Best Countries for Americans To Retire (2025)

Sean Donnelly

Last Updated: Mar 17, 2025 • 19 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

The best countries for Americans to retire offer the perfect balance of a low cost of living and a high quality of life, thanks to features like affordable medical care, moderate climates, and active expat communities. They also provide easy paths to citizenship through visas aimed at retirees.

Some popular global destinations for retirement include:

Portugal: Top European retirement spot with beautiful landscapes
Panama: Low living expenses and lots of expat communities
Spain: Friendly people and a straightforward residency process
Malaysia: Modern and multicultural
Greece: Mediterranean climate and rich history
Thailand: Beautiful beaches, warm temperatures, and budget-friendly

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Each of the countries on our list checks most — if not all — of those boxes. So, no matter the reason you’ve yet your sights on celebrating your golden years abroad, this guide will help you get started. And since planning to move abroad is no easy task, we’ve included our recommendations for international movers and some helpful tips.

10 best countries for Americans to retire

Based on our analysis of key factors like living costs, immigration policies, and expat populations, we think Portugal is the number-one retirement spot for Americans. But the best country for you to retire to will also come down to the specific kind of climate and culture you most want to explore.

Portugal
Panama
Spain
Mexico
Costa Rica
Malaysia
Greece
Thailand
Italy
Switzerland

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1. Portugal

Why Portugal is great for retirees:

Lower cost of living than the US
Straightforward path to residency & retirement-friendly visas
Multiple landscapes, including beaches & mountains

We picked Portugal as the overall best country for Americans to retire to because of its balance of natural beauty and budget-friendliness, as well as its growing population of foreign nationals. While, as of early 2025, only around 14,000 US citizens made their homes here, the country is home to more than a million expats from around the world.

Many of the country’s historical attractions are concentrated in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra. However, you’ll have plenty to look at no matter where in the country you live — from stunning beaches and rolling vineyards to impressive mountain ranges and lush river valleys.

Portugal’s passive income — visa makes it relatively easy for retirees to establish residency. Alternately called the Portugal Retirement Visa, the D7 grants you a two-year residence permit, which is extended by another three years if you renew. After that five-year period, you’ll be eligible to become a permanent Portuguese resident and a Portuguese national, if you so choose.

Cost of living in Portugal vs. US

It’s cheaper across the board to live in Portugal, with dining out and utilities being markedly more affordable.

To illustrate, here’s a quick comparison of Porto with a US city of similar size:

Cost of Living Factor	Scottsdale, AZ	Porto, Portugal	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$80	$52.58	–44.7%
Gallon of milk	$3.48	$3.76	+7.9%
Basic utilities (electric. water, trash)	$156.56	$123.32	–51.9%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$43	$42.07	–2.2%
Entertainment (cinema ticket)	$12	$8.41	–29.9%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Scottsdale and Porto (February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Portugal

While expats earning income in Portugal can apply for access to the country’s free healthcare system, this is not necessarily the case for retirees. Since you aren’t paying into the country’s social security system, you won’t be able to reap any of those benefits.

However, private insurance in Portugal is relatively affordable — between about $20 and $158 per month, according to InterNations, an online expat support network. That’s a huge savings when compared to US health insurance for retirement-aged people, which runs from about $375–$1,100.

2. Panama

Why Panama is great for retirees:

Retiree visa that includes perks like discounts on healthcare
Low cost of living
Multiple expat communities

Panama is a retiree haven, thanks to its Pensionado Visa, which provides discounts on everything from medical care to entertainment. With no taxes on foreign income, your Social Security payments or pension goes even further there.

As of early 2025, about 25,000 American expats called Panama home, with the greatest concentrations in Panama City and the small mountain town of Boquete.

Cost of living in Panama vs. US

You can maintain the same lifestyle you’d have as a retiree in a city like Austin for about $2,200 less per month in Panama City, according to Numbeo. Those figures are assuming the cost of housing rentals in both locations.

Take a look at how Panama City, which has a population of about 1.1 million, stacks up to similarly sized Austin (approximately 987,000).

Cost of Living Factor	Austin, TX	Panama City, Panama	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$75/td>	$55	–26.7%
Gallon of milk	$4.39	$6.89	+56.8%
Basic utilities (electric. water, trash)	$184.58	$128.06	–30.6%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$44.24	$22.50	–49.1%
Entertainment (cinema ticket)	$15	$8	–46.7%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Panama City and Austin (February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Panama

You’ll have access to Panama’s publicly subsidized healthcare system after establishing residency. Since state-run hospitals can have long wait times, many US expats opt for private healthcare to ensure delays because it is affordable — around $50–$125 per month — and high-quality.

