15 Countries Offering the Cheapest Retirement Visas

[@Karlostorres1994]

Before you desire to move abroad, study the countries Government, the stability of the government and any potencial issues that will become your issues if you move abroad to a country that you might be ended up leaving sooner than planned. Not only because your retiree money is good there, sometimes, safety and stability it’s one of the most important to look out before your move. Study the country, go to social media groups and ask questions…. Just a tip.

[@Tarnrop]

Can’t believe everything from social media, some are very bias. Better spend sometimes in the country, maybe 1 - 2 months to explore and get to know other local or retiree.

[@merrillkingston8807]

I've been living in and am now have citizenship in Colombia. I originally moved here for the weather and the opportunity to live in the middle of the Andes Mountains. I've found the people to be very friendly and helpful. Also, one surprising discovery is that the health care here is at least as good as in the US but, MUCH CHEAPER. I pay approximately $35/month for full coverage health care and I've used it many times over the past 17 years so, I know the care it guarantees is incredible. Crazy but, for that low price is has been zero deductible. Frankly, as far as amenities are concerned, I haven't noticed anything less than what I expected in the US.

[@sd6458]

Maybe safety

[@luzmarball5392]

You must be the ONLY ONE person enjoying $35/month for health care in Colombia while the locals DO NOT receive health care at all or they have to suffer begging for health care!!!!

[@merrillkingston8807]

@@luzmarball5392 Obviously you have no idea what you're talking about. I'm on the standard EPS healthcare plan available to every Colombian citizen or permanent resident. My mother-in-law is on it as well and she pays nothing for it because, she has no income. No one in Colombia is "begging" for healthcare.

[@di557dianebritson]

Columbia was #3

[@devil5277]

​@DonoDoni-xt7nk why for indonesia? Can you explain

[@martypoll]

Greetings from Thailand 🇹🇭 I retired here in 2017.

[@happycook6737]

Looks like you married a local too. That makes it easier for male retirees.

[@beeverywhere9003]

How old r u

[@MelodyFromTheHeart]

I have a plan to retire in Thailand soon. ❤

[@frankkluz9787]

# 1 is where I ended up after a years worth of research. Specifically Siem Reap ! The visa costs combined with the very low cost of living make it unmatched. -- Others don't come close to the ease and rewards in my view. -- English is a priority for me as well which eliminates many on this list. The Philippines for me is 2nd to Cambodia. A perpetual tourist visa can be renewed yearly & a visa run every 36 months not 6 months like Mexico for example + English is spoken almost everywhere ! Cost of living can be as much as 70% less than the US !!! Many Americans live there on SS only and quite comfortably.

[@davmar5789]

I am interested in mote info for Cambodia since I am thinking to live there. Thanks

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

Too dangerous now

[@dogtiredtravels5286]

The Mexican Tourist Permit is for UP TO 180 days. It is totally at the discretion of the immigration officer when you enter the country. You are NOT guaranteed to get the full 180 days.

[@amrivpas]

I thought Mexico is not a safe place to go because of the terrible drug cartel…

[@nyerling5723]

I have lived in Costa Rica for 5 years. Originally from San Francisco but have visited 30 countries and lived in a few. I’m retired but leaving here soon mainly because of Drug Cartels, big increase in crime,murders and a ridiculous cost of living. Their so called low cost health care system (Caja) charges me $450 per mo. and I use private doctors . Costa Rica costs are similar to living in Texas and Costa Rica is the second most expensive country in all of Latin America. It is 45% more expensive than Mexico, 47% more than Nicaragua (which has less crime), Ecuador and Colombia It’s a nice place to visit but there are better places to retire; Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia and Ecuador to name a few.

[@paulinefriend9455]

Where do you like to go next? I like Turkey very much, Malaysia is not bad but they changed the rules!

[@nyerling5723]

⁠Well, I love Nicaragua it is right next door to me in Costa Rica. Advantages: Less crime, less touristy, same topography but with 2 giant lakes in the center, 45% less expensive than Costa Rica with the same good natured Latino culture. Good infrastructure, better roads, good inexpensive medical and its a larger country with more to explore and at this moment more interesting to feel like your not in a KOA campground more to explore with less gringos. Yes, I’m a gringo but I didn’t want to retire to a foreign country just to be surrounded by US franchises and the same people I would have stayed in the USA. So, Nicaragua, Colombia and Croatia are my choices. I retired so I don’t care about being a digital nomad or finding any employment. If your searching for a new environment these 3 countries are great choices. Best wishes on your journey.

