Countries that allow retirees to move there

[OliverQ]

Any expats here or anyone know of how tough it is to retire to another country?

Basically all I'm getting so far is unless you're worth several million dollars, your only options to move are to places like Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, etc. but I don't feel comfortable with the crime levels and instability in Central America.

Are there any other options in stable, free countries with a large English-speaking population?

The other frustrating logistical issue we have is we have quite a few pets (lots of cats and a dog) which makes transporting them a challenge.


I get countries can't just let everyone in, I just wish it was easier to change to another country.

[janterry]

1. I look at this periodically

I understand Spain is good - and the more rural parts of France.

[WhiteTara]

2. I've thought of Portugal.

[OliverQ]

3. Does France offer a retirement visa? Wasn't aware of that.

[janterry]

4. Not quite

Here's a synopsis
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/112614/retiring-france.asp

[mnhtnbb]

5. A good source of information is the International Living Publication.

I recently renewed my subscription--it was just under $50. for a year.

https://internationalliving.com/

About 10 years ago my husband and I went through the process of getting permanent resident visas in Panama. Mine is stamped in my now expired passport (I have a new passport). That was based on property ownership--which we no longer have--nor do we have a bank account there any more. It was a very lengthy and bureaucratic process. I am going through a divorce and returning to Panama alone doesn't interest me.

If you want to take your chances on hurricanes, you might want to look at some of the Caribbean islands. Bonaire is out of the hurricane belt and is connected to the Netherlands but practically everyone there speaks English. Bonaire recently changed their laws making it possible for people to stay in the country full-time if they could show financial independence, but that was the case 3 years ago when I was last there. It may have changed again.

Or, you might want to look at the Bahamas, but you are at risk of hurricanes there.

I am currently taking a hard look at France (Lyon in particular because I have a friend there). And yes, I speak French, but if I go will work on improving my conversation skills. I was in Lyon last year for several days and didn't have any problem. There were a lot of English speaking French folks. Younger people tend to speak more English. I know a DU'er and his wife who recently made the move to Aix en Provence in France, and they are retirement age. I am trying to decide if I want to book an apartment in Lyon next spring for 90 days (max time you can stay in an EU country on a tourist visa) to actually try out living there. If you can manage it--and it's tough with fur babies--you may want to consider doing the same thing before settling on an area. Visiting any place as a tourist can be quite different from living there full time.

But I would recommend getting a subscription to International Living to help you sort through possibilities.

[mnhtnbb]

6. Also, I have a high school friend--now retired pediatrician and his wife--

who bought a house this spring in Ajijic, Mexico, on Lake Chapala. It apparently has become quite an ex-pat community. They are still living in Washington state and I don't know if they are planning to make a permanent move there or just use it to get away during long winter months of rain and no sun in the Pacific northwest.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2018/01/22/ajijic-mexicos-expat-paradise-lake/1053332001/

[red dog 1]

7. There's a website called Wise Bread.com {"Living Large On A Small Budget")

Go to their website and search for:
"5 Countries That Welcome American Retirees" (Feb, 2017)
(Or Google that title)

Spain is listed as 3rd best,
"If you want a European lifestyle without the hefty price tag, Spain may be the perfect option for you"

but it does get hot there in the summer, so if heat bothers you, you might want to forget Spain

Cambodia is listed as 2nd best,
"Cambodia has the best cost of living for US ex-pats, according to International Living.com
You can find a rental apartment for as little as $250 a month.
There is a significant ex-pat community and many locals speak English as well."


If you Google "4 Under-the-Radar Countries Where You Can Retire for Cheap" (Time.com)
You'll get another set of countries from International Living.com

Vietnam is listed 1st, but it doesn't have a retiree visa.

Portugal is listed 3rd best.
"Retirees typically hold Type 1 visas, whose requirements include proof of private health insurance valid in Europe, as well as proof of sufficient funds to support daily life and a criminal background check.
After 5 years residence in Portugal, you can apply for a permanent residence visa.
Good medical care is available in urban areas, the State Department notes."


Hope this helps - Good Luck!