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Belize Customs & Import Duties

Belize Customs & Import Duties Belize imposes import duties on a wide range of goods that are imported into the country. The import duty rates can vary depending on the type of goods, their value, and their country of origin. Here are some of the main categories of goods and their corresponding import duty rates in Belize: 1. Food and agricultural products: Import duties on food and agricultural products can vary depending on the type of product. For example, import duties on meat products can range from 10% to 40%, while duties on fruits and vegetables are generally lower, ranging from 0% to 25%. 2. Vehicles: Import duties on vehicles can be high, with rates ranging from 45% to 72% depending on the type of vehicle, its value, and its age. 3. Electronics and appliances: Import duties on electronics and appliances can range from 0% to 40%, depending on the type of product and its value. 4. Clothing and textiles: Import duties on clothing and textiles can range from 5% to 30%, de...

Belize Secret Beach Real Estate Investment

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WHY HAS SECRET BEACH AND AMBERGRIS CAYE’S WEST COAST BECOME THE TOP GROWTH AREAS WITHIN BELIZE? Ambergris Caye Belize Thirty years ago, the main industry on Ambergris Caye was the same as it had always been. A sleepy fishing village built along the island’s eastern coast only a few hundred yards from the world’s second-largest barrier reef, the fishermen would rise with the sun and set out in their boats before the dawn had even reached the island’s barely populated western side. In the time since then, the island of Ambergris Caye has changed dramatically, with its primary industry switching from fishing to tourism as more and more people discovered Belize and word got out. San Pedro Town (the island’s central hub entirely contained on the east coast and interior lagoon of the island) has grown to become a fully developed municipality, with a bustling downtown and booming tourist economy. Unlike those fishermen who lived along the eastern shore, the tourism market values sunsets o...

Belize Land & Land Titles

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Foreigners and Non-Belizeans are able to purchase land, real estate, and property in Belize. The full title of the land and property is granted to non-Belizeans just the same as it is given to Belizean nationals. Belize is one of the only countries in the region with fee-simple land title ownership and full-foreign ownership. Even though Belize has full foreign ownership and foreigners are able to own Belize land with a fee-simple title, there are a few types of Belize property ownership that buyers and investors should be aware of and not all types of property ownership in Belize are equal. In Belize, when you buy land that has a title, the original or certified copies of Belize land documents registered with the Lands Department are issued as proof of ownership. The land title will have either the owner’s name or a corporate entity (like Chapter 250 or IBC). In Belize, for a land transaction to take place proof of ownership is required. When buying Belize Real Estate, it is advise...

Buying Real Estate in Belize Process

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Buying Real Estate in Belize Process Posted on January 16, 2023By Dustin RennieIn Belize Property, Belize Real Estate, Investing in Belize Belize Real Estate Buying Belize Real Estate is very easy and the process is much like in North America (USA & Canada). Belize is one of the few countries in Central America & the Caribbean where foreigners enjoy the same property ownership right as nationals in land ownership and tenure. When a foreigner buys property in Belize, they own it outright with a fee-simple land title. The preferred practice of owning Belize real estate is through a fee-simple title which is clear title freehold ownership. Foreigners can own property in Belize as an individual or through a Belize Chapter 250 (Limited Liability Company) or with an International Business Company (IBC). A property (like Belize land) will have a title that would be issued by the lands department. Condominiums in Belize are purchased through a “Strata” title or co-op share ownershi...

8 Reasons to Buy Overseas Real Estate Right Now

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Home Investing in Belize 8 Reasons to Buy Overseas Real Estate Right Now Posted on January 25, 2023By Dustin RennieIn Investing in Belize 8 Reasons to Buy Overseas Real Estate Luigi Wewege President, Caye International Bank There was an upturn of 3.2% in the GDP figures in the third quarter of 2022, but the change is unremarkable. Despite indications of growth in some economic activities, most economists suggest the economy will continue to slow for at least the next few months. Financial markets and other investments in the US, including property markets, remain unpredictable, creating a demand for more tangible assets and the diversification provided by overseas real estate. The Bureau of Economic Analysis readings for the third quarter showed a +3.2% change in the US GDP in the third quarter, compared to -0.6% in the second quarter. Despite growth in some economic activities like industrial production, retail sales, and job growth, many economists still fear the possibility of a ...

The Exodus of Americans Moving to Belize

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Every year, more-and-more people are looking at investing and relocating off-shore. Whether it is for lifestyle or retirement, Americans & Canadians are rethinking their lives and where in the world would provide the best future. This is shown by the recent migration stats. Americans & Canadians are leaving their home countries and seeking foreign visas in record numbers, according to immigration lawyers and expatriate organizations. Belize saw an unprecedented number of Americans not only inquiring about Belize real estate but also following through on their pledge and taking the steps to leave over the last 3-years (2020, 2021 & 2022). This is seen by the growth in the expat population on Ambergris Caye over recent years. The number of Americans who were recorded as having given up their citizenship or U.S. residency soared to 5,816 in the first six months of 2020, compared with 2,072 in all of 2019, according to data from the Internal Revenue Service. Dan Prescher, t...

Belize Currency

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The official currency used in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD; symbol BZ$). The Belize Dollar has a fixed exchange rate of 2:1 with USD ($2 Belize = $1 US Dollar). The Belize currency at an exchange rate of $2 BZD to $1 USD can be exchanged at most banks and hotels in Belize. There are not as many ATMs in Belize as people are used to at home. The ATMs in Belize generally accept most foreign cards (Canada & US). It is also important to note that when you are in Belize that the majority of businesses accept Credit Cards (MasterCard, Visa, and some AMEX). US dollars are also universally accepted in Belize at a rate of $1 US to $2 BZ, MasterCard. Tourism is the number one industry in Belize and most of our tourists are from America. Because of this, almost every business accepts USD, and having a pegged currency makes it easy. If you are traveling to Belize, you are able to use your US cash everywhere and there are ATM machines available that dispense in Belize Dollars. The Central ...