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1. Malaysia
While Johor has long been a popular choice for Singaporean retirees, many still snootily think of Malaysia as Singapore's poorer, more dangerous cousin.
But ask any Malaysian working in Singapore and they'll tell you that Singapore's overcrowded shopping malls don't hold a candle to Malaysia's beautiful beaches, verdant jungle and more laid back way of life.
Malaysia also has one of the world's best retirement programmes, offering the possibility of a 10 year visa and the right to invest in Malaysian property.
Length of visa: 10 years
Minimum age: None, although there are less onerous requirements for those above 50.
Requirements: Applicants under 50 must have liquid assets above 500,000 MYR (188,650 SGD) and a monthly income of over 10,000 MYR (3,770 SGD); applicants over 50 must have assets of over 350,000 MYR (132,100 SGD) and a monthly retirement income of 10,000 MYR (3,770 SGD).
Upon approval of the application, you must maintain in a Malaysian bank account a fixed deposit of 300,000 MYR (113,200 SGD) if you're under 50 or 150,000 MYR (56,600 SGD) if you're over 50. Some withdrawal is allowed for property purchases, medical insurance or children's education expenses. Those receiving a government pension of over 10,000 MYR (3,770 SGD) a month are exempt from this requirement.
Visa holders are allowed to invest in businesses, although only certain applicants will be granted the right to work up to 20 hours, depending on the usefulness of their expertise.
2. Thailand
Thailand is one of Singapore's favourite countries, and practically every Singaporean knows how to say "sawadeeka" or "sawakeekrap".
At the moment, you can live a fairly luxurious life in Thailand for under $1,000 a month including rent. Whether you'll be lazing on a beautiful Thai beach with a cocktail in hand or finding out how 60 is the new 20 at Thai discos, you won't have felt this good since never.
Best of all, the visa requirements are pretty easy to satisfy.
Length of visa: 1 year
Minimum age: 50
Requirements: At least 800,000 THB (32,000 SGD) in a Thai bank account OR proof of a monthly income of 65,000 THB (2,660 SGD) OR a combination of the two.
3. Indonesia
Bali is already a hugely popular retirement destination for foreigners, but Yogyakarta with its cultural gems and Bandung with its relatively cool weather are also great choices.
Length of visa: 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 5 years
Minimum age: 55
Requirements: A minimum of 1,500 USD (1,970 SGD) per month and proof of accommodation costing at least 35,000 USD (46,000 SGD) if purchased, 500 USD (660 SGD) a month if rented in Jakarta, Bandung or Bali, 300 USD (390 SGD) a month if rented in Java Island, Batam, Medan and 200 USD (260 SGD) a month if rented in other cities. Retirees are required to employ an Indonesian maid during their stay in Indonesia.
Visa fees are typically about 5 million IDR (530 SGD) to 7 million IDR (740 SGD).
4. Costa Rica
Long before Singaporeans started leaving the country, US citizens were retiring in Costa Rica, known as one of the world's #1 retirement destination. While Costa Rica is home to stunning beaches and rainforests, it is also the Central American country with the highest standard of living, so you won't have to worry about not being able to find modern amenities or services
Length of visa: Renewable every year so long as you show proof of income
Minimum age: none
Requirements: At least 1,000 USD (1,300 SGD) a month through pension or a social security benefit, or proof of a 2,500 USD (3,300 SGD) monthly income for at least five years.
While you're not allowed to work, you can run a business.
5. New Zealand
Singaporeans often refer to New Zealand as the perfect place for retirement, ostensibly because it's slow paced and full of jaw-dropping natural landscapes.
It is also the closest "Western" country to Singapore that offers a retirement visa, ever since Australia closed its doors to new applicants.
If you want to spend your golden years gazing at glaciers and looking at the stars instead of fighting your way through crowded shopping malls, consider retiring in New Zealand… if you're loaded, that is.
Length of visa: 2 years, renewable if requirements are met
Minimum age: 66
Requirements: Investments of at least 750,000 NZD (765,000 SGD) over 2 years. You also need to nominate 500,000 NZD (510,000 SGD) for maintenance funds and prove that you have an annual income of 60,000 NZD (61,100 SGD).
6. Canada
It's easy to see why so many Singaporeans flock to Canada, given it's wide diversity of cultures. With Vancouver ranked the 3rd most liveable city in the world, and Toronto following after at number 4, Singaporeans can choose between living in the city or in a much more rural area. Also, with income tax
Length of visa: To live in Canada permanently or for more than six months a year, you usu*ally must apply for permanent resident status.
Minimum age: None
Requirements: If you're well educated, you speak fluent English and French, and your spouse also has a univesity degree, you're more likely to qualify. Also, another factor is the amount of savings you have.
Even though you're retired, if you can demonstrate that you have ample financial resources to take care of your*self and your family, Canada will usually look more favourably on your application. And if you have funds to invest in Canada, that's another plus.
They have a simple and short survey you can take to find out if you are eligible for permanent residency.
This article first appeared in MoneySmart.sg at http://blog.moneysmart.sg/lifestyle/top-6-countries-singaporeans-might-a...
MoneySmart.sg is Singapore’s leading personal finance portal, and aims to help people maximise their money with powerful tools and engaging content.
