'The best places to retire abroad: The Ultimate Guide 2023'

Which countries are best for a retirement vacation abroad? Many retirees seek a warm climate and choose their second home accordingly, but there are other considerations. This article presents foreign countries that are the best places for a retirement vacation. If you are thinking about a retirement vacation abroad, you are probably looking for a place with a warm climate. Even if not, cost of living and medical services are important considerations. You'll want to stretch your retirement payout as far as possible.

20 best countries for retirement vacations abroad

International living for overseas retirees should be available at an affordable price. Retirement vacation abroad''Should be a pleasure, not a source of problems. Here are the 20 best countries, ranked by cost of living, health care system and other factors, to get a retirement visa.

20. Thailand

Thailand's tropical climate makes you feel like you're on summer vacation all year round. Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is located southeast of Burma and covers an area of 513,120 square miles, three times the size of Florida. With more than 70 million residents, Thailand is the 20th most populous country in the world.

The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) introduced the long-term permanent resident (LTR) visa in September 2022,''offering five years of residence in Thailand and then another five years if you continue to meet the qualifying conditions. One of the five categories is Wealthy Pensioner. You can get this retirement visa if you are 50 years old or older and:

• You have a personal income of at least $80,000 per year.
• You have a personal income of at least $40,000 per year with investments in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment or real estate in Thailand.
• You have an additional investment of at least $500,000 in Thai government bonds with a remaining maturity of at least five years in a Thai limited company or Thai public company, or in real estate.
• You have a health insurance policy,'''covering medical expenses in Thailand up to $50,000 for at least 10 months, social guarantees covering medical expenses in Thailand, or deposits in accounts in Thailand or overseas of at least $100,000 held for at least a year.

How does Thailand rate in terms of viability? High, with many American immigrants making it their home because of its low cost of living and easy access to an excellent healthcare system. There is authenticity and purity in Thai culture, as Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was not colonized by European forces. Thai food is celebrated around the world and you will eat well if you eat out or order takeaway.

19.''Greece

Mediterranean weather and calm, cool and clear waters make Greece attractive to many retirees. Greece is located in southern Europe. Its peninsula and archipelago of about 2,000 islands border the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, lying between Albania and Turkey. Its area of 131,957 square kilometers is slightly smaller than Alabama. The Greek capital Athens is the oldest European capital and was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.

The Greek tax authorities offer a 7% flat tax on retirement income for 10 years for foreign retirees in addition to the Golden Visa program.

• You have been a tax resident of Greece for no more than''one of the last six years.
• You transfer your tax location from a country with which Greece has a double taxation treaty in force.
• You prove that your pension is income earned abroad through your foreign social insurance organization, other public body, professional fund or insurance company.

While tourists flock to Greece's beaches and islands during the high season, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do year-round, whether you're in the Golden Visa program or a permanent tax resident.The resort town of Elefsina has become the 2023 Capital of Culture and has created a rich calendar of events. Similarly, historic Athens''and the Athens Riviera witnessed a gastronomic revolution, culminating in the first edition of MICHELIN's guide to its culinary scene.

18. France

American retirees like to spend the year in Provence and major French cities such as the capital Paris. France is a key member of the European Union and a popular destination for tourists and retirees. Foreign retired citizens can obtain a retirement visa. You must enter France and live with a residence card, establish or have established permanent residence in France or have a pension under the main French pension scheme. After five years of permanent residence, you can apply for French citizenship.

In France there is a division into''North and south in weather. The country usually has cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean coast of southern France. There is a frequent strong, cold, dry, north and northwest wind known as a mistral. France is a high-income, developed and diversified EU economy with a universal health care system. Its citizens appreciate the finer things in life, such as champagne and foie gras. But if you're looking for value in a foreign country, there are more affordable options than France.

17. Italy

Italy has the eighth largest economy in the world and is considered a particularly industrialized nation that is a leader in world trade and exports. Italy is located in southern Europe and is still''Some of the most popular rural regions include Lombardy, Puglia, Tuscany and Umbria, where you'll find everything from luxury hillside villas to farmhouses surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

16. Antigua and Barbuda

Become a citizen by investing in Antigua and Barbuda to enjoy a sunny retirement package. Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean nation that is a member of both Caricom and the Commonwealth. While Antigua and Barbuda does not offer a retirement visa in the literal sense, their citizenship by investment program is analogous to the Golden Visa program in Greece. There are four investment options: National Development Fund, Real Estate, Business Investment, West Indies Fund''university.

Owning an Antigua and Barbuda passport gives you free travel without visas to about 150 countries, including the United Kingdom and Schengen countries in the European Union. Dependents also qualify, including your children, grandparents, parents and spouses. Living in Antigua and Barbuda means you don't have to pay capital gains tax or inheritance tax, and there are no personal income taxes.

The $45 million expansion of the country's airport has led to three new air routes and an increase in the number of tourists. Antigua and Barbuda is also striving to become environmentally sustainable and is taking steps to eliminate the use of plastic products and increase the production of solar''energy.