One of the most common questions we hear from property owners is simply: what does it cost to license an accommodation in Belize? The honest answer is that there are several separate fees, and the total depends on your property size and location.
Here is a transparent breakdown of what you can expect to pay.
The core BTB license fees
The Belize Tourism Board charges an application fee of BZ$25 and a licensing fee of BZ$5 per room or accommodation unit. A small four-unit rental therefore pays a very modest base fee, while a larger hotel scales with room count.
These fees are paid on the initial application and again at each annual renewal.
The 9% hotel accommodation tax
Separate from the license fee, every licensed accommodation must collect a 9% tourist accommodation tax from guests and remit it to the government, generally each month. This is not a cost to you — it is collected from guests — but you are responsible for charging and remitting it correctly.
Agency clearance costs
Before the BTB issues your license, you need clearances from the Central Building Authority, Department of Environment, National Fire Service, and Ministry of Health. Each has its own fees, and the DOE, for example, has referenced a non-refundable application fee in the range of BZ$500 for certain notifications.
If a certified engineer or architect is needed for your CBA occupancy certificate, that is an additional professional cost.
Not sure which of these apply to your specific property? Tell us about it and we'll map out exactly what you need.
Ask Us FreeTrade license and company setup
If your property sits within a town or city, the municipal authority charges an annual trade license fee, usually based on the property's estimated rental value or revenue. Foreign owners often also register a Belizean company, which carries its own registration cost.
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MD Elite bundles the full process and passes on an 8% discount on BTB documents to first-time clients. We give you a clear, itemized quote up front so there are no surprises.
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Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What is the BTB license fee in Belize?+
The Belize Tourism Board charges a BZ$25 application fee plus BZ$5 per room or accommodation unit for the license itself.
Is the 9% hotel tax the same as the license fee?+
No. The 9% accommodation tax is a separate tax collected from each guest and remitted to the government, typically monthly. The license fee is a one-time-per-year charge based on room count.
Are there other costs beyond the BTB fee?+
Yes — clearances from the CBA, DOE, Fire Service, and Ministry of Health each carry fees, and properties in towns need an annual trade license. Company registration may also apply for foreign owners.