[@judymckee5992]

@@nyerling5723 , Colombia is the only place I have not been because my friend who lived there for a long time told me that it is dangerous. He lives on the mountainside in a nice house with house keepers.

[@nyerling5723]

@@judymckee5992 Your missing out on a beautiful country with great people. Santa Marta, (beaches and warm weather) Armenia (coffee growing cool weather) two smaller cities and safe as any other Latin country. Medellin, as safe as any Latin country or city, vibrant, lots to do and the lowest cost of living in a major city almost anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. Go and visit (dangerous places exist in the United States or any country) but enjoying where you settle down depends on your wants and needs. A good mindset helps you too.

[@brendajerez2235]

Perú as well.

[@anna_m59]

You can replace the word cheap to inexpensive..

[@larrypicard8802]

I just received my permanent retirement visa in Ecuador. Total cost $630. I can't believe it's not included in this video, HUGE oversight.

[@willeigo8468]

ecuador is relatively boring.

[@jbranche8024]

Unfortunately, I agree with you about Ecuador being boring. I've spent many months there and the people, food, and mountain views are amazing. The car alarms, loud music, lack of entertainment, gringo gouging, lack of bus route path info and increasing safety and security concerns are deterrents.

[@jbranche8024]

Thailand, It is a Type O or if you get one before leaving your country type O/A Visa with an insurance requirement. After 3 months an Extension of stay is needed. Thailand is almost never boring, you think you have seen it all, come to Thailand.

[@santorini8423]

@@jbranche8024gringo gauging?. Wtf is that?

[@jbranche8024]

@santorini8423 Ecuadorians think every foreigner is rich or is not familiar with what the local prices are and will charge whatever they think they can get for something. It is like dual pricing. This is very common throughout many countries in the tourist areas.

[@ocsugar]

I felt instantly comfortable in Thailand--Malaysia also nice but their retirement visa program is very financially restrictive.

[@rh7163]

I take it you've never been to either during monsoon season or that alone would dampen your thoughts with or without a visa.

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

Thank you for being the FIRST vlogger to come right out and say it up front… VISAS… the most important thing to consider when choosing a foreign retirement option! Because it matters not how much you like a country and want to retire there if you don’t even qualify to stay there. All the other sites get you excited about living somewhere and never mention the visa requirements. That’s just mean.

[@dancooper5741]

true about the Visa……another thing about retiring to countries that have sketchy reputations with Rule of Law & corruption. NEVER , apart from an old scooter to get around on ,,,buy anything that won’t fit in a suitcase. Don’t be like these fools that think they “own” a property in country you don’t hold citizenship. If they don’t renew your Visa…..that’s it, you’re out & good luck trying to sell the place when your not even there.

[@expat8460]

Facts

[@seamusp5991]

Great info as always. You’re definitely one of the best YT channels. Thank you!

[@namastelounge3863]

I am looking to retire in a couple of years. These are my criteria in order of importance. 1) can I qualify for a visa and are those requirements grandfathered in. 2) safety factor 3) cost of living 4) healthcare 5) proximity to family Ie USA 6) weather / things to do 7) taxation 8) language/ communication barrier For me Panama is high up on my list

[@expat8460]

​@DonoDoni-xt7nkThough Indonesia was hard to get a visa.

[@Kombucha_baby]

No language barrier is top of my list

[@mrc6182]

"Cheapest Retirement Visas?" In whose reality? Most American (only ones I'm familiar with!) pensioners who leave U.S. are looking for countries where monthly income requirements are $1,500 USD or less per month (per person) with no absurd, unrealistic savings demands!

