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Employer of Record Belize
Hire staff and expand your business in Belize with our fully-managed EOR Service
How we can help
Unrivalled Employer of Record Service in Belize designed to expand your business seamlessly
Agility EOR delivers services for business’s looking for an Employer of Record in Belize. We help clients hire new employees or transfer existing employees into a fully-managed EOR service.
We appreciate that each situation and business is different. That is why our personal approach to Employer of Record Services in Belize takes care of all HR, payroll, recruitment and compliance head aches, and allows you to do what you love best – driving your business forward.
Employer of Record in Belize
A Brief Guide to Belize
Belize is known for its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and charming beach resorts. From Mayan ruins and exotic wildlife to English-speaking locals and enticing Creole cuisine, Belize offers a unique blend of Caribbean and Central American cultures. The country is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, recognized by various international entities such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Category | Information |
Location | Central America |
Capital | Belmopan |
Official Language | English |
Area | 22,970 square kilometers |
Population | Approximately 400,000 |
Currency | Belize Dollar (BZD) |
Major Cities | Belize City, San Ignacio, Orange Walk, Belmopan |
GDP (2022) | $2 billion USD |
Major Industries | Agriculture, tourism, construction, oil, food processing |
Business Culture
Business Culture in Belize
Business meetings in Belize have a relaxed yet professional vibe. Relationships are crucial, and it’s normal to engage in some friendly conversation before getting down to business. Belizeans value respect and courtesy, and while punctuality is important, locals can sometimes run a bit late. Business cards are exchanged at meetings, and a firm handshake is the standard greeting.
Payroll and Taxes
Payroll and Taxes in Belize
In Belize, bonuses or “13th-month” pay are common during the holiday season. The income tax system is progressive, meaning those earning higher incomes are taxed at a higher rate.
Employee Taxation
In Belize, income tax rates are progressive, with higher income levels subject to higher tax rates.
Gross Annual Income (BZD) | Tax Rate (%) |
Up to $26,000 | 0% |
$26,000 + | 25% |
Employer Taxation
Employers in Belize are also responsible for a weekly payment of 4.47 BZD as a social security contribution, totaling 232.44 BZD per year.
Pension and Healthcare
Belize Pensions
Belize’s retirement system is run by the Social Security Board (SSB), funded through both employee and employer contributions.
Healthcare in Belize
Belize’s healthcare system provides a range of services, including primary care, hospital services, emergency care, and maternal care. The system is funded through tax contributions and social security contributions.
Employment Law
Employment Law in Belize
Employment Regulations: The labor and employment sector in Belize is regulated primarily by the Labour Act (Chapter 297) and the Belize Constitution. The Labour Act contains provisions related to employment contracts, working hours, leave, overtime, and termination, among others.
Employment Contracts: Belizian employment contracts should be in writing and include essential information such as duration of employment, working hours, salary, and termination notice periods.e
Working Hours: The standard working week in Belize is 45 hours, typically over six days. For most jobs, the maximum working hours in a day should not exceed eight hours, though there are exceptions for certain industries like agriculture.
Leave: Belizean employees are entitled to various types of leave. These include annual leave (which starts from two weeks after one year of continuous employment), maternity leave of 14 weeks (with the requirement of at least 150 days of employment within the last year), and sick leave. Belize does not have a statutory paternity leave policy, but some companies may offer it as part of their benefits package.
Overtime: Any work performed beyond the standard 45 hours per week is considered overtime. Overtime pay should be at least 1.5 times the regular wage for the first four hours and 2 times the regular wage for any additional hours.
Termination: Notice before terminating an employment contract depends on the length of service. For employees who have worked for less than five years, one week’s notice is required; for five years or more, two weeks’ notice is required. Dismissal for reasons such as poor performance or misconduct must be justified, or else it may lead to legal repercussions.
Severance Pay: If an employee is dismissed without just cause, they may be entitled to severance pay, depending on their length of service. For workers with at least 10 years of continuous service, the employer is required to pay severance.
IMMIGRATION
Work Permits in Belize
Belize’s immigration system is managed by the Immigration and Nationality Department. The country offers several visa categories, tailored to individual requirements such as employment, education, or family reunification.
- Work Visa: Non-citizens looking to work in Belize must secure a work visa. This requires a confirmed job offer from a Belizean employer who will handle the necessary paperwork, including filing an employment contract with the immigration authorities.
- Permanent Residence Visa: After a year of continuous legal residency, individuals can apply for permanent residence. They must show proof of financial stability, either through employment, pension funds, or other financial resources.
Family Reunification Visa: Foreign nationals with immediate family members (spouse, minor children, or parents) who are Belizean residents or citizens can apply for this visa. The Belizean family member must provide evidence of their relationship and their capacity to support the applicant.
Student Visa: International students accepted into a Belizean educational institution can apply for a student visa. The duration of the visa usually matches the length of the study program. Student visas don’t automatically permit the holder to work in Belize, but part-time work permissions may be sought.
Nationals from countries within the Central American Integration System (SICA), which Belize is part of, are allowed to enter, live, and work in Belize under certain conditions.
Non-citizen residents planning to stay in Belize for more than six months are required to apply for a Belize Resident Card, which serves as an identification card.
Public Holidays
Belize Public Holidays
Holiday Name | Date |
New Year’s Day | 1st January |
Baron Bliss Day | 9th March |
Good Friday | Varies |
Holy Saturday | Varies |
Easter Monday | Varies |
Labor Day | 1st May |
Sovereign’s Day/Commonwealth Day | 24th May |
St. George’s Caye Day | 10th September |
Independence Day | 21st September |
Pan American Day | 12th October |
Garifuna Settlement Day | 19th November |
Christmas Day | 25th December |
Boxing Day | 26th December |
Wondering if expanding
in Belize is right for you?
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The Benefits
Belize Employer of Record Benefits
When you choose Agility EOR to expand in Belize, we guarantee an Employer of Record Service tailored to the needs of your business
Compliance
We are on top of regulatory changes in Belize so you can relax.
Cost reduction
Allow our economies of scale to work in your favour.
High Service Levels
You and your employees have a dedicated account manager.
Fixed Cost Pricing
We will agree our professional fees up front based on your needs - no nasty surprises!
Consolidated Invoicing & Payments
Make one monthly payment to cover all your tax, social and wages costs from one to one thousand employees.
Fast delivery
You can have 'boots on the ground' within days on our infrastructure.
Reduced Risk
All wage taxes are remitted in full to the Belize authorities by professionals ensuring liabilities are met, giving you peace of mind.
Supply Chain Transparency
We only pay employees through local full employed solutions meaning Belize payroll tax is paid on all funds.
Save Time and Money
Our expertise is at your disposal. The need for you to have internal HR, Payroll and admin staff is eliminated.