Where Are The Best Places For Expats To Retire In Southern Europe? part 2 – Part one is here.

11 Best Places for Expats to Retire in Southern Europe

Europe is a place with diverse cultures, history, and society. What makes an expat want to retire in Europe? It could be the lifestyle they want, climate, or simply historical sites they can visit. While all of those listed have something to offer every expat, here are the best places for expats to retire in southern Europe.

1.    Portugal

Portugal is very popular among European expats, especially retirees. It’s the right place to settle down in with an exotic touch of Portuguese culture and lifestyle at a low cost of living (another main reason it’s popular). For example, shopping can be done on street markets or depachika-like stores, which are very reasonable.

For retirees, Portugal is very safe, and the crime rate is low (there are no muggers or pickpockets like in big cities like London). It has a good healthcare system for expats with affordable cost of healthcare. What’s more important, there are lots of great resorts to try; places like the Algarve, Cascais, Estoril and Costa Vicentina.

2.    Malta

Malta is a place for expats who loves historical sites. You can see hundreds of ancient temples from various Greek civilizations, Phoenicians to the Romans. The weather in Malta is also very temperate with the Mediterranean climate, so it’s great to visit even in winter. Besides its rich history, it’s also the place to be for retirees with affordable healthcare prices.

3.    Croatia

Croatia also has a wonderful cultural blend from the Romans, Hungarians, Venetians, and Austrians, so it’s not difficult to find places with European flair. The cost of living is very affordable, as well as the property prices (for those who want to buy a house).

It isn’t swarming with expats, but you can find a couple in the coastal cities. One great thing about Croatia is that it has the best scenery in Europe; if you look around, there are mountains beside the seaside. You can even climb some mountains for a beautiful view of the country.

4.    Spain

Spain has a beautiful coastline and great weather throughout the year, which is one of the main reasons why most expats choose to live there. Barcelona is already popular from time to many westerners, from students to working-class people, so it’s not a challenge to find a place to live.

The cost of living index is low compared to other parts of Europe; you can easily rent a place or buy a house for your family. Spain isn’t just about the sun and sea; many museums and castles will be great for expats who like art and culture.

5.    Cyprus

In Cyprus, there are many restaurants and bars, which is a great way to socialize with fellow ex-pats. The cost of living index as well as property prices are reasonable, as well as the weather throughout the year. In addition, it’s very close to other parts of Europe, so your friends can always come by for a visit.

One of the disadvantages in Cyprus is that there aren’t many job opportunities and it’s very small (a country where you can ride a bike from one end to another).

6.    France

France has many great things to offer every expat, not only for retirees but also for families. It has all seasons; summer, fall, winter, and spring. It’s a country of great food and wine and rich history and culture.

Another main reason why France is one of the best places to retire in southern Europe; it has a great healthcare system with affordable cost (much better than the US) as well as top-notch universities for those who choose to study in this part of Europe.

7.    Italy

Italy is a great place for retirees who want to taste authentic Italian culture and cuisine. There are lots of ancient buildings and historical sites that will make your tour in Italy worthwhile. You can ride a bike around the city and enjoy the view of the Italian coastline.

It also has great weather throughout the year, perfect for those who want to go sightseeing. However, Italy is not a place for expats who wants to make their fortune (the cost of living index and property prices are quite high), but it’s a good choice if you want to have a family since it’s very safe.

8.    Slovenia

Slovenia is a small country in Europe, but it’s growing quickly to become one of the best places to live and retire. It has an affordable cost of living and good weather, which is perfect for retirees and tourists who want to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Even though it’s very small, you won’t get bored with all its beautiful mountains and rivers. The healthcare system in Slovenia is also sound, but the availability of jobs is not that great.

9.    Montenegro

Montenegro has beautiful mountains, rivers, and beaches. It’s also blessed with great weather throughout the year so that you can travel here any time of the year. Montenegro is one of those places in Europe that still have an old-fashioned vibe

This makes it a perfect place for expats who want to experience culture shock. The cost of living index is relatively low, making it one of the best places for retirement in southern Europe. It also has an excellent healthcare system with affordable costs.

10. Belgium

Belgium is one of the best places to retire in southern Europe. It has a great climate and a safe environment, perfect for expats with families. The cost of living index is quite low, allowing you to have a decent life in Belgium without spending too much money. However, there aren’t that many opportunities in the job market as well as an affordable healthcare system.

11. San Marino

San Marino has a beautiful view of the mountains and hills. It also has perfect weather all year long, which is great for retirees who want to experience different seasons without traveling too far away from their place.

