British Requirements To Retire In The Uk

[edd]

So you think Thai rules are tough, take a look at the British requirements.

Retired persons of independent means

What do you mean by retired persons of independent means?

A retired person of independent means is a person who has retired, is financially independent and wishes to come and live in the United Kingdom.

How do I qualify to come to the United Kingdom as a retired person of independent means?

You must show that:

• You have a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity;

• You are aged 60 or over;

• You have an annual income of your own of at least £25,000, which is disposable in the United Kingdom

• You are willing and able to support and accommodate yourself without working or help from public funds;

• You can demonstrate a close connection to the United Kingdom;

• You intend to make the United Kingdom your main home;

Do I require entry clearance?

Yes. You can make an application for entry clearance in the country where you are living, to a British Embassy, High Commission or other British Diplomatic Mission (collectively known as British Diplomatic posts) designated to issue entry clearance.

How can I prove that I have a close connection to the United Kingdom?

The following would normally be considered to be a close connection to the United Kingdom:

• Close relatives settled in the United Kingdom. This is taken to mean parents, children, brothers or sisters.

• Periods of previous residence if long and fairly recent; lengthy periods of study here can also be taken into account.

Other factors will also be considered. You should include as much detail as possible about all of your connections with the United Kingdom so that they may be taken into account.

Am I allowed to work?

No. You must have given up all work commitments both in the United Kingdom and abroad. You are not permitted to take any form of employment or self-employment. If you intend to do so you may wish to consider one of the other business categories of the Immigration Rules such as Investor or Self-employed Businessperson.

If I am already in the UK, can I apply to 'switch' into this category?

No. Switching into this category is not allowed.

How long will I be allowed to stay as a retired person of independent means?

You will be given permission to stay for 12 months in the first instance. Towards the end of that period, if you intend to remain as a retired person of independent means, you should apply to the Home Office on application FLR (O) for an extension of your permission to stay.

The application form can be obtained from the IND website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk or by telephoning the Application Forms Unit on 0870 241 0645.

An extension of stay beyond the initial 12 months can be granted for a further 3 years.

How do I qualify for permanent residence?

You can apply for permanent residence otherwise known as indefinite leave to remain) if:

• You have spent a continuous period of 4 years as a retired person of independent means;

• You still have yearly income of your own of £25,000;

• You have maintained a close connection with the United Kingdom;

• You have maintained and accommodated yourself and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds.

Im glad im not going the other way.

[maerim]

Does this apply to asylum seekers as well do you know of pensionable age?

Because I know of two from Bosnia who came to the U.K. several years ago have been back to the place they have fled from in fear of their lives every year on holiday, draw 200 plus pounds a week benefit and managed to buy their council flat.

Sounds absolutely dreadful to me retiring in the U.K.

[Khun Larry]

• You have an annual income of your own of at least £25,000, which is disposable in the United Kingdom

Comparing mangos to mangos this appears more reasonable than Thailand. I suspect the typical Brit makes 25k or so. This makes the retirement ratio approximately 1:1 with the typical worker.

The requirement for a foreigner in Thailand, ฿800,000, is approximately 10 times the typical Thai's salary. This would correspond to £250,000 in England.

At £250,000 it would appear the Brits were trying to create undue hardship. Same for Muang Thai at ฿800,000.

[edd]

Now play fair you know it only applies to people who abide by all the rules, it never applies to people who claim asylum from countries that nice people would like to retire to.

[GuestHouse]

m glad im not going the other way.

If the sh1t hits the fan in Thailand, you will be very tempted to do what a very large pecentage of Britains living oveseas do... go home.

To free medical care

To pension payments

To free housing

To social services

To home.

I've seen this more than once, people slagging off the old country, but when the Thais sh1t on them they go to the place where they know they will get looked after.

I love Thailand, it's a great place (when you have got money), but Britain is above all things civilised, we look after people who need help.

Thank what ever god or brass image you worship you don't need that help now

And while you are at it, thank that god/brass image that you have the absolute right to go home and be looked after, regardless of what a mess you make of your life in Thailand.

Incidently, GBP25000 is about the average UK salary

40,000 Bht per month (the requirement in Thailand) is about 10 times the average Thai income.

[maerim]

If the sh1t hits the fan in Thailand, you will be very tempted to do what a very large pecentage of Britains living oveseas do... go home.

To free medical care

To pension payments

To free housing

To social services

To home.

I don't qualify for free medical care I have to pay 6 pounds per item on prescription,single parents asylum seekers etc get this they also get optical and dental treatment free.

Pension payments? Why not? If there still is state pension when I retire I pay in unlike most as there are more withdrawals than deposits thesedays.

Free housing? Not me, again my fault I know, I should have blown the lot then I would qualify.

Social services? A bit long in the tooth again,should have started using them when I was younger could have my long service medal by now.

