How are social security contributions calculated in Belize?

Belize uses earnings bands rather than a flat percentage. Each band sets a fixed weekly contribution, and the employer pays the larger share. In the lowest band, the employer pays BZD 4.47 a week and the employee BZD 1.03.

When does an employer pay social security in Belize?

Contributions and the monthly contribution statement are due by the 14th of the month after the wages were earned. If the 14th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next working day.

How does Good Balance Global employ staff in Belize?

As your Employer of Record (EOR), we hire your employee under a contract that follows the Labour Act, register them with the Social Security Board, and run payroll each month. You manage the role, and we handle contributions, PAYE, and records.

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Payroll and benefits guide

Belize

CapitalBelmopan

Fiscal Year1 January - 31 December

Date Formatdd/mm/yyyy

CurrencyBZD (Belize Dollar)

Payroll FrequencyMonthly

Overview

Languages: English
Income tax: 0% – 25%
VAT: 12.5%; General Sales Tax (GST)

Authority Payments

Authority PaymentPaid ToDue DateMethod

Authority Payment

Social Security Board

Paid To

Employer and employee social security contributions, set as fixed weekly amounts by earnings band

Due Date

By the 14th of the following month (next working day if the 14th is a weekend or holiday)

Method

Monthly contribution statement with payment

Authority Payment

Belize Tax Service

Paid To

Income tax withheld under PAYE

Due Date

Monthly, for the previous month's payroll

Method

PAYE return with payment

Minimum Wage & Working Hours

Minimum wage: BZD 5.00 / Hourly; National minimum wage; some sectors have their own rates
Standard working hours: 45 hours per week, 9 hours per day; Work on a public holiday is paid at 1.5 times the ordinary rate, or double on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Easter Monday
Overtime: At least 1.5 times the regular rate

Leave

Annual leave2 weeksAfter 1 year of continuous service
Sick leaveUp to 16 days per yearAfter 60 days of employment, with a medical certificate
Maternity leave14 weeksOn full pay for employees with at least 150 days of work for the same employer in the previous 12 months. The employer pays any difference between the Social Security Board benefit and full pay

Leave type	Duration	Notes
Annual leave	2 weeks	After 1 year of continuous service
Sick leave	Up to 16 days per year	After 60 days of employment, with a medical certificate
Maternity leave	14 weeks	On full pay for employees with at least 150 days of work for the same employer in the previous 12 months. The employer pays any difference between the Social Security Board benefit and full pay

Termination

Probation period: The first 2 weeks are automatic probation, terminable without notice; the parties can agree a probation of up to 6 months
Notice period: 1 week (over 2 weeks to 6 months of service), 2 weeks (6 months to 2 years), 4 weeks (2–5 years), 8 weeks (over 5 years)
Severance pay: 1 week's wages per year of service after 5–10 years of continuous service; 2 weeks per year for service after 1 May 2011 once the employee passes 10 years
13th salary: Not mandatory
Notes: Applies to notice from either side. An employer cannot give notice while the employee is on lawful leave

Visas & Work Permits

Temporary Employment Permit
Duration
1 year for most categories
Requirements
The employer applies online through the Labour Department; after approval, the permit is issued by the Immigration Department once the fee is paid
Fees depend on the category, for example BZD 3,000 a year for professional and technical workers

FAQ

Sources

Last updated: November 1, 2026

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