Payroll and Benefits Guide Belize
Last updated: Mar 03, 2026
Contribution
|
Employer Payroll Contributions
|
Weekly |
|
8.13%
|
0 BZD – 139.99 BZD
|
|
7.54%
|
140 BZD – 179.99 BZD
|
|
7.03%
|
180 BZD – 219.99 BZD
|
|
6.69%
|
220 BZD – 259.99 BZD
|
|
6.45%
|
260 BZD – 299.99 BZD
|
|
6.27%
|
300 BZD – 339.99 BZD
|
|
6.12%
|
340 BZD – 379.99 BZD
|
|
5.96%
|
380 BZD – 419.99 BZD
|
|
5.81%
|
420 BZD – 459.99 BZD
|
|
5.65%
|
460 BZD – 499.99 BZD
|
|
5.50%
|
500 BZD and above, capped at 520 BZD
|
|
5.50% to 8.13%
|
Total Employment Cost
|
|
Employee Payroll Contributions
|
Weekly |
|
1.88%
|
0 BZD – 139.99 BZD
|
|
2.46%
|
140 BZD – 179.99 BZD
|
|
2.97%
|
180 BZD – 219.99 BZD
|
|
3.31%
|
220 BZD – 259.99 BZD
|
|
3.55%
|
260 BZD – 299.99 BZD
|
|
3.73%
|
300 BZD – 339.99 BZD
|
|
3.88%
|
340 BZD – 379.99 BZD
|
|
4.04%
|
380 BZD – 419.99 BZD
|
|
4.19%
|
420 BZD – 459.99 BZD
|
|
4.35%
|
460 BZD – 499.99 BZD
|
|
4.50%
|
500 BZD and above, capped at 520 BZD
|
|
1.88% to 4.50%
|
Total Employer Cost
|
|
Employee Income Tax
|
|
|
25%
|
Flat rate
|
|
Personal Relief 0n annual income:
|
|
| 25,600 BZD | On income below 26,000 BZD |
|
24,600 BZD
|
For income between 26,000.01-27,000 BZD
|
|
22,600 BZD
|
For income between 27,000.01-29,000 BZD
|
|
19,600 BZD
|
For income above 29,000.01
|
Employer taxes
Employee taxes
Minimum Wage
General
The national minimum hourly wage in Belize is 5.00 BZD.
MINIMUM WAGE (PER MONTH)
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
Employees can be paid on a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly basis.
13th Salary
It is not mandatory or customary to pay 13th-month payments in Belize
Working Hours
General
The standard working hours per week consists of a maximum of 45 hours, 9 hours per day, and all employees are entitled to at least one day of rest per week.
Overtime
- Maximum Ordinary Hours: The standard work limit under the Labour Act is 9 hours per day or 45 hours per week.
- Note: The Shops Act mandates an 8-hour daily limit for shop assistants, meaning overtime starts earlier for these specific workers.
- Overtime Threshold: Overtime is due for any work performed beyond 9 hours per day or 45 hours per week (whichever is reached first, unless a different Act applies).
- Consent: Employees cannot be required to work more than six days in any week. Overtime must be compensated regardless of whether it was explicitly authorized, though employers can take disciplinary action for unauthorized overtime.
- Exemptions: Senior managerial and executive positions are commonly exempt from statutory overtime pay provisions.
Mandatory Overtime Pay Rates
Belizean law mandates minimum premium rates, which escalate based on the day of work. The compensation is paid as a minimum premium percentage of the employee’s regular hourly rate.
| Day/Condition | Minimum Compensation Rate (Statutory) | Total Pay Rate | Notes |
| Normal Overtime (Working Days) | 1.5 times the regular hourly rate (Time and a half). | 150% | Applies to hours worked beyond 9/day or 45/week. |
| Weekly Rest Day (Usually Sunday) | 1.5 times the regular hourly rate (Time and a half). | 150% | Applies to all hours worked on the designated rest day, unless it is a normal working day for the employee. |
| Regular Public Holiday Work | 1.5 times the regular hourly rate (Time and a half). | 150% | Applies to work on most official public holidays. |
| Major Public Holiday Work | 2 times the regular hourly rate (Double time). | 200% | This higher premium is mandated for work performed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Easter Monday. |
Time & Attendance
It is mandatory for employers to maintain detailed records of hours worked, including overtime and breaks.