Property prices are affordable, making it one of the best expats to retire in southern Europe. San Marino is quite small, so you will get bored with it after a few days, so you may need to travel from time to time.

Factors to Consider When Retiring in Southern Europe

Retiring abroad is a choice that many make as they near or enter retirement; one of the most popular locations in Southern Europe. If you’re considering buying property in Southern Europe and retiring there, here are seven factors to consider.

• Currency Risks
• Health care costs and availability
• Local tax implications
• Availability of infrastructure
• Climate and weather conditions
• Cost of Living
• Standard of living

1.    Currency Risks

The most immediate risk is that of currency fluctuation. For example, the British pound has weakened against the Euro over the past year, meaning that £100,000 worth of Euros purchased today would be worth £8,849 less than a year ago. So if you are buying property in Southern Europe with US Dollars or British Pounds, be aware of the risks.

2.    Health Care Costs and Availability

If you are used to living in a developed country with good access to free or subsidized health care, this may not be possible abroad. As you will likely live in your new home for at least some years before becoming eligible for state health care, it is advisable to ensure that you can afford your own private medical insurance.

3.    Local Tax Implications

If you are a US citizen, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires financial institutions to report all income from foreign sources on any US taxpayer who may be considered a ‘US person.’ The definition of a “US person” includes US citizens, resident aliens, and certain nonresident aliens if they meet a presence test.

 If an account isn’t reported, the taxpayer is subject to a withholding tax equal to 30 % of any payment from the foreign financial institution.

4.    Availability of Infrastructure

Most places in Southern Europe were built centuries ago, and while some parts have been modernized, others are still lagging. You should ensure that not only will you be able to get the services and amenities you need but also that these are maintained throughout your time there.

5.    Climate and Weather Conditions

Temperatures in these countries drop markedly once winter sets in, so while the summer may be hot, it can get very cold, and snow may fall. You should research this before moving to ensure that you will be able to cope with the climate as well as choose a location that is likely to see the conditions you desire throughout your time there.

6.    Cost of Living

You’ll need to consider both the median income in the country as well as how much that will get you. For example, while the median income of Germany may be quite high, it will not get you very far if prices are out of your budget. Moreover, it is advisable to consider the cost of living for a variety of items as well as take into account your personal needs.

7.    Standard Of Living

While you may be seeking a low-cost lifestyle, Southern Europe is home to some very developed countries and cities with high standards. You will need to consider how this standard fits into your own lifestyle as well as analyze the quality of life in different locations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Retirement

What do I have to do to retire?

It would help if you had two things to retire, financial independence and a plan for what you will do with your time after retiring. Retirement is very different from being unemployed because you no longer receive an income but instead draw on funds you have saved up during your working life.

How much do I need to save up to retire?

The amount of money you need varies depending on your health and your retirement plan. Still, as a general rule, if you want an annual income equal to 70% of your working life income, then you should have saved enough to maintain that level of spending. That savings should be spread across a range of types.

What kind of financial planning do I need?

You will want to start planning for retirement well in advance to make sure that you can save enough and that you set up the right investment plan. There are many different ways to invest money, and some will make more sense than others, depending on your circumstances.

Conclusion

As the global population of retirees continues to rise, so does awareness and demand for destinations that offer more than just a comfortable climate to live in. A retiree’s needs and desires often include cultural activities, opportunities abound, and locations where people can still communicate in their native tongue. Therefore, the above countries are the best places to retire in Southern Europe as an expat.

Where Are The Best Places For Expats To Retire In Southern Europe? part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Moving to a new country for retirement or relaxing can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Many people are nervous about the financial implications of moving abroad, worried that their savings will dwindle too quickly.

While this is certainly a real concern, there are ways around it—and retiring in Southern Europe could provide a solution. With lower living costs, Europeans can stretch their savings and retire earlier. Many moves to countries like Spain, Portugal, France, or Greece where the cost of living is much less than in more expensive Western European countries like Germany and Switzerland is worth it.

The costs of renting an apartment, eating out, and even drinking a glass of wine are much lower than in northern Europe. With prices almost half what they would be in Germany, even people with only modest retirement savings can live the good life for longer. The climate is also an important factor.

Southern European countries offer much better weather; they are warmer and sunnier throughout the year, making them more pleasant places to enjoy an early retirement. Southern Europeans are also known for enjoying their lives—and this too contributes to the allure of retiring there.

