non-citizens pay an additional 5%, for a total of 10%. This is usually paid by the buyer, but is negotiable. If you are a resident under the Qualified Retired Persons incentive program, the 5% on non-citizens is waived.
Property Taxes in Belize
Belize's property taxes vary but are between 1% and 1.5% of the value of the undeveloped land. In Belize, property taxes outside cities are based on land value rather than the developed value of the property, to encourage development. Property taxes on homes and other developed land even in cities are low. For example, the property tax on a four-bedroom U.S.-style home would likely be in the range of $100 to $200. There is no capital gains tax in Belize.
Income Tax in Belize
As a non-national, you will be charged income tax on income you generate in Belize. It's taxed at a rate of 25%. For residents, the first $10,000 in annual income is exempt, but, unfortunately, this exemption does not apply to non-residents. Since 2001, all foreign income is exempt from personal and business tax, as is all pension income. Qualified Retired Persons (QRPs) receive certain tax advantages.
General Information about Belize
Belize Caye Properties.com is the premium real estate office in Belize. Our listings feature home sites, commercial, recreation, ag-business sites and rainforest home sites.
Belize a retirement Paradise is a beautiful independent English speaking country in Central America off the Caribbean Sea; it has the second largest barrier reef in the world and two of the famous Blue Hole. Enjoy out of this world diving and snorkeling along Belize's 185 miles of reef, many resorts has 1 day familiarization courses. Its barrier is a registered World Heritage site. Natural resources are plentiful and some of the attractions found in Belize are Ancient Mayan ruins, pristine jungles with the endangered jaguar and Belize's other great cats: puma, jaguarundi, ocelot, and margay. Beautiful birds of Belize include toucans, great curassows, and scarlet macaws, and a vibrant marine life in its reef.
Belize has a long history of political and social stability; it has an educated, skilled, productive bilingual speaking labor force. Their educational systems consist of public and private schools at elementary, secondary, high school and college, a world accredited medical school. The Government is committed to foreign investments and are willing to accommodate potential investors on an individual basis.
The population is a nation of less than three hundred thousand friendly people, with a great deal of ethnic diversity. Belizeans can include Hispanic, Creoles (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian.
Language:
English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish. Other languages include Creole, German, Mayan and Garifuna.
Belize is only 2 hours and 15 minutes by air from Miami, Florida and Houston Texas, U.S.A. If you choose not to fly to Belize, you can always take a Cruise or even drive through Mexico (with proper documents and insurance) Most Central American countries offer direct flights to Belize, including Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica.
The International Airlines serving Belize are:
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Airlines
Taca Airlines (U.S.A. to El Salvador to Belize)
U.S. Airways
International Airport:
Philip Goldson International Airport
The best time to visit Belize is between late November and May-the dry season months. The wet season runs from June to October.
Telephone Calling Code(s): 501. Communicating with the outside world is as easy as 1, 2, and 3. High Speed Internet and email communication to and from Belize are excellent.
You can purchase a Digicell Sim card (at Belize Telephone L) with a Belize phone number and purchase a calling card ($10, $20, or $50 BZE). A GSM triband unlocked phone is good to have when visiting Belize.
Electricity: 110V, 60Hz
Currency: $1 U.S. = $2 BZE
Public Transportation:
Bus ($1 Belize and above)
Taxi ($5 to $7 Belize around the city)
Taxi to and from the International Airport is ($25 U.S.)
Caye Caulker Water Taxi ($30 Belize round trip to Caye Caulker)
Caye Caulker Water Taxi ($40 Belize round trip to San Pedro)