3. Spain

Why Spain is great for retirees:

European travel opportunities
Easy path to residency for retirees
Low cost of living

Retirees planning to move to Spain will be able to take advantage of the county’s vibrant culture, world-renowned Mediterranean cuisine, and a cost of living that is lower than most of the US.

Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa makes it easy for retirees to settle down — all you have to do is prove you have enough income to support yourself (at least $2,474 per month) and you’ll be able to stay for one year, with opportunities to renew for two consecutive two-year periods. After five years on the Non-Lucrative Visa, you’ll be eligible for permanent residency. Just keep in mind that the Non-Lucrative Visa prohibits you from working for a Spanish employer, so a part-time job won’t be an option.

English isn’t widely spoken there — only 22% of the population is fluent in it as a second language. However, there are plenty of expat communities in major cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Malaga.

Cost of living in Spain vs. US

Overall, it’s cheaper to live in Spain than most major US cities. According to Numbeo, monthly living expenses in Oklahoma City, OK, are around $5,500, if you include the average cost of rent. You could live in a similarly sized city in Spain like Seville for nearly $2,000 USD less each month.

Here’s a cost breakdown between the two cities, both of which have a population of approximately 700,000.

Cost of Living Factor	Oklahoma City, OK	Seville, Spain	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$39.29	–49.3%
Gallon of milk	$4.20	$3.95	–5.9%
Basic utilities	$232.79	$94.72	–59.3%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$50	$36.99	–26%
Cinema ticket	$15	$8.38	–44.1%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Oklahoma City and Seville (February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Spain

Spain has modern, high-quality medical facilities and a free public healthcare system. However, like Portugal, Spain does not extend its no-cost care to visa-holders. If you are on a Non-Lucrative Visa, you’ll have to pay for private insurance (about $53–$210 per month) for your first year in Spain. After that, you can apply for the Convenio Especial (“Special Agreement”) system, which allows you access to public care for a monthly fee of between $63 and $157, depending on your age.

4. Mexico

Why Mexico is great for retirees:

Easy to live on a budget
Close to the US
Straightforward immigration process

Mexico has long been a favorite for American retirees, thanks to its low costs, friendly communities, and easy residency options. The Temporary Resident Visa allows retirees to stay for up to four years, and the Permanent Resident Visa is available after proving financial stability.

English isn’t widely spoken in Mexico. However, there are many growing expat hubs where English is becoming increasingly common. If you don’t speak Spanish, those hubs — including Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Merida — are good spots for you to immerse yourself in the culture without living entirely outside your comfort zone.

Cost of living in Mexico vs. US

Mexico is significantly less expensive than the US, particularly when you compare a city like Puerto Vallarta, which has a population of a little under 600,000, with a major city like New York. Numbeo estimates it’s a whopping 60% cheaper in Puerto Vallarta than NYC, with rent almost 78% less.

Rather than stack Puerto Vallarta’s living expenses up against the Big Apple, we thought it would be more helpful to have an apples-to-apples comparison with a city like Baltimore, which is similar in size.

Cost of Living Factor	Baltimore, MD	Puerto Vallarta, Mexico	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$48.96	–36.8%
Gallon of milk	$4.07	$5.63	+38.2%
Basic utilities	$162.91	$83.52	–48.7%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$77	$9.79	–87.3%
Cinema ticket	$15	$8.08	–46.1%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Baltimore and Puerto Vallarta (February 2025)

Healthcare for US retirees in Mexico

US citizens retiring to Mexico have the option of choosing two programs for their healthcare needs once they establish residency. The Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social is the country’s national health system, and Seguro Popular is state-run.

Many retirees in Mexico opt for privatized care if they can afford it, however. This helps to avoid crowded facilities and long wait times. Private insurance plans for expats in Mexico are incredibly budget-friendly — from about $400 a year for ages 50–60 to $620 for 70–79. The annual insurance costs in Mexico are, in some cases, less than you’d pay per month for medical coverage in the US.

5. Costa Rica

Why Costa Rica is great for retirees:

Low-cost quality healthcare
Affordable housing rentals
Balmy temperatures and beautiful scenery

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with a lower cost of living than most US cities. The country is known for its friendly locals and established expat communities, so English is prevalent, particularly in major cities and tourist hubs, including like San Jose and Puerto Viejo. Finding people in Costa Rica who speak your language makes it that much easier to adapt to the “Pura Vida” lifestyle of positive vibes and laidback living.

