{"id":10619,"date":"2017-03-30T09:00:23","date_gmt":"2017-03-30T13:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=10619"},"modified":"2021-02-06T12:37:54","modified_gmt":"2021-02-06T17:37:54","slug":"type-business-start-belize-businesses-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/type-business-start-belize-businesses-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"What Type Of Business Should You Start In Belize And What Businesses To Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Type Of Business Should You Start In Belize And What Businesses To Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Belize is a top destination for American expats. Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) is one of my favorite spots on the planet to write, so I understand the pull of Belize. But, it\u2019s not that easy to start a business here. In fact, it can be damned hard. <\/span><\/p>\n

Where I start is with internet connectivity. Transfer speeds are 3 years behind the United States. So, if you\u2019re looking at enough bandwidth to send emails, post to your WordPress site, and transfer files. Belize will suffice. You won\u2019t be able to run a site from Belize and video conferencing can be a real pain in the rear. <\/span><\/p>\n

Skype voice will work ok, as will WhatsApp video chat. Group video chat is risky, as bandwidth fluctuates. Again, internet connectivity is behind the times, but sufficient for writers, publishers, and those of us who run our kingdoms from a laptop. <\/span><\/p>\n

I should also point out that Belize is quite strict about its employment laws. Immigration agents often go around asking American looking persons (those not in shorts and flip flops) if they\u2019re working. If you say yes, and can\u2019t produce a work permit, you\u2019ll be taken off to immigration jail until a fine is paid. <\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve seen several immigration raids in Belize over the years. So, if you have interns or non-Belizean employees, keep things on the down-low. <\/span><\/p>\n

The businesses I recommend for Belize<\/a> are portable and online companies. Especially internet marketing (affiliate, PPC, SEO, etc) and those providing a service from Belize to companies or persons outside of Belize. I have included a list of popular service businesses below. <\/span><\/p>\n

The businesses I don\u2019t recommend for Belize is anything where you\u2019re selling to locals, operating a restaurant or bar, hotels, etc. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sure, there are many such businesses on the Island of San Pedro<\/a>, but those successfully run by foreigners are few are far between. <\/span><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t tell you how many times I\u2019ve seen Americans move to Belize,<\/a> open a restaurant with no previous experience, and go home broke 3 or 6 months later. <\/span><\/p>\n

Operating a business from Belize<\/a> that sells to locals or tourists is extremely difficult. The government puts up all kinds of barriers and really doesn\u2019t want you here. \u00a0For example, I met a retired military guy who had opened a little cafe near the airport 4 months ago. Banks refused to give him a credit card terminal, so he can only accept cash. Business from locals is zero, so he\u2019s really hurting. <\/span><\/p>\n

Then there are currency issues. All local business must be done in Belizean dollars. Conversions to US dollars are closely regulated by the central bank. This means that a business selling to locals will earn Belizean dollars, which can only be spent in the country. <\/span><\/p>\n

For this reason, internet marketers hold their cash outside of Belize, most of the time in Panama. They open a personal account in Belize and transfer only what they need into the country. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>My next suggestion is that you should get residency in Belize if you will spend more than 90 days in the country. If you\u2019re over 45, check out the QRP program. Otherwise, there are a number of low-cost investment options that will get you residency. <\/span><\/p>\n

Again, immigration can be a real pain in the rear. Avoid the nightmare by getting a residency permit. If you will hire employees, you\u2019ll also need a work visa and other permits. <\/span><\/p>\n

112: Going Global \u2013 Best of 2020<\/a><\/p>\n

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List of Suggested Businesses to Operate from Belize:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As I said above, <\/span>the best bet is for your business to be providing a service from Belize to people and\/or companies outside of Belize<\/span>. So, internet marketing, lead generation, call centers, import and wholesale of goods, software development, etc. are all good candidates. Here are the most popular businesses in Belize. <\/span><\/p>\n