how to retire in thailand

With the rapidly rising costs to maintain a pleasant and enjoyable lifestyle in the Western or more developed parts of the world, many people are keen on finding out how to retire in Thailand.

This interest might be especially so if people have started receiving their pension checks or after they have gotten distributions from their IRA accounts. However, before you happily begin your retirement in Thailand and enjoy the mountains in Thailand or pleasant city life in Chiang Mai, here are a few questions that you need to address to figure out how to retire in Thailand.

1. How much money will I need to retire in Thailand so that I can retain a good quality of life like I have been used to?

Wondering if you will have enough money to last for your retirement in Thailand? Many websites might claim that you can live and spend well in Thailand with only a monthly budget of around $550 to $850 plus health insurance per couple. Definitely a huge relief since a pensioner's check is not usually over a thousand a month. One way to live even better is to engage in small business or trade on a small scale or low intensity when you have settled down for your retirement in Thailand.

2. Where will I live in Thailand? Or, another valid question is, can I buy real estate in Thailand?

Thai cities have a wide range of options for houses and condominium apartments. On the suburbs, houses are more popular or at the most low rise apartments of about 3 or 5 stories might be frequently seen. Depending on your way of life, there are several options like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai or Isan. And for the second question, the shortest answer is a disappointing no but there are some "loopholes" in the law preventing foreigners in Thailand to own property that you may want to look into.

3. Will it be hard to get a Thai visa?

It is actually easier for an American or a European to get a visa to Thailand than a Thai to get an American visa, sad as it may be. This applies just as well to a retirement visa in Thailand.

As a quick tip, do remember to double check that you have all your documentation and prepare them before your application so you will not be hassled, running around looking for your required documents on the day of your visa application itself.

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