Almost a million Britons have already retired to the sun and are drawing their state pensions in another country.
It is predicted that one in eight British over-55s will be living abroad by 2010.
One country that is increasingly popular is Turkey. It has a reputation for having low levels of crime, a welcoming population, cheap and healthy food, and a relaxed lifestyle. This relaxed attitude to life may mean that getting things done will take a little longer than you would expect in the UK, but adjusting to the less frenetic approach to life will help reduce your stress levels.
To live in Turkey, and to retire to the country, you’ll need to apply for a residence visa from the Turkish Embassy eight weeks before you travel there. You’ll also have to register with the local police within a month of arriving in the country in order to apply for a residence permit, which can then be renewed.
Foreigners can now get a mortgage on property in Turkey, instead of having to re-mortgage their UK home to release funds.
While there is a public health service in Turkey, it only offers limited services to foreign nationals. If you become a resident, you no longer benefit from reciprocal agreements with the NHS that apply when you are merely a traveller. Also, the NHS no longer has to treat UK expats. So it is recommended that you take out international private medical insurance.
International health insurance: News update: June 2007