Nearly 120,000 US citizens lived in Costa Rica as of January 2025, with more than half a million total expats of all nationalities calling the country home.

If you’re looking to establish short- or long-term residency Costa Rica offers the Pensionado (“Pensioner”) Visa. Similar to Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, the Pensionado Visa allows you to live in Costa Rica for two years as long as you can show proof that you have a permanent monthly income of at least $1,000 from an employer outside of the country or social security payments. The visa is renewable for an additional two years, and after three years, you can begin the process of becoming a permanent resident.

Cost of living in Costa Rica vs. US

On average, Costa Rica is about 23% cheaper than the US in terms of basic necessities and bills. The real selling point for Costa Rica is with housing. On a country-to-country level, rent is less than half what it is in the US. And looking at a city like San Jose of nearly 1.5 million next to similarly populated San Diego, you’ll spend 68%–76% less to purchase a home in the former vs. the latter.

Check out more comparisons of living expenses in the two cities.

Cost of Living Factor	San Diego, CA	San Jose, Costa Rica	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$90	$59.23	–34.2%
Gallon of milk	$4.65	$7.46	+60.3%
Basic utilities	$291.03	$90.49	–68.9%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$72	$39.84	–44.7%
Cinema ticket	$16	$9.87	–38.3%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of San Diego and San Jose(February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Costa Rica

As a retiree and new resident of Costa Rica, you’ll have access to the country’s public healthcare system. It’s free for citizens and permanent residents, but you will have to pay a small fee of $60–$250 a month .

That fee will give you coverage for most medical treatments — including doctor’s visits and prescriptions — but some retirees who move to Costa Rica opt to supplement these plans with private insurance. These plans can run anywhere from $100—$1,000 a month but the additional plan will help ensure any preexisting conditions you may have are covered and you can skip the long wait times for medical care.

6. Malaysia

Why Malaysia is great for retirees:

Modern amenities
Year-round tropical climate
Favorable tax laws

Malaysia combines affordability with modern infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for US retirees. The country boasts a rich cultural tapestry, delicious cuisine, and English is widely spoken, so adapting to your new surroundings will be that much easier.

Malaysia also makes it simple to transition to permanent residency through the “My Second Home (MMH2)” visa program. While it is open to adults 21 and older, MMH2 gives special treatment to older visa holders. If you’re at least 50 years old and approved for an MMH2 visa, you won’t be required to stay in the country a certain amount of time each year to maintain your residency.

This is a great feature if you want to travel to neighboring Thailand and Indonesia or plan to bounce back and forth between Malaysia and the US. The MMH2 visa is also good for five–20 years, longer than any on our list. The length of your visa depends on how much of a financial investment you’re willing and able to make — either in the form of a fixed deposit into a Malaysian bank account or through the purchase of property. If you opt to contribute nothing, you’ll still be granted a five-year stay.

Once in Malaysia, residents are not required to pay taxes on income from outside of the country. This means that US social security is tax-free.

Cost of living in Malaysia vs. US

Housing in Malaysia is far less expensive — nearly 80%, on average — than in the US. Other expenses like groceries and utilities are less than half of what you’d pay in the US. Even in in a large city of 2 million like Kuala Lumpur, you could live on a third of the money you’d need to maintain the same standard of life in than in Houston, which has about 2.3 million residents.

Cost of Living Factor	Houston, TX	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$80	$27.11	–77.4%
Gallon of milk	$3.41	$7.21	+111.5%
Basic utilities	$193.46	$63.53	–67.2%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$77.50	$11.30	–85.4%
Cinema ticket	$15	$4.97	–66.9%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Houston and Kuala Lumpur(February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Malaysia

Both Malaysia’s public and privatized healthcare are affordable options for American retirees. Even its private hospitals are subsidized, which makes it a surprisingly cheap option.

Beyond this, US expats and retirees can opt for private health insurance, which typically costs around $100–$500.

7. Greece

Why Greece is great for retirees:

Relaxed pace of life
Lots of historic attractions to explore
Mild climate and ample sunshine year-round

Greece makes our list of best countries for Americans to retire to because its Mediterranean climate beats a Florida beach any day. The sun shines on Greece more than 250 days a year and the winters are mild… without the threat of hurricanes.

English is a required second language in Greek schools, so whether you’ve picked a bustling Athens neighborhood or a cottage on a remote stretch of the island of Ithaca, you’re likely to bump into people who you can speak with if you don’t know their native tongue.