[@NHJDT]

I never would have thought I could be an expat in the future. Since COVID, I 48f and my hubby 47m with our 3 teens have traveled all throughout the US and have been to Costa rica, DR, Canada, Mexico, and now we are in Korea, will head to Thailand in a couple months but won't make it to the Philippines this trip. Retirement for was is within 5 to 10 years and now that we have been all over the place, it's not as scary to think about the concept of being an expat. The dollar currently stretches so much farther outside of the US

[@LivingSmallLivingMobile1]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@buckchile614]

My wife is Colombian, my sister lives in Spain and I'm working on getting my Irish citizenship. One could say that I have options

[@TomBTerrific]

Or conflict! Haha life is about choices as they say. Look at Spain atleast its in the EU.

[@HectorGarcia-nb2ld]

Who cares

[@skrayraja]

Sorry for asking something a bit person. What are the chances if a 55 year man being able to get married there and what view you have about the women there as a wife

[@buckchile614]

@@HectorGarcia-nb2ld Your momma did!

[@bongadludla1485]

I love Portugal

[@TomBTerrific]

I’m not looking to leave the country I was raised in but I do enjoy watching these videos of where affordable retirement locations are identified. Seems to me these same locations can provide affordable vacations and I don’t need to alter my life, thinking or loyalty.

[@kevinjoseph517]

portugal/ greece/ spain

[@Jughead24]

Greece is not cheap. I lived my working years in the US. Now in Greece....unless you want to live in a village without infrastructure, hospital or even decent shopping, it is not cheap. If you are okay being sort of off grid, you'll pay normal European prices

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

Portugal and Spain are played out. The locals are sick of expats coming in and jacking up the real estate prices.

[@sandytw5229]

Pretty certain Spain NLV is no work allowed = its in the name, plus you can only leave 2 month a year, for first 5 years....plus you need private health care annual policy

[@andrewabel3927]

From the Land of 7023 Islands a very happy retiree with Permanent Resident Status.

[@harryh9922]

How So? Please explain.

[@universeusa]

👍 thanks!

[@einezcrespo2107]

I would rethink The Philippines as an option. The cities are terribly expensive and prices are also rising a bit in the provinces. You can't buy land but can buy a place of your own. Red tape is ridiculous. You need a car and driving here is crazy with jeeps, taxis and now motorcycle taxis. If anyone chooses the Philippines, good luck!

[@tommyflorida9204]

Costa Rica, Panama, and Cambodia are my favorites.

[@SenorJuan2023]

Too hot and/or too humid

[@Hmmm313]

@@SenorJuan2023use a/c

[@SenorJuan2023]

@@Hmmm313 No, I like being outside.

[@Driver2724]

​@@SenorJuan2023best climate colombia

[@richardc6269]

Thailand seems to be the place to go. I need to plan a vacation soon n get my feet wet.🤓🤙✌

[@janettedavis6627]

Don't trust them with your passport or your wallet or phone. They thief

[@Servant_of_Christ]

Good thing I'm swedish, I can sail anywhere in the EU and live there. But I'm sailing to the Philippines next year and I'm retiring there 53 years old, I will spend the rest of my life exploring the world and fish as many species I can, if I can catch them all I will.

[@ma228]

Unless locals cook you!

[@Servant_of_Christ]

@@ma228 Yes, little pygmy's will do that to a 116 kg viking.

[@ladyramen7655]

@@ma228what a rude comment

[@ma228]

@@ladyramen7655 you are right but unfortunately rude is the only language that recists understand!

[@Kitiwake]

Keep your head (literally) when you sail to Zamboanga.

[@ailo4x4]

Morocco should also be on the list. You just arrive in the country and 90 days later apply for a year long resident visa. Cheap, beautiful, safe, friendly locals, great climate.

[@expat8460]

Is the language hard to learn? Did not know Morocco was a safe country guess that's my Africa bias. Thanks for the info in advace.

[@ailo4x4]

I promise you that whatever language you speak they speak it too! Morocco is a European facing country instead of African. The people are lovely and most speak two or three languages; English, spanish, French , German, Arabic, etc.

[@expat8460]

@@ailo4x4 ahh ok I speak Spanish and English. Thanks.

[@belle42]

Morocco? Hmm... In Spain the Moroccans were always trying to get money out of me

[@ailo4x4]

@@belle42 To be fair, they are excellent at business! But seriously, you can't judge a country just by those who have left for whatever reason.

