Can You Move to Roatan, Honduras?

Fact‑checked & updated: May 15 2025

Dreaming of trading your current hustle—whether in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or elsewhere—for Caribbean sea breezes? You’re not alone. Roatan’s English‑friendly vibe and affordable property market have turned it into one of Central America’s fastest‑growing expat hubs. Below is a source‑verified, plain‑English roadmap covering visas, costs, safety, and everyday living so you can decide with confidence.

Can foreigners live in Roatan?

Yes. Honduras welcomes foreign residents, and the Bay Islands have some of the Caribbean’s most ownership‑friendly laws. Most newcomers follow one of three legal tracks:

1. 90‑Day Tourist Stamp

• Eligibility: All visitors—tourists, digital nomads, snowbirds, retirees, adventure‑seekers.
• Entry: Visa‑free for U.S., Canadian, EU, U.K., and many other passports (passport valid ≥ 3 months). Source
• Extension: One 30‑day extension at INM Coxen Hole; fee ≈ US $60. Source

2. Long‑Term Temporary Residency (Rentista, Retiree, Investor)

• Rentista: Proof of ≥ US $2,500/month foreign income.
• Retiree: Lifetime pension ≥ US $1,500/month.
• Investor: Invest ≥ US $50,000 in Honduran business or real estate.
• Processing time: 6–9 months. Source

3. Permanent Residency

• Fast‑track: Hold temporary status three years or invest ≥ US $250,000 in a local enterprise.
• Perk: Apply for Honduran citizenship after three years of continuous residency. Source

Pro tip: Start early on background checks and apostilles—processing times vary by country.

Five‑Step Relocation Game Plan

1. Scouting Trip (Weeks 0–2): Arrive on the 90‑day stamp; explore West Bay (luxury), Sandy Bay (families), Camp Bay (seclusion).
2. Choose Your Residency Path (Week 2): Decide on rentista, retiree, or investor status with a local attorney.
3. Document Collection (Weeks 2–8): Legalize home‑country documents, obtain police report, gather proof of income or property purchase.
4. Submit Application (Month 3): Attorney files in Tegucigalpa; you receive a Constancia.
5. Receive Residency Card (Month 6+): Pick up your carné and open a local bank account.

Budget ≈ US $2,000–3,000 for legal fees + ≈ US $350 in government stamps and translations.

Is Roatan a good place to move to?

Beyond the numbers, residents rave about world‑class reef diving, bilingual communities, weekly farmers’ markets, and full‑moon beach events.

Property Ownership Snapshot

• Foreigners can own up to 0.72 acres (3,000 m²) fee‑simple; larger parcels via Honduran corporation.
• Municipal property tax ≈ US $4 per US $1,000 assessed value (~0.4 %).
• Tourism remains strong—1.7 million cruise passengers visited in  2024.

Is Roatan safe?

Island crime is far lower than mainland hotspots. SEPOL logged 24 homicides in 2023. With an estimated 150,000 residents, that’s roughly 16 per 100,000—well below Honduras’ national average and comparable to many North American cities.

Practical safety tips

• Opt for gated communities like Lawson Rock, Pristine Bay, or Camp Bay Estates.
• Install motion‑sensor lights & a smart doorbell (~US $180).
• Avoid isolated beach roads after dark; taxis ~US $3.
• Join the Roatan 911 WhatsApp community‑policing group.

Residency Cost Snapshot (USD)

Sample Mid‑Range Monthly Budget (Single – West End)

Couples sharing housing and internet typically budget around US $3,000.

Moving Logistics

• Household goods: 20‑ft container Miami → Roatan costs ~US $4,200–4,600 (Q2 2025).
• Vehicle import: Import taxes & VAT total 25–35 % of CIF value (engine‑size dependent).
• Pets: No quarantine; USDA health certificate & rabies vax required.

Island Infrastructure Snapshot (2024‑25)

• Internet: Island‑wide fiber up to 200 Mbps.
• Healthcare: Two private hospitals (Cemesa & Woods) plus Medevac flights to Miami (1 hr 45 min).
• Education: Bay Islands International ranked top‑five nationally in 2024 Ministry exams.
• Air links: Direct flights from Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, plus new JetBlue JFK → RTB (April 2025).

Quick‑Fire FAQ

How long can I stay on a tourist stamp?

90 days + one 30‑day extension.

Can I work remotely for a foreign employer?

Yes—rentista residency simplifies opening Honduran bank accounts.

Do I still pay home‑country taxes?

Most Western citizens must file globally, but exclusions & treaties may reduce liability.

Private health‑insurance cost?

Comprehensive evac coverage starts ~US $110/month at age 45.

Pet import rules?

Health certificate (< 10 days) + US $30 inspection; no quarantine.

Can foreigners open a business?

Yes—100 % foreign ownership allowed; incorporation takes ~6 weeks.

Banking?

BAC Credomatic & Banco Atlántida issue debit cards once you hold temporary residency.