Retirement is a special period for many people. Some retirees including Americans choose to spend their retirement years in another country. Once they find a city where affordability and a quality lifestyle prevail, they relocate.
In this list of the best countries to retire in the world, you’ll be informed about the alternative retirement places. Let’s start.
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Switzerland
Switzerland ranks the top best country according to the 2021 Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement. In this ranking, the people asked state the importance of favorable tax policies, climate, and affordability.
Truly, there’s a reason that Switzerland ranks among the top countries to retire. It’s a country with a stable economy and a well-developed health system. Besides, it offers favorable taxes and the corruption rate is quite low.
As a foreign retiree, you can relocate to Switzerland when you satisfy the necessary conditions. The specific conditions may vary depending on your nationality. However, some basic requirements for all applicants are as follows:
- To apply for a residence permit, you must be over 55 years of age, and not employed
- You must provide proof of medical insurance
- You must prove that you’re financially independent
- You need to have a connection to Switzerland in some way such as through
- an investment
- company
- property, or
If you wish to stay in an affordable Swiss city, you may consider moving to Zurich, Vaud, Zug, or Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best countries for expats to retire. Besides, it ranks the second safest country to live in, according to the 2022 Global Peace Index. In addition, it appeals to many people because of its landscape and beaches as well as its overall stability.
For retirees, the temporary Retirement Visitor Visa may be the route to live in New Zealand. In addition, partners can be included in the application. Once you get the visa, it’ll be valid for two years. Then, you can renew it. You cannot work in New Zealand if you have this visa.
The criteria for this visa include the following:
- Being at least 66 years of age
- Indicating a minimum annual income of NZ $60,000, and NZ $500,000 to live
- Having a two-year investment of NZ $750,000.
Some of the best cities to retire in New Zealand are the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Marlborough, and Kapiti Coast.
Portugal
Portugal ranks very high among the best countries for American retirees. It includes many amenities in one place. These are various beautiful coasts and affordability.
International retirees have a few options for applying for a residence permit in Portugal. One of them is the Golden Visa provided for foreign applicants since 2012. Non-EU citizens can apply for the program once they complete the required investment steps. Visa-free Schengen travel also becomes available thanks to this visa. Family members can apply with the main applicant, too.
Retirees also choose to apply for the D7 Visa. It requires you to have a certain amount of passive income such as a pension. You also get social security benefits through the D7 Visa.
Some of the great places to live in Portugal are Lisbon, The Algarve, Porto and Cascais, and Estoril.
Australia
For many retirees, Australia is the best country to retire. People consider Australia as a safe and beautiful country with a nice climate and people. Also, the healthcare system is of high quality.
You have two options once you decide to retire in Australia. One of them is the Standard Retirement Visa. You can apply for it if you’re over the age of 55. You can include your spouse, and they can be below 55. However, you cannot have children. You first get a temporary visa valid for four years. Then, you can renew the visa every two years.
The other visa option is the Permanent Australian Retirement Visa. This one is a bit more strict. You need to demonstrate a certain amount of assets to be eligible. Typically, the amounts vary according to the region you want to retire to.
Some of the best Australian cities for retirees include the Sunshine Coast, Kadina, and Hunter Valley.
Spain
Spain is the last country on our list of the best countries to retire. It ranks fourth according to the 2021 Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement. It boasts its delicious cuisine, geography, and affordability.
As a retiree, you can apply for a Residence Visa to reside in Spain. It only requires you to have a regular source of income and certain savings.
Like Portugal, Spain provides a Golden Visa program as well. By investing a minimum amount of €500,000 on real estate, you can get your Spain Golden Visa.
You can live your retiree years in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, or Granada in Spain
So, you’re at the end of the list of the best countries to retire. If one of the countries above appeals to you, don’t wait longer and start your application today!