People in these countries have a better grasp of what makes life worth living, and they know how to live well without spending too much money. However, we’ve got you covered today! We have come up with the best places for expats to retire in Southern Europe. There are lots more to what we have. Continue reading to get a glimpse of what it entails.

Why Retiring in Southern Europe

When it comes to retirement, the market for options outside of one’s home country expands every day. With more people looking for opportunities to travel and enjoy their retirement years, countries all over the world are reaping benefits. Several factors make retiring in Southern Europe a viable option.

Studies have also shown that Europeans strongly prefer to retire somewhere warm, with the Mediterranean climate being an enticing option. It is easy to see why this would be attractive to people who live in cold climates within Europe, where summer days can easily reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Have you ever considered living in Southern Europe? Maybe it’s due to an increased interest in the region, or perhaps it’s because you love spending time by the pool and eating Snickers bars for breakfast. Whatever your reason, here are the reasons why you should live in Southern Europe.

The Sun

This is a very obvious start; who doesn’t enjoy a good tan? The sun in Southern Europe is perfect for living the dream by the pool or at the beach. In fact, because of this, many people spend their time in the south of Europe during the spring and summer months.

You can join them or stick to your normal plan, which involves spending one week each year sunbathing half-naked on a beach, pretending you’re the only person there. Either way works for us.

The Food

Southern European food is rich and delicious. It’s not exactly the healthiest option, but we’re sure that if you exercise enough during your time here, then you can eat as much as you want. Some key ingredients of Southern European food are olives, fish, tomatoes, and aubergines. If this is music to your taste buds- fear not, many countries have variations on these ingredients.

For example, Italy has olive oil instead of the Spanish’s olive paste (known as ‘alioli’); Greece serves up tzatziki rather than the Italian bruschetta, and France offers up beurre blanc sauce or pistou in place of alioli. So, however, you travel to Southern Europe, you can sample different dishes that taste amazing.

The Nature

If the sight of lush green hills, deep blue seas, and beautiful beaches is not enough to convince you, then perhaps you’ll consider this: nature in Southern Europe has unrivaled beauty.

From snowy mountains in Austria to big cities like Barcelona and Madrid, from the glamorous Côte D’Azur to the sunny Greek isles, Southern Europe has a little bit of everything. So if you haven’t been convinced so far, then perhaps experiencing nature in its rawest form might be what does it for you.

The Nightlife

What’s better than being surrounded by friends or family while drinking a glass of red wine, or maybe even some Prosecco? Maybe you prefer gin & tonics on the beach with friends during sunset. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, then perhaps Southern Europe is where you need to be.

The People

The people are what truly make Southern Europe worth living in. They will make you feel like one of their own when you visit; they will smile and wave at you in the street if they know who you are, or they’ll simply ask your name and introduce themselves. You’ll never find such kind people anywhere else (except perhaps Asia, but Southern Europe wins hands down).

The Weather

This seems like a cop-out, but it’s not. Southern Europe has perfect weather all year round; there are no extremes of temperature or horrible conditions to put you off living here. You’ll experience extremely hot summers and warm winters, so if the decision is between this and one of the four seasons in North America or the UK, then we know which one we’d choose.

The History

Southern Europe is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, a perfect example being the beautiful city of Istanbul which was once the ancient capital of Byzantium and Constantinople.

Throughout history, many civilizations have ruled these lands, which means there’s a wealth of ancient architecture to visit in Southern Europe. This includes Roman ruins in Portugal, historical cities in Spain such as Toledo, and impressive buildings in France like Lourdes.

The Shopping

If you’re a shopaholic, then this is the perfect place for you. Whether you love to go on high street shopping sessions, designer clothing hunts, or bargain hunts in local markets and second-hand shops: whether it’s clothes or shoes or antiques, Southern Europe has it all. So if window shopping doesn’t cut it for you, then perhaps actually buying something will.

The Outdoors

Especially if you’re an outdoor person, but even if not, the great outdoors in Southern Europe are bound to make you feel alive. From mountain hikes in ski resorts to rock climbing adventures or kayaking down quiet rivers, trekking through wild jungles, or cycling along the endless beaches, Southern Europe has it all.

The Good Life

Above all else, this is what really matters to us: the good life. Whether people are living an idyllic life in Porto’s rural hinterland or laughing by the Mediterranean Sea in Spain, you might want to live vicariously through those who are living their dreams.

If this sounds like you, then Southern Europe is where you need to be. People worldwide hang on every word of those that live in these countries as they truly embody what it means to live life: and there’s no better place than Southern Europe for this kind of lifestyle.