Leave
Annual Leave (vacation)
Employees are entitled to 2 working weeks (1o working days) of paid leave per year.
Generally, employees should take these two weeks consecutively. However, the employer and employee can agree on splitting the leave into two separate leave periods. Where the employee takes an annual holiday in one period, the average pay shall be paid no later than the day preceding the start of the leave. If it’s taken in two periods, the employer will split the holiday pay into two equal payments; both are still paid the day immediately before the start of both leave periods.
Paid time off
In Belize, employees are legally entitled to paid annual vacation leave once they complete qualifying service under the Labour Act. The law does not generally provide for automatic carryover of unpaid or unused annual leave into the next year — leave is expected to be taken within the leave year or settled (e.g., pay out) upon termination. There isn’t a statutory right for a broad “use-it-or-lose-it” carryover policy, so any carryover beyond the leave year would typically depend on agreement between employer and employee rather than a legal entitlement.
Public Holidays
There are 13 public holidays.
Public holidays that fall on a Sunday will usually be moved to the following Monday as a day off in lieu.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Standard holiday |
| 15 January 2026 | Thursday | George Price Day | Standard holiday |
| 9 March 2026 | Monday | National Heroes and Benefactors Day | Standard holiday |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Standard holiday |
| 4 April 2026 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Standard holiday |
| 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | Standard holiday |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Standard holiday |
| 1 August 2026 | Saturday | Emancipation Day | Standard holiday |
| 10 September 2026 | Thursday | St. George’s Caye Day | Standard holiday |
| 21 September 2026 | Monday | Independence Day | Standard holiday |
| 12 October 2026 | Monday | Indigenous People’s Resistance Day | Standard holiday |
| 19 November 2026 | Thursday | Garifuna Settlement Day | Standard holiday |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Standard holiday |
| 26 December 2026 | Saturday | Boxing Day | Standard holiday |
Sick Days
Workers are entitled to 16 working days of paid sick leave at their basic rate of pay providing they have worked for a minimum of 60 days within the last 12 months. The sick leave days are renewed upon the employees work anniversary with the company.
All medical certificate from a medical professional must be presented within 48 hours of the start of the sick period.
The first 16 days of sickness are paid for by the employer, with the employer paying the difference between payments made by the Social Security Board (SSB) and the employee’s basic pay rate. After the 16 working days of illness, the SSB will pay for the remainder.
There are varying sick leave coding categories to determine payment responsibilities, made up of:
- Sick Paid = 100% of wages are paid by the company
- Sick Certified = 20% paid by the employer and 80% by SSB.
- Sick Unapproved = the company is not required to make any payment, though there might still be eligibility for payment by the SSB.
Maternity Leave
Women are entitled to a maximum of 14 weeks (98 days) of paid maternity leave made up of seven weeks before the birth and seven weeks after, providing that during the preceding 12 months she was employed by the same employer for a period of not less than 150 days.
Maternity is paid by the SSB, calculated at 80% of the average weekly Insurable Earnings over the 39 weeks before maternity leave commences. The minimum weekly benefit is 44 BZD and the maximum weekly benefit is 384 BZD.
Paternity Leave
Paternity leave is not required under the law.
Parental Leave
Paternity leave is not required under the law.
Other Leave
Jury duty leave is required under the law.
