THE COMPLETE COMPANION GUIDE
Retire Abroad and Live Better for Less
Compare countries, protect your money and plan healthcare, housing and a satisfying everyday life overseas.
RETIRING ABROAD: START HERE
Compare the complete life: money, healthcare, legal residence, community and the flexibility to adapt as your needs change.
COUNTRY COMPANIONS
Portugal and South Africa make very different retirement propositions. Compare the country guides first, then use the books to work through residence, healthcare, housing and your own numbers.
RETIREMENT DESTINATIONS
A sunny week tells you very little about the place you might call home. Stay long enough to try the supermarket, the bus, a wet Tuesday and the journey to a hospital. Then see which places are still on your list.
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LEGAL RESIDENCE
Before falling for a house or a town, find out how you could actually stay there. Ask what the permission costs, how often it must be renewed and whether your partner qualifies on the same terms.
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HEALTH & INSURANCE
Think about the day you need a doctor, not just the day you feel well. Find a clinic you would use, check how you would get there and price cover that reflects your age and medical history.
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RETIREMENT MONEY
A pension that feels generous at home can feel different after rent, exchange fees and private medical bills. Put your income through a less comfortable scenario and keep a way to pay for a trip back.
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HOUSING ABROAD
Renting first gives you time to hear the neighbours, learn the streets and see how a place changes through the seasons. Buying can wait until you know what ordinary life costs and how easy it is to leave.
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LIFE AFTER THE MOVE
The first few weeks can feel wonderfully busy. Then your old routines are gone. Think about who you will see on a Tuesday, what will get you out of the house and how you will stay close to family.
Read the detailed guide →RETIREMENT BY MONTHLY INCOME
CAREFUL
US$1,333 / £1,000Requires disciplined spending and a lower-cost destination.
COMFORTABLE
US$2,000 / £1,500Creates more choice while still needing a medical and travel margin.
FLEXIBLE
US$2,667 / £2,000Supports broader destination, housing and healthcare choices.