Retiring in Belize When One of You Isn’t Convinced

“I really did not want to leave my house.”

Colleen Chartrand had spent 28 years in West Palm Beach, Florida, with her husband, Patrice, after moving from Montreal. She loved their home. Patrice, meanwhile, was thinking about where they would retire. Their surroundings had become busier, and he wanted a home on the water with his boat outside.

He researched several destinations. Belize appealed to him, but Colleen still needed convincing.

For couples considering retiring in Belize, that difference may sound familiar. One person is imagining the new life; the other is thinking about what they would leave behind. For Colleen, a first visit gave her something more concrete to consider.

A First Visit to Mahogany Bay

Colleen remembers stepping off the small Tropic Air plane and seeing people waving and saying hello.

“I was like, wow, this is a nice place.”

They visited the lot where they would build in Mahogany Bay on Ambergris Caye. Its number caught her attention: 128. Their Florida property had been Lot 64.

Twice 64. It was a small coincidence, but she liked it enough to remember and tell again.

There was still a house to build and a move to organize. Now, though, Colleen had impressions of her own: people she had met, a place she had visited and a property she could picture becoming home.

If you and your partner feel differently about moving to Belize, leave room in a scouting visit for both people’s interests. Tour homes, try everyday journeys and explore the things each of you would want to keep doing.

Designing a Home for Their Retirement

Colleen and Patrice had worked together in cabinetry for years, on kitchens, bathrooms, home offices and libraries. She would watch his drawings become finished rooms, helping unpack the components as they arrived on site.

Patrice had been taking notes along the way, remembering features he wanted in his own home. In Belize, they had the chance to use those ideas.

He brought experience drawing and interpreting plans, while making clear that he is not an architect. Colleen brought her own choices of colours and finishes. Both liked bold contrasts.

Their home and routine include:

• About 1,000 square feet of interior space, with additional porch and workshop space.

• A screened back porch, extending the areas where they can spend time.

• A workshop for Patrice, who still enjoys building—including planters Colleen requested.

• Tennis three mornings a week for Patrice, alongside weight training they do together.

• Regular boating and lunches out, with destinations chosen around the weather.

These details give a useful picture of living in Mahogany Bay beyond the view. When looking at a retirement property, consider where your own activities would fit: somewhere to exercise, work on a project, sit outside or spend time separately.

Settling In Took Longer Than Expected

Their house was not ready when they arrived in Belize. They rented locally while construction continued.

Patrice had anticipated possible delays, although the wait was longer than expected. Being nearby allowed them to watch the finishing work and suggest improvements. Their cabinetry experience helped them understand the details.

They were also learning how to live on the island. Other residents shared advice, and their realtor remained someone Colleen could call when questions came up.

For anyone moving to Belize from the US while building a home, their experience offers a practical planning point: allow for temporary accommodation and agree on what happens if construction runs late. Being close enough to visit the site can also help you stay involved.

The couple’s advice is straightforward.

“Do your homework properly and ask somebody that lives here to help you,” Colleen says.

Retiring in Belize: QRP Quick Facts

Colleen and Patrice used Belize’s Qualified Retirement Program when bringing in their household belongings. For couples considering a similar move, the main QRP requirements and benefits include:

• Minimum age: The main applicant must be at least 40.

• Qualifying income: At least US$2,000 monthly or US$24,000 annually from approved sources outside Belize, with a commitment to deposit the required funds in a Belizean financial institution.

• Applying as a couple: A spouse can be included as a dependent.

• Time in Belize: Participants must spend at least 30 consecutive days in the country each year.

• Bringing belongings: Approved household and personal effects can qualify for import-duty and tax exemptions within the first year of acceptance. Advance approval is required.

Applications involve supporting documents and fees. Confirm eligibility and import approvals with the Belize Tourism Board before arranging shipments. Our retiring in Belize guide explains the wider planning.

A Retirement That Works for Both of Them

Patrice points out that retirement itself takes preparation. He and Colleen were already accustomed to spending their days together because they had worked alongside each other. Even so, they were surprised by how busy they became.

When they take the boat out, he prepares the cushions and Colleen packs the cooler. They might head to Secret Beach or towards the reef when the wind is calmer. Sometimes they anchor at a sandbar and eat a picnic sitting in the water, with the engine switched off.

Patrice is equally clear that moving countries requires adjustment.

“Stop thinking that you are going to live exactly the same life,” he says.

On a visit, pay attention to ordinary things: getting around, shopping, pursuing a hobby and spending a day without sightseeing. Compare what each of you enjoys and what each would find difficult. The accompanying worksheet gives you space to record those answers.

Colleen’s answer has changed since those early conversations in Florida. She now has a home she helped design and days she enjoys. Out on the water, she finds herself repeating something to Patrice.

“We live here.”

When lunch is over, they take the boat home.