PAID MATERNITY LEAVE (DAYS)
Termination
Termination Process
The termination process is standard in Belize, with notice periods required unless an employer can provide sufficient cause for dismissal without notice due to misconduct, disobedience, lack of skill, neglect of duties, or absence without permission.
| Salary payment interval / date | Final payment on termination | Bank account/payment-method requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Wages must be paid at regular intervals: – At least once a week if wages are hourly or daily. – At least once a fortnight if wages are by piece-work. – At least once a month if wages are fixed monthly or annually. |
On termination, the employer must pay all wages due and provide notice or pay in lieu of notice as required. The statute does not clearly state a fixed “within X days” deadline for all final pay in the accessible summary sources. | Wages shall be paid in legal tender and “at or near the place of employment” unless the worker agrees otherwise. With the employee’s consent, wages may be paid into the employee’s bank account, by cheque, postal or money-order. |
Notice Period
The length of employment determines the amount of notice period required by an employee or employer as below:
- Over 2 weeks to 6 months – 1 week notice
- Over 6 months to 2 years – 2 weeks’ notice
- Over 2 years to 5 years – 4 weeks’ notice
- Over 5 years – 8 weeks’ notice
Severance Pay
Severance pay is calculated based on the employee’s continuous employment by any employer for a period of:
(a) five to ten years and
(i) the employer terminates employment, or
(ii) the worker retires on or after attaining the age of sixty years or on medical grounds,
that worker shall be paid a severance pay of one week’s wages in respect of each complete year of service; or
(b) over ten years, and his employment is
(i) terminated by the employer for reasons, which do not amount to dismissal, or
(ii) ended because the worker retires on or after attaining the age of sixty years or on medical grounds,
(iii) worker abandons the service of an employer for good and sufficient cause, or
(iv) a worker who resigns after a minimum of 10 years is eligible for a gratuity equal to severance pay, or
(v) terminated on the expiration of a contract for a definite period.
That worker shall be paid a severance pay of two weeks’ wages for each full year of service.
Due to changes in legislation, where an employee has completed over ten years of continuous employment, the severance pay shall be calculated as follows:
- For the period served before 1st May 2011 at the rate of one week’s pay for each complete year of service
- For the period served after 1st May 2011 at the rate of two weeks’ pay for each full year of service.
In the case of casual workers, they must work an aggregate of one hundred and eighty (180) days in a year to be entitled to severance pay.
Probation Period
The first two weeks of employment are considered a probationary period.
Immigration
A work permit is required before any foreigner can work in Belize.
The Ministry of Labor process and approve the issuing of work permits for three months to 12 months. The Immigration Department and the permit fee can range from 100.00 BZD to 600.00 BZD depending on the person’s level of skill.
After obtaining and completing the form, the applicant will need:
- Three passport-size photographs (signed on the back)
- A letter from the Mayor of San Pedro regarding the nature of the employment request
- A letter from the Belize Tourist Board regarding the nature of the employment request
- If an employer is seeking the permit on behalf of the future employee, the employer will request them to attend an interview to prove that a Belizean cannot fill the position.
- Proof of residence in Belize for at least six months.
The Ministry of labor generally take at least one month to review, approve, or reject applications for a work permit.
VAT
General
There is no VAT in Belize however, there is a standard GST rate is 12.50%
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Payroll and Benefits Guide
in Belize
What’s covered in this guide:
- Employer/employee contributions
- Minimum wage
- Working hours
- Visa requirements
And more...
Public Holidays Calendar
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Standard holiday |
| 15 January 2026 | Thursday | George Price Day | Standard holiday |
| 9 March 2026 | Monday | National Heroes and Benefactors Day | Standard holiday |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Standard holiday |
| 4 April 2026 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Standard holiday |
| 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | Standard holiday |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Standard holiday |
| 1 August 2026 | Saturday | Emancipation Day | Standard holiday |
| 10 September 2026 | Thursday | St. George’s Caye Day | Standard holiday |
| 21 September 2026 | Monday | Independence Day | Standard holiday |
| 12 October 2026 | Monday | Indigenous People’s Resistance Day | Standard holiday |
| 19 November 2026 | Thursday | Garifuna Settlement Day | Standard holiday |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Standard holiday |
| 26 December 2026 | Saturday | Boxing Day | Standard holiday |
I want to know if i should get a week pay if i worked for a company 3 months and they fired me
An employer is not required to pay severance to an employee who has only completed 3 months of employment.
