"Brits are among the most popular nationality to retire in Belize. It is easy to purchase property, especially since Belize laws and legal systems are patterned after the British system and business is conducted in English. The visa system is also very simple and straightforward.’’  Under the retirement scheme, foreigners are free from taxes on all income derived from sources outside Belize, whether such income is earned or passive, and whether or not it is remitted to Belize.  Although it is not necessary to be retired, those moving to the country must be aged at least 45 and have adequate resources to deposit a monthly income of $2,000 or more a month - which would typically be pension income or annuity.  However, the Belize Tourist Board (www.travelbelize.org) has accepted that since many expats do not have pensions, they can make a single $24,000 deposit once a year or pay it in monthly installments.  On top of the tax benefits, qualifying expats can also import a specified amount of personal and household goods as well as a car or boat, without having to pay import duties or other taxes on goods, up to the value of $15,000.  Belize-based international property guru Macarena Rose (www.macarenarose.com) said: "The British always have found Belize a lateral move from the UK and in the past 18 months, I have seen a rise in British expats coming in to buy to live. Prior to this, they were buying second homes and investment rental units.’’  View a picture gallery of Belize luxury homes here.
An incentive programme is encouraging Britons over the age of 45 to move to   the central American country of Belize in increasing numbers.