Belize: Little Country, Big Wonders
For a small country, Belize makes a huge impression. Long renowned for offshore waters that are a crystal clear wonderland of marine life and island splendor, Belize is now appreciated for life on land as well. People are discovering that the oceanic delights that are hallmarks of this pristine Central American democracy-anchored by the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, a 186-mile-stretch of unspoiled underwater treasure-are mirrored onshore.
Belize is an English-speaking country with a British heritage, a peaceful history, and fascinating Mayan archeological sites.
The unrivalled diving and crystalline waters have drawn international acclaim for decades, but they merely scratched the surface of what Belize offers.
Placencia: A Cultural and Colorful Escape
Founded by English buccaneers in the 1600's, the village of Placencia is located at the end of a 23-mile road that defines the Placencia Peninsula. The Peninsula is actually comprised of three distinct villages, the communities of Maya Beach, Seine Bight and Placencia. World renowned for its mile-long stretch of concrete sidewalk referred to by The Guinness Book of Records as "the narrowest main street in the world," the village lies just west of the Barrier reef. With countless dive shops, tour companies, gift shops, bars and restaurants, there is a little something for everyone in Placencia.
Placencia is easily accessible by road and air from Belize City.
Opportunities to Invest in Belize
The government of Belize provides an enabling environment for private enterprise. A series of legislation was enacted to allow for a range of incentives for those looking to invest in Belize. The conditions to qualify for the different incentives vary, as do the investment incentives themselves. For example, a tax holiday, import duty exemption, or a combination of both can be implemented. Benefits, however, are dependent upon the type of incentive awarded to the potential investor. The government supports joint venture and partnership investments as a preferred mechanism, however it also allows 100 percent foreign ownership of an enterprise.
Should you be interested in learning more about investment opportunities, please ask your Peninsula Club sales agent. We have several key contacts within the country that may help you.
Retirement without Retiring
Belize's low cost of living is enough to make it one of the world's great retirement havens, but it also offers incentives to expatriates who want to retire in Belize.
Called the Retirement Persons Program, the plan is just one of the ways that Belize lets you keep more of your assets. The best part is that you don't actually have to be retired or even of retirement age. You must be age 45 or older, have a monthly income of at least $2,000, and comply with several minor requirements. To make this program even more enticing, you must live in Belize for only one month a year!
Should you be interested in learning more about retiring in Belize, please ask your Peninsula Club sales agent. We have key contacts within the country that may help you.
IBC: Asset Protection and Tax Minimization
International Business Companies (IBC's) incorporated in Belize are often used by high net worth individuals to lease and own property, estate planning, tax optimization and also in conjunction with trust and by international companies in cross border transactions. An IBC is a tax-free and exchange control-free Limited Liability Company, incorporated under the laws of Belize.
For information on IBC's in Belize, please click here.