I would like to know if I should get paid after 2 years part time anđ then following 2 years full time. After the pandemic hit the job was on pause after 2 months got called back to work and did so until 30th of december 2020 which I was then never called back to work
It is only after five years of continuous employment that employees in Belize receive severance.
Are independent contractors under these same laws and regulations as employees?
Hi Mallory, Independent Contractors will not be entitled to the same benefits are regular employees. Before hiring a contractor, the company should review the legal requirements with a local legal expert to ensure hiring is done compliantly.
What should we do if the employer doesn’t pay for the required 2 week leave a year?
If an employer in Belize does not pay for the required two weeks of annual leave, employees may take the following steps:
1.Negotiate with the employer: Employees can try to resolve the issue by speaking directly with their employer and explaining the situation.
2.Contact the Ministry of Labour: If a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, employees can contact the Ministry of Labour in Belize, which is responsible for enforcing labour laws and ensuring that employers comply with their obligations.
3.File a complaint: If the issue remains unresolved, employees can file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry will then investigate the complaint and may take action against the employer if it finds that the employer has violated the law.
4.Take legal action: As a final resort, employees may choose to take legal action against their employer if the employer continues to refuse to pay the required leave.
It is important to keep in mind that the exact process for resolving disputes over annual leave in Belize may vary and it is advisable to seek advice from a local employment law expert.
Do I get service pay after 8 years
In Belize, a worker with 8 years of employment shall be paid a severance pay of one week’s wages in respect of each complete year of service.
HOW MUCH HOLIDAY PAY IS AN EMPLOYEE ENTITLED TO AFTER HE WORKED FOR FIVE YEARS AND THREE MONTHS AS WAS TERMINATED
A worker receives one week’s wage for each complete year of service.
If I worked for 5 years and was paid 360, how much severance would I be paid for those 5 years of work?
Generally, termination pay out may vary depending on the dismissal circumstances, but as a general rule Severance pay is 2 weeks’ wages for each full year of service.
can i just resign bcz of the work suoervisor with out a notice
This depends on the duration of the employment:
Continuous service Period of notice
-Over 2 weeks to 6 months One (1) week
-Over 6 months to 2 yearsTwo (2) weeks
If I was asked to tender my resignation after 2 years and 4 month of service am I entitle to any payment
Hello, severance is only required by law after a continuous service length of 5 years.
Is severnce pay taxable??
Tax is applied based on total income per annum and applied according to the salary and tax thresholds in place.
Is it legal if a worker gets paid the annual vacation leave, but continues working during the two weeks and never takes the weeks off?
Hello, would you be able to provide more context? What do you mean by saying the annual leave has been paid but no days off have been taken? Why would this be the case? Thanks
Hi. I would like to know what should happen in a situation where an employee has worked somewhere for a year and plans to resign? I know about the 2 weeks notice but what happens if employee leaves without the 2 week notice? And should employee be paid for the 2 weeks after if notice is given?
Hello,
When an employee decides to resign from their job, they are required to provide notice to their employer as outlined in Section 37(2) of the Labour Act.
Upon acceptance of the notice by the employer, it becomes the employer’s responsibility to settle all terminal benefits as stipulated by the Labour Act.
It is important to note that the employer does have the option to waive the two-week notice period. However, it is advisable to seek guidance from a local legal expert to fully understand the available options and consider the grounds that led to the resignation.
Consulting with a legal professional will help explore the possibilities and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Are there consequences for an employer being late repeatedly with salaries?
