Chance D says:
My wife and I are about to be empty nesters and we are currently researching living in Belize. We’re still relatively young—I’m 50 and she’s 42—and wish to seek work once there. I’m a HVAC technician by trade. Is there a demand for such services in Belize?
IL Belize Correspondent Shane Kenny Says:
Hi Chance,
Working in Belize is possible, but there are rules you need to follow. Before gaining permanent residency, you’ll need to apply for a work permit (officially called a Temporary Employment Permit or TEP). This can be done online here.
Once approved, the cost is $1,500 per year. To get approved, you need to prove is that you are not taking a job away from a Belizean.
Good, quality HVAC technicians are needed, especially in Placencia where I live, so you may be able to prove you have a skill that is hard to find in Belize.
However, the best route would be to establish an HVAC business with plans to hire, and train, Belizeans in the trade. I’d suspect you’ll have little issue getting a TEP with a business plan like that.
If you’re serious about finding work or starting a business in Belize, I’d recommend you pick up a copy of Escape to Belize. Chapter 9 goes into detail about work permits, registering a business, taxes, and everything else you’ll need to know.
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