Belize Labor Law Guide for Hiring Employees and Contractors
This labor law guide for Belize has important information for businesses looking to hire employees or contractors in the country. Belize is a country in Central America.
Belize’s economy, as reported for the full year 2023, demonstrates steady growth with GDP reaching approximately USD 1.9 billion. The country’s pivotal sectors include tourism, agriculture (especially sugar and citrus), and marine products.
Additionally, Belize has been developing its information technology and services sector gradually.
The currency in Belize is the Belizean Dollar (BZD), which is pegged to the US dollar at a consistent rate of 2 BZD per 1 USD.
Minimum Wage
BZD 3.30 per hour
Overtime Wage
1.5 times the regular hourly wage
Meal Breaks
1 hour
Rest Breaks
15 minutes
Working hours
8 hours/day, 45 hours/week
Salary Payment Cycle
Bi-weekly
Payroll Taxes
Social Surcharge, Business Tax
Paid Vacation
1 week after first year; 2 weeks for each subsequent year
Overtime Hours
8 hours/day, 45 hours/week
Night Shift Hours
Not mandated
Holidays
13 days
No Work Days
Sunday
When hiring workers in Belize, businesses are required to register locally.
The cost of setting up a business entity ranges from BZD 500 to BZD 1,000, and the incorporation process typically takes about 5-7 business days.
Employers are required to sign a formal employment contract with employees, which should include clauses regarding job responsibilities, salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination procedures.
Contractors and employees are treated separately under Belizean labor laws, with contractors having more flexible terms of engagement but fewer statutory benefits compared to full-time employees.
| Income Level (BZD) | Applicable Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 26,000 | 0% |
| Above 26,000 | 25% |
Paid Vacation: 1 week after the first year; 2 weeks for each subsequent year
Maternity Leave: 12 weeks (6 weeks before and 6 weeks after childbirth)
Paternity Leave: Not mandated by law
Sick Leave: 16 workdays annually on full pay
Adoption Leave: Not specified by law
Mandated Holidays: 13 public holidays annually
The list of holidays in Belize is as follows:
| Holiday Name | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Baron Bliss Day | March 9 |
| Good Friday | Variable |
| Holy Saturday | Variable |
| Easter Monday | Variable |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Sovereign’s Day | May 24 |
| National Day | September 10 |
| Independence Day | September 21 |
| Pan American Day | October 12 |
| Garifuna Settlement Day | November 19 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | December 26 |
- Retirement Benefits
- Healthcare Benefits
- Maternity Benefits
- Sick Benefits
- Pension Plans
- Annual Bonuses
- Notice Period: Employees must receive a notice period, typically ranging from one to three months, depending on seniority and duration of employment.
- Termination Benefits: Severance payment, accrued unused leave, and any other contractual entitlements.
- Legal Challenges: Employees have the right to contest unjust termination through labor unions or legal channels.