Where is the best place in Europe for Russian retirees to retire?

Portugal stands out as one of the most attractive countries for retirement, drawing the attention of retirees from around the world. This country, with its rich historical heritage and beautiful resorts, offers the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest.

Benefits of living in Portugal

In 2020, Portugal established itself as an excellent retirement destination, thanks to its high level of medical services, favorable climate, and high safety standards for residents and visitors.

The cost of living here is significantly lower compared to countries like Germany and France. A budget of 30,000 euros a year is enough for a comfortable existence, but with reasonable spending, you can manage on 20,000 euros. The city of Cascais, located just 25 kilometers from Lisbon on the Atlantic coast, has become a popular place for many retirees, both from Europe and North America.

Real estate and rental

• The cost of residential real estate in the center of Cascais is about 5,200 euros per square meter.
• In the suburban area, the price drops to 2,600 euros per square meter.
• Renting a three-room apartment in the center costs about 2,100 euros per month.

A simplified residency program has been developed for retirees in Portugal. It is necessary to either purchase or rent a property for a long term and have an income above the minimum living wage, which was set at 635 euros per month in 2020. According to experts, it is easier to buy property in the resorts of Portugal than to rent, as rentals are usually for short terms and intended for tourists.

Algarve region

Many retirees also choose the Algarve region in the south of the country, known for its magnificent beaches and high quality of life. The nature here is stunning, the climate is warm and mild, and for golf enthusiasts, there are nearly 30 courses available. In this region, the sun shines almost year-round, and the pleasant sea breeze creates an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation.

Greece as an alternative

Greece is also an attractive option for those retiring, thanks to its sunny beaches and stunning nature that invites relaxation. The pristine beaches washed by the waters of the Mediterranean, Ionian, and Aegean Seas make this country an ideal place to live.

• The Greeks stand out for their friendliness and openness.
• The country's culture is recognized as one of the most interesting in the world.

The average price for an apartment in Athens is around 1,770 euros per square meter. When it comes to renting, a three-room apartment in the Greek capital will cost between 630 and 750 euros per month.

France and Spain

France, known for its top-notch medical care, is also a significant candidate in the list of European countries for a retirement lifestyle. This aspect makes France particularly attractive for those who value the quality of medical services above all else.

Spain, known for its sunny climate, creates ideal conditions for enjoying life and relaxation. The warm weather, picturesque landscapes, and numerous activities make Spain a popular destination for retirees.

Italy and Bulgaria

Italy impresses not only with its history and cultural heritage but also with its culinary delights, allowing one to enjoy every aspect of life. Bulgaria, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly attractive to retirees due to its affordable yet high-quality living.

Choosing a place to live in retirement

Each of these destinations offers a unique setting for a comfortable retirement life, allowing you to choose the perfect place for a pleasant stay. The decision of where to spend your golden years is yours.

Life in Greece

Outside of major cities like Athens, it's worth considering renting in Patras, where the monthly cost of a three-bedroom apartment can range from 380 to 470 euros. Overall, the cost of living in Greece is considered quite affordable.

For example, breakfast for two in the capital will cost around 40 euros, while in smaller towns the expenses will be even lower. For a couple to live comfortably in this sunny country for a year, they need to plan a budget of around 20,000 euros.

It is possible for pensioners to obtain a residence permit if they find it necessary to invest at least 250 thousand euros in real estate. This is provided for by a program known as“golden visa”An important advantage is the absence of requirements to confirm a minimum income or to have funds in bank accounts for residing in the country.

The Greek authorities continue to implement initiatives to attract foreign investors. In 2020, a tax incentive was proposed for retirees who decide to transfer their tax residency to Greece.

• Retirees will be able to enjoy a low tax rate of 7% if they confirm the receipt of pensions from private or public sources outside the country.

Moving to France

Let's move on to France, known for having one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world, according to data from the World Health Organization. The average life expectancy in this country reaches 82 years, placing France among the top countries in Europe in this regard.

Real estate prices in the capital are extremely high, so many retirees try to choose housing in quieter and more affordable regions. They are particularly interested in the areas of South Pyrenees and Languedoc-Roussillon.

South Pyrenees properties

The South Pyrenees, located in the southwest of the country, attracts retirees with its tranquility and mild climate. A successful adaptation to a new life can be seen in the story of Jack Hermann and his wife Lauren, who traded Washington for France in 2004.

Having sold their home for $385,000, they purchased a house in the small town of Cassani-Comto for $118,000. This old house, built in 1842 and previously used as a barn, has been renovated and now features four rooms and two bathrooms.

According to Jack,"I make time for my hobbies. I love to cook and every year I experiment with making jam. Life here is quieter than in our previous place"We have time to have lunch and chat with friends. Our city is surrounded by pastures, where we occasionally see sheep grazing. Their milk is used to make the famous Roquefort cheese.

Prices and budget

Despite the appealing lifestyle, it's important to remember that prices in France can also be high: dinner for two can sometimes cost around 70 euros. For a comfortable living in this country, it's advisable to plan an annual budget of about 39,000 euros.

Especially active in relocating are retirees from countries such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the USA, choosing the Languedoc-Roussillon region on the Mediterranean coast, which makes it a favorite spot among foreigners.

