Retiring in Cambodia

The lowest cost of living in Southeast Asia, and one of the simplest retirement visa processes in the world.

A Note from Neil

“I have lived in Ho Chi Minh City since 2021. I chose Vietnam deliberately — not because it was the easiest option, but because it offered the best combination of cost, quality of life, food, culture, and energy. The visa situation is imperfect, but it is improving. If you are willing to navigate a little complexity, the reward is a lifestyle that would cost three to four times as much in the West.”

— Neil Crossland, Ho Chi Minh City

£800–1,200/mo

Single (comfortable)

£1,200–2,000/mo

Couple (comfortable)

£240–640/mo

1-bed apartment (expat area)

No — frozen

UK State Pension uprated?

One of the simplest retirement visa processes in Southeast Asia

For retirees aged 55 and over, Cambodia's ER (Ordinary) visa extension requires primarily proof of age for annual renewal. This is as straightforward as it gets in the region.

The process begins with an E-class tourist visa on arrival (approximately £30), which is then converted to an ER (Retirement) extension. For those aged 55+, the annual renewal requires proof of age and a fee of approximately £240. For those under 55, proof of a monthly income of at least $1,500 or a bank balance of $25,000 is required.

Residence must be reported to local authorities every 90 days — a minor administrative requirement that is easily managed through a local visa agent for a nominal fee.

Cambodia offers the lowest cost of comfortable living in Southeast Asia. A single person can live well — not frugally — on £800–1,200 per month. The US dollar is widely accepted alongside the Cambodian Riel, which makes financial management straightforward for Western retirees.

Healthcare in Cambodia’s major cities has improved significantly in recent years. Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and Siem Reap International Hospital offer modern facilities with English-speaking doctors, and costs are very low by Western standards.

For serious or complex medical needs, many expats travel to Bangkok (approximately 6 hours by road or 1 hour by air) where Thailand’s world-class private hospitals are available. This is a standard contingency plan for Cambodia-based retirees.

International health insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 is recommended for visa purposes. Premiums for a 60–65 year old typically run to £80–200 per month.

Phnom Penh

The capital and most developed city. Modern amenities, a growing expat community, good private hospitals, and a vibrant food and arts scene. The most practical base for most retirees.

Siem Reap

Home to Angkor Wat and a thriving expat community. Lower cost than Phnom Penh, a relaxed pace, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure that makes daily life easy.

Kampot

A charming riverside town near the coast. Very low cost, peaceful, and increasingly popular with long-term expats seeking a slower pace. Limited healthcare — Bangkok is the fallback.

Lowest cost of comfortable living in Southeast Asia
Simplest retirement visa process in the region (55+)
US dollar widely accepted — easy financial management
Warm, friendly culture with genuine hospitality
Rich history and extraordinary heritage sites
Growing expat communities in major cities

Foreigners cannot own land
Business ownership requires 51% Cambodian partner
90-day residence reporting requirement
Complex medical cases require travel to Bangkok
UK state pension is frozen — no annual increases
Infrastructure outside major cities is limited

Is Cambodia right for you?

Cambodia suits a specific type of retiree — one who values simplicity, low cost, and authenticity over infrastructure. In a 90-minute Clarity Session, Neil will assess whether Cambodia fits your profile.