How To Retire In Egypt As An Expat – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.
Introduction
When considering a move to a new city, there is nothing more useful than hearing real-life stories or has someone that’d guide you through. Egypt is fairly easy to get to; however, knowing a little more about the country and the retirement process before you arrive will make moving to Egypt even more effortless.
Just as we’ve mentioned in our previous articles about living in Egypt expat guide, there are many things to consider. As expats, we understand what you need, and that’s why we offer the essential services. Expats moving to retire in Egypt will generally be heading to Cairo, but do you think that’s the best decision?
Well, there are many places where you can retire as an expat. As with many countries, the easiest way to relocate is with the help of a specialist agency. However, it is possible to arrange your retirement process yourself with a little bit of determination and know-how. Does that sound interesting to you?
Of course, if you’ve been surfing the internet to get the right information about retiring in Egypt as an expat, look no further as we’ve got you covered. Covering an area of more than 100,000 square kilometers and an estimated population of over 88 million, the benefits of moving to this country cannot be overemphasized.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of retiring in Egypt. Not only that, but we have compiled this article to explain the benefits of retiring in the country. Aside from this fact, you’ll understand the best cities to retire in Egypt as an expat. Are you ready to check what we’ve unleashed for you? If you answered YES! Read further to get a glimpse of what we’re saying.
10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement
Before we dive into the core concept of what we have today, our expat teams have something new. And surprisingly, they’ve decided to prepare the ten ways to prepare for your upcoming retirement in any chosen destination. Besides, embracing these ways could help you approach your planned retirement.
1. Ensure You’re Investing in Growth
One of the first things you need to consider is to ensure that you’re investing in growth. Diversifying your portfolio can be tempting to shy away from stocks to reduce risk. However, it’s one thing to put in place when planning to retire in any chosen destination.
If possible, consider maintaining a sound mix of stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and other assets that fits your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and investment time horizon. In a nutshell, examine your income sources well to know what to do.
2. Take full Advantage of Retirement Accounts
Before retiring in Egypt, make sure that you might have done a critical evaluation on what to expect as an expat. Not only that, but evaluate your budget and your retirement. That way, you’ll be able to take full advantage of your retirement accounts, especially catch-up contributions.
In fact, as you near retirement, consider account consolidation, including combining IRAS of the same type with one institution. This might, in the long run, simplify your investment management and provide a clearer picture of your total retirement assets. Also, make sure that you weigh the pros and cons of the country you’re moving to before planning your trip.
3. Calculate Your Likely Retirement Budget
Calculating your likely retirement budget in Egypt is the best thing to do. Estimate your predictable income from sources such as Social Security and employer pensions. The rest of your retirement funds likely will need to come from your wages, savings and investment accounts, and any wages earned during your retirement. Do you think you can still make wages in Egypt during your retirement?
4. Estimate Your Retirement Expenses
Before you travel to Egypt, ensure you estimate your retirement expenses. Moreover, what you spend will depend on how you live during retirement. So, if you expect to travel widely, for example, your projected cost might even be higher than they are now, while you’re still working. This means, estimating your budget and understanding the life you’ll live in Egypt go a long way to help you.
5. Consider Future Medical Cost to Expat
Although Egypt has one of the best healthcare facilities, but you still need to consider the medical cost. In fact, it would be better to understand whether the healthcare is free for expats or you need to go through some processes to get the full medical packages in the country.
Also, if you retire at 65 or older, Medicare will cover most of your routine healthcare costs, but you may want to consider supplementary coverage to help pay for your non-routine healthcare expenses, which are likely to rise as you get older.
6. Plan Where You’ll Live
Where you’ll live is another thing to take into consideration. And that’s why we will walk you through the best places to retire in Egypt as an expat. For example, if you sell your house in an expensive location and move to a condo in a low-tax state, your expenses could decline sharply, perhaps freeing income to pay for other priorities. This way, you may also consider staying in your town or city, but moving to a smaller home would be financially manageable.
7. It’s Never Too Late to Plan
When your planned retirement date is a decade away, it can seem like a distant event. However, it’s essential to plan carefully and set realistic goals so that time is on your side and can help you have the means to enjoy the sort of retirement you have always dreamed of. Even if you started saving and investing for retirement late or have yet to begin, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone to increase your retirement savings.
8. Set a Goal and Stick to them
It’s better to start early, set goals, and stick to them. Meanwhile, consider basic investment principles and make an important decision on the budget you’re planning to make during your stay in the country. On the other hand, talk to your employer, financial adviser, bank, and union for further information.
9. Ask Plenty of Questions
As an expat moving to Egypt for the first time, utilizing the frequently asked questions about retirements could help you through the process. Always seek more information, and the more information you have about life after retirement, the better prepared you will. With that being said, this should be taken into consideration.