[edd]

m glad im not going the other way.

If the sh1t hits the fan in Thailand, you will be very tempted to do what a very large pecentage of Britains living oveseas do... go home.

To free medical care

To pension payments

To free housing

To social services

To home.

I've seen this more than once, people slagging off the old country, but when the Thais sh1t on them they go to the place where they know they will get looked after.

I love Thailand, it's a great place (when you have got money), but Britain is above all things civilised, we look after people who need help.

Thank what ever god or brass image you worship you don't need that help now

And while you are at it, thank that god/brass image that you have the absolute right to go home and be looked after, regardless of what a mess you make of your life in Thailand.

Incidently, GBP25000 is about the average UK salary

40,000 Bht per month (the requirement in Thailand) is about 10 times the average Thai income.

If you leave the UK for any length of time you are no longer entitled to

free medical care

free housing

your pension is no longer index linked (a few places excpted)

you become a second class person

AND you still have to pay tax on any pensions you get in the UK

GOOD IN IT

I understand that the average UK salery is about £25000 but there are a lot of people on a LOT less.

Yes i still love the UK but it is no free ride.

General rates over £1000/year

water rates over £600/year

etc,etc,etc.

[chonabot]

water rates over £600/year

etc,etc,etc.

£600 ? , more like £240 , still crap though..........

[maerim]

I love Thailand, it's a great place (when you have got money), but Britain is above all things civilised, we look after people who need help.

Anywhere is a great place to live providing you have the money.

O.K. I know money won't buy health but it will pay the doctors bills someone on here posted that Thai people who have a few bob go to England for medical treatment. I am sure they do, but they are not going to some Paki doctor in the suburbs of Gateshead or Manchester but Harley Street.

you become a second class person

The vast majority of English people are already second class citizens in their own country, people here in Thailand say whats the U.K. like? I tell them it's great providing you are not white, a native of the U.K. do no wrong and pay taxes just the place to be.

Before any "Political correct" posters call me racist etc. think about this some time ago there was news report on radio 4 about some British nationals held in the Yemen on terorist charges,true but of Pakistani origin, same as the ones held in Cuba British subjects but where did their parents come from?

[stroll]

I don't know about refugees, but as a EU citizen I had the privilege of being allowed to study in the Uk, paying my own way, in contrast to not a small number of fellow students whose main concern was that their grant was more then the dole money, and less hassle.

I was also allowed to work there after I finished studying, having to pay taxes as everybody else, but not entitled to any benefits, since I am not British (Immigration and Health Department didn't agree on the issue then).

Narrow minded as I am, I refused my Brit friends to smoke their ganja in my room, since being caught would have meant deportation for me, a warning and a week's community service for them.

Let's not paint the picture of the Uk being immigration heaven!!!

[edd]

water rates over    £600/year

etc,etc,etc.

£600 ? , more like £240 , still crap though..........

I pay £474.96 a year for water rates in the warrington area and thats for a 4 bed semi.

not the biggest house in the world.

and £1000+ for general rates.

My main point was, it would be almost impossible for an average Thai to be able to move to the UK cost wise.

[stroll]

Yes sure, it is a privilege we have as white Europeans, we generally speaking do earn much more money when we work.

What is your point leading to?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

water rates over     £600/year

etc,etc,etc.

£600 ? , more like £240 , still crap though..........

I pay £474.96 a year for water rates in the warrington area and thats for a 4 bed semi.

not the biggest house in the world.

and £1000+ for general rates.

My main point was, it would be almost impossible for an average Thai to be able to move to the UK cost wise.

nor indeed would that average Thai be permitted to retire in the UK. They'd make it too hard to do.

[GuestHouse]

maerim.

Let's not forget, the UK gave you the opportunities to earn and save so that you could move to Thailand in the first place.

As loosing entitlement to services in the UK, absolutely wrong. As soon as you declare that you are back in the UK and have an address in the UK you are entitled to full medical treatment and the support of all social services.

But then there's this..

The vast majority of English people are already second class citizens in their own country, people here in Thailand say what’s thee U.K. like? I tell them it's great providing you are not white,.....

So the truth is out, you are a little xenophobe..... you complain when foreigners go to your country but want the right to go live somewhere else.

Hypocrite!

[maerim]

an address in the UK you are entitled to full medical treatment and the support of all social services.

I have an address in the U.K. thank you very much but I still will not get Free medical teatment.

The vast majority of English people are already second class citizens in their own country, people here in Thailand say what’s thee U.K. like? I tell them it's great providing you are not white,.....

Why didn't you finish the quote? or the same as most soapboxers you only want to see and hear what you want to see and hear.

So the U.K . gave me an opportunity did it? It is giving a load of people now the opportunity to live their lives without contributing anything to the U.K. coffers with the handouts they recieve.