[@Kim-mz8co]

Greetings from Cambodia!

[@happytogether3711]

Choose one between Thailand Indonesia and Philippines

[@robertshaw100]

I understand many nations have excellent health care, but how does it get paid for? In the US I pay for medicare and a plan to cover the 20% that medicare does not cover.

[@divekatdreaming]

The problem with healthcare is insurance companies and private hospitals that are for profit. When everyone takes a huge profit, the bills skyrocket.

[@lindawhittaker6866]

I am a little surprised that Italy was not on this list, since I am considering retirement there. In addition to retirement income requirements similar to Spain and Portugal, it has top level medical care, low cost housing and - the biggest draw - extraordinary culture. So why wasn't it included?

[@ayela562]

Maybe it’s far right quasi fascist government?

[@beaconeersofthesevenmaps3467]

As an Italian, it's a mistery

[@lindawhittaker6866]

Maybe because the minimum income requirement is a little bit higher, about 2500 usd for a retirement visa in Italy. But the costs are very low especially in the south like Apulia, where I was thinking to settle.

[@RoseBornagain]

Is not cheap to live in Italy , the most expensive electric and gas bill and the petrol are the most expensive in Europe, of course, Italy is 100 times better than Portugal or Bulgaria. Maybe Calabria Molise has cheap rent or you can buy a cheap house.I know a few Americans young who bought a house and they refused a visa for a long stay.

[@RoseBornagain]

Puglia is not cheap anymore due the high popularity and Hollywood weirdos coming in on vacation in Ostuni the prices skyrocket, I know I live in Ostuni@@lindawhittaker6866

[@budidarmawan1321]

Greetings from Indonesia

[@belpree786]

Be careful from the Chinese Muslims.

[@schow2020]

#1 Cambodia. It is even better in the future.

[@heatherfruin5050]

No mention about the cost of housing in any country and whether you can own the land your house is on.

[@fillhixx]

Owning means more responsibility and less mobility.

[@jbranche8024]

They can't give cost of living info. There are too many variables. Best to ask on Expat forums for more detailed questions. This video is a general overview.

[@benekatalin]

I would retire in Nepal ❤ I been there 3 x it's very beautiful 🤩

[@yogeshbhandari1040]

You are welcome to nepal ! You got a friend from nepal now .

[@DECENTMANSHORTS]

Very nice view ❤

[@Onlooker414]

Why did you put an apostrophe in the word Visa's at 0:50? It's plural form, not a possessive case. It should be spelled VISAS.

[@antigraftandcorruption5849]

500 dollars a month in the Philippines is very practical

[@AsusMemopad-us5lk]

Good on you! I've heard Nepal is under 400, but that would carry a different risk level, more so than the Philippines.

[@antigraftandcorruption5849]

@@AsusMemopad-us5lk 300 dollars can do also in the Philippines if you are solo or single living

[@Kitiwake]

​@@antigraftandcorruption5849a miserable existence on that money though.

[@einezcrespo2107]

It depends where in The Philippines. Manila is uber expensive. Maybe in the provinces but inflation is also a factor.

[@antigraftandcorruption5849]

@@einezcrespo2107 Lifestyle is truly a big factor in daily budget

[@hamdanshaikh9067]

In Europe I have got work permit then I have to apply for trc or pr or which person we can meet for my papper work please send me reply

[@lourdesrojas-yaklich4446]

For me are: Philippines, Spain, Portugal, and Slovenia

[@Kitiwake]

The difference is that the ph. has NO infrastructure.

[@danielclark863]

North Korea. Uncle Kim will look after you 😂❤

[@naidoo307]

😉😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@LanceCowan-l3l]

North Korea is beautiful this time of year!

[@postthemogul]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Ruzana-z2f]

I love my malaysia..so cheap to live❤❤❤

[@emmalee9747]

Retirement visas in Malaysia are difficult and extremely expensive. 150k down, have to buy a home and hold it for 10 years while your visa is only for 5 years. 90% of applicants pulled out.

[@user-uk8kc2gr6e]

What about Albania?

[@Kitiwake]

A non tourist visa holder is taxed there, I believe.

