Embarking on the journey of retiring overseas is a dream for many individuals seeking adventure, new experiences, and a higher quality of life in their golden years.
However, it is crucial to consider the practical aspects of long-term care and aging in a different country. Planning ahead and understanding the healthcare options available can contribute significantly to a smooth transition and a comfortable retirement abroad.
Research and Preparation
Before making the leap to retire overseas, thorough research into the healthcare system, long-term care facilities, and aging services in the chosen country is essential. Understanding the local practices, costs, and quality of care can help retirees make informed decisions about their long-term healthcare needs. Seeking advice from expats, local healthcare professionals, and retirement experts can provide valuable insights into the healthcare landscape of the destination country.
Health Insurance and Coverage
Securing comprehensive health insurance coverage is a critical aspect of planning for long-term care and aging abroad. Retirees should explore international health insurance options, local healthcare plans, and supplemental coverage. This ensures they are adequately protected in case of medical emergencies or long-term care requirements. Understanding the extent of coverage, limitations, and out-of-pocket costs is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare financing in a foreign country.
Estate Planning and Legal Considerations
In addition to healthcare planning, retirees should also address estate planning and legal considerations when retiring overseas. Establishing wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives that comply with local laws and regulations can ensure that retirees’ wishes are honoured and their assets are protected in their later years. Consulting with legal professionals who specialise in international law and estate planning can help retirees navigate the complexities of legal matters in a foreign jurisdiction.
How to retire overseas
Retiring overseas offers a world of opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. By planning ahead, retirees can enjoy a fulfilling retirement experience while ensuring that their long-term care and aging needs are met in a foreign country.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
The first step in retiring overseas is selecting the right destination that aligns with your lifestyle preferences, budget, and healthcare needs. Consider factors such as climate, cost of living, healthcare quality, safety, and proximity to family and friends. Researching different countries, visiting potential locations, and exploring expat communities can help you make an informed decision about where to spend your retirement years.
Understand Visa and Residency Requirements
Before making the move, familiarise yourself with the visa and residency requirements of your chosen destination. Many countries offer retirement visas or residency programmes specifically designed for retirees. They provide long-term stay options and access to healthcare services. Understanding the application process, required documentation, and financial obligations associated with obtaining residency status is crucial for a seamless transition to retirement abroad.
Popular Residency and Citizenship by Investment programmes that retirees often consider when retiring overseas:
Residency by Investment Programmes for retirees:
Portugal Golden Residence Programme
Known as The Golden Residence Permit Programme, Portugal’s Residence by Investment Programme has been operating since October 2012.
It is the ideal solution for non-European citizens seeking the freedom to live and work in Portugal and travel across the Schengen Area.
Portugal’s mild climate, rich culture, exceptional cuisine and exquisite scenery have encouraged many high-net-worth individuals to make this wonderful Iberian nation their second home.
It boasts several potentially lucrative avenues for investment, with opportunities rife in manufacturing, tourism, and green energy.
Minimum investment: €250,000
Spain Residency by Investment Programme
Spain’s Golden Visa Programme, is one of the industry’s most popular Residence by Investment Programmes.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving economy, Spain has become an attractive destination for investors looking to secure residency through a strategic investment. This programme allows eligible applicants to obtain a residence permit by making a significant investment in Spanish real estate, government bonds, or innovative businesses.
Minimum investment: €500,000
Greece Residency by Investment Programme
Also known as the Greece Golden Visa Programme, Greece’s Residence by Investment Programme has been in operation since 2014. It is considered one of the most affordable programmes that provides access to Europe.
The Programme is the ideal solution for non-EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals seeking the freedom to live, undertake business, and study in Greece. It is also perfect for those looking to travel across the Schengen Area.
Greece’s pleasant Mediterranean climate, cosmopolitan cities and exceptional approach to hospitality have lured many high-net-worth individuals into making this beautiful country their second home.
Investors and their families can obtain permanent residence status in Greece through the programme, even while maintaining alternative residence elsewhere. Under the Greece Residence by Investment Programme, permanent residence status is subject to renewal every five years.
Minimum investment: €250,000
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golden Visa Programme
Established in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa. It enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden Visa.
The UAE is well known for its solid economy attributed to its strategic location, strong financial reserves, large sovereign wealth fund, consistent government spending on infrastructure, progressive economic policies and increased foreign direct investment (FDI).
Minimum investment: AED500,000 / AED2,000,000
Citizenship by Investment Programmes for retirees:
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme
St Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
The nation pioneered the concept of Citizenship by Investment in 1984.
40 years later, St Kitts and Nevis remains an industry frontrunner. It holds itself to the highest standards of due diligence its Citizenship by Investment Programme is the premium standard against which every other citizenship programme is benchmarked.
Minimum investment: $250,000
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme
Established in 1993, the Commonwealth of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme took 2nd place in the 2023 CBI Index. Commonly referred to as ‘the Nature Isle of the Caribbean’, Dominica is known for its beautiful natural resources. It is a top eco-tourism travel destination.
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme focuses on the overall quality and integrity of its applicants. Dominica only accepts individuals of outstanding character and repute. Comprehensive due diligence checks are performed on all applicants 16 years of age or over.
The idyllic Caribbean Island offers one of the best standards of living in the region. Dominica is politically and economically stable, with a low crime rate and rich investment opportunities.
Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services regulations allow applicants to obtain citizenship of Malta after first residing in Malta.
Applicants must hold residency status in Malta for at least 12 months. Additionally they must pass an eligibility assessment to make an application for citizenship.
Minimum investment: €690,000
These programmes offer retirees the opportunity to obtain residency or citizenship in a foreign country. This is done by making a qualifying investment in return for a host of benefits and a higher quality of life.
