My girlfriend and myself are wanting to move to Belize. I would like any information from anyone living in Belize. Mostly general stuff such as the job market (I am a maintenance technician at a skylight factory), cost of living, housing, laws, etc. Pretty much any information would be appreciated. If you would like to exchange emails send me a private message, otherwise just respnd to this thread. Thanks

Welcome to the forum
What made you decide on Belize, just out of interest?

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I commend you on your goal. But if you have never been to Belize, you may be in for a shock. First, you mentioned you wanted to know about the job market. Getting a work permit will be a challenge because the job market is practically non-existant. Doesn't mean you can't find something, but it will be tough. Next, the pay probably won't be anything close to what you think you are worth. Even if you have a specialty. If you can come down for just one month and be able to support yourself for that long without employment, you will get a really good idea of what the culture and lifestyle is like. Then you can make a more valued judgement on living in Belize. It's really more for the Retirement crowd who have the resources to linger without having to work. Now, if you can start a business and put Belizeans to work ... now we're talking. Providing jobs for others is really your ticket down here.
Best of luck though
Billbert

I have nothing definitive to add, but I did have a long discussion with a young American waiter about how he ended up with residency there.

He got residency by extending his tourist visa every month for a year, paying a small fee, then applying for residency and paying another, larger fee.

He supported himself on what he earned in the tourist season on Caye Caulker. Off season, he traveled around the country training waiters. He made a little money, and felt he was giving back to the country because waiters get no professional training whatsoever there.

There is a retirement program there. Check the Belize embassy website.

Stravinsky, I knew a woman who went to Belize on vacation, met a nice resident, got married and never came back. She is a hair dresser on Amburgis Caye. I have since lost the means of contacting her. As to why I chose Belize, I am just looking for an out-of-the-way place where it's warm all the time and outside of the US.
Bilbert, Thanks for the info. I wasn't expecting it to be easy. Nothing good ever is. I'm not looking for a high paying career. We just need enough to get by.
Cynthia, Thank you for your input also. Any information is helpful. I don't have any experience as a waiter, but I can fix boat motors. Is there a fishing industry down there.

BREEZE
I think I can help you. I am also an immigrant to belize since 1995. But since then I have been a leader on several issues in Belize. My name is stephen Okeke. Anyone who has been listening to the news over the years will certainly be familiar with the name. So I am a real person, not an electronic one.

If you want to know how to find work in Belize, or how to start a small business in Belize, I can help you as well. I have an advising business called "Belize Small Business and Career Advising Services." I have also written several books, including, "The Psychology of the Belize Market place --- How to succeed in small business in Belize." I also host a Talk-Show on Love FM that comes up every monday night at 8PM titled "Business Hour."

I can help you understand the psychology of the situation, the dynamics of the market and business place, and the politics of governance. I am also the author of "The Psychology of Belize Politics... II." if you will be interested in employing young people, I can also help you. I am the author of the book, "Understanding the Problems of Belizeans Youths... "

I own a number of businesses in Belize (SNIP) I also have businesses I establish to sell to people who come to Belize to start a new lease on life. Just contact me, and destiny may have brougt us together.

I have been looking for a forum like this, and am happy I found this opportunity to help those who may want to come to Belize to live or retire. The opportunities in Belize are endless. I have discovered many of them, and have spent the past several years sharing them with Belizeans and immigrants alike.

(SNIP)

All these writing is to give you the confidence that I can help all those Americans and others who seek to come to Belize. Let me be your point man.

... if that is possible.

I have never been to Belize. But I plan to visit for a month (or so), probably
within the next 6 months, to check it out. There are several good reasons
why my wife and are are seriously considering living in Belize part time, as
well as moving my business there.

I don't want to break the forum rules by posting my email address, links
to information about my business etc., and I haven't figured out how to
send a private message...

If you are willing to spend a few minutes with me, and you can send me a
message, we can set up a time to talk.

I live in Portland, oregon, so I am on US Pacific time.

Thanks in advance!

Tim

Belize is a laid back country. And the immigration laws are very friendly. Almost anybody can come here and live happily and comfortably depending on your aspiration and priorities. They are so many opportunities in Belize waiting to be explored. But for you to do so successfully, you have to understand and respect the culture. If you come in to fight with Belizeans over the small opportunities available to them already, you are in for a shock and neither being fair to them nor to yourself. But if you come to Belize with something to do, you can grow very rich with hang-ons that comes with growing rich in Belize. Call me for a chat. Wish you the best.

Hi Stephen,

I've been trying to call you. I found a couple of phone numbers for you
on a google search. But no luck.

I also found a yahoo email address for you on the Belize Chamber of
Commerce site. So I sent an email to you at that address. I've included
brief details about my situation.

Looking forward to hearing from you. And thanks for getting back to me
so quickly. It is much appreciated!

Tim

Hi,

I am a single mom of an advanced 14 year old son. I am currently
thinking of selling our home and renting a place on one of the Cayes
for a year. I am a real estate broker and also recently completed a
Luxury Home Ceritification course.

I would have enough to get by for a year, but after that I would
need to be emplyed in some field (I also have a travel agency license
and a travel club) by the end of the first year.

I have many concerns as a single mom. Any advice you could offer
would be deeply appreciated! please e-mail me directly or copy me
at april at thrillseekerstravel dot com.

Blessings,
April







I think I can help you. I am also an immigrant to belize since 1995. But since then I have been a leader on several issues in Belize. My name is stephen Okeke. Anyone who has been listening to the news over the years will certainly be familiar with the name. So I am a real person, not an electronic one.

If you want to know how to find work in Belize, or how to start a small business in Belize, I can help you as well. I have an advising business called "Belize Small Business and Career Advising Services." I have also written several books, including, "The Psychology of the Belize Market place --- How to succeed in small business in Belize." I also host a Talk-Show on Love FM that comes up every monday night at 8PM titled "Business Hour."

I can help you understand the psychology of the situation, the dynamics of the market and business place, and the politics of governance. I am also the author of "The Psychology of Belize Politics... II." if you will be interested in employing young people, I can also help you. I am the author of the book, "Understanding the Problems of Belizeans Youths... "

I own a number of businesses in Belize (SNIP) I also have businesses I establish to sell to people who come to Belize to start a new lease on life. Just contact me, and destiny may have brougt us together.

I have been looking for a forum like this, and am happy I found this opportunity to help those who may want to come to Belize to live or retire. The opportunities in Belize are endless. I have discovered many of them, and have spent the past several years sharing them with Belizeans and immigrants alike.

(SNIP)

All these writing is to give you the confidence that I can help all those Americans and others who seek to come to Belize. Let me be your point man.[/QUOTE]