Cambodia consistently ranks well on InternationalLiving.com's Annual Global Retirement Index and also has easy to obtain visas for retirees compacted to other ASEAN nations.
In the 2019 InternationalLiving.com's Annual Global Retirement Index, Cambodia was named as the 12th best place in the world to retire. This was the fourth year in a row that the Kingdom held that title.
In the 2021 edition, Cambodia again ranked as one of the most affordable destinations to retire and one of the best countries to retire overall. Nine.com.au has also named the Kingdom as one of the best places to retire.
Realestate.com.kh provides you with a step-by-step guide for retirement in Cambodia. We'll cover renting, getting a visa, and even how to stay active.
Renting when you retire in Cambodia
Rent, of course, is very affordable in Cambodia. You can get a Western-style apartment for rent in Phnom Penh for as little as $300 per month. That’s in the capital, too. It’s even cheaper in some other popular towns like Kampot, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Siem Reap.
For those on a fixed income, it is still possible to live comfortably in the Kingdom. There are serviced apartments that cover nearly every need for you. Most prv]ovide cleaning services, a fitness centre and even a pool. You can find one-bedroom places like this starting at around $500 per month in Phnom Penh.
Other options include getting a house for rent in Cambodia, or a condo for rent in Cambodia. These can be a bit more expensive close to city centres and depending on the amenities you ideally want included.
Getting a Cambodia retirement visa
The process for visas is pretty straightforward here. There’s even a special category for retirees. When you arrive in the country, make sure you get the regular (E class) visa, and not a tourist visa so you can get the Cambodia retirement visa. After that, you will simply apply for ER (retirement) extensions.
Here are the retirement visa requirements:
- You must be 55 or older.
- You cannot be employed.
- You must be able to prove you are retired (with a pension or social security documentation) and have enough funds (bank or retirement fund statements).
These extensions can be valid for various lengths up to one year. Prices are similar to working visa extensions which cost around $290 for a full year with multiple entries. Head to any travel agency in town and they can help you with processing.
Please note that immigration officials can fine an ER holder working in Cambodia, and potentially issue jail time and deportation if the laws are broken.
2019 also saw the introduction of the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS) and every expat is required to register on the system.
The Cambodian ministry working group was drafting a new law on immigration to manage foreigners in the SEA country but these are yet to be finalised.
Where to retire in Cambodia
Cambodia is chosen by many Western expats for its laid back atmosphere and considerably lower living costs. The most popular place to retire is, of course, in Phnom Penh. It has everything any retiree may want from good food, a variety of entertainment, and sociable company.
Vital public and healthcare services are also easily found in Phnom Penh. Given that healthcare is a concern for retirees, we've come up with a comprehensive list of hospitals and clinics in Phnom Penh.
Though if a fast modernising city isn't to your liking, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville may be a good choice if you still want some urban comforts. These don't feature the same kind of lifestyle as Phnom Penh but instead, they are busier when it comes to tourists visiting the iconic Angkor Wat Temples or the islands off the southern coast.
Siem Reap itself has a growing portfolio of property developments of its own that can keep anyone's retirement interesting. It is more laid back, has excellent food and drink options, nature on its doorstep and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Sihanoukville has undergone major development and the city itself is now sprawling, offers malls, condos and planned gold curses and is the gateway to the beautiful islands.
Kampot and Battambang are even more reserved but have become increasingly popular with expats and retirees for the lifestyle.
After all, a new world of fun starts at retirement!
Buying food while retired in Cambodia
Whether you want to cook for yourself or eat at a restaurant, dining in Cambodia is a relatively minor expense but you can also wine and dine at gourmet eateries and five-star hotels.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will only set you back about $4 in Phnom Penh. Elsewhere in the country prices are even lower.
Just for reference, here’s a list of some common groceries, and what their averages prices are in Phnom Penh:
- A loaf of white bread - $1.75
- A dozen eggs - $1.60
- One kilo of chicken - $4.47
- A litre of milk - $2.27
- Latte or cappuccino at a cafe - $2.50
- One bottle of beer - $1.00
As you can see, daily life is definitely affordable. If you want to find cheap food, goods and houseware, go to a local wet market. Otherwise, hit a local convenience store or the western-style supermarkets for something more Western, or even the growing number of specialist stores.
Brands like Circle K, Super Duper and Aeon Express are growing quickly and expanding in the cities with international brands constantly opening in the Kingdom.
Retired? No, staying active in Cambodia
It’s easy to find a productive hobby in Cambodia. If you’re the active type there are clubs for all kinds of sports like tennis, golf or jogging.
If you like riding or fixing motorcycles, Cambodia is great. Riding happens all year round!
Is humanitarian work more your style? There are plenty of NGOs here that need your help. You could even volunteer and mentor local youngsters but many reputable non-governmental organisations and schools should carry background checks.
Travel while being retired. It's the Cambodia way!
If you’re a retiree from the West and you’ve decided to settle in Cambodia, chances are you already caught the travel bug. Luckily, the country sits right in the middle of Southeast Asia, one of the most popular tourist regions in the world.
Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and several other countries are just a short plane ride away. Further afield, but still within close reach are China, India, Australia, Japan and South Korea.
And, of course, travelling around Cambodia is an adventure in itself. Read more in our expats guide to Cambodia.
Healthcare isn't expensive for Cambodia retirees
Getting medical treatment in Cambodia can be a mixed bag. There are pros and cons.
The positives are:
- Medication in Cambodia is incredibly affordable. Almost everything is available over the counter.
- Seeing doctors for routine ailments like the flu or a stomach bug is usually quick and easy.
- Higher-end clinics and hospitals in Phnom Penh tend to have great doctors who speak fluent English.
- If you prefer to see a Western doctor there are a handful practising in the Kingdom.
There are a few drawbacks, however. This is still a developing country, after all:
- For serious issues, many people (locals included) opt to visit doctors in Thailand, Vietnam or Singapore. Generally, the level of treatment thee is better, and still quite affordable.
- Make sure you are getting medication from a reputable pharmacy. Better safe than sorry.
We advise anyone living or visiting Cambodia to have the necessary travel and medical insurance.
Loving the retired lifestyle in Cambodia
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what makes you happy. Thousands of people choose to retire abroad every year. If Cambodia is the place that makes you happy, that’s where you should be.
Realestate.com.kh hopes this guide can be helpful to all the Kingdom’s retirees. Comment below if you’re retired here and have anything to add.
And don't forget to browse our listings for real estate for rent in Cambodia. You can start your journey as a retiree today!
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