One potential drawback to moving to Greece is a recently-introduced 7% tax on all foreign pension or social security income. You may decide it’s a small price to pay for the sunny days of laidback living that await you.

Cost of living in Greece vs. US

While it’s cheaper overall to live in Greece vs. the US, depending on where you live, you’ll pay more for things like public transportation, some grocery items, and utilities. This is due to the many remote and sparsely populated islands that make up Greece, where public transit systems and power grids are difficult and expensive to maintain. In urban areas like Athens, subway and bus fare is still much cheaper compared to a major US cities like Chicago.

Below, we have a snapshot of life in Patras, a small city of about 177,000, compared to life in a US city of equal population.

Cost of Living Factor	Eugene, OR	Patras, Greece	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$50.88	–34.3%
Gallon of milk	$3.81	$5.89	+54.6%
Basic utilities	$125.81	$196.19	+55.9%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$45	$57.70	+28.2%
Cinema ticket	$14.50	$8.66	–40.3%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Eugene and Patras (February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Greece

Permanent residents have access to Greece’s public subsidized healthcare. However, retirees and expats who haven’t been granted such status — or who haven’t paid into the Greek system during their working lives — will have to apply for coverage through the EFKA, or the National Social Security Fund. The annual cost of this ranges from $258 to $670 and includes most medical treatment, including preventive care like dental visits, as well as hospital visits.

8. Thailand

Why Thailand is great for retirees:

Warm weather year-round
No tax on social security
First-rate healthcare system

Thailand is a melting pot, and it’s no surprise why. People from across the globe flock to Thailand to take advantage of the country’s affordability, beaches, and tropical climate. Expat communities are prominent in major cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, as well as on Thailand’s many islands. As a result, English is spoken in most locations throughout the country.

If you’re over 50 and don’t plan to seek Thailand-based employment, you can apply for a one-year retirement visa that is renewable for up to 10 years. You’ll have to make a fixed deposit of approximately $24,000 at a Thai bank and prove you receive at least $1,930 each month in income from a non-Thai employer, pension, or social security check. Social security payments will go farther in Thailand, since they are considered non-taxable income.

Cost of living in Thailand vs. US

You’ll only need about $595 a person — excluding rent — to live comfortably in Thailand. And housing in Thailand is affordable, too. On average, the country’s monthly rental costs are close to 70% lower than in the US.

That average holds true when you look at Samut Prakan, a city of approximately 390,000, and Tampa, FL, which has a population of roughly the same size.

Here are some more cost of living comparisons between the two cities.

Cost of Living Factor	Tampa, FL	Samut Prakan, Thailand	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$80	$14.80	–85.2%
Gallon of milk	$4.47	$5.28	+18%
Basic utilities	$241.71	$29.59	–87.8%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$66	$29.59	–55.2%
Cinema ticket	$16	$5.92	–63%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Tampa and Samut Prakan (February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Thailand

Thailand offers world-class public healthcare to residents, expats and retirees. To access the full range of coverage available, you’ll need a valid retiree visa. That residency status grants you annual benefits of $11,732 in outpatient care and $1,173 of inpatient care.

9. Italy

Why Italy is great for retirees:

Relaxed lifestyle
Quality public transportation system
Rich cultural heritage and world-renowned cuisine

Italy is a foodie’s paradise, with pleasant weather and an all-around more laid-back lifestyle, to boot. If you opt to spend your golden years here, there is plenty to do. Taking boat tours along the coast or historic tours to enjoy the architecture and art, and taking cooking or language classes are all great ways to immerse yourself in the culture.

Before youmove to Italy, we recommend learning at least a little conversational Italian (you can always learn more once you’re there). English is not as widely spoken in day-to-day interactions outside of major cities, so you may need to know enough Italian to get around.

Like most of the best countries for Americans to retire to, Italy offers an elective residence visa aimed at retirement-aged individuals. To receive the one-year renewable visa, you have to show proof of stable income and Italian housing, and you cannot hold Italy-based employment. You also have to purchase private health insurance. After five years on a visa, you can apply for permanent residency.

Cost of living in Italy vs. US

It’s slightly cheaper — roughly 20% — to live in most places in Italy than in the US, and rent is about 56% less. Even in a big tourist spot like Florence, you’ll still pay less for most things than in a US city of similar size like Cleveland. Both cities have populations of about 365,000.

