With a population of under 330,000 people, it’s fair to believe that 90 percent of Belize’s businesses are small or micro, making it an ideal place for an international venture. Newcomers here own and operate a range of businesses.
Not only that, but due to the benefits that Belize offers its employees, many foreigners travel to Belize every year in quest of work. Furthermore, registering for a Belize work permit and receiving one is simpler than in most other nations.
If you are not a legal citizen of Belize, you will need employment permission. Self-employment visas are the quickest to obtain because you will be viewed as having a business that will generate revenue and employ Belizeans. A basic employment permit will be required by your potential supervisor. Before a visa is issued, the employer must show that it tried but failed to find a permanent citizen to fill the position.
There are numerous job options in Belize. You can teach English to Belize citizens who are not native English speakers if you are a native English speaker. You could potentially work for a non-profit organization or a private firm.
Types of work visas in Belize
Belize has only one sort of work visa, however, it can be obtained in two ways: through self-employment or regular employment. Both scenarios have the same application process, but the documentation that applicants must submit is slightly different. The visa is likewise for a year and must be renewed every year.
Self-employment work visas are for those who want to start and run their own business in the country. This visa should be applied for as part of your expansion plan, and you should include your registration and trade license with your application.
Non-nationals who wish to work in the country must obtain regular employment work permits. In this case, applicants must send a job offer and a cover letter with their application. A person must fit into a specific work category to be eligible for the permit.
Requirements to obtain Belize work visas
You can choose to handle your employee’s work visa application as an international employer, but you are not compelled to. The following items are required of applicants:
- A passport that is up to date
- Copies of their biographical information pages
- Three passport photos in duplicate
- A police report from Belize from the previous six months
- A letter of employment from you
- A recommendation letter from a relevant ministry or local group participating in the occupational category
- Relevant Certificates
- Three newspaper clippings from job advertisements.
The permit’s duration and price are determined by the applicant’s occupation.
Officials from the government want to make sure you’ve done everything you can to fill your positions with nationals. Before asking for the services of a nonnational, you should have listed your open position for at least three weeks, according to the job advertisement clippings.
The Department of Immigration and Nationality also wants to make sure the applicant is trustworthy and has the abilities required for the job. To confirm this, the department frequently requests police reports, training certificates, and confirmations from other parties.
Application process
Getting a job offer and gathering all of the relevant materials are the first steps in the application process. A police record and a letter of recommendation from the relevant ministry should be obtained by applicants. Individuals must also obtain a reference from an organization in their field of employment, such as a national association or a business group.
Once the applicant has gathered all of the required documentation, they can send them to the Department of Immigration and Nationality along with a completed application. Processing could take anything from a few weeks to several months. After receiving their permit, the candidate can begin working lawfully in the country.
Other important considerations
A police record from the country during the previous six months is required as part of the application process. Applicants must first remain in the nation for the required time before applying for a work permit. During this time, the individual must hold a tourist visa, which must be renewed monthly.
If the candidate plans to stay in the country for more than a year, they may choose to apply for permanent residency. They must dwell in the country for one year without leaving for more than 14 days to be eligible for this documentation. Permanent residents in Belize are exempt from the need for a work permit, which might save money on annual renewal payments.