Living in Tobago

[DebbieC]

Hi,
What is the (un)employment situation in T&T? If I (an American) would want to move there in my retirement, what hurdles would I encounter? Would it bepossible for me to find some type of employment?

What about lodging? Is there real estate for sale or do people mostly rent from others? Is there a population problem?

What are citizenship requirements? What if I lived there 6 months and in the USA 6 months and retain US citizenship?

What is the quality of healthcare? Do any providers accept foreign insurances?

I will be vacationing there for 2 weeks in February and I have a feeling I'm going to fall in love and want to retire there.

Any information I will greatly appreciate.

[Ronald]

Hi Debbie

I was waiting for a answer from a TT-citizen, but here are some answers from me, I hope you will get more. I copy your questions here..If "someone" has more info, better info, correct my notes...

"Would it be possible for me to find some type of employment?"
If this has not changed, you will only get a job, if there´s no citizen who can do the job, or if you have an examn which is needed in T&T. Or you can start an own small business of come kind, if that´s a possible option for you.

"Is there real estate for sale..."
There´s quite many for sale, both apartments and houses, both in Trinidad & Tobago, but T&T has changed the rules for foreign peoples in Tobago, but I don´t know if it´s active yet. I also find the price quite high sometimes when looking on what you get.

"What are citizenship requirements"
As far I know, a foreign person without family connection to T&T, will only get citizenship if he/she is married with a citizen of T&T. Even than, it use to take 2-3 years to receive it. I´m retired, and I´m staying in Tobago during the winter and home during the summer, that is no problem for me.

"What is the quality of healthcare"
The Government Hospitals has educated doctors and nurses, but they do not have possiblity to do what you are custom to at home, as they often do not have necessary equipments and are overloaded with work. There are private clinics and they are very good, but than you for sure need a BIG wallet or a good International Insurance! Myself always buy an International Insurance in case I have to see a doctor fo a bigger problem, smaller things as when I cut myself in the garden, for that I go to the local hospital if I need some stitches.

As you say you will be there in February, go and see the Immigration and get the newest information. I´ve seen them, and they seems to like the fact that I ask questions to find out the rules instead making problems for them.
I going down in the end of October and I´ll go back home in the end of April.

Good Luck
Ronald

[Andy K]

Debbie,

please contact Steve and get my private e-mail address. I will answer your questions in detail but not here
in the forum.