Heads up that you might pay more to dine out but you might not mind the added cost, considering Italy is famous for its food.

Cost of Living Factor	Cleveland, OH	Florence, Italy	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$62.50	$83.93	+34.3%
Gallon of milk	$2.93	$6.01	+105%
Basic utilities	$295.96	$205.18	–30.7%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$95	$40.13	–57.8%
Cinema ticket	$13.50	$10.49	–22.3%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cleveland and Florence (February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Italy

Italy has universal healthcare, but you won’t have full access to the system. Per the conditions of your elective residence visa, you’ll have to buy private insurance, which costs about $105–$525 a month.

After three months, you can then get limited access to some of the country’s public medical care for a small fee. If you become a permanent resident after five years, you’ll be fully covered under the universal healthcare system.

10. Switzerland

Why Switzerland is great for retirees:

Stable economy with low inflation
Centrally located in Europe
Low crime rates

If you’re planning a move to Switzerland, you shouldn’t be doing so with the intention of saving money. It is one of the highest-cost countries in the European Union and worldwide.

Yet, Switzerland still made our list of the best countries for Americans to retire to because despite being a bit pricey, it’s got plenty to offer people in their golden years. Expats relocate to Switzerland for the natural beauty of the Alps and its prime spot within Europe, making it a great home base for European adventures. Switzerland is also one of the safest countries in the world, and in addition to the country’s three official languages — French, German, and Italian — English is widely spoken.

Switzerland’s residency process is a tad more restrictive than most of the other top retiree destinations. Like other countries, Switzerland’s retirement visa requires proof of financial stability, health insurance, and a clean criminal record, and you are prohibited from being employed by a Swiss company or organization. But you’ll also need to show a connection to Switzerland, be it Swiss origin, family ties, real estate ownership, or a history of spending time in the country.

Cost of living in Switzerland vs. US

Switzerland is generally about 50% more expensive than the US, so you’ll need to be prepared for a higher cost of living. Rent is less steep than other expenses — approximately 12% higher than US averages. That’s the case, too, when you compare Zurich, a city of 1.4 million people, with equally sized San Diego.

Cost of Living Factor	San Diego, CA	Zurich, Switzerland	% Difference
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$90	$134.13	+49%
Gallon of milk	$4.65	$7.46	+60.4%
Basic utilities	$291.03	$242.62	–16.6%
Public transit (monthly pass)	$72	$97.24	+35.1%
Cinema ticket	$16	$22.35	+39.7%

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Anaheim and Zurich (February 2025).

Healthcare for US retirees in Switzerland

Switzerland doesn’t have universal healthcare, and you’ll be required to purchase health insurance through a Swiss marketplace as part of your retirement visa process. Private insurance in Switzerland costs about $415 per month, on average. Coverage is mandatory. On the upside, wait times at clinics and doctor’s offices are usually short, and care centers are well-staffed.

Cost for Americans to retire abroad

Along with budgeting for the cost of your international move, you’ll have to save up enough to get started in a new country.

Here are some typical startup costs, based on national averages, you can expect when planning your move to one of the top countries for US retirees:

Country	Rent*	Medical**	Transportation^	Utilities^^	Retirement Visa Fees
Portugal	$985.14	$20–$158	$41.94	$119.69	$165–$257
Panama	$886.43	$0–$125	$25	$106.07	$1,500–$1,900
Spain	$999.31	$53–$210	$31.46	$138.76	$152
Mexico	$599.92	$33–$52	$24.92	$59.15	$54
Costa Rica	$788.60	$60–$250	$45.27	$83.78	$250–$400
Malaysia	$499.11	$100–$500	$11.30	$$63.53	$223.72
Greece	$510.85	$250–$670	$31.46	$199.38	$1,046.96
Thailand	$475.28	$0	$34.14	$77.72	$146.54
Italy	$780.70	$105–$525	$37.76	$203.47	$119.52
Switzerland	$1,861.73	$415	$89.50	$244.06	$219

*Monthly rent for a one-bedroom in a city center (February 2025)
**Approximate monthly healthcare costs (February 2025)
^Monthly public transport pass (February 2025)
^^Electric, water, and trash (February 2025)

Top international movers

A reputable top international moving company will offer comprehensive visual estimates with transparent pricing. They’ll also have the know-how for navigating a move abroad, and plenty of positive customer reviews to back that up.

