Citizenship vs. Residency.
It is important to note that there is a difference between Residency and Citizenship. Obtaining residency from either the Qualified Retiree Program (QRP) or the Permanent Residency Program (PR) will allow you to remain in Belize as a resident. However, Citizenship is different, and while these residency programs will afford you some of the same rights enjoyed by citizens, there are a few exceptions that will depend on your country of origin.
How To Obtain Belizean Citizenship.
Obtaining Belize citizenship can be done in a couple of ways depending on your personal situation and relationship to belize.
Through Participation in the Residency Program.
If you have obtained permanent residency, and have lived in the country for at least five years. You will be eligible to apply for citizenship for you, your spouse, and any children that are 18 years old or younger.
Apply for citizenship by descent.
If you have family members who are Belizean citizens, you may qualify to apply for citizenship by descent even before you move to Belize (Even if they are deceased). You will need to be able to prove with authentic original documents that these relatives were indeed legal Belizean citizens.
Marry a Belizean.
If you marry a citizen of Belize, you as well as the children of the marriage will be eligible to become a Belizean citizen, even if they are born in another country. Marriages are investigated to make sure they are not just arranged to take advantage of the system to obtain citizenship.
Some Benefits of Citizenship.
There can be a few benefits to becoming a Belizean citizen, again your country of origin will determine if citizenship is required to enjoy these benefits.
As a citizen, you can vote in Belizean elections.
NOTE: Citizens of Commonwealth countries may apply for a voters card after residing in Belize for one year and in their voting district for at least the two previous months. As Canadians we obtained our voters card even before applying for Permanent Residency. We did have to go to our local office to have it transferred when we moved to a different district (both cases took about two months).
You are eligible to hold a Belizean passport.
Dual citizenship is permitted in Belize, but it is also dependant on your native country. In some countries residents are required to give up their citizenship when they apply or when Belize citizenship is granted.
You can join the Belizean armed forces.
You become a member of CARICOM.
The Caribbean Community, (CARICOM), allows you to travel freely between member nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Again depending on your native country and your travel needs, this may be a benefit.
You can work and own a business in Belize without a work permit.
This is often listed as a benefit to having citizenship, but usually this benefit is acquired once your Permanent Residency Application has been accepted.
Tips when applying for Citizenship (or any process in Belize).
Keep your documents organized, Belizean forms require different sorts of identification and accompanying forms such as photo’s, notarized statutory declarations, etc. So it is important to maintain your files with copies and dates of individual submissions.
The application process can take some time in Belize. Due diligence in respectfully and patiently following up with agencies to ensure your application is being processed, is strongly recommended.
If you are out of the country, it is also recommended to contact the nearest Belizean Embassy if you have questions about your eligibility or the specific requirements of an application.
Always double check information on documents (for mistakes), especially those that you have brought with you from your native country. There has been a rise in falsified travel documents and passports, so the Belizean authorities have increased their vetting process and vigilance.
Be wary of so called professional facilitators that promise to get your application pushed through for a fee. Residency and Citizenship processes are straightforward, and do not require that you retain professional help. In fact the Belizean government warns that they are often scams.
Note: I said the processes are straightforward, I did not say, smooth or easy. You should be prepared even after your application is accepted, to provide additional documents and information as requested throughout the process. Also, this tip refers only to the residency/citizenship processes. I am not saying that this applies to the purchase of a business or other real property where retaining a professional is highly recommended.
Finally, as mommy always said, “honesty is the best policy”. If you, as an applicant or as a reference, are convicted of providing false information, the penalty is a $500.00 fine and/or imprisonment in Belize for one year.
I hope this helps.
