Your Passport to Paradise: Financial Prep for Retiring Abroad

Retiring internationally can be a dream come true—whether you want to save money, enjoy warmer weather, or experience a new culture.

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Retirement doesn’t mean staying put. For many retirees, it means something far more adventurous: moving abroad. One-third (34 percent) of Americans would like to settle in another country if they were allowed to do so, according to a Monmouth University survey from 2024. This number only stood at 10 percent in 1974. Although this is a growing trend, some individuals may choose to relocate within the United States rather than move abroad.

Retiring internationally can be a dream come true—whether you want to save money, enjoy warmer weather, or experience a new culture. But only if you’ve done your homework and laid the financial groundwork.

1. The Global Goldilocks: Choosing Your Destination With Financial Acumen

The world is huge and diverse, and not every country offers the same opportunities for retirees. Even though a particular location may be inviting, a financially sound international retirement requires an informed choice. In some countries, retirees can access affordable, high-quality healthcare through generous visa programs. Some places, however, have prohibitive living costs or bureaucratic hassles.