Based on factors like cost, global reach, and service offerings, we think these are the top international movers:

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Allied International Van Lines

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International car shippers

Moving internationally doesn’t necessarily mean leaving your car behind. If you want to take your vehicle with you, some international moving companies like International Van Lines and JK Moving offer this service in-house. Booking moving and car shipping through one provider can eliminate some of the headache and streamline your relocation.

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What to consider when retiring overseas

No matter your reasons for retiring abroad — cutting expenses or immersing yourself in another culture, just to name two — there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind:

Cost of living: Thoroughly research your prospective new country’s cost of living before making your decision. This should include deep dives into recent inflation trends and the cost of rent or a mortgage, utilities, and groceries.
Healthcare accessibility: If your possible new home has socialized or subsidized healthcare, you’ll want to find out if you’ll have access on a visa. Most countries will restrict access until you become a permanent resident, and you may have to pay a fee. Others will require you to purchase a private plan as a stipulation of your visa. You can often find this information on a country’s immigration department website.
Taxes: If you’re eligible for social security, know that you’ll pay federal taxes in the US on any amount received over $25,000. You should also look up your new country’s policies on any income you receive this way, as well as any income you withdraw from other retirement accounts.
Existing demographics: Are you moving to a country with an already-present expat community? Or are you moving somewhere for cultural immersion and to fully learn another language? Looking up the demographics of your planned city or general area can help to minimize culture shock upon your arrival.
Climate: Economics aside, this is a driving force for many people who are looking to retire abroad. Being informed about any odd weather patterns or extreme temperatures in winter and summer is always useful.
Ease of residency applications: Each country will have unique application processes and visa statuses for which you can apply. Finding out your exact eligibility and taking initial steps before you move is a key component of any international relocation.

Retiring abroad tips

If you’re planning to move to and retire in another country, these tips will help make the journey go as smoothly as possible:

Downsize. Decluttering or downsizing is a great way to save money on your upcoming move. Other than distance, volume and weight are the biggest factors for moving costs. So, getting rid of furniture and miscellaneous seldom-used goods can make the process easier and cheaper.
Pack your own goods. A big to-do item on any moving checklist is packing. While it may seem daunting to pack for an overseas move, doing it yourself can save thousands. Start the process at least two months before moving day so you can pack at a measured pace with minimal stress.
Set up a comprehensive budget. Beyond the cost to hire movers, you should budget for getting set up in your new country, including first month’s rent and purchasing new furniture, if you leave your old items behind.
Secure housing. You can find shorter-term housing, like hostels or apartments with flexible leases, in most countries. However, we still recommend trying to get set up with a long-term rental before you move, if possible.
Confirm your visa or residency status. This is one of the most important tasks for any expat to handle pre-move. Look up your planned new home’s residency requirements and possible avenues you can pursue to gain permanent residency and even citizenship.

FAQ

What is the easiest country to retire to from the USA?

Spain and Portugal are among the easiest countries to retire as a US citizen. Each country offers visas that are ideal for retirees. Portugal’s D7 Visa is tailor-made for people with passive incomes who aren’t pursuing gainful employment in the country. Similarly, Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa works for prospective residents who can prove a monthly income of at least $2,474 and have private health insurance.

What countries do not tax social security?

Of the countries on our list, Portugal, Panama, Costa Rica and Greece do not tax social security. Belize, Ecuador, and Malta also do not tax this income stream.

What are the best countries for single Americans to retire?

Mexico and Thailand are two of the best countries for single US residents to retire due to their low costs of living and active American expat communities.

Where in the world can I retire on a budget of $2,000 a month?

Some of the countries on our list have locales which allow you to live on $2,000 or less per month, including:

Cadiz, Spain
Chitre, Panama
Crete, Greece
Hua Hin, Thailand

What are the downsides to retiring abroad?

The primary downside to retiring abroad is the immediate diminishment of your social network. While modern technology makes it easier to stay in touch with friends and family anywhere, this is a concern when moving to a new country.

We also encourage you to remember that living in a new country can have a bit of a honeymoon phase. It may feel like an idyllic vacation at first, but you’ll still have bills to pay and chores to do. Choose your destination with this in mind.

Our rating methodology

At moveBuddha, we understand that all international moving companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.

Here’s a breakdown of the methodology we use to rate international movers:

Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each company.
Standard services: We look at what services are included as part of a moving company’s standard offerings, and which ones you can only get for an additional fee.
Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move, such as packing and custom-built crates, as well as services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
Availability: The U.S. states and a company serves is another important consideration, as is a company’s global reach. Widespread availability is most useful.
Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
Scheduling: How easy is it to book a move? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.