1. Malaysia
While Johor has long been a popular choice for Singaporean retirees, many still snootily think of Malaysia as Singapore's poorer, more dangerous cousin.
But ask any Malaysian working in Singapore and they'll tell you that Singapore's overcrowded shopping malls don't hold a candle to Malaysia's beautiful beaches, verdant jungle and more laid back way of life.
Malaysia also has one of the world's best retirement programmes, offering the possibility of a 10 year visa and the right to invest in Malaysian property.
Length of visa: 10 years
Minimum age: None, although there are less onerous requirements for those above 50.
Requirements: Applicants under 50 must have liquid assets above 500,000 MYR (188,650 SGD) and a monthly income of over 10,000 MYR (3,770 SGD); applicants over 50 must have assets of over 350,000 MYR (132,100 SGD) and a monthly retirement income of 10,000 MYR (3,770 SGD).
Upon approval of the application, you must maintain in a Malaysian bank account a fixed deposit of 300,000 MYR (113,200 SGD) if you're under 50 or 150,000 MYR (56,600 SGD) if you're over 50. Some withdrawal is allowed for property purchases, medical insurance or children's education expenses. Those receiving a government pension of over 10,000 MYR (3,770 SGD) a month are exempt from this requirement.
Visa holders are allowed to invest in businesses, although only certain applicants will be granted the right to work up to 20 hours, depending on the usefulness of their expertise.
2. Thailand
Thailand is one of Singapore's favourite countries, and practically every Singaporean knows how to say "sawadeeka" or "sawakeekrap".
At the moment, you can live a fairly luxurious life in Thailand for under $1,000 a month including rent. Whether you'll be lazing on a beautiful Thai beach with a cocktail in hand or finding out how 60 is the new 20 at Thai discos, you won't have felt this good since never.
Best of all, the visa requirements are pretty easy to satisfy.
Length of visa: 1 year
Minimum age: 50
Requirements: At least 800,000 THB (32,000 SGD) in a Thai bank account OR proof of a monthly income of 65,000 THB (2,660 SGD) OR a combination of the two.
3. Indonesia
Bali is already a hugely popular retirement destination for foreigners, but Yogyakarta with its cultural gems and Bandung with its relatively cool weather are also great choices.
Length of visa: 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 5 years
Minimum age: 55
Requirements: A minimum of 1,500 USD (1,970 SGD) per month and proof of accommodation costing at least 35,000 USD (46,000 SGD) if purchased, 500 USD (660 SGD) a month if rented in Jakarta, Bandung or Bali, 300 USD (390 SGD) a month if rented in Java Island, Batam, Medan and 200 USD (260 SGD) a month if rented in other cities. Retirees are required to employ an Indonesian maid during their stay in Indonesia.
Visa fees are typically about 5 million IDR (530 SGD) to 7 million IDR (740 SGD).
4. Costa Rica
Long before Singaporeans started leaving the country, US citizens were retiring in Costa Rica, known as one of the world's #1 retirement destination. While Costa Rica is home to stunning beaches and rainforests, it is also the Central American country with the highest standard of living, so you won't have to worry about not being able to find modern amenities or services
Length of visa: Renewable every year so long as you show proof of income
Minimum age: none
Requirements: At least 1,000 USD (1,300 SGD) a month through pension or a social security benefit, or proof of a 2,500 USD (3,300 SGD) monthly income for at least five years.
While you're not allowed to work, you can run a business.
5. New Zealand
Singaporeans often refer to New Zealand as the perfect place for retirement, ostensibly because it's slow paced and full of jaw-dropping natural landscapes.
It is also the closest "Western" country to Singapore that offers a retirement visa, ever since Australia closed its doors to new applicants.
If you want to spend your golden years gazing at glaciers and looking at the stars instead of fighting your way through crowded shopping malls, consider retiring in New Zealand… if you're loaded, that is.
Length of visa: 2 years, renewable if requirements are met
Minimum age: 66
Requirements: Investments of at least 750,000 NZD (765,000 SGD) over 2 years. You also need to nominate 500,000 NZD (510,000 SGD) for maintenance funds and prove that you have an annual income of 60,000 NZD (61,100 SGD).
6. Canada
It's easy to see why so many Singaporeans flock to Canada, given it's wide diversity of cultures. With Vancouver ranked the 3rd most liveable city in the world, and Toronto following after at number 4, Singaporeans can choose between living in the city or in a much more rural area. Also, with income tax
Length of visa: To live in Canada permanently or for more than six months a year, you usu*ally must apply for permanent resident status.
Minimum age: None
Requirements: If you're well educated, you speak fluent English and French, and your spouse also has a univesity degree, you're more likely to qualify. Also, another factor is the amount of savings you have.
Even though you're retired, if you can demonstrate that you have ample financial resources to take care of your*self and your family, Canada will usually look more favourably on your application. And if you have funds to invest in Canada, that's another plus.
They have a simple and short survey you can take to find out if you are eligible for permanent residency.
This article first appeared in MoneySmart.sg at http://blog.moneysmart.sg/lifestyle/top-6-countries-singaporeans-might-a...
MoneySmart.sg is Singapore’s leading personal finance portal, and aims to help people maximise their money with powerful tools and engaging content.