[@nandocame620]

Which has no IHT.? THANKS

[@jontalbot1]

Perpetrates the myth that a happy retirement is one entirely devoted to leisure and it’s just a matter of having enough .money to do so. If it was so good no one rich would work.

[@prepping_essentials]

Low living costs in Greece?? Seriously !!

[@ed9763]

I think Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey are choices too. Also the main concern for a pensioer is the healthcare and personal safety systems of the country not its sunny beaches.

[@savvytravel2318]

I'd picked Turkey. Based on the experience off one of my friend. Rest in peace to him

[@paulinefriend9455]

Turkey is the heaven on Earth I will retire there.

[@fokkman]

The good news is you can buy housing and drive prices up so much the locals can’t afford a home 😂

[@Mhel2023]

So, they come here as a burden and our expenses increase by way of taxes so I guess it's even Steven 😂

[@priyanthialwis8811]

I am Sri Lankan I need to go to Australia to spent my retirement can I achieve my dreams

[@priyanthialwis8811]

I earn money by doing another job

[@mingwu1133]

Cambodia the Number one? Ridiculous.

[@davmar5789]

Why?

[@frankwhite83able]

You don't talk about taxation

[@byron2521]

I like that this video talks numbers. None of the others I watched give you the bottom line........PRICE!

[@gvbalajee]

Lovely love to settle

[@AsusMemopad-us5lk]

Need this in spreadsheet form. TL;DW.

[@Apexx69420]

I choose chile

[@isabellaschopper8988]

No way the asianrassist tai

[@Apexx69420]

​@@isabellaschopper8988im not racist

[@fwnm]

Portugal as Greece do not ask us for visa. All EU. No visa!

[@fwnm]

Also spain...no visa needed.

[@evgenialukienko4538]

Cheapest place is Egipt. But, it's so derty and strange!. No ,public green space. Sea is close....by wall !. And you have to pay for entrance on the small "beach" limited by wall !. Me, I have studio apartment with view on the sea in the end of Hurgada, where the sea is open and has free access on the beach . But this beach is DERTY!. I bought empty studio apartment for 16000 euros and I spent almost 5000 for kitchen and ect. But cuality of work is terrible and soon I need to fix many sings!. Life is cheap. Taxi for 25 km cost approximately 4 euro. Public minibus from 0.1 cent to 0.3. Fruits and vegetables have good price. For example, 1 kilo of tomatoes cost 0.25 cents and oranges o.3 cents now. Electricity now ( without air-condition) cost approximately 2.5-3 euro a month Water aproximatly 4 euros a month for person. But, there many inconvenience!!!! .

[@carlrasmussen2778]

What about the Wealth Tax. If you make $50k in retirement, great. If you have investments it ain’t so cheap. Please deliver the correct information

[@sachindrahowlader6913]

I am a Citizen of India working in non profit organization, could I have taken retirement visa in Europe

[@JonCooper86]

Some of these are very dangerous. The DR, Mexico, Columbia I wouldn’t even walk around. I’d go with Bali or Portugal/ Spain. Philippines or Thailand are also ok.

[@harkmi3]

Thailand is as safe if not safer than Bali.

[@JonCooper86]

@@Valkyrie57 out of all the options I’d go Bali Philippines or Thailand, all cheap and somewhat safe

[@PizzaLord]

I have lived in DR, Mexico, Colombia ( I can even spell Colombia correctly). I didn't have any safety problems in any of them and felt safer there than parts of the US.

[@bukankamu5713]

my husband and I in Bali for 3 years now, and we're enjoying our living here.

[@Kozette007]

I feel safe in Colombia. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@AussieBob999]

Thailand is not the place to retire anymore. Great to visit or live and work there, but not for retirees. Starting 1 Jan 2024 Thailand now taxes the income of retired Expats (including Pensions), if you live in Thailand 180 days or more in a year, while all the other countries in SEAsia do not. Hopefully Thailand will change their mind, but as it is now, starting on Jan 2025 Expats have been told to pay income taxes on the money they brought to Thailand from 1 Jan 2024 onwards. Thailand also wants to implement worldwide taxation, so even if you dont remit the money to Thailand they want to tax it . No matter how good their Visas are or the country is - for retired Expats Thailand is not the best option (we are leaving).

