Retirement is a phase of life that many people look forward to with excitement. It’s a time to relax, explore, and enjoy life without the constraints of work. With so many countries to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to spend your golden years.
Factors such as cost of living, healthcare, climate, cultural heritage, and community all play a role in making a country an ideal destination for retirees. In this article, you can find some of the best countries for expats to retire based on a survey by the US News & World Report.
Table of Contents
The Best Countries To Retire In The World
There are certain attributes on which the countries were ranked in the survey. The survey respondents were 45 or older and identified as upper-class members. Some of the attributes the survey included are:
- Hospitality,
- Pleasant climate,
- Favorable tax environment,
- Affordability,
- Property rights,
- A well-developed public health system, and
- A place where people would like to live.
New Zealand
New Zealand topped the list of the best countries to retire to. It’s a country with a great landscape, including beaches and mountains. New Zealand also has a growing economy and excellent educational facilities.
If you’re interested in retiring in New Zealand, there are two visa options: The Temporary Retirement Category and The Parent Category. Both options require a certain amount of investment and proof of settlement funds.
Switzerland
Switzerland ranked the second best country to retire in the world on the list. The country offers economic stability, safety, low corruption, and a well-developed healthcare system. Switzerland also offers a retirement visa for retirees worldwide, with different criteria depending on whether you’re an EU or non-EU citizen.
Spain
Spain ranked third on the list, offering a high quality of life, a laid-back lifestyle, and a mild climate. While it’s easy for EU citizens to retire in Spain, non-EU citizens need to provide some additional documents. These include proof of funds, health insurance, and a valid passport.
An alternative way to retire in Spain is through the Golden Visa Program, which requires investment in a qualifying option. For example, you can buy real estate in Spain that is worth at least €500,000. Then, you can apply for residency in the country if you meet other requirements. With all these benefits, Spain found its place among the best countries to retire 2022.
Portugal
Portugal is among the best countries for American retirees due to its attractive features such as beautiful beaches and mild climate. In addition, the country offers affordable living costs and excellent healthcare services.
Portugal is renowned as a secure nation both in Europe and worldwide. Furthermore, the country offers a Golden Visa Program, just like Spain, as well as a D7 Visa that simplifies the retirement process for expats. By demonstrating a stable passive income, you may apply for the D7 Visa, which will grant you and your family legal residency.
Australia
Australia is ranked fifth on the list of the best countries to retire. Additionally, it ranks second in the United Nations’ quality of life index. With its excellent healthcare services and low crime rates, Australia has become a popular destination for retirees.
The country offers two types of retirement visas, including the Standard Retirement Visa and the Permanent Retirement Visa. These visas make it easier for expats to retire in Australia.
Canada
Canada is an excellent destination for retirement, thanks to its appealing pensions, breathtaking natural landscapes, and high quality of life. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada is reasonable, and there is an abundance of activities to enjoy.
Although there is no specific retirement visa available in Canada, you can apply for either a tourist or a parent/grandparent visa. A tourist visa is valid for up to 183 days. However, the latter allows you to stay in Canada for up to 10 years at a time. This’ll be possible if you have children/grandchildren living in Canada.
Alternatively, retirees can apply for permanent residency, which gives them access to healthcare and other government services. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can also apply for Canadian citizenship while holding a permanent residency. All these attractions make Canada rank among the top countries to retire to.
In short, you may be looking for a place to spend your golden years. If so, consider one of the many best countries to retire in, and don’t hesitate to make the move!
