Considering to retire overseas is a good option for Americans looking to improve and diversify their lifestyle. This guide aims to present you with some of the best places to retire outside the US. Retire in Europe and live in some of the richest and most beautiful countries in the world, or retire in the Caribbean to relax and swim in crystal clear waters.
This guide covers the following countries:
Why retire abroad from America?
Retire abroad to enjoy a fantastic quality of life in some of the best places to retire in the world.
Europe ranks high amongst the best places to retire as an American. Its diversity, history, landscapes, food and culture are particularly attractive to Americans looking to retire. There are multiple advantages to retiring overseas, including: A relaxed lifestyle, affordable and efficient healthcare, attractive tax benefits, low costs of living and excellent housing options in some of the most beautiful places. Take a look at our suggestions and learn about retiring in Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Malta.
If your dream is to retire with a perfect tropical climate surrounded by nature on some of the best beaches in the world, countries in the Caribbean such as Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda are your go-to options. Retire in the Caribbean and get a second passport, which offers visa-free travel to over 130 countries globally, including visa-free access to the EU Schengen Zone.
Best places for Americans to retire in the world
Portugal
Benefits of retiring in Portugal
With more than 300 days of sunshine per year and a mild climate, Portugal is one of the best places to retire in the world. Its beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle, attractive tax benefits – such as the NHR tax regime, and affordable cost of living makes it particularly attractive for retirement. With little to zero language barriers, a great healthcare system and easy transportation methods, you will feel at home in Portugal in no time. The Algarve, Cascais and Estoril, Central Portugal, Lisbon and Porto are particularly appreciated amongst the expat community.
Retire in Portugal
In order to retire in Portugal, you will need to apply for residency. Most American retirees wishing to move to Portugal need to apply for a D7 visa. This visa is for anyone who wants to move to Portugal and who has a regular, passive income like a pension or Social Security benefits.
Portugal’s Golden Visa program can also be a good choice if you want to make a large investment in Portugal and get the most favorable tax conditions. It’s also a quick and relatively straightforward way of getting temporary residence quickly, with Golden Visas typically being issued within 6 months of submitting all required documents.
Take a look at our
Portugal Golden Visa
Ultimate Guide
by Local Experts
Spain
Benefits of retiring in Spain
Famous for its quality of life, low cost of living, healthcare system, beaches, cuisine and culture, Spain is considered one of the best places to retire in Europe for Americans. As the biggest country in Southern Europe, it has a variety of places for American retirees to discover. Some of the best cities to retire in Spain are: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Bilbao.
Retire in Spain
A very convenient option available to expats who wish to retire in Spain is the Golden Visa program. The scheme is geared toward non-EU foreigners who would like to make either capital investments or a real estate investment of at least €500,000. Qualified applicants and immediate family members are issued with a residency visa, with possible pathways to permanent residency and Spanish citizenship.
Cyprus
Benefits of retiring in Cyprus
As a mesmerizing Mediterranean island, Cyprus will astonish you with its beautiful coastal atmosphere, rich history, and sunny weather. Popular amongst American retirees for its low crime rate, tax benefits, and great healthcare options, Cyprus is worth considering. Take a peek at some of the best places to live in Cyprus such as Paphos, Limasol and Nicosia.
Easiest way to retire in Cyprus
IMPORTANT UPDATE: It’s official, Cyprus has closed its popular citizenship by investment program on 1 November 2020. What this means is, investors will no longer be able to acquire a Cypriot passport by investment.
Looking to secure European citizenship? Malta offers a direct investment route to a Maltese passport. Click here for more info.
Cyprus’s Citizenship by Investment Program allows individuals to obtain a Cyprus passport in six short months by investing in the country, usually in real estate or government bonds. Get in touch with our specialists at Global Citizen Solutions for more information on how we can help you secure Cyprus citizenship in under a year.
Malta
Benefits of retiring in Malta
Retiring in Malta as an American has many benefits: the island is beautiful, English is one of the main languages, there is a big expat community, the healthcare system is excellent, the living costs are affordable, it’s politically stable, and the weather is incredible. Considering to make the move but don’t know where in Malta to live? Take a look at our article exploring Malta’s top cities to retire to.
Easiest way to retire in Malta
A fast and reliable way to permanently retire in Malta is through its Citizenship by Investment program. In return for making an investment in real estate, government bonds, stocks, or Malta’s Government Fund, you and your family are granted citizenship in a year, with EU passports.
Dominica
Why retire in Dominica
A tropical paradise in the Caribbean, Dominica has plenty to offer for expats looking to retire and live a quiet life in the Caribbean. Gifted with incredible nature, you will find plenty of beautiful beaches to relax in and tropical forests to explore.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
An efficient way to retire and obtain a second passport within 3-4 months in Dominica is through the Citizenship by Investment Program. Dominica’s Citizenship by investment program offers individuals the ability to obtain citizenship by investing in the country, usually in the form of real estate or a government donation.
Antigua and Barbuda
Why retire in Antigua and Barbuda as an expat
Considered the safest place to live in the Caribbean as an american expat, Antigua and Barbuda is a great place to retire in. Enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, a warm climate, and some of the top beaches in the world in one of the best countries to retire overseas.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program
It is possible to obtain citizenship and retire to Antigua and Barbuda through the Citizenship by Investment Program. You can acquire an Antigua and Barbuda passport-by-investment by either making a charitable contribution, investing in real estate, or establishing a business. In just five months, you and your family can acquire Antigua passports, starting from a $100,000 investment.
Other Caribbean countries
Have you always dreamed of retiring on a tropical island? We work with a set of Caribbean citizenship programs, enabling qualified applicants to seek a second passport in exchange for a financial contribution. As well as offering programs in Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, we also work in Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. Retire in the Caribbean and enjoy a piece of paradise under the sun.
Check out our article: Which is the Cheapest Caribbean Island to Live on?
Frequently Asked Questions about retiring abroad as an American
What countries welcome American retirees?
Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Malta, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbua welcome American retirees on their soil and are considered as some of the best places for expats to retire.
What is the best country for American retirees?
Portugal is ranked as one of the top countries to retire in the world. Its mild climate, beautiful beaches, great quality of life and low cost of living, make it particularly attractive to Americans looking to retire abroad.
What are the best places to retire overseas for affordable and efficient healthcare?
European countries such as Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Malta are considered some of the best places to retire abroad for their affordable and efficient healthcare systems. With their public and private healthcare, they provide plenty of successful options to stay healthy.
Is it cheap to retire in Portugal?
It is much cheaper to retire in Portugal than in the US. You must take into account several factors, such as your lifestyle, hobbies, and healthcare requirements. However, in small Portuguese villages, a couple could get by comfortably with €1,400 per month.
What are the best places to retire in Portugal?
If you like the beach, the Algarve region is one of the best places to retire in Portugal. If you like cities, Porto and Lisbon are great choices.
Can a US citizen retire in Portugal?
Yes, a US citizen can retire in Portugal. The D7 visa and the Golden Visa will allow you to reside in Portugal.