Real estate prices in major cities of France

Real estate in large French cities such as Nîmes, Montpellier, and Perpignan is significantly more expensive compared to housing prices in rural areas that are further from the coast. For instance, the cost per square meter of housing in Montpellier starts at3300 euros...and the rent for a three-room apartment in the city center will cost on average...1100 eurosmonthly.

Entertainment and leisure in France

France offers a well-developed infrastructure for leisure and entertainment. There are numerous museums here, as well as various festivals and tours that attract both locals and tourists.

Older adults can avoid loneliness and stay active by participating in a variety of activities.

Sunny Spain and its appeal for retirees

Now about Spain: it is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, highly sought after by retirees. Here, sunny days last for about300In the year, the warm and dry climate is perfect for people with chronic illnesses, such as asthma and arthritis. Most elderly emigrants prefer to settle in coastal areas, such as:

• Costa del Sol
• Costa del Azahar
• Costa Brava
• Costa Blanca

Retirement communities in Spain

In Spain, there are special residential complexes with developed infrastructure where retirees from different countries live.

Cost of living in Spain and Italy

In large cities in Spain, the cost of living is high, and to live comfortably for a year, around 25,000 to 30,000 euros will be needed. In Italy, retirees often choose regions like Tuscany and Sardinia. Tuscany is known for its stunning nature and cultural heritage, while Sardinia attracts with its mild climate — sunny days delight residents for almost three hundred days a year.

Housing prices

The average price of housing in the rural areas of Tuscany is around 350,000 euros. If you are interested in purchasing an apartment by the sea, the price can range from 300,000 to 400,000 euros. In Sardinia, property prices can vary from 300,000 to 800,000 euros, and if you want a villa on the coast, be prepared to spend at least 1 million euros.

If you need more affordable options, pay attention to the Marche region, where the rent of a two-bedroom apartment in the capital of the region - the city of Ancona - will be about 700 euros per month. Housing near the sea here starts from 350 thousand euros, but in remote areas from the coast you can find more attractive offers, where the cost will be about 175 thousand euros. Also available options with prices from 130 to 150 thousand euros, located in close proximity to the beach.

The standard of living in Italy

In general,quality of lifeIn Italy, it turns out to be more affordable compared to France or Spain, especially in the southern regions and rural areas. The average annual living expenses in the country amount to about 23,000 to 29,000 euros.

For example, a 62-year-old American named John Williams bought a house with a plot on the Adriatic coast in the Marche region, just a few minutes' walk from the beach. John and his family are engaged in olive growing and olive oil production. As John himself notes: "I came here for six months, but I stayed forever. It's hard for me to imagine my life anywhere else."

A new life for retirees in Italy

Many retirees who have decided to move to Italy are starting a new chapter in their lives. There are plenty of exciting activities here:

• Visiting museums with works of art from the Renaissance period
• Tasting local wines
• Spending time on beautiful beaches
• Ski resort vacation

Bulgaria as an affordable option

As for Bulgaria, it is one of the most affordable countries for retirees looking to leave their homeland. However, it should be noted thathealthcare systemBulgaria is inferior to Western European standards, and the infrastructure is less well developed than in Spain.

Low real estate prices are a key factor why Russians choose Bulgaria. Old houses here are significantly cheaper than similar properties in France or Italy. For example, an apartment or a house in Bulgaria can be purchased for just 30,000 to 50,000 euros, and in small towns away from the sea, prices are even lower—ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 euros. In ski resorts or spa towns, the average cost of housing is around 130,000 euros.

Thus, Bulgaria offers the opportunity for a comfortable retirement living without the need to spend too much on housing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the choice of a place to retire is undoubtedly a personal decision that depends on many factors, from financial capabilities to personal preferences regarding climate and lifestyle.

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Russian retirees seeking a new home abroad, and this is not only due to the desire to enjoy a warm climate and beautiful landscapes, but also to the pursuit of quality healthcare and comfortable living conditions.

Brief overview of countries for retirement

All the countries considered — Portugal, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria — offer unique advantages for those looking to spend their retirement in Europe. Portugal stands out for its safe environment and affordable cost of living, while Greece attracts with its history and favorable tax conditions for retirees. France is renowned for its high level of healthcare, making it appealing for those who prioritize health.

• Portugal:a safe environment and reasonable living costs.
• Greece:a rich history and favorable tax conditions for retirees.
• France:high level of healthcare.
• Spain:the sunniest country in Europe.
• Italy:enjoyment of life and culture.
• Bulgaria:inexpensive but tasteful.

The Italian "pleasure of life" and the variety of Bulgarian resorts are also sure to impress. Every retiree will find the perfect place that matches their wishes and possibilities. For example, many choose the affordable yet cozy Bulgaria, where one can fully enjoy the vacation atmosphere.

Amenities and quality of life

It's important to remember that moving to another country is not just about obtaining residency status or finding a suitable apartment. It's primarily a new life experience and an opportunity to discover new horizons.

Every year, more and more retirees are deciding to take this step, and it seems that it brings them a lot of happiness and satisfaction.

Your new happiness

I hope this information helps you in making a decision about where to go for a new life cycle, full of sunny days and warm encounters. Don't be afraid to choose your happiness — it might be just a few hours of flight from your hometown. Choose a country that aligns with your life priorities, and enjoy every moment of your retirement!