Ambergris Caye, and its main town San Pedro, is the most popular short-term rental market in Belize. High tourist demand makes it attractive to investors — but the island also has some of the more involved local licensing rules in the country.
Why Ambergris Caye is a top rental market
Tourist numbers on Ambergris Caye rise year after year, and high season from December through April brings consistently strong occupancy. Owners in prime locations often target annual returns in the 5–15% range.
The San Pedro trade-license catch-22
Because San Pedro is a town, you need a municipal trade license to operate. The complication: you generally need that trade license to apply for the BTB license and work permit, yet the trade license can be difficult to obtain if you are not already a permanent resident. Navigating this order of operations is where many owners stall.
The full clearance list still applies
On top of the trade license, island properties need the same BTB clearances as the rest of the country: CBA occupancy certification, DOE environmental clearance, Fire Service no-objection, and Ministry of Health inspection.
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 FreeHow local expertise helps
MD Elite works with the agencies and municipal authorities directly, sequencing the trade license and BTB application correctly so your island rental gets licensed without the usual back-and-forth.
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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
Do I need a trade license for an Airbnb in San Pedro?+
Yes. San Pedro is a town, so a municipal trade license is required to operate, and it is typically needed before you can complete the BTB license application.
Is Ambergris Caye a good place to buy a rental?+
It is Belize's most popular rental market, with rising tourist numbers and strong high-season occupancy from December to April, making it a leading choice for rental income.