The foreign buyer's guide
A general guide, not legal advice. We only state rules we can link to an official source. Have a Belizean attorney confirm every legal point for your own purchase.
Buying land
Have an independent Belizean attorney confirm what you can own and how before you buy. Check access, flood risk, the survey and utilities too.
Title
Ask your attorney what kind of title the land has, and to run a full title search before you pay anything.
Attorneys
Use an independent Belizean attorney, not the seller's. Ask for their fees in writing before you start.
Permits
Building plans are reviewed by the Central Building Authority, alongside approval from the local Municipal Authority and any others on its checklist. Ask whether your builder will handle the submission.
Realistic timeline
Land purchase, then design and approvals, then the build. Your builder and attorney will give you dates for your own project.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners own land in Belize?+
Ask an independent Belizean attorney to confirm this for your purchase before you commit. We haven't found an official government page that states it, so we don't state it ourselves.
How do I pay a builder from abroad?+
Through milestone-based draws, ideally via your attorney or an escrow arrangement.
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