What is Belize's QRP program?

The Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program is for individuals aged 45 or older with USD 2,000/month in pension or investment income. QRP holders pay zero tax on all foreign-sourced income and can import personal effects and a vehicle duty-free.

Is Belize good for asset protection?

Yes. Belize has strong asset protection trust legislation since 1992. Belize trusts pay no income, inheritance, or estate taxes. Trust assets are protected from foreign judgments, and trust details are not on public record.

How do I get permanent residency in Belize?

You must reside in Belize for 1 year on a valid visa, then apply for permanent residency. The application fee starts from USD 1,000. After approval, you can live and work permanently, with a path to citizenship after 5 years.

Are there taxes in Belize?

Belize has no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and QRP holders pay zero tax on foreign income. International Business Companies (IBCs) are exempt from all Belizean taxes. There are no exchange controls.

How long does it take to set up a Belize trust?

A Belize international trust can be established in 1-2 weeks. Setup costs start from USD 5,000. The trust provides strong asset protection with no taxes on trust income, gains, or distributions.

All Countries

Belize

English-speaking, Caribbean-adjacent, and home to one of the world’s strongest asset protection trust frameworks. Belize offers retirement residency with zero tax on foreign income and robust offshore trust structures.

410K

Population

Belmopan

Capital

English

Language

BZD (Belize Dollar)

Currency

GMT-6

Timezone

Capital Gains Tax

Foreign Income Tax (QRP)

1-2 weeks

Trust Setup

Programs

Belize offers a unique combination of retirement residency and world-class offshore trust legislation, ideal for asset protection and tax-efficient living.

Qualified Retired Persons (QRP)

USD 2,000/yr income requirement

Processing: 1-3 months

Available to persons 45 years or older
Must demonstrate USD 2,000/month income from pension or investments
Tax-free on all foreign-sourced income
Import personal effects and vehicle duty-free
Can bring dependents (spouse and children under 18)

Permanent Residency

From USD 1,000 application fee

Processing: 3-6 months

Must reside in Belize for 1 year on a valid visa
Grants right to live and work permanently
Path to Belize citizenship after 5 years
No income requirements after approval
Can sponsor family members

International Trust

From USD 5,000 setup

Processing: 1-2 weeks

Strong asset protection legislation since 1992
No taxes on trust income, gains, or distributions
Statute of limitations on fraudulent transfers
Trust assets protected from foreign judgments
Confidential — trust details not on public record

Tax Overview

Belize is one of the few jurisdictions that combines zero capital gains tax with a robust offshore trust framework and a tax-friendly retirement visa.

No capital gains tax on any assets held inside or outside Belize.

QRP holders pay zero tax on all foreign-sourced income including pensions, dividends, and rental income.

International Business Companies (IBCs) are exempt from all Belizean taxes.

Belize trusts pay no income, inheritance, or estate taxes.

No exchange controls — freely move money in and out of the country.

General income tax applies only to Belize-sourced income (residents), with rates from 0% to 25%.

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We coordinate with licensed attorneys and trust companies in Belize to set up your residency, trust, or corporate structure.

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