That's a question that is asked to me very often when people are considering moving to Roatan! The simple answer is NO. Many ex-pats are living here full time for years on end and only have the tourist visa status which must be renewed every month for a maximum of 6 months. Then what? Well, under the tourist visa status, one must leave the country for a minimum of 36 hours and then can return once again for another 6 months. So, that can get costly, or you can use that time to head back home (where you came from) and do some shopping, visiting with relatives, or sightseeing in one of Honduras' neighboring countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize or Costa Rica!
Residency is favorable sometimes as it allows one to setup a business and work down here, and alleviates the requirement to "get outa Dodge" every 6 months. Some residencies, such as those for "retirees" do not allow you to work, but allow you to bring in your personal household items free of duties and taxes. You must also prove that you have income from outside the country that is capable of supporting you and your family (unless alone) here in Honduras.
For more information about residencies and/or living or moving to Roatan, contact me, TJ Lynch at [email protected] You can also view my daily video blog for tons more information on the Islands at www.BuyRoatan.com