So the truth is out, you are a little xenophobe..... you complain when foreigners go to your country but want the right to go live somewhere else.

I have every right to complain about "asylum seekers"as people like me are keeping them in a custom I wouldn't mind getting used to who leave their own country in "fear of their lives" then travel across half a dozen contries to get to the U.K. once there rip up their travel documents so it takes immigration at least a year to find who they are.

As to a little xenophobe, do you know how big I am? I am not little, as you sound to me like a fully paid up liberal why don't you contact me about paying my contribution to the beer token fund of these dossers.

I will send you the address of my accountant so you can send him the cheque I promise I wont mind at all.

As loosing entitlement to services in the UK, absolutely wrong.

If you stop jumping up and down with indignation for a while and actually read some of these posts you will see it was not me who said this but 'edd" who posted it but so what?

[samran]

water rates over     £600/year

etc,etc,etc.

£600 ? , more like £240 , still crap though..........

I pay £474.96 a year for water rates in the warrington area and thats for a 4 bed semi.

not the biggest house in the world.

and £1000+ for general rates.

My main point was, it would be almost impossible for an average Thai to be able to move to the UK cost wise.

nor indeed would that average Thai be permitted to retire in the UK. They'd make it too hard to do.

people have been trying to convince me that it is easy fort Thai's to head OS Doc. They'd know of course....

[taxexile]

So the truth is out, you are a little xenophobe..... you complain when foreigners go to your country but want the right to go live somewhere else.

people dont complain when foriegners go to britain to live so long as they are able to support themselves and not make claims on the benefit system or social security system.

too many people arrive in the country and immediately claim asylum and/or benefits. this is beginning to put an intolerable strain on those systems and means that british citizens and taxpayers are finding it hard to access those services.

i worked in the national health service as a health care provider in a clinic in an area of london that was probably 75% immigrant/asylum seekers.

talking to these people, it seemed that the only reason that they were in england was because of the generous benefit system and availability of free schooling and medical care. "its good here,everything free,easy to come in," they get everything free for a few years until they find their feet and open up businesses. most are hard working family people who found it very difficult to get anywhere in the corrupt third world dumps that they came from,you cant really blame them for coming to england where it is easy to get help and support. lots of them had enough money for holidays,cars,mobile phones etc. but were still entitled to massive help from the government.

its wrong.

but they are putting a great strain on those systems,especially in certain areas of the country and local people get fed up of what is seen as preferential treatment to outsiders. a nasty undercurrent of hatred and racism is developing that is no good for anybody.

it is the fault of a left wing liberal minded government and the blinkered pressure groups that give unthinking support to the open door policy that allows such open and uncontrolled immigration, not the fault of the people who come to england for a better life.

anybody would do what they do.

[GuestHouse]

i worked in the national health service

Then you are very aware of the contribution that foreigners make to the National Health care system

We've had complaints about 'Paki Doctors' above. nothing said about these doctors from the developing world and the fact that they come to the UK educated and trained by Pakistan/India/Africa and places that can ill afford to give up their people to support the UK health service.

Take a trip over to the Philippines, the papers are full of advertisements from the British Goverment inviting Filpino nurses to come and work in the British National Health Service. _ What impact has this the health care in the Philippines?

I work for an international company with an office in the UK, we have staff from over 120 countries, they were all educated overseas, they all contribute and they all pay taxes.

Without the influx of new people, new ideas and new ways of living the UK would be assigned to the back waters of the EU.

The picture you paint of foreigners invading the UK and spounging off the tax payer is an exageration,. yes people do spounge off the tax payer, but un empoyment amoung imigrants to Britain is lower than in the population as a whole.

The British Ecconomy needs imigrants, with out them the ecconomy would shrink, prices of goods and services would rise and the promises that the Governments have made to pay pensions and provide social welfare would be under threat.

The baby boomers are getting old, and we need young people to provide for their pensions.

Read behind what Murdoch and the rest of the gutter press are telling you and think about what is going on.

If you can't do that you can at least accept, if you have the right to seek a new life elsewhere, so do others.

[maerim]

If you can't do that you can at least accept, if you have the right to seek a new life elsewhere, so do others.

I most certainly do have the right to live in an a country where I was not born.

What I don't have a right to do is live there at somebody elses expense.

You really must get down to the opticians in the workers paradise that you so obviously think the U.K. is and get some glasses where did it mention Paki doctors?

While we are at it I would love to know what your company does.

Peace and vegetable rights.

[chanchao]

> Comparing mangos to mangos this appears more reasonable than

> Thailand. I suspect the typical Brit makes 25k or so. This makes the

> retirement ratio approximately 1:1 with the typical worker.