Hello, we don’t have any information to share, we advise you to seek local advise from legal local representatives.
If an employee resigns what gratuity are they entitled to
A worker who resigns after a minimum of 10 years is eligible for a gratuity equal to severance pay.
is one entitled to that final pay after working 9 months?
A worker who resigns must always be paid out for time worked and benefits earned. In terms of gratuity, a worker who resigns is only entitled after a minimum of 10 years service.
I have worked 2 years for a construction company. For those 2 years i didnt get any vacation pay. I have decided to resign. Do iam entitle to any vacation pay or compensation pay for my service?
Employees who have worked for a year in Belize are entitled to paid leave. For more details, please visit our website. If you are not receiving your paid leave, we suggest consulting with a local labor representative to ensure your rights are protected.
If i were to let go an employee who has more than 5 years working with me how much severance would i need to pay?
Workers with service between 5 to 10 years shall be paid a severance pay of two weeks’ wages for each full year of service. After 10 years service the severance is calculated differently.
Are you entitled to any benefit(s) if u have worked for over 3 years and decide to resign with immediate effect?
Information about severance pay can be found in the Countrypedia which outlines when it is given. If you meant another type of benefits, please specify which benefits you are referring to and how long exactly you had been at the company.
Should you be charged tax from your tips?
We recommend reviewing your base salary with a local tax consultant or consulting the local tax services. Generally, all income is subject to taxation and accordance to the tax bracket.
If a holiday falls on Sunday, eg November 19th but they take the holiday on Monday the 20th, do I have to work the 19th and 20th and 21st to be eligible for a holiday time and a half pay? Reality do I have to work a day before and a day after to collect a public and bank holiday pay?
Hello, we cannot advise on the specific set up of the worker’s entitlement. Generally, holidays that falls on Sundays are moved to Monday as a day in lieu.
Working as a doctor with a private firm for 8 years and counting but not yet 10. I would like to resign, am I entitled to any benefits?Never took a sick day during those 8 years.
We suggest examining your contract; nevertheless, if resigning with less than 10 years of service, the employee is not eligible for any form of benefits.
Work for 7 years an reign what am I entitled to
Do you mean resign? If resigning with less than 10 years of service, the employee is not eligible for any form of benefits.
If someone is working on a 12 month work permit, what is the annual leave entitlement? Also sick pay?
Typically, statutory requirements for annual leave and sick leave do not differ based on whether one is on a work permit or a local employee; as long as the person is lawfully employed they are entitled to the statutory minimums. An employee who has completed at least one year of continuous service is entitled to a minimum of two working weeks of paid annual leave (i.e., 10 working days). A person who has worked for less than a full year usually recieves pro-rated leave based on the fraction of the year worked, unless otherwise specified in the contract. A worker is entitled to sick leave of 16 days of paid sick leave per year after 60 days’ employment has been completed.
If I miss work on a public and bank holiday, I am entitled to get paid for that day?
In Belize, public holidays are generally recognized as paid days off for most employees. Under Belizean labor law, if you are a full-time employee and a public holiday falls on one of your normal workdays, you are entitled to receive your regular pay even if you do not work.
If, however, you are required to work on a public holiday (for example, in essential services or hospitality), you will typically be entitled to receive premium pay (often double-time) or another form of compensation as stipulated by your employment agreement or the relevant labor laws. Certain categories of employees (casual laborers, contract workers, shift workers, etc.) may have different terms under their specific contracts or collective agreements.
Does a company still have to pay you your previous month commission that was not received, once terminated?
When an employee is terminated, the employer is legally obligated to pay all outstanding wages, including any commissions earned but not yet received.
Hello there,
Is it correct for an employer to deduct shortages and for items broken from an employee each week?
For example: Shortages from food to drinks and liquors.
It will depend on the nature of the working contract and collective agreement; some maybe have specific terms related and others will not. The contractual terms should be checked.