Thailand is gaining popularity as a retirement destination, and with good cause. Because the cost of living is low, you may stretch your retirement funds even further.
The country boasts a diverse culture, as well as delectable cuisine and welcoming people. The weather is warm and bright, and there are numerous beaches to relax on. Visit magnificent temples or go for a trek if you’re a more active retiree.
Interested? It’s a good idea to seek advice from a financial advisor, but this article will help you figure out what you need to know about retiring to Thailand.
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La información contenida en este artículo es meramente orientativa. No constituye asesoramiento financiero, jurídico o fiscal, ni una recomendación o solicitud de inversión. Algunos hechos pueden haber cambiado desde el momento de su redacción.
What Is the Cost of Retiring in Thailand?
Many individuals think about retiring to Thailand because it is relatively inexpensive to live comfortably. The cost of living in Thailand is commonly estimated to be between 35 percent and 75 percent less than in the United States. The average cost of living in Thailand is around 40% lower than the average cost of living in the United States, according to Numbeo, a website that collects cost of living data from around the world. On average, rents are 63 percent lower.
So, how do these expenses fit into your monthly spending plan? You should budget at least $1,500 per month to live in Thailand, with $2,000 being a better target. You’ll be able to live comfortably without going broke as a result of this. You could live on $1,000 a month if you really wanted to, but you’d have a hard time doing so. You may expect a very nice life if you can live on a $5,000 monthly budget.
Cost of Housing and Food in Thailand
A one-bedroom flat in Bangkok’s center will set you back about $562 per month in rent. When you include utilities, the total cost exceeds $640. Other monthly expenses are likely to total between $600 and $700 per month. Living in outskirts of the city center could reduce your rent to around $300 per month.
In comparison, a one-bedroom flat in New York’s city center costs less than $3,100 per month in rent, which is nearly five times higher than Bangkok. When rent is factored in, consumer prices in New York are nearly 91 percent higher.
When you omit rent, however, consumer expenses in a popular U.S. destination for seniors like Sarasota, Florida, are 52 percent more than in Bangkok. A one-bedroom flat in Sarasota’s city center costs around $1,600 per month, over 2.5 times higher than Bangkok.
In general, living and eating like a native will save you the most money. International goods, for example, are frequently more expensive than buying local vegetables or dining in a small, local restaurant. The cost of drinking can soon pile up.
Obtaining a Thailand Initial Retirement Visa
To begin, it is important to note that citizens of the United States and much of Europe do not require a visa to visit Thailand. Before entering the country, all you have to present is a valid passport and a booked return trip to your home country.
To retire in Thailand, you must first obtain a retirement visa. This is also known as a Non-Immigrant Long Stay Visa. This can be done in Thailand or at a consulate in your country of residence. The process of obtaining a retirement visa is relatively simple. However, it can also be quite lengthy, depending on how you intend to spend your retirement.
You must be at least 50 years old and pass a criminal background check to qualify for such a visa. You’ll also need a passport that isn’t due to expire for at least a year. Finally, you’ll have to meet some financial conditions. There are several options for meeting these requirements:
- Have at least 800,000 baht (about $24,500) in a Thai bank account.
- A monthly income or monthly pension of at least 65,000 baht (about $2,000) is required.
- If any of the above alternatives increase your total money to at least 800,000 baht ($24,500), combine them.
It is important to note that if you choose the first option in the list above, you must have the money in your Thai account for a minimum of two months prior to applying for a visa. You must provide a bank letter or bank statement proving your deposits.
The Next Steps in Your Visa Process
It’s straightforward to obtain a retirement visa, but that’s not the end of the story. There are a variety of reasons why you may want additional permits or visas.
Although your retirement visa is only valid for a year, you must still go to immigration office every 90 days. If you do not comply, your visa may be revoked. You cannot work in the country if you have a retirement visa. For that, you’ll need a work visa. If you try to work or even volunteer while on a retirement visa, your visa may be revoked.
The retirement visa also prohibits you from leaving and returning to your home country. If you intend to travel, even just to visit family, during your first year of residency, you must apply for a re-entry permit. The permit application process is straightforward. Aside from the application form, you must have a photograph of yourself as well as various parts of your passport.
When your retirement visa is about to expire, you must apply for a visa extension. This application is comparable to the first, but there are some additional requirements. You will, for example, be required to provide proof of residence, copies of a bank statement, and photographs of each page of your passport.
Residents of the United States, as well as residents of a few other countries, can apply for five-year retirement visas, albeit the requirements are more stringent. You’ll require at least $3 million baht in a Thai bank account instead of 800,000, and you’ll need it at least 12 months before your application.
Thailand’s Healthcare System
Healthcare is an expense that should be included in your budget. In Thailand, there is no public health insurance for expats. You will need to obtain private insurance. The average healthcare costs are still lower than in the United States, but charges can add up if you require regular medications or hospital care. For some, having traveler’s insurance from your home country is the best insurance option. If you plan to travel frequently or return home frequently, this may be a good option for you.
Paying Taxes in Thailand
After six months in Thailand, you will be required to pay income taxes. This includes all income, both domestic and international. Even if you don’t have a work visa, you must pay taxes.
Working with a tax accountant to file your taxes is the best option. Everything is in Thai, even though you can submit your taxes on your own. Thailand also has tax treaties with a number of other nations, ensuring that you do not pay taxes twice on your earnings.
Reasons You Might Not Like Retiring in Thailand
Individuals who relocate to Thailand from the United States may experience culture shock. The language (Thai) is notoriously difficult to learn especially for expats coming from Western countries. Thai culture is also very different from that of the United States. Thai people are generally friendly and fully comprehend that it’s a new culture for retirees, but it’s easy to make a mistake.
For the remainder of the year, the weather, which is lovely for a few months of the year, may be excessively hot. Temperatures can hover above 100℉ for weeks at a time throughout the summer. Remember that because Thailand is located in a tropical location, the wildlife is extremely diversified. Insects come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches (that can fly). Snakes, monitor lizards, and mongooses are also present. If you’re not used to being around these kinds of animals, do some research on Thailand before deciding to go there.
Note that there are plenty of alternative economical international retirement destinations to choose from.
How to Extend the Life of Your Retirement Savings
- Before you pick where you want to spend your retirement, make sure your financial plan will provide you with the income you require. A financial advisor can help you create or improve a financial plan, invest your assets, and keep track of your taxes.
- Thailand is a very affordable holiday destination, and many individuals can live happily on a monthly budget of $1,500. This isn’t much more than the typical Social Security benefit, as it happens.
Conclusión
You may wish to retire in Thailand for a variety of reasons. The expense of living, as well as healthcare, is inexpensive. The country has a lot to offer in terms of sights and activities. You’ll need to apply for a retirement visa, which is straightforward but involves regular visits to immigration. If you want to work, volunteer, or travel outside of the country at any time, you’ll need different visas or permissions. Anyone considering relocating to Thailand should do their homework on the Thai culture. It is not the most culturally similar to that of the United States. It may provide culture shock to those who are unfamiliar with it.
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Adam es un autor reconocido internacionalmente en temas financieros, con más de 830 millones de respuestas en Quora, un libro muy vendido en Amazon y colaborador de Forbes.