[@Captain_Tiger]

Please put time stamps

[@people60plus]

Cheap and lovely countries

[@wildbill6366]

Some of these are stale ..CR , Mexico Spain .. Thailand 🙄🙄🙄

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

Thailand 🇹🇭 outside of Bangkok is still cheep! Bangkok and Phuket are really expensive

[@TomBTerrific]

⁠@@DavidWilliams-qr5yjexpensive is usually dependent on personal choices. I love Thailand but live rather easily in the US because I own my home, have only monthly debt and don’t even spend all my SS $ but my wife has learto help me with that.

[@petershrive416]

Cambodian seems good

[@franciskt4171]

Language could be a problem in most of the countries...

[@husnainriaz2508]

Why not a man or woman can retire and live in their own country where they belong from and Born ?????? Why they leave their Relatives and Old friends and siblings ???? Is this a punishment for them to leave their country in old retire age ????

[@majorgear1021]

What old friends and siblings are you talking about?

[@janetrogers4738]

Mexico too violent for me

[@paulinefriend9455]

Language problem also?

[@shea5702]

Plus they have a water shortage and the water is toxic.

[@janetrogers4738]

@@shea5702 I had no idea about the water shortage.

[@shea5702]

I lived about an hour north of Mexico City in the mountains. The water has a lot of toxic chemicals from mining. If they water got too hot in the shower, I got an intense headache.@@janetrogers4738

[@fabriceenjalbert4538]

🇫🇷 Not interesting @ usa nore canada ?

[@jjsc3334]

Retire poorly in America, enjoy all benefits, save more $ than these countries. You have to be smart to play the game.

[@tke71709]

America has benefits? lol

[@cyrilm6960]

What ? Game ? What you mean ?

[@ane-louisestampe7939]

Thank for feeding a funny thought experiment But I'm Scandinavian, so it's not gonna happen.

[@kenhart8771]

Why not?

[@ane-louisestampe7939]

@@kenhart8771 I'm old enough, but I'm poor, so I live of the state. There's no way any other state would take care of me, as well as Denmark do.

[@danguyette507]

Where on earth are you getting your facts!!! I recommend all people considering any foreign country carryout your own due diligence, the facts depicted herein are not particularly accurate.

[@TruongLe9191]

Cambodia ? No ways very very careful what you eat from street food I feel much more safer and cheaper in Thailand so sorry to Khmer people but it's a facts

[@RatTerminator]

$1800 with No car

[@cherryc177]

Turkey is a good option too

[@rusty358]

Foreigners can retire in the USA for free!

[@IU-Uber]

but it too expensive, that why we want to leave

[@tke71709]

No they can't. You need a visa and it is not easy to get.

[@richecy5775]

Being homeless 😂

[@majorgear1021]

just come across the Southern border, no visa required!

[@Mhel2023]

​@@majorgear1021then cross back over into the US when your need a vacation... free food, luxurious hotel, money and medical!

[@thomasthomas6557]

Olentrstlayfvan

[@Resmith18SR]

I like my long term visa, like I like my women, cheap and easy. 😂😂😂

[@willeigo8468]

but not long term , please

[@majorgear1021]

short term or they will take half your stuff

[@paolocirelli8937]

How sad to live in a country where you have no roots.

[@larrypicard8802]

Funny.🤣

[@rb239rtr]

I have worked overseas on two stints, it all seems exciting, but you pay a lot for it. No birthday parties with family members, no Sunday dinners with family, no casual coffee visits with good friends, being absent during the slow cancerous death of a friend or family member, lost time that you cannot replace. So, both exciting and sad..

[@heatherfruin5050]

I live in Australia but I'm closer to my Balinese "family" than my own blood family however as much as my husband and I love them (and it's reciprocal) I wouldn't want to live. We'll just keep visiting as it's only 3 hrs 20 mins from Perth, Western Australia. 😊

[@willeigo8468]

or jettison the(in)human baggage , literally and figuratively

[@gunthertobias3909]

Funny - loving and tied to roots life ling wirh a narrow global view. Another , many of us have family in Europe of of European decent = deep roots