Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Country to Retire Abroad
Jul 21, 2025
Key Factors Everyone Should Consider Before Retiring Overseas—Plus Real-World European Examples
When you’re evaluating how to retire abroad and asking, “Can I retire abroad?” it’s essential to understand each factor that can influence your long-term happiness, security, and finances. Here’s why each aspect matters, plus a couple of real-world examples for illustration.
Visa and Residency Requirements
Securing legal residency is your essential first step—without it, you may not be able to stay long-term or access local benefits. Residency and retiree visas come with specific income, savings, or investment requirements, and the process can range from straightforward to highly bureaucratic. For example, Italy requires non-EU retirees to show a certain annual income for its elective residence visa, while Greece offers an additional route of residence via real estate investment.
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Taxation on Foreign Pensions
Moving abroad means your pension and other income are likely to be taxed locally. This new tax regime could end up being higher than what you paid at home, but also significantly lower, as some countries offer flat rates or exemptions for retirees. It's important to understand whether the country taxes only pension income or all worldwide income, and if rates are fixed or progressive. For instance, Greece offers a 7% flat tax on worldwide income to qualifying retirees, southern Italy applies a similar flat rate for those in smaller towns, and Spain and Portugal tax all global income at local progressive rates. Tax treaties help avoid double taxation.
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Cost of Living and Currency Security
Affordability is fundamental in retirement planning—factor in local prices for rent, groceries, healthcare, and transport. While some countries offer a lower cost of living, their local currency may be less stable, impacting your financial plans over time. For example, Portugal and Greece are eurozone countries with stable currencies and moderate everyday costs, while Albania offers much cheaper living but with currency fluctuations that could affect purchasing power.
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Real Estate and Inheritance
Property ownership often appeals to retirees seeking stability, but rules and protections vary. Ensure you understand not only purchase processes and taxes, but also how local inheritance laws might affect passing assets to heirs. In Italy and Greece, foreigners can buy property freely with strong legal protections. France, though widely open, has inheritance rules that may override your home-country will if you don’t plan carefully. Spain has experienced widespread local protests that may impact the rights and taxation of foreign buyers.
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Healthcare Quality and Access
Access to medical care is a major consideration. High-quality, affordable healthcare is one of the most valuable benefits of relocating, but waiting periods or mandatory private insurance are common for new residents. Italy is recognized for excellent public healthcare accessible to residents (usually for a fee), while Greece requires some form of insurance or co-payment. Albania’s services are improving, but you may need insurance or savings for complex cases.
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Climate and Environment
Weather shapes your lifestyle—consistent sunshine or temperate seasons can add to your quality of life, while pollution and heatwaves may be drawbacks. Southern Europe’s Mediterranean countries like Greece and Malta promise mild winters and sunny summers, perfect for retirees looking for an outdoor lifestyle. Albania’s Adriatic coast also offers beautiful, largely unspoiled environments. The impact of climate change should also be factored in long-term planning.
Language and Community Integration
Being able to communicate—or finding a welcoming expat group—makes daily life easier and integration smoother. Some destinations, like Malta, use English as an official language, while in Portugal or Cyprus, English is common in tourist and expat areas. In other regions, like rural Italy or Albania, learning the basics of the local language is essential if you want a richer, more connected experience.
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Safety, Political Stability, and Infrastructure
Choose a country where you feel secure and supported by reliable infrastructure—from clean water and transport to dependable internet and governance. Western and southern European countries such as Portugal or Italy are known for stable, safe environments. Albania is generally safe and affordable but may have less developed public services outside major cities.
By understanding these factors—and weighing how much each matters to you—you’ll be equipped to find the best country to retire and make confident decisions as you plan your move abroad.
How Mitos Relocation Supports Your Retirement Journey
Choosing where to retire is as complex as the move itself. At Mitos Relocation, we go beyond logistics:
We help you evaluate each country’s pros and cons in the context of your goals, lifestyle, family situation, health needs, and financial background.
Our team advises on visas, taxation, property, and daily life—guiding you with expert, local insights that online comparisons can’t match.
We offer personalized consultations to refine your options and peace of mind through every step—right from the first conversation to your successful relocation.
Want tailored guidance or have questions about your situation?
Read more about our services and how we support your decision-making, or reach out directly to start your conversation today.