Become an Expat in Roatan
The island of Roatan offers an idyllic Caribbean lifestyle, filled with sunshine and warmth year-round. If you are considering moving to the Caribbean, consider becoming an expat in Roatan. Whatever specific lifestyle you seek, I can promise you’ll find the perfect neighborhood and community here in Roatan.
Move to Roatan
Moving to Roatan is easier than you think. North Americans can visit Honduras and receive up to 90 days on a tourist visa upon entering the country. That means you could come stay in Roatan for up to three months with no need for residency or any advance visa. Three months is an ideal amount of time to try out the lifestyle and get to know the area better before deciding to stay permanently.
To become an expat in Roatan, it’s best to actually become a Honduran resident. If you’re planning to live here full time, applying for residency is well worthwhile. After those three months on a tourist visa, you will have to leave the country for a minimum of 72 hours before being allowed to enter again.
While this isn’t impossible, it can become a nuisance if you need to leave four times each year to renew your visa. Gaining residency allows you to stay without worrying about visa renewals.
If you are retired, residency is an ideal option. Pensioners can apply based on a minimum income and retirees even receive extra dispensations to import a vehicle and other household goods without additional tax.
If you’re planning to become an expat in Roatan and work here, you definitely require a right to work via residency permission. You can start a corporation and then apply for residency via the company – that’s a fairly common route for many foreign workers and entrepreneurs.
I’m happy to connect you with a reputable attorney here in Roatan so you can discuss your options. Often, your real estate purchase and residency can be combined into a seamless transaction to achieve the best results.
Become an Expat in Roatan
The Roatan expat community is incredibly welcoming! You will easily make new friends and find a supportive community here on the island. From retirees gathering on the beach on Mondays to sunset drinks after a day of diving, from volunteer organizations to helping new expats learn the ropes, expats in Roatan are a fantastic crew.
You can socialize as much or as little as you’d like. You can do different outdoor activities every single day, or just laze in a hammock all day long.
You’ll likely become friends with someone who owns a boat (if you don’t own one yourself), so day trips and sunset cruises are not uncommon. Days spent lounging in the sand or by a pool are typical. Afternoons chilling on a dock while chatting with a neighbor are all too familiar.
Life in Roatan is truly idyllic.
Don’t be afraid to get in touch if you have questions about moving to Roatan and becoming an expat. I’m happy to help guide you with advice on the neighborhoods of Roatan, residency options, and various real estate opportunities