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country, especially if you are looking for enhanced income.

Introduction

Moving to retire abroad is a decisive and responsible step. It opens up life prospects and opportunities for many people. The main thing is to plan everything correctly and take into account many nuances, so as not to accidentally take old problems with you to a new place. Today we will show you the best countries you can easily retire but first of all, we should make a to-do list before going abroad.

Choose a country to live 

When a wealthy person says to himself: “I want to go abroad,” he still has a poor idea of how many cases he will have to face. One of the most important questions is “To which country I should go for permanent residence and retirement?”

Many people make a mistake already at this stage, drawing for themselves a house in a rich German village or a French chateau. And then they are surprised to learn that it is extremely difficult to move to Germany or France. While choosing a country for moving, first of all, consider how easily the country welcomes the immigrants and give them the official status there.

Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, which are among the top states in Europe, are now not very willing to issue residence permits to former residents of the CIS countries for example.

Therefore, choose the country from those where you can get the status of a residence permit, or citizenship right away and after retirement. Without the presence of these statuses, you will have the right to legally stay in the country for 90-180 days, until the visa expires. Note that this applies to all members of the applicant’s family.

Get to know the country 

A fast choice of a country where you want to retire, only considering the ease of getting a residence permit and retiring will not be enough. You need to first obtain tourist visas for the family and travel to the selected country for face-to-face encounters. Remember that this is not a tourist trip, imagine as if you were living in a country. 

• Spend there a few weeks and try to visit the country in different seasons: winter, summer, as it will give you more information
• Compare the nature and climate with your current country, does it suits all family members, you should feel good in that climate conditions
• Rent an apartment / house in the intended area of residence 
• Check out the infrastructure, including transport 
• How friendly are the locals and are they likable to you 
• How safe is the area / city where you want to live

Standard of living

A number of programs require you to declare income in accordance with a certain subsistence level. For instance, in order to obtain a residence permit in Austria for a family of 4 members, you will have to show proof of your annual income of about 60 thousand euros. However, please note that these requirements may differ from the actual cost of living. However, when visiting the country, try to spend a lifestyle day, which means evaluate the level of prices in the stores, and how much will cost the life for you

• Spend money on your usual household needs
• Buy local produce, clothing, compare price levels
• Find out how much utilities cost, what is included
• How much will your family’s or partner’s entertainment cost

Documentation

Whenever you’ll be sure that the chosen country is a good option for you, it is time for preparing your documents and pay some fees. Start by getting all your documents ready. The documents will be essential to obtain residence permits or citizenship and after form your retirement.

So that you don’t miss anything, we recommend seeking help from a company that professionally deals with immigration. Their experienced specialists will advice you on how to start your immigration, how to collect a package of documents, necessary extracts, certify them, and apostille them.

So what are the best countries to retire?

For a pensioner who decides to move abroad to live on a permanent basis, it is very important to know that the vast majority of countries are ready to accept him, provided that his financial condition is stable. If you are sure you can submit all the necessary documents, obtain property and support yourself, there will be no problems finding a place suitable for spending your senior years.

It should be borne in mind that many states provide for the possibility of obtaining a residence permit under special migration programs, which will allow them to legalize their presence in the country for a certain period. After that, the pensioner can use the procedure for applying for permanent residence, and in many states, a simplified scheme is provided for this.

The best countries where pensioners live comfortably are located in various parts of the world. Traditionally, these are the EU countries, where the standard of living is better than in other countries.

Note that the lack of funds for obtaining real estate and for making serious financial investments does not mean that the pensioner will not be able to move abroad.

There are quite a few countries where the quality of life is slightly higher, and living is much cheaper than in other countries.

If you are dreaming of warm sun and fuller life, in which concern for food recedes into the background, pensioners in developed Western countries increasingly began to meet the sunset of their days away from their homeland.

If you are looking for a quiet place with a warm climate, low cost of living, and a favorable tax regime without compromising the usual comfort and quality of medical care, then this article will definitely help you.

Whether it’s shady towns in southern France or the beaches of Central America, this guide is what you need.

Panama

It is cheaper to live there than in the capital of the Philippines, Manila, which is considered one of the least expensive capital cities in Southeast Asia.

If in your old age, you want to live where money will last for a long time, perhaps Panama, the southernmost country in Central America, will suit you. Its capital, also called Panama, ranks 124th in the cost of living out of 131 cities in the world, according to a study by the analytical department of the influential English-language magazine “The Economist”.

