The 10 best countries to retire – and the 3 things you have to know before
Retirees are leaving the United States, which have a high cost of living, in search of a more affordable and quiet life abroad. But before buying a one -way ticket, experts warn that it is crucial to understand the implications of the journey as an expat.
What is why some American retirees are going abroad instead of moving to warmer states like Florida and Arizona? Visas for retirees.
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Many countries now offer dedicated retired programs that seek a more accessible cost of living and a new more relaxed lifestyle. Therefore, if you consult Global Citizen Solutions’s retirement report for 2025, you should not be surprised to see that the US do not appear on the list.
While relaxing on a tile porch overlooking the Mediterranean Sea may seem tempting to retirees, recent changes in the rules of visas, tax policies and local costs mean that the process of moving abroad can be more complex than you think.
A successful retirement abroad now requires careful planning, in-depth research and flexibility to deal with financial, legal and constantly evolving lifestyle challenges.
The Global Citizens report evaluates 44 Passive Retirement Visa Programs. He also analyzed 20 key indicators grouped into six main categories: procedures for visa, citizenship and mobility, economic factors, tax benefits, quality of life and safety and social integration.
Each country received a score from 0 to 100. Many of the highest classified countries were in Europe and South America. Portugal obtained the highest score, followed by Mauricio and Spain Islands.
The 10 best countries to retire abroad in 2025 – and their time for citizenship
• Portugal – 5 years
• Mauricio Islands – 6 years
• Spain – 10 years (2 years for selected nationalities)
• Uruguay – 5 years
• Austria – 10 years
• Italy – 10 years
• Slovenia – 10 years
• Malta – 8 years
• Latvia – 10 years
• Chile – 5 years
With the scarcity of housing and the increase in cost of living, many retirees may feel discouraged to remain in the United States. Jeanne Thompson, a retirement strategy consultant and former Fidelity’s VP, has offered advice to those looking to retire in another country.
1. Understand the tax implications to avoid double taxation and fluctuations of exchange rates
“From the financial perspective, retirees need to understand tax implications to avoid double taxation, consider fluctuations in exchange rates that can significantly impact their retirement budget and confirm that their banks and brokerages can continue to serve them abroad,” he said.
“Many financial institutions have restrictions on service to expatriates, making this verification essential.”
2. Check your access to health
“Access to health is another critical consideration,” said Thompson. “Since Medicare usually does not cover health care abroad, retirees should budget international or local health insurance – an expense that can be substantial, depending on the desired destination country and level of coverage.”
3. Does not underestimate cultural adjustments and linguistic barriers
“Finally, social and cultural adjustments should not be underestimated. Building a new community takes time, especially when there are linguistic barriers,” he explained.
“Although many retirees look for expatriate communities for initial support, these can be transitory, as people enter and leave. Therefore, I recommend renting for 6 to 12 months before committing to buy a property. This test period allows retirees to experience everyday life, sail through local systems and ensure that the location actually adapts to your lifestyle and expectations before making a permanent commitment.”
