How to Move to Roatan as an American

If you’re considering moving to Roatan and you’re from the U.S., you’re lucky in having a variety of options available to you.

First, you should consider the length of time you intend to live in Roatan.

If you’re thinking of snowbirding here, coming for just the winter months and enjoying the tropical climate, then you might not require residency at all.

American tourists receive a tourist visa upon arrival in Honduras. That allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

You can request a 30-day extension before your visa expires to maximize your time at 4 months total. The immigration office in Coxen Hole can assist you with the extension.

If you’re coming as a snowbird, you can visit as a tourist. The only reason you might require residency is if you want to purchase real estate and your acreage exceeds the limits for a foreigner (more than 0.72 acres).

If you’re retired and want to move to Roatan permanently, Americans can apply for the pensionado visa. You must meet the monthly income threshold and adhere to government regulations for the application and renewal processes.

The pensionado visa comes with some extra perks, too! You can import a vehicle and a container of personal items duty-free. Keep in mind when importing a vehicle that local mechanics might not be familiar with your make and model.

If you can’t buy replacement parts or get them appropriately handled, it could be more of a burden to keep your car here.

For all types of residency and legal questions, a local Honduran attorney is necessary. There are many reputable attorneys in Roatan who are all bilingual and can assist in all necessary applications.

I’m more than happy to recommend one to you based on your specific needs.

More info: https://bit.ly/MovingToRoatan