You just have to pay a monthly fee in Belmopan (capital city) i think it is $25 or $50 bucks....as far as opening a business, i don't think that's possible as you can not work/earn money without being a permanent resident/citzen and paying that visa stuff for over a year...unless you work under the table....someone correct me if i'm wrong, but i'm pretty sure this is the deal as I remember having to pay the monthly fee and I could only do volunteer work (i.e. nothing that would make me any money).

JON:
I've been here for a while, and you can just go to Belmopan and pay 6 months up front, at $50 BZ a month. Just tell them you'll be here for a year or so, and that you just want to see the whole country in depth, and are considering buying a resort or something. You can open a business, but it'll cost you a lot to do so. I'd suggest not doing that, and just renting here for an extended basis whenever you feel the need to come on down. There is no money in Belize, and the tourism declines every year(I'm fine with that - but you wouldn't be). The joke here is if you want to be a millionaire in Belize, come down with 5 million dollars. In order to work, you'll need to get a work permit, but if you only run a business(don't do it) you shouldn't need one, just the licenses. Be careful when buying land. There's only one real estate agent, as far as I know, that is sanctioned by the embassy, and that's...Macarena Rose. It's...Rain forest realty, and the website is like rainforestrealty.com or something like that. I'd check with the embassy 'cos there might be more on their list now. I'd really advise against using a Belizean. I've lived and worked here for a long time, and while the younger generation is great, and looks towards the future, I just can't say the same for the older generation. I'll leave it at that. Good luck to you in finding what you're looking for!!! Hope this helped.
God be with,
-MM