Belize is best place to retire in the world

January 1, 2015
by Belize Hub +

BBC just published an article entitled “The best places to retire in the world” and Belize comes highly recommended. In fact, Belize is a natural choice and who wouldn’t want to live in Belize?

Here is what the article had to say about Belize:

Culture and ease in Belize: The only country in Latin America with English as the official language, Belize is a natural choice for a growing number of retirees, attracted by its swaying palms and white sandy beaches.

With a population of just 350,000, the country is also attracting growing numbers of eco-tourists, drawn by its rainforests, Mayan ruins and the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

For retirees, there is the added pull of the country’s Qualified Retired Persons program which offers a range of tax perks, including some exemptions from import duties on household goods such as a car or boat. A qualifying person is also exempt from paying any tax in Belize on income or investments which accrue from outside the country. The main requirements are one must be older than 45 and have a monthly income in excess of $2,000.

Property prices are inexpensive compared to the mainland US, but not as affordable as some other markets in Central America. Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio recently bought an island west of Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize for a reported $1.75m . Even so, purchasing property is relatively easy with transactions conducted in English and Belize laws modelled on the British system, helping safeguard the interests of buyers.

Belize has high quality and low cost private hospitals but, for more complicated procedures, many expats choose to be treated in the US, often relying on evacuation coverage on their healthcare policies. (Thinkstock)

As soon as you decide that it is time to move to Belize, it is essential that you head right over to Orchid Bay. This resort community offers everything you could possibly need in a vacation or retirement home.