10. Understand the Right Time
Your current age is with you need to put into consideration. And the longer the time between today and retirement, the higher the level of risk your portfolio can withstand. In addition, always know the right time to visit the country to better your relocation package as an expat in the country.
Best Places to Retire in Egypt in 2021
In recent times, Cairo has always been the centralized, most sought-after city to live in Egypt. The charm of Cairo, the ease of obtaining service, the sound educational system are some of the reasons for internal migration to the capital city and neighboring Giza. Without further ado, below are the best places in Egypt.
Alexandria
Alexandria is one of the best places that fit your retirement in Egypt. Aside from the stunning view of the Mediterranean and the city’s beauty, this place is rich in services, amenities and has branches of consulates, significant institutions, and multinational companies. Moreover, this metropolitan city is well-known for its ancient streets. And harboring Alexandria’s seaport also makes it easier to obtain goods.
Hurghada
This is another coastal city suitable for a comfortable and enjoyable retirement lifestyle. Aside from this fact, job opportunities are available, within limits. However, all services and amenities are within reach. Meanwhile, the recreational hotspot has schools and significant multinational companies specializing in properties and oil. Also, the distance from Cairo could render the city alienating and stunning.
Mansoura
This is another city with a rich history located in the middle of the Nile Delta region. Nonetheless, the populous city is practical to live and work in. In a nutshell, major services and recreational social and sports clubs are readily available. So, this is a great time to enjoy your retirement lifestyle in Egypt.
Towards the west of the city and closer to the Nile view, Mansoura boasts some of the most expensive pieces of land in Egypt. And for this reason, you’ll enjoy your retirement. Al Mashaya, which lies across from Mansoura University, is famous for its high-end way of living as well as the administrative buildings.
Luxor
Although this city was named World Tourism Capital of 2016, but it’s apt for building a life away from the city’s chaotic routine. It might not be the most equipped to deal with all sorts of professions, yet working remotely or building a startup as a retiree in this city can pay quite well. In addition, Luxor is an hour a half drive from Qena, where most services can be obtained, from education to the healthcare system.
Aswan
Once the ancient town of Swenett, Aswan was historically the southern outpost of the Egyptian lands. This city sits on the Nile, the river that has been the lifeblood of Egypt for thousands of years and is the final stop of culture trips. With that being said, you should consider moving to this city as an expat.
Faiyum
Faiyum has been inhabited since Pharaonic times, and the town is full of traditional souks and different sites, including the hanging Mosque, Qaitbay Mosque, and many others, to mention a few. One of the main reasons this place is suitable is because; it’s a site of discovering hundreds of fossils belonging to early forms of whales. Aside from this fact, expats will enjoy beautiful ancient heritage while retiring in this country.
Expat Visa Requirements to Egypt
Egypt’s growing economy makes it a famous country for skilled workers. While there are a number of business opportunities available in this country, expats still find it easy to relocate. Although the country may be well known for its pyramids and the sphinx but it also has a growing economy and healthcare facilities suitable for retirees. Without further ado, let’s quickly walk you through the visa requirements.
Work Visa in Egypt
Even if you’re retiring as an expat, it’s crucial to understand the work visa requirements. Sometimes, your siblings may decide to work in the country; this way, the benefits of understanding how it works cannot be overemphasized. It is granted by the Ministry of Manpower in Egypt, but it’s always good to be applied by the expat employers in the country.
In addition to this fact, a work visa is usually granted for a period of one year. Although it may be extended for a maximum duration of 5 years but it cannot be considered as a way to permanent residency in the country.
Documents Required for Work Visa
- A valid passport, certificates of experience, and copy of university degree
- Copy of a job offer letter and copy of birth and marriage certificates
- The company employing the expat will provide company registration documents
- You must submit a copy of your recent passport photograph and the result of medical tests
Tourist Visas in Egypt
The tourist visa in Egypt is valid for up to 30 days after issuance. Meanwhile, nationals of certain countries do not require a tourist visa when traveling to the country. You may do the registration online while you check their local Egyptian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information about the tourist visa in this country.
Residence Permit in Egypt
Expats planning to retire in Egypt will definitely need to get a residence permit. While the process could be a long and arduous one, you’ll understand the benefits of having this visa package in the long run. More so, it has extensive documentation, so we advise you to go through research to know it better.
Egypt Transit Visa
The transit time and your nationality will determine whether you need a transit or not. Also, those in possession of an onward ticket from the airport may be able to transit for a maximum period of 48 hours without using the transit visa. Meanwhile, research made it known that countries like Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, and more can not leave their transit area while changing flights.
