Not a single place in the United States has cut off the best retirement destinations – but experts warn to weigh these 3 factors before moving abroad

The reason why some American baby boomers head abroad instead of warmer American states such as Florida and Arizona? Retirement visas.

Many countries now offer programs dedicated to retirees to have a more affordable life and a new relaxed lifestyle, which is why if you look at the pension report for Global Citizen for 2025, that should not surprise you to see that the United States has not cut.

While sipping wine on a tiled balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea may seem tempting for retirees, recent changes in visa rules, tax policies and local costs mean that the process could mean that moving abroad is more complex than you think. A successful retirement abroad now requires careful planning, in -depth research and flexibility to ensure that financial, legal and lifestyle challenges are evolving.

The Citizens Global Report Class 44 Passive and retirement income programs. It also estimated 20 key indicators grouped into six main categories: visa procedures, citizenship and mobility, economic factors, tax advantages, quality of life and security and social integration.

Each country has received a score in 100. Many best -classified countries were in Europe and South America. Portugal has obtained the highest score, followed by Mauritius and Spain.

The best 10 countries retired abroad in 2025 – and their ways of citizenship

Portugal – 5 years

Mauritius – 6 years old

Spain – 10 years (2 years for certain nationalities)

Uruguay – 5 years

Austria – 10 years

Italy – 10 years

Slovenia – 10 years

Malta – 8 years old

Latvia – 10 years

Chile – 5 years

While housing shortages and the increase in life costs can dissuade retirees from staying in America, Jeanne Thompson, retired consultant and former vice-president in Fidelity, offered advice to those looking to continue their retirement in another country.

1. Understand tax implications to avoid double tax and exchange rate rates

“From a financial point of view, retirees must understand the tax implications to avoid double taxation, report on fluctuations in exchange rates that may have a significant impact on their retirement budget and confirm that their banks and investment companies can continue to serve them abroad,” she said.

“Many financial institutions have restrictions on expatriates, which makes this verification essential.”

2. Check your access to health care

“Access to health care is another critical consideration,” said Thompson. “Since Medicare generally does not cover health care abroad, retirees must budget international or local health insurance – an expenditure that can be substantial depending on the country of destination and the desired level of coverage.”

3. Do not underestimate cultural adjustments and linguistic barriers

“Finally, social and cultural adaptation should not be underestimated. The construction of a new community takes time, especially when linguistic barriers exist, “she said.

“While many retirees revolve to expatriate communities for initial support, these can be transient as people come and go. This is why I recommend renting for 6 to 12 months before committing to buying goods. This trial period allows retirees to live daily life, to navigate in local systems and to ensure that the location is really suitable for their lifestyle and their expectations before permanent engaging. ”

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