12 Best Countries to Retire Abroad

Retirement is something many working adults dream about. Ideally, it’s the time of your life when your kids are grown, you are financially stable (fingers crossed), and loans are a thing of the past.

With global travel so accessible, retiring abroad is a possibility for many. When it comes to finding a good spot, most people look for the same basics: great weather, affordable living, and good healthcare. You’ll also want a place that is safe, easy to navigate, and has a good community atmosphere. After all, it’s important to enjoy your golden years with others.

If you’re looking to trade in the 9-5 for a beach chair and a pina colada, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the best places to retire abroad:

12. Thailand

From the buzzing city of Bangkok to the laid-back islands around Phuket, Thailand has plenty of options for retiring ex-pats.

The country’s low cost of living, friendly locals, and stunning exotic landscapes make it a top choice in Asia. Retirees could spend their days strolling pristine beaches and afternoons exploring ancient ruins all while saving their hard worked pension.

They offer a retirement visa called the Non-Immigrant Visa O-A (Long stay). This is pretty easy to get as long as you meet the minimum requirements for income or savings.

11. Italy

The allure of retiring in Italy is hard to ignore. Can you think of a better way to age than plucking your own fresh Mediterranean food from the ground, surrounded by the rolling lavender hills of Tuscany? Cities like Rome and Florence have large ex-pat communities, but they are on the pricier side of things.

That said, the country is big. So, it’s not hard to find a smaller town in a rural region that will give you that same Italian glow for a fraction of the cost. After all, there is a good reason Italians have such an incredibly long life expectancy. Stress? The Italians do not know it.

10. Colombia

Colombia is quickly gaining traction as a popular spot for retirees and expats, thanks to its slow-paced Lifestyle and unbelievably low cost of living. Seriously, you could rent an apartment here for what you might spend taking your family out for dinner in North America.

Colombia’s public healthcare plan is taken out of your pension income, and you can add private plans for additional perks. The country is also super well connected with the US, with regular flights into most of its big cities.

9. France

France might be one of the more pricey countries to retire to, but it offers an impressive high quality of life in return. Take its world-class Healthcare and infrastructure, democratic government, and excellent public transport system, for example.

On top of this, French cuisine, history, and art are just a few of the factors that will fill your golden years with fulfillment.

The country is massive, which means you’ll have plenty of options for where to settle. Cities like Paris and Nice on the Cote d’Azur are beautiful but expensive. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, smaller towns in the Pyrenees or along the Atlantic coastline will deliver.

8. Malaysia

Malaysia offers the perfect combination of climate, culture, and cost of living. The country is split in two by the South China Sea, with some massive cities and tiny islands thrown in the mix. If you’re a retiree who still loves to travel, Malaysia is one of the most well-connected centers in Asia.

The country has a multi-tier healthcare system with incredible services. However, many ex-pats choose to take out private insurance or even pay as they go. It’s risky, but can be rewarding.

Malaysian locals are known for being some of the most friendly on the continent. Together with a growing ex-pat community, you can rest assured you’ll never be lonely here.

7. Greece

Greece is one of those places tourists dream about visiting – no matter their age. The country is one of Europe’s most charming, with stunning island landscapes, a Mediterranean climate, and a rich History. Honestly, I would move here for the food alone.

It offers a good mix of fun and tranquility. While the cost of living is highest in places like Athens or niche islands, there are plenty of small towns with affordable options.

The Healthcare system here is decent, and English is spoken throughout the country (although learning a bit of Greek will go a long way).

6. Ecuador

Consider Ecuador the hidden gem of retirement places. It’s a budget-friendly gem perfect for pensioners who want to stretch their dollar while living in a geographically and culturally exciting place. Towns like Cotacachi and Cuenca in the Sierra Mountains are popular places to settle. If you’re more of a beach type, check out Montanita, Olon, and San Clemente.

The cost of living is low (pretty much as low as it gets for a country using the USD), with affordable housing, healthcare, and daily expenses.

The small Andean nation offers a residency visa called the 60-III Pensioners Programme for retirees with US citizenship.

5. Spain

Spain is known for its high quality of life and ranking as one of the most happy countries in the world. How can you not be happy with sunny weather (300 days a year, to be precise), gorgeous beaches, incredible food, and a relaxed lifestyle?

European retirees can take advantage of the gorgeous weather and landscapes while still being just a quick flight from family.


Retiring here can be a bit pricier than in other southern European countries. However, once you arrive, it’s not too hard to snag a well-priced property in spots like Costa del Sol and Granada.

4. Panama

Panama is one of those geographically blessed countries that has both a Pacific and Caribean coastline. Lucky them! Here, you can sip cocktails on your front porch, gazing out across an empty beach without worrying about the tax man coming for you.

While Panama isn’t quite as established with ex-pat communities as Mexico is, towns like Coronado and Chitre are quickly catching up.

Panama’s retirement visa (Panama Pensionado) is one of the most outstanding in the world. With this visa, you can benefit from impressive discounts on everything from flights to concerts. On top of this, all legal pensioners receive significant markdowns on medications.

3. Mexico

Mexico is one of the more popular retirement options for North Americans, and it’s easy to see why. The cost of living is low, the climate is moderated (depending on where you settle), and big cities are well-connected with other parts of the world.

Puerto Vallarta is a top option, with a year-round summer climate for beach lovers. Alternatively, inland spots like San Miguel de Allende absorb a more artsy retiree crowd.

Retirees earning a minimum pension amount can apply for permanent residency. With this visa, they can enroll in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) healthcare system for a nominal monthly fee.

2. Portugal

Portugal has long been one of the most popular places to retire. It has a sunny climate, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living compared with much of Europe. Lisbon and Porto are two busy cities that are great for those who still want to be part of the action. On the other hand, the beaches in the Algarve and vineyards of the Douro Valley offer a more laid-back vibe.

The country offers a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program, which exempts expats from paying tax on global income for up to ten years. Healthcare is also top-notch and reasonably priced, and English is spoken widely, especially in ex-pat communities.

1. Costa Rica

There are few places as geographically impressive as Costa Rica. It’s forward-thinking environmental policies and the incredible Animals who call this island country home are some reasons we love it so much.

Costa Rica is known for its warm weather, beaches, and iconic pura vida lifestyle, which inspires people not to fuss over small things. It also has a stable democracy and a low cost of living. To your advantage, this means the country offers excellent healthcare through its government-run system open to legal residents.

On the topic of visas, Costa Riva has a Pensioner Visa, which allows you to receive a foreign pension without paying income tax on it.