> The requirement for a foreigner in Thailand, ฿800,000, is

> approximately 10 times

Whoa, talk about comparing different fruits of a feather.. that 800,000 refers to your own CAPITAL that you need to have in a regular Thai bank account. It says nothing about disposable income. Or, if you can demonstrate that you make 40K (or so, I forgot) monthly then you also qualify. So please compare the 25,000 GBP annually with 40K x 12 months = 480,000 baht. (25K GBP is like 2 million baht)

Or is anyone advocating to come live in Thailand on the Thai minimum wage? 40-60K monthly isn't even all that much.

Cheers,

Chanchao

[taxexile]

my complaint is with people who come to the uk with the express purpose of getting a free ride at the taxpayers expense,and with a government that seems unable or unwilling to stop it. this is causing social problems that no amount of politically correct theorising can solve

not with people coming into the country to work and contribute.

and the last thing the nhs needs is professionals from countries where the training and medical ethics is of a, shall we say, questionable standard.

and i'm not talking about nurses.

the foriegn trained nurses often put the british trained nurses to shame.

[GuestHouse]

While we are at it I would love to know what your company does.

Emplos the best person for the job, regardless of race, nationality, gender or religion.

Makes a lot of money for the UK

Pays me the full expat deal to live in SE Asia!

[maerim]

Emplos the best person for the job, regardless of race, nationality, gender or religion.

Sounds as though they do emplos the best people,pity they couldn't get one that can spell.

[GuestHouse]

OK my spelling sucks, but I am not so removed from the reality of life to disregard the truth.

I have seen several 'UK Bashers' complain time after time about life in the UK, but when the sh1t hits in Thailand they pack their bags and go home.

Anyone foreigner living in Thailand right now has to keep the following in mind too.

The current Thai government is very anti foreigner they are not making anyone welcome, unless you are in the super rich bracket. This is a constant topic on Thailand discussion boards and one that should not be ignored.

So don't come slagging the UK off, it is a great place, and it is exactly where people will run to if the Thais start restricting their lives in Thailand more than they already do.

For the record, I wasn't even born there, but I had the privalage of being raised and educated in the UK, it is, as I have often said, the most civilised country on the planet.

Get the wrong side of the Thais and you might just come to agree with me.

[taxexile]

there is nothing civilised about working people paying taxes to fund government schemes that pay people not to work, and make it more profitable for them not to work. such schemes are up and running in the uk today.

people who work for a living and earn less than roughly 20,000 a year have worse spending power than those on full benefits. 70% of the uk population are entitled to some form of benefit.

families earning 70000 a year can still claim child benefit.

is there not a better way of spending that child benefit than giving it to a family on 70000 a year.

civilised...... my arse.

[stroll]

my complaint is with people who come to the uk with the express purpose of getting a free ride at the taxpayers expense,

I would say the British work-shy class has done pretty well in this trade, although it has gotten more difficult for them in the last 10 years or so.

No need to blame "immigrants' for being a burden to the taxpayer.

I am one of the immigrants who supported the workshy in England with my taxes(see my earlier post). No complaints from me, I loved staying there.

[taxexile]

i would welcome people into the uk from anywhere in the world who wish to come and work and add to the mix of people there. i myself am third generation immigrant stock, but when my grandfather came to the country there was no benefit system, he had to find something to do or starve.

there are more than enough british workshy as you so rightly say stroll.

one of the major drawbacks of such a generous benefit system is that it removes all incentive and inventiveness from those who enter the system

[GuestHouse]

one of the major drawbacks of such a generous benefit system is that it removes all incentive and inventiveness from those who enter the system

I don't disagree with this at all.

But, blaming foreign immigrants for the problems is not the asnwer.

[maerim]

For the record, I wasn't even born there,

Now why am I not surprised by that statement?

blaming foreign immigrants for the problems is not the asnwer.

I'm not blaming them I'm blaming the system that lets them come and have a free ride. The ones who have multiple identities who turn up at different social security centres with a load of kids and documents from their own country to say the the the kids are theirs, yeah right.

Unless they actualy do DNA testing at the dole office it's a bit difficult to disprove that the children are not really theirs.

As you seem to be a bright sort can you enlighten me as to why the vast majority of asylum seekers are young men?

Don't these people have families? Wives children etc. if so where are they?

Is it only the young men whos lives are at risk?

Here's a tip for you, if ever that silver spoon falls out of your mouth and you have to try and earn a crust in the real world and you are asked by a prospective employer should he or she pay you what you are worth or a living wage you would be better off saying a living wage.

As for me being xenophobic,do you know what it means?

Some xenophobe living in the midst of 60 odd million people I can't stand.

[Axel]

Interesting, how the thread is changing, the original post was:

British Requirements To Retire In The Uk, compare with thai requirements.

Perhaps,to find out if Thailand is unfair in comparision to the UK.

Now, we are talking about illegal immigrants, asylum seekers.

Does Thailand have any of those? I doubt they will accept any here.

Vietnam boat people come to my mind. A bag of rice and back to the sea...