Retirement Abroad: Top Destinations for Your Golden Years
Some people might say traveling is a young person’s game, but that hasn’t been true for years. Spending your golden years abroad sounds wonderful—just think of Judi Dench and the late Dame Maggie Smith in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel! You can have your dream experience too.
Whether it’s the Swedish countryside or Mexico’s beaches, there’s a retirement destination for everyone. Retiring abroad can offer many advantages, from enriching cultural experiences and a change of pace to making your pension go further. With changing visa options and growing expat communities, 2024 could be the perfect time to consider an overseas retirement destination.
The following list is in no particular order, but all are top picks for retirees.
Portugal: The Algarve
Portugal’s Algarve region is a paradise for retirees, offering sun-soaked beaches, a Mediterranean climate, and an affordable lifestyle. Known for scenic coastlines and charming towns, the Algarve also has a thriving expat community. Portugal’s Golden Visa program makes residency straightforward for retirees, while high-quality healthcare and a low cost of living create a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle ideal for enjoying retirement surrounded by natural beauty.
Spain: Costa del Sol
Spain’s Costa del Sol is a long-standing favorite for its warm Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and affordable cost of living. The region offers a relaxed lifestyle, scenic coastal views, and a welcoming expat community. Accessible healthcare and retirement visa options make Costa del Sol particularly attractive for European retirees seeking comfort, sunshine, and a beautiful place to settle.
Thailand: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai blends traditional charm with modern convenience. Nestled in the mountains, it offers a lower cost of living than bustling Bangkok, while still providing a warm climate, delicious cuisine, and a welcoming expat community. Excellent and affordable healthcare makes Chiang Mai a practical choice for retirees seeking to stretch their savings while enjoying a rich cultural experience.
Mexico: San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is famous for its colonial charm, vibrant art scene, and affordable living. Colorful architecture and friendly locals make it ideal for retirees who want to immerse themselves in a rich cultural environment. Its proximity to the U.S., quality private healthcare, and well-established expat community make it a top choice for North American retirees.
Italy: Abruzzo
Abruzzo offers stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and an affordable cost of living compared to Italy’s more tourist-heavy areas. With mountains, beaches, and vineyards nearby, retirees can embrace Italian culture and enjoy a slower, relaxed way of life. Italy’s renowned healthcare system and elective residency visa options make Abruzzo an appealing choice.
Philippines: Dumaguete
Dumaguete is known for its relaxed lifestyle, warm climate, and welcoming locals. Affordable living, beautiful beaches, and a strong expat community make it ideal for retirees seeking a slower pace of life. The Philippines’ Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) provides an easy residency path, while quality healthcare and proximity to natural attractions make Dumaguete a top retirement destination in Southeast Asia.
Sweden: Malmö
Malmö offers eco-friendly living, vibrant culture, and scenic surroundings in Northern Europe. With green spaces, proximity to the sea, and easy access to Copenhagen, retirees enjoy a high quality of life. Sweden’s excellent healthcare system, focus on outdoor activities, and walkable city center make Malmö perfect for those seeking an active, multicultural retirement.
Canada: Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, on Vancouver Island, is a coastal city known for its mild climate, artsy vibe, and natural scenery. Retirees can enjoy hiking, golfing, and waterfront activities alongside a rich cultural scene. With high-quality healthcare and a clean, safe environment, Victoria is an ideal North American retirement destination with a European feel.
France: Provence
Provence offers retirees a picturesque lifestyle with lavender fields, sun-soaked vineyards, and charming villages. Its Mediterranean climate and outdoor lifestyle appeal to those seeking a slower pace. France’s high-quality healthcare system and elective residency visas make settling down easier, while local culinary traditions and culture enrich daily life.
Japan: Fukuoka
Fukuoka, on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, combines modern amenities, rich culture, and natural beauty. Known for its warm climate and friendly locals, it offers excellent healthcare and long-term visa options for eligible retirees. Affordable living (by Japanese standards), a renowned food scene, and a balance of urban life and nature make Fukuoka ideal for retirees seeking an active, culturally enriching experience in Asia.
If you’re considering retiring to any of these countries, it’s important to explore the practicalities. Our country guides cover all aspects of living abroad, including financial planning, accommodation, visas, and more. And if you’re ready to take the next step, you can learn more about how we help retirees make the most of their overseas adventures.