Job Discussion Forums

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

Hi guys, I am currently living in China and I was wondering what countires in Asia it's possible to get permanent residency without marrying a local.

I know here in China it's impossible to get permanent residency unless you marry a local or invest A LOT of money that as a TEFL teacher would be impossible.

I hear in Korea after 7 years you can apply for permanent residency. How about where you are?

Thanks

sojourner · Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:46 am Post subject:

Elliot,

In Thailand, depending on your age (50+, I think), it is possible to obtain a "retirement visa". This visa, I believe, has to be renewed each year.Apart from providing proof of adequate funds ( around 20 K USD, in a special bank a/c), the authorities will probably also check to see that you are still a person of "good character". However, I don't think that holders of such visas are permitted to work, or run a business, in Thailand - but you should check up on this.

Malaysia also has a "retirement visa" programme called, I think, "Malaysia Your (My?) Second Home" (MYSH/MMSH). I'm not sure what the minimum age is, or whether there are any restrictions on working/running a business. However, some time back I vaguely recall reading something about the income/adequate funds requirements - they appear more stringent than those that are required by the Thai scheme.

Be aware that if you obtain PR status, you should revisit your homeland as often as possible - otherwise, your govt might see fit to deny you any social security benefits when the time comes for you to stop earning an income. Check up on the regulations of your country's welfare requirements, especially those that pertain to residency.

Peter

sojourner · Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:54 am Post subject:

I've just remembered an ex-FT colleague telling me a couple of years back that he intended to retire to Laos. Not sure of the requirements - do a Google search.

One poster to this forum recently said something about working (non teaching fields) in Singapore. Maybe, if you have some skill that is in great demand, you might be able to be granted PR status .

Peter

KayuJati · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Posts: 313

As sojourner stated, there is a retirement visa program for Malaysia. But there is also Permanent Resident (PR), which is not the same.

Under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, a foreigner can obtain a retirement visa good up to 10 years (or the remaining years on your passport, whichever is less). There are monetary requirements, split between Under age 50 and Over age 50. Once on the visa, one CAN work up to 20 hours per week in specific critical areas, one of which appears to be English teaching. (In his 2011 budget, the Prime Minister allotted for the hiring of 375 teachers from the west specifically for English.)

In his 2011 budget, the PM also lowered the requirement for permanent resident applications. One can now apply after having spent only five years in the country -continuously- rather than the prior ten years. That still does not mean that the application will be acted on quickly! I know two foreigners who married locals and each had to wait 12 years AFTER they made their applications; thus, they waited >12 years for PR status. The 10-year rule is waived for marriages, I believe (but not the long wait).

I was planning on attempting the MM2H when I decided to downgrade from fulltime to parttime, but with the PR being made easier (for the application at least), I will try for that instead first. Having PR means not having a financial requirement and it allows one to continue with fulltime work.

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Singapore, though as a tefler they prob won't give it to you. Taiwan also has a pr scheme I believe.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

In HK it takes seven years, and is then a straightforward matter , so long as you've paid your taxes etc. - got mine three years ago.

KayuJati · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Posts: 313

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

For Japan it is 10 years "in principle". Some have gotten it in less but not much less.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/index.html

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

The Malaysia My Second Home scheme certainly requires a LOT of money. Monthly retirement income for those under 50 is about $3000 usd.!