Belize is unusually welcoming to foreign real-estate investors, and short-term rentals are a popular way to generate income from a vacation property. This guide covers the essentials — from ownership rights to the licensing you'll need before you can host.
Foreign ownership rights
Belize places no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate. Foreigners have the same property rights as citizens, can hold absolute (freehold) title, and operate under a British-based legal system that protects private land rights.
A tax-friendly environment
Belize does not tax foreign-sourced income and has no capital gains tax on property sales. Property taxes are typically very low. Rental income earned in Belize is taxed at a modest rate — often around 3% business tax on gross rental receipts — and there is no estate or inheritance tax.
Expected returns and best locations
Well-positioned rentals can return roughly 5–15% annually. The strongest cash-flow markets follow the tourists: Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and the Cayo/San Ignacio area, with peak occupancy during the December–April high season.
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 FreeLicensing is still required
Attractive as the numbers are, you cannot legally list your property until it is registered and licensed by the Belize Tourism Board, with the supporting agency clearances and any local trade license in place. This is the step where remote, overseas owners most often need local help.
MD Elite is your on-the-ground partner
We specialize in getting international investors licensed and compliant — handling the BTB application, agency coordination, and trade license so you can invest with confidence from anywhere in the world.
Get Started
Ready to license your property?
MD Elite handles the entire process — CBA, DOE, MOH, Fire, and BTB — so you don't have to. First-time clients get 8% off BTB documents.
Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners own property in Belize?+
Yes. Belize has no restrictions on foreign ownership. Foreigners can hold absolute freehold title with the same rights as Belizean citizens.
How is Airbnb rental income taxed in Belize?+
Rental income earned in Belize is taxed at a modest rate — often around 3% business tax on gross rental receipts. Belize also has no capital gains tax on property sales and does not tax foreign-sourced income.
What returns can I expect from a Belize Airbnb?+
Well-maintained, well-located rentals commonly target annual returns of about 5–15%, with the strongest performance in tourist hubs like Ambergris Caye and Placencia during the December–April high season.