According to Numbeo.com, which tracks prices for FMCG prices, a three-course meal for two at an average Panama restaurant costs 32.50 Panamanian balboas ($ 32.50) – more than half the price of New York. And since the local currency is pegged to the US dollar, American retirees need not fear price spikes as a result of exchange rate fluctuations.

The main condition for obtaining a visa is the availability of a stable guaranteed income. If you receive a pension of at least $ 1,000 a month (both private and government pension payments are counted), you are unlikely to have any problems obtaining a tourist visa for retirees, which is valid for life.

The healthcare system in Panama is considered good, with many doctors being educated in the United States and Europe. However, retirees should set aside at least $ 200 a month to pay for private health insurance.

But the purchase of real estate will not require a lot of money. According to some property websites, a three-room apartment in the popular mountain town of Boquete can be purchased for about $ 179,000. The rights of foreigners to own real estate are the same as those of local residents.

The main drawback is the poor road infrastructure outside the capital. Despite this, in 2015, Panama was ranked second after Ecuador among the best destinations for retirees, according to International Living magazine. Low prices, a wide range of leisure opportunities and proximity to the United States have played in its favor – a flight from Miami, located in the southeastern United States in Florida, takes only two and a half hours.

In addition, the US Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Board estimates that Panama is relatively safe compared to some Central American countries.

France

It is not without reason that France enjoys the greatest popularity among tourists – it attracts with beautiful cities and villages, exquisite cuisine, affordable wine and a warm climate in the south – these are just a few reasons why this country occupies almost the first place in the European Union in terms of the number of permanent residents territory of foreigners.

However, accessibility is not France’s greatest strength in the eyes of retirees. Taxes and social security contributions are quite high there, in addition, residents of France are taxed on the value of all your property if it exceeds 800 thousand euros, regardless of location.

However, not everything is as bad as it might seem at first glance. France has excellent public transport, including the high-speed rail network. From Paris to Montpellier, 600 kilometers south of the capital, the TGV takes just over three hours, with discounts for passengers aged 60 and over.

In addition, according to the World Health Organization, France boasts the best healthcare system in the world, which is heavily subsidized by the government. Thus, holders of a residence permit in France are likely to have lower health care costs than citizens of other Western countries.

In addition, life in France is not always more expensive than in other countries. There are inexpensive restaurants there, and property prices outside of Paris are relatively low.

So, according to the French notaries who oversee the sale and purchase of the real estate, a typical accommodation option in the Creuse department in the Limousin region, located in the Massif Central Mountains, will cost only 73 thousand euros, and a medium-sized house in the Alpes-Maritimes in the region Provence – Alpes – Côte d’Azur, where such famous resorts as Cannes are located, can be purchased for 415 thousand euros.

Malaysia

Do you want to enjoy the sun all year round? Then you are in Malaysia! This former British colony has everything your heart desires, from the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur dotted with skyscrapers to tropical beaches and deep jungles.

And living there is quite inexpensive – in the world index of the cost of living, prepared by International Living magazine, Malaysia is ranked third in terms of cost. As reported in the magazine, the two can comfortably live in a luxury apartment overlooking the ocean for $ 1,700 a month. Xpatulator.com, which analyzes the costs of expats in different countries, states that prices for medical care and housing in Malaysia are “very low” compared to expensive options such as Hong Kong and Australia.

Malaysia is one of the most popular health tourism destinations; in 2013, according to the Malaysian Medical Tourism Board, 700,000 people came here to improve their health.

Foreigners are also attracted by tax breaks. Within the framework of the residency program in two countries, it is relatively easy for retirees to obtain a residence permit in Malaysia, and with it, exemption from inheritance taxes and the sale of real estate. In addition, they usually receive a pension or social assistance that is not subject to Malaysian taxes (although American retirees may have to pay US income tax on it).

In addition, many in the country speak English, restaurants are cheap, and foreigners have direct ownership of real estate; all in all, Malaysia is a great place!

Malta

Malta – one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world – covers an area of ​​just over 300 square kilometers with a population of 400 thousand people. For many of the inhabitants of this southern European island, English is their native language, and it is only three hours to fly to London from here, so it is not surprising that the British have chosen this place – more than five thousand British citizens live on the island.

Here British retirees feel at home (British shops are open everywhere) and even better (in Malta, unlike the UK, it is very sunny, and the average annual temperature is + 18 ° C). An additional benefit is the “Maltese Pension Plan”, under which the income tax for EU citizens who have received a residence permit in Malta is only 15%, compared to 30-40% in the US and Europe.

