When considering the best country to retire in, several points are relevant. What is the tax position for retirees regarding pensions and inheritance tax? After all, once you get to retirement age, you have to think about that sort of thing. As you get older, you’re more likely to need medical care, so that must also be a consideration. Is medical care free at the point of delivery, or do you need health insurance?
Then there’s quality of life in retirement. Retirees are on a fixed income, and this will go much further in countries where the cost of living is lower, especially if there are special discounts for pensioners. If you want to work part-time after retirement, are the opportunities there? And if you want to take that well-earned rest, are there plenty of leisure activities for you to pursue? With these things in mind, these are some of the best countries to retire in.
Panama
Panama welcomes retirees who have a retirement income of at least $500 a month, and it’s close enough to the USA to allow you to visit family or them to visit you. For as little as $1200 per couple per month, you can live well in Panama – with a maid thrown in as well. A full time maid costs only $200 per month, so you can enjoy retirement without having to do the chores every day. The government and economy is stable, and there are a variety of climates, so you can choose the best option for you.
The cost of living is lower than in the USA, but what makes Panama such an attractive retirement option is the Pensionado scheme, which has generous discounts on goods and services for retirees. These include 25% off domestic and international air fares, 30% off other travel, and 25% off doctor’s services, restaurant visits and utility bills. And you can enjoy your leisure time with 50% off theatre visits, sporting events and other entertainment options. In addition, there are no property taxes on your home, so you can make the most of your retirement in Panama.
Uruguay
As with Panama, you can retire to Uruguay with a pension income of at least $500 a month. In addition, you can apply for a Uruguayan passport and still keep your US passport, making life so much easier in your adopted country. In fact, the government make it easy for you to retire to Uruguay. It’s a small country with only 3.3 million residents, and the crime rate is the lowest in South America.
Health care is high standard and low price, with medical insurance ranging from $40 to $100 per month. The infrastructure is sound, with good roads, phones that work and high speed internet access, and the quality of life is good. For between $1000 and $2500 per couple, you can live well in the corruption-free cities, or in the Punta Del Este, which is Uruguay’s equivalent to the South of France. Uruguay is a South American country with a European feel, but without the high cost of living associated with some European countries.
Malta
If you wish to retire to Europe, Malta is an excellent option. There is no minimum stay period for residents, and both you and your money can move freely in and out of Malta. However, you cannot work or operate a business without the necessary permits and licences. Property is relatively cheap, and there are no local or national taxes to pay on freehold property. If you prefer to rent. as long as the rental is at least $4900 per annum, that’s fine too.
To qualify for residence in Malta, you must have a minimum annual income of $30,000, and move at least $21,000 into the country each year, though there is no requirement to spend it. The country is steeped in history, with a good year-round climate, and everyone speaks English. It’s also very safe, being relatively crime free. However, as an island nation, you may not be able to get everything you need on Malta. That said, you do not have to pay customs duty or VAT on imported goods.
These are some of the best countries to retire in, because they welcome retirees, it’s relatively easy to gain residency, property prices and the cost of living are low, and they are safe living options, as crime is low. The countries detailed above are also politically and financially stable, with varied climates, making them ideal retirement choices.