Every country has different rules for retirees. Here's what you need to know by nationality and destination.
The easiest countries for retirees to get long-stay visas, by difficulty and requirements.
| Country | Visa Name | Min. Income/mo | Min. Age | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | Non-O Retirement Visa | $1,830 (65k THB) | 50+ | 1 year (renewable) | Easy |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | SRRV (Special Resident Retiree) | $800/mo pension | 35+ | Permanent | Easy |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | Pensionado Visa | $1,000/mo | Any | Permanent | Easy |
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | Pensioner Visa | $1,375/mo | Any | 2 years (renewable) | Easy |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | MM2H | $2,400/mo + savings | Any | 5 years (renewable) | Moderate |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | Pensionado | $1,000/mo | Any | 2 years (renewable) | Easy |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | Temporary Resident | $2,500/mo | Any | 4 years | Moderate |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | D7 Passive Income Visa | €820/mo (min. wage) | Any | 2 years → Permanent | Moderate |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa | €2,400/mo | Any | 1 year (renewable) | Moderate |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | Financial Independence Visa | €2,000/mo | Any | 1 year (renewable) | Moderate |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Elective Residency Visa | €31,000/year | Any | 1 year (renewable) | Complex |
| 🇫🇷 France | Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) | €1,600/mo+ | Any | 1 year (renewable) | Complex |
| 🇰🇭 Cambodia | ER Visa (Ordinary) | None | Any | 1 year (renewable) | Very Easy |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | Retirement Visa (M-7) | $750/mo (3x min. wage) | Any | 3 years (renewable) | Easy |
| 🇫🇯 Fiji | Retirement Permit | FJD 90,000/yr income | 45+ | Renewable | Moderate |
Australian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185+ countries. Here are the key considerations for Aussie retirees.
Australian Age Pension can be paid overseas in most countries via an international agreement. Superannuation can be accessed from anywhere once you reach preservation age.
If you cease to be an Australian tax resident, most foreign income is not taxed by the ATO. However, superannuation withdrawals and Australian rental income may still be taxable.
Medicare generally doesn't cover you overseas except in countries with Reciprocal Health Agreements (UK, NZ, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden).
You can keep Australian property while living overseas. Rental income may be taxable in Australia. CGT implications apply if selling your former family home after 6+ years abroad.
Key considerations for UK retirees moving abroad.
UK State Pension is payable worldwide, but only increases annually if you retire in certain countries (EU, EEA, Switzerland, or countries with social security agreements). Frozen in many popular destinations like Australia, Canada, Thailand.
You lose NHS entitlement after living abroad for more than 3 months (with some exceptions). You'll need private health insurance or to join the local system. S1 form gives healthcare access in EU/EEA countries.
The UK Statutory Residence Test determines your tax status. If non-resident, you generally won't pay UK income tax on foreign income. UK rental income and government pensions remain taxable.
Key considerations for US citizens retiring abroad.
US Social Security is payable in most countries worldwide. Benefits are deposited directly to your bank account. Some countries (Cuba, North Korea, etc.) have restrictions.
US citizens must file federal tax returns regardless of where they live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit can reduce double taxation. FBAR reporting required for overseas bank accounts over $10,000.
Medicare generally does not cover healthcare outside the US. You'll need international health insurance. Some retirees maintain Medicare Part B for trips home. Tricare covers military retirees abroad.