Top Destinations for International Retirement in 2025

In recent years, more and more retirees are seeking new horizons, and many are choosing to relocate abroad. Here, we explore some of the best destinations for expat retirees, offering affordable living costs, good healthcare, pleasant climates, and favourable residency options.

Cyprus

Cyprus offers a retirement visa, Category F, for applicants with a minimum income of €9,568 as a single applicant and at least €4,613 for every dependent. The income must come from abroad, and applicants are not permitted to work in Cyprus.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is another popular destination for retirees, with its Pensionado (retirement) Visa requiring a monthly income of no less than US$1,000 and a clean criminal record.

Malaysia

Malaysia welcomes retirees through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, a ten-year visa that permits living and retiring in the country. Retirees can benefit from its remittance-based territorial tax system, which means they only pay taxes on what they spend in the country.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates offers a long-term renewable residency visa for retirees over the age of 55 who own a property of no less than AED 1 million, have savings of no less than AED 1 million or have a monthly income of AED 20,000 (about US$5,400). If retirees live in Dubai, the figure is reduced to AED 15,000 (about US$4,080).

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship by investment scheme grants visa-free, visa on arrival, or via an eTA travel to around 143 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Area. The island also offers no capital gains tax, no estate taxes, and no personal income taxes.

Portugal

Portugal offers a D7 Visa for permanent residency in Portugal by submitting proof of passive income of at least €9,840 per year for a single applicant, €4,920 for a spouse, and €2,952 per child.

Spain

Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa (Passive Income Visa) is intended for high-income individuals who do not intend to work. Applicants must submit proof of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of residing in Spain for the initial year of the residence permit, with a minimum monthly income of €3,000 per applicant.

Greece

Greece offers a 7% flat income tax rate for foreign pensioners for up to 15 years, complementing the Golden Visa program. To qualify, applicants must not have been a Greek tax resident for five out of the last six years, switch their tax domicile from a country with which Greece has a valid double taxation agreement, and prove that their pension is income earned from abroad.

Ecuador

Ecuador enjoys a low cost of living, and retirees can access quality universal healthcare at a fraction of the price available in the United States or Europe. The country also offers a temporary retirement visa, Visa de Residencia Temporal Jubilado, for foreigners with a monthly pension income of at least US$1,410 from public or private institutions abroad. The application charge for the Ecuadorian retirement visa is US$50, and the visa processing fee is US$400.

Ireland

Ireland has a citizenship by descent option for those who can trace their family tree to Ireland. Otherwise, retirees must be financially independent with an individual income of €50,000 per year and a lump sum of money equal to the price of an Irish residential dwelling to cover sudden major expenses.

Thailand

Eligibility for the Thai retirement visa requires being 50 years old or older and having a personal income of at least US$80,000 per year, or US$40,000 per year with US$250,000 investment in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property, along with meeting certain health insurance requirements. The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) unveiled the Long-Term Resident Visa for Wealthy Pensioners in September 2022, offering a five-year Thai residence with the possibility of renewal for another five years.

The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic offers tax exemption on pension income, no taxes on importing certain goods from abroad, and no wealth taxes for foreign retirees.

Malta

Malta offers programs such as the Malta Global Residence Program and Permanent Residence Program for both EU and non-EU residents, with the main criteria being purchasing or renting a property and proving sufficient means to support oneself and one's family.

Montenegro

Montenegro offers a temporary residence permit and the possibility of permanent residence for retirees who demonstrate sufficient pension income, secure accommodation, and have health insurance coverage.

Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and Malaysia

These countries are often considered the best destinations for expatriate retirees due to their affordable living costs, good healthcare, pleasant climates, and favourable residency options.

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a popular choice for retirees seeking a tropical paradise with a stable economy and excellent healthcare. The program offers a ten-year visa that permits living and retiring in Malaysia, and retirees can benefit from its remittance-based territorial tax system, which means they only pay taxes on what they spend in the country.

Portugal D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is another option for retirees seeking to live in Europe. The visa allows for permanent residency in Portugal by submitting proof of passive income of at least €9,840 per year for a single applicant, €4,920 for a spouse, and €2,952 per child.

Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa (Passive Income Visa)

Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa is intended for high-income individuals who do not intend to work. Applicants must submit proof of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of residing in Spain for the initial year of the residence permit, with a minimum monthly income of €3,000 per applicant.

Conclusion

Retiring abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, offering new opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. With so many options available, it's essential to research each destination carefully to find the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle. From tropical paradises like Costa Rica and Malaysia to the rich history and culture of Portugal and Spain, there's a perfect retirement destination waiting for you.

Top Destinations for International Retirement in 2025