Retirement/Investment and Budgeting Tips
Expats moving to Egypt are increasingly seeking new ways to boost their income and portfolio. With 30 percent of those who invest in Egyptian stocks being between the age of 21 and 40, you can definitely find a way out as a retiree. In not much time, here are the ten tips on how to start budgeting and retirement in Egypt.
Define Your Goals
Setting your goals as an expat will give you the confidence to retire in Egypt. Besides, since the country doesn’t have enough facilities, unlike the U.S.A or the United Kingdom, ensuring that you meet specific requirements could help you during your stay in the country. According to our team, setting your goals straight before starting to invest is the key to organizing your thoughts and strategizing your decisions.
Diversify Your Portfolio (Investment)
For someone who is not familiar with the country’s retirement plan, it would be better if you already plan to diversify your portfolio. With that being said, you may need to invest your money in different places. You can start a business, invest in services, and engage in something that’d fetch you income without the need to stress yourself out. This is why having options is crucial because you’re retiring.
Plan for A Long Term in Egypt
Planning for a long-term retirement in Egypt is one thing to put into consideration. Not that you shouldn’t prepare yourself ahead and get back to your country of residence in a couple of years. But you should benefit from what you’ve invested in your new country of residence (Egypt). This means you need to invest long-term and dedicate some of your money to emergency funds for future use.
Study the Risk of Retirement in Egypt
For you to have a successful retirement plan in Egypt, you must have understood the pros and cons of moving to the country. Checking different blogs to know the right thing can be quite confusing because many of the wrong information some may portray. However, we have all you need on this platform. So, refer to our previous guides to know more about living in Egypt in today’s 21st century.
Don’t Take Impulse Step in Retirement
While you’re relocating to Egypt for the first time, it’s always good to make a good decision and not be emotional. More so, being impulsive or deciding based on emotions is one trap young investors can fall into. So, as an expat planning to retire in Egypt, try and review your portfolio and don’t take impulse steps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Egypt
What are the most interesting facts about Egypt?
Located on the northeast corner of Africa, this country is home to one of the world’s earliest and greatest civilizations, with a unified kingdom surfacing around 3,200 B.C. With a population estimated at more than 99 million, there is more to know about this country. Refer to moving to Egypt for more.
What is Egypt known for?
As of today’s digital age, Egypt is known for its ancient civilization and the monuments of the majestic pharaohs, such as the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramids of Giza, the GEM, Sakkara, and Dahshur. Moreover, the country is home to one of the world’s earliest and greatest civilizations, with a unified kingdom first surfacing around 3,200 B.C.
Can I retire in Egypt without disturbance?
Of course, no one would disturb you, and there’s no shortage of opportunity for retirees. In fact, in Cairo, business and real estate, as well as stock exchange opportunities, are abundant since that’s the hub of the country. So, as an expat, you have nothing to worry about if you truly want to retire in the country.
Does expats/retirees pay tax in Egypt?
Well, in Egypt, expats are liable for income tax depending on their residency status. On the flip side, non-residents don’t need to file taxes because the income they receive in the country is progressively being taxed on gross income. So, even though you’re retiring in as an expat, prepare to pay a token.
Can a foreigner buy a house in this country?
Unlike other countries in the western world where expats or foreigners can own land, the process is quite different in Egypt. And this is because; Egypt law does not permit a foreigner to own non-residential property in person. However, a foreigner can own and purchase the non-residential property by incorporating a company to carry on a business, industrial activity, or administrative in Egypt.
Is it cheap to live in Egypt as an expat?
Living in a country like Egypt isn’t so expensive, as we’ve stated in our articles. And in fact, it’s relatively cheap as compared to many countries in the world. Meanwhile, daily expenses such as feeding, transportation, accommodation, miscellaneous, security, and many others are quite affordable in Egypt.
Does Egypt have Social Security like the U.K?
As of January 1, 2020, the government implemented a new law that makes significant changes to the country’s social security pension system, including financing, benefit formulas, and benefit adjustments, qualifying conditions, and coverage. This means you can expect the social security system in Egypt, but there’s a slight difference compared to the United Kingdom.
Which countries do not pay tax pensions?
Many countries do not provide tax pensions, and some of them include; Australia, Costa Rica, Panama, the Philippines, Uruguay, Malaysia, and many others. On the other hand, countries like France, Thailand, and Colombia don’t tax pension and social security payments.
Conclusion
A retiree living in Egypt can expect to spend on average $105.93 per month on food. Since retirement is the time to relax and enjoy life, it would be better to understand the process before traveling. Our retirement guide will help you get the most out of your work-free years in Egypt. So, review the content above and get started on retirements in Egypt today.