In the local dialect “malta” means “honey”, and retirees really flock here like bees. This is no coincidence: the country has an excellent healthcare system (according to the WTO, Malta ranks fifth in the world for this indicator), and all citizens of the country are provided with medical assistance free of charge. Moreover, under the Mutual Health Support Treaty between Malta and the UK, the British can count on the same conditions.

The rich history and beautiful architecture of this picturesque island is also available to everyone.

Renting a three-room apartment in the capital of Malta, Valletta, will cost 700 euros, while a three-course meal for two in an average restaurant costs only 50 euros.

Portugal

Portugal attracts tourists with its many charming fishing villages, medieval towns, beaches, and golf courses. Foreigners have settled here for a long time, so many speak English here.

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, famous for its wonderful Mediterranean climate. But retirees who come to Portugal settle mainly on the Atlantic coast in the Algarve with its azure waters, sunny weather throughout the year, and average air temperatures from + 12 ° C in January to + 24 ° C in July.

Whichever part of the country retirees choose, they are guaranteed a preferential tax regime. Under the non-indigenous system, income earned abroad may be tax-exempt for up to ten years.

Outside of the most luxurious resort towns in Portugal, such as Quinta do Lago or Vilamoura, the cost of housing is set within reasonable limits. Prices for one-room apartments in the popular resort of Albufeira, according to the real estate website rightmove.com, start at 60 thousand euros. In the world WHO ranking, the Portuguese health system is in 12th place.

Thailand

Low cost of living, no taxes on retirement income earned abroad, tropical climate and a culture of respect for elders – what more could a retiree want from life in a state called the “Land of Smiles”?

Living there is really quite inexpensive. The magazine’s cost-of-living benchmark index ranks Thailand as the second cheapest, with a luxury two-room apartment with great views available for less than 40,000 baht ($ 1,200) a month, and traditional Thai rice noodles for as little as a dollar.

A one-year retirement visa is issued to those who receive a monthly pension of 65,000 Baht ($ 2,000) or deposit 800,000 Baht ($ 24,000) with a Thai bank.

The budget needs to include the cost of local health insurance. While the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office rates many private clinics as meeting Western standards, that local hospitals vary in the level of care they receive.

Belize

Belize is the only Latin American country with English as its official language, which is why more and more retirees are coming here, fascinated by swaying palm trees and white sandy beaches.

The population of the country is only 350 thousand people, but the number of ecotourists who are attracted by rainforests, traces of the Mayan civilization and the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere is constantly growing.

An additional benefit has been created for retirees in the form of a special retirement program that provides a number of tax benefits, in particular, exemption from import duties on certain household items, such as a car or yacht, as well as from taxes on income, including on investments, received outside Belize. The program applies to people over the age of 45 with a monthly income of at least two thousand dollars.

Property prices are lower than in the United States, but not as much as in other Central American countries. Rumor has it that Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio recently bought an islet west of the Belizean archipelago’s largest island, Ambergris Key, for $ 1.75 million. But it is still relatively easy to buy real estate in Belize – the contract is concluded in English, and local laws are built according to the British system, which protects the interests of buyers.

Belize has inexpensive private clinics that offer quality medical care, but many foreigners prefer to travel to the United States for complex procedures – insurance often covers the cost of the flight.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria appears to be a visited and popular resort among tourists and immigrants. It is quite possible to move here on a permanent basis, since such a state boasts a number of advantages over most other areas:

• excellent weather conditions;
• affordable cost of groceries, everyday goods and real estate;
• convenience in receiving a pension, due to the possibility of sending it directly to a Bulgarian bank;
• no need to learn the language and the simplest legalization procedure in Bulgaria.

All these advantages make it possible to call this state ideal for permanent residence for a pensioner who has decided to leave his country. The main advantage, in comparison with other areas, is the low cost of housing. You can buy a dwelling for only 500 thousand rubles or less. When choosing which country to leave for, many opt for this particular option.

China

China is an extremely popular destination for traveling retirees who decide to move to other countries for permanent residence. The main factor explaining this situation is the cost of real estate in the northern regions of China, which is several times cheaper than domestic prices.

Given this popularity, it can be assumed that the traveler will surely meet many of his compatriots living in the territory of this state. The healthcare system of the Celestial Empire is developing, which provides a number of advantages for the elderly.

An additional dignity is a respect for the elderly, which seems to be the most important component of Chinese culture.

As you can see the variety is really rich, you have a wide range of options from where you can pick the best option for you. We hope this article helped you somehow to decide the country you want to retire in.