Retirement doesn’t mean you have to slow down. For many, the end of work is the start of one long adventure, with the chance to experience new surroundings and a new way of living. And this desire may be even stronger post-pandemic – according to Legal & General, 3 million Brits aged 50+ plan to relocate in retirement thanks to Covid-19.
Typical destinations include seaside towns or countryside locations within the UK, or sunny European spots like Spain or Portugal. But if a move abroad is something you’re considering, why not think outside the box? If you consider yourself an explorer, see if any of these five countries make it onto your shortlist.
Dominica
What could be better than retiring in the Caribbean? You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places offering warm climates and crystal-clear waters, but we’d recommend the island of Dominica – also known as ‘The Nature Isle of the Caribbean’ due to its incredible natural beauty.
There are plenty of national parks to explore, such as UNESCO World Heritage Site Morne Trois Pitons National Park, as well as waterfalls, a boiling lake, and reefs. These diverse habitats also mean there is endless wildlife to discover, and the country is deeply committed to sustainability and conservation in order to preserve its wonders.
To gain residency in Dominica, you must renew a temporary one-year residency permit every year for five consecutive years or have a valid work permit for five years. A quicker and more direct route (if you can afford it) is to obtain citizenship through Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme. You aren’t required to renounce your other citizenships to do this.
Slovenia
Slovenia isn’t a common retirement destination, but there is much to appreciate about the country if you want to stay busy in retirement. Its capital city, Ljubljana, was voted best European destination in 2022, boasting green spaces, excellent food, and close proximity to the stunning Lake Bled. Outside the city, there are forests, castles, caves, and villages to explore.
As with Dominica, to obtain residency in Slovenia, you must renew a temporary one-year residency permit every year for five consecutive years before applying for permanent residency.
Paraguay
Brazil and Argentina normally steal the limelight when it comes to South American tourist hotspots, but Paraguay is much quieter and therefore offers itself up as a warmer and more welcoming retirement destination. Fresh air and open spaces surround every town so you can stay close to nature without sacrificing urban amenities. The lack of tourists also means you’ll be treated to a more authentic cultural experience.
You can acquire a five-year permanent residency card within roughly 90 days, but you will need to visit Paraguay within six months of receiving the permit and apply for an ID card. However, you can follow an alternative route to permanent residency in Paraguay if your monthly income is at least $1,300 (£1,051), as then you’re also eligible for retirement.
Morocco
Morocco has become an increasingly popular expat destination in recent years. It is close to Europe and incredibly multicultural, with Arabic, French, English, and Spanish spoken there. There are many bustling cities such as Marrakesh, perhaps best-known for its medina quarter packed with vendors and their stalls, and Tangier which sits on the shores of the Mediterranean. Outside of the cities, you can visit the Sahara desert as well as beaches and mountains.
You can stay in Morocco for 90 days without a visa and apply for a resident’s permit while you’re there. Applications should be submitted to the Bureau des Etrangers of the Préfecture de Police or Commissariat Central in major cities, and to the Gendarmerie in small towns and villages.
Thailand
If you like the idea of retiring in Asia, look no further than Thailand. This is the perfect destination for a retirement combining nature and culture thanks to the country’s stunning beaches, jungles, and Buddhist temples. According to International Living magazine, “Thailand remains one of the top-10 countries to retire abroad […] most notably for its top-notch healthcare, inexpensive housing, and friendly residents.”
Applying for a retirement visa is very straightforward if you meet the financial requirements: a pension of at least 65,000 baht (£1,648), at least 800,000 baht (£20,700) on deposit with a Thai bank, or a combined pension and Thai bank account of at least 800,000 baht (£20,700). This is renewed yearly and then after three consecutive years, you can apply for permanent residence.