Honduras: The Best Retirement Destination

The true blue ocean and abundant, rich rain forests of Honduras are what you desire in a place for retirement. The pristine conditions will remain in Honduras because of the laws to protect them. The government has laws to protect and preserve this place of wonderment. While indulging in the luxuries Honduras offers, you do not need to worry about out of control infrastructures being built in one place after another, nor will there be high rises popping up blocking your view to the ocean. If you or your spouse want serenity and simplicity, with a healthy dose of hospitality consider this oasis. Honduras is a safe and very clean place to live during your long awaited retirement.

Activities

For an active retirement, adventure is at your fingertips. Activities include white water rafting, canopy zip line touring, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Maybe you just want to relax and take in the beauty daily ,by simply relaxing on Honduras' beaches, or listen to the soothing vibrations of cascading waterfalls, or fish flutters splashing around in the lakes, let's not forget to mention, the rewarding spas, and retreats. The art and the symphonies will keep your senses awakened.

Honduras is a place of diversity. The people are multi-cultural, courteous, people living together in harmony. Living there you will gain a sense of belonging. You will feel welcomed. Local restaurants will remember you, and your favorite dishes, and serve you with kindness.

Traveling

Honduras is only 2 hours from the United States by airplane. Getting back to the U.S. is easy. There are 4 Honduran International airlines to get you back and forth. The Pan-American Highway, a modern, efficient highway system that makes travel within the country by car or express buses a cinch. No matter what your particular pleasure is, this Central American spot is for you.

Getting your belongings from the United States to Honduras can be shipped in a 20 -foot container to your new home in Honduras for $1,200 dollars.

Retirement Status

Honduras provides an immigration status for foreigners who want to live in the country as retirees. This is known as the retirement status. It is one of the easiest ways for someone who is a foreign person to the country to obtain residency.

Applying For Retirement

The documents you'll require for retirement status are a birth certificate, passport, medical certification, a good-conduct certification by the local police, attestation that you are not a communist, an affidavit of willingness to abide by the laws of Honduras, 6 photos, and proof of income. For more information regarding the retirement law it is available through consulates. The retirement law is administered by the Honduran Tourism Institute.

Restrictions

Generally retired residents cannot work in Honduras. There are some exceptions and ways of working around this law if you do consider a part time job. Any person can own an incorporated business. Retirees can work if they invest in tourism, housing, industry or agriculture.

Retirees must live in Honduras for at least 4 months out of the year, but if they allow their funds to be deposited every month in a Honduran bank or they have invested at least ,$50,000 in Honduras they can stay out of the country.

It is harder to leave the country if you are a retiree versus a tourist. The Honduras Tourism Institute must certify that the retiree has complied with all the conditions of the law. An official identification card has to be renewed every 2 years.

Banking

There are stable banking institutions with the experience to make sure that your United States funds are wired in and out of accounts in less than a day. Checking and Savings accounts can be easily open at all major banks.

Under Honduran law pensioners, of retirement age must have a stable income of $600 dollars a month. Annuitants must have a stable monthly income of $1,000 a month.

Medical Care

Medical care is one of the great benefits of retiring in Honduras. The 2 major cities who have excellent medical facilities are Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. They are both equipped with the latest technology in health care. The medical staffs are physicians who were trained in the United States.

If healthcare is a big concern, you can rest easy knowing that health care is sufficient and affordable, and is at your disposal.

Inexpensive Benefits

Liquor is inexpensive. So your occasional cocktails won't break down your pockets. Household assistance or help is not expensive either. You do not have to be rich to have maid service cook and clean for you. The average daily pay for a maid is $8 dollars. Why should you have your retirement days weighed down with those responsibilities anymore? Bonus: Retirees income is not taxed. Also a major inexpensive benefit under the retirement law is that any household good, or pieces of furniture, your vehicle can be entered into Honduras free of duty. The car may be replaced again in 5 years free of duty. Go to www.internationalbenefits.com for more information regarding the free of duty rules.

Another bonus falling under the category of inexpensive benefits, is the fact that your spouse, your children under 18, (or your child whose a student 18-25) may qualify for residency without additional income requirements.

Honduras is a multicultural nation with courteous people living in harmony. You will feel apart of your community. Welcome yourself Home. Your new retirement destination is waiting.

For more information, checkout books from your local library about Honduras. Visit www.internationalliving.com