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Top 17 Countries With Retirement Visas (2024 Guidelines)
Want to find the best countries with retirement visas?
Whether you’re getting close to retirement or still a couple of decades away, it’s fun to think about all the places you could retire.
Most people dream about what this could look like, but I took it a step further and pulled together all of the best retirement visas into one place. Honestly, it’s information overload otherwise, so this should help you figure out which country is best for you in retirement, too!
Maybe you dream of sipping coffee in Colombia, living luxe in Dubai, or chilling on the beach in Central America.
There’s a country with a retirement visa for almost everyone, and here’s my shortlist of the best ones, along with how to apply and a few other long-term visa opportunities!
There have also been significant updates to some of these programs, like Malaysia’s popular MM2H program, so I’ll fill you in on that, too.
Editor’s Picks
Best Retirement Visa For Young Retirees – Portugal
Cheapest Retirement Visa – Nicaragua
Retirement Visa with Quickest Path to Citizenship – Argentina
Which Countries Have Retirement Visas?
| Country | Minimum Age | Minimum Monthly Income (USD) |
| Argentina | 18 | 1,800 |
| Belize | 45 | 2,000 |
| Colombia | 18 | 900 |
| Costa Rica | 18 | 1,000 |
| Ecuador | 18 | 1,350 |
| Ireland | 18 | 4,600 |
| Malaysia | 30 | 9,000 |
| Mauritius | 50 | 1,500 |
| Mexico | 62 | 6,200 |
| New Zealand | 66 | 3,200 |
| Nicaragua | 45 | 600 |
| Panama | 18 | 1,000 |
| Portugal | 18 | 900 |
| South Africa | 18 | 2,100 |
| The Philippines | 50 | 1,000 |
| United Arab Emirates | 55 | 4,100 |
| Uruguay | 18 | 1,500 |
Retirement Visa Programs in North & Central America
1. Costa Rica – Pensionado Visa
Costa Rica is a literal paradise for pensioners. I worked here for 2 weeks and always dreamed of coming back.
It’s the safest country in Central America and has excellent healthcare. It’s also home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and awe-inspiring volcanoes.
Plus, Costa Ricans are some of the world’s happiest people!
What I Like
- Minimum age is 18
- $1,000 USD monthly passive income requirement
- Global income is tax-exempted
Things to Consider
- Minimum stay of 4 months in a year
- Citizenship application opens after 10 years of residency
How To Apply – Contact the Costa Rican Consulate.
2. Panama – Pensionado Visa
The World Economic Forum picked Panama as the best place to retire, and I see why.
Panama has one of the strongest economies in the region. It’s known to be politically stable, too.
It’s also the second safest destination after Costa Rica. Healthcare access is excellent, too, even in smaller towns.
What I Like
- Minimum age is 18.
- $1,000 USD monthly passive income requirement
- You can apply for citizenship after just 5 years of residency.
Things to Consider
- You have to apply in Panama through a local lawyer.
How to Apply – The Panamanian Consulate can guide you on how to apply in Panama.
3. Mexico – Retirement Visa
I love the low cost of living in Mexico! Even super touristy places like Cancun cost way less than most cities in the U.S.
I won’t lie. I’d probably move here just for the food alone. The abundance of gluten-free options is heaven for someone with celiac or food sensitivities like me.
What I Like
- The minimum age is technically 62, but you can still apply if you’re younger and retired.
Things to Consider
- High monthly passive income requirement of $103,720 MXN ($6,200 USD)
- You must have a bank balance of $4,148,800 MXN ($245,000 USD).
How To Apply – Contact the Mexican Consulate.
4. Nicaragua – Pensionado Visa
The Nicaragua retirement visa has the lowest income requirement on this list, making it one of the easiest countries to retire in.
It’s also desirable to settle down here because the country is full of beaches, rainforests, and 4 World Heritage Sites!
Despite the natural beauty, safety is undoubtedly a concern. I hear most expats from America and Europe stay in gated communities around Granada and San Juan del Sur.
What I Like
- $600 USD monthly passive income requirement.
- You can apply for citizenship after 7 years of residency.
Things to Consider
- Minimum age is 45.
- Dual citizenship is not recognized unless you’re from Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, or El Salvador.
How To Apply – Contact the Nicaraguan Consulate.
5. Belize – Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)
Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language, making it one of the most comfortable countries for U.S. citizens and Canadians to retire.
You’ll love Belize’s Mayan ruins if you’re a history buff, and for younger retirees, it’s one of the most popular countries in the world for scuba diving!
What I Like
- $2,000 USD monthly passive income requirement.
- Global income is tax-exempt.
- You can apply for citizenship after 6 years of residency.
Things to Consider
- Minimum age is 45.
- Minimum stay of 30 consecutive days per year.
How To Apply – Contact the Belize Tourism Board.
Retirement Visa Programs in South America
6. Colombia – Special Temporary Pensioner’s Visa
When you’re checking the retiring in Colombia requirements, you’ll notice the minimum income fluctuates. That’s because they base the requirement on the current minimum wage, which fluctuates constantly. To be eligible for this Special Temporary Pensioner’s Visa, you must make 3 times the Colombian minimum wage.
Usually, this is still affordable for people coming from a Western Country, and the low cost of living in Colombia is a big pull for those looking for a cheap place to retire abroad.
What I Like –
- Minimum age is 18.
- $900 USD monthly passive income requirement.
Things to Consider –
- Citizenship application opens after 10 years of residency.
How To Apply – Contact the Colombian Consulate.
7. Ecuador – Jubilado Visa
In recent years, this retirement visa in Ecuador has become super popular with Americans, but you don’t have to be American to apply for it.
Most people settle in the historic city of Cuenca, but Guayaquil and Quito are also trendy cities for expats moving to Ecuador.
Retirees also love Ecuador because there are so many stunning natural wonders like the Galapagos Islands and Parque Nacional Cotopaxi. There’s also a huge artisanal movement here, and you can buy a small condo on the beach for less than 100,000!Â
What I Like –
- Minimum age is 18.
- $1,350 USD monthly passive income requirement.
- You can apply for citizenship after 7 years of residency.
Things to Consider –
- Minimum stay of 275 days per year.
How To Apply – Contact the Ecuadorian Consulate.
8. Uruguay – Retirement Visa
The Uruguay retirement visa is especially popular with married couples looking for dual citizenship since you and your partner can apply for citizenship after just 3 years of residency.
While the rest of South America enjoys sunny weather throughout the year, Uruguay is below the tropical zone, so it has all four seasons, but snowfall is extremely rare. It’s comparable to the Greek Islands or Florida.
What I Like
- Minimum age is 18.
- Monthly passive income requirement of $1,500 USD.
- You can apply for citizenship after 3 years of residency if you’re married (or 5 years if you’re single).
Things to Consider
- Minimum stay of 6 months per year.
How To Apply – Contact the Uruguayan Consulate.
9. Argentina – Pensionado Visa
If your priority is getting citizenship quickly, I would consider Argentina’s retiree visa. Once you acquire this visit, you can apply for citizenship after just 2 years of living here.
Funny enough, applying for permanent residency from scratch takes even longer. This process goes through a separate government body and can take up to 3 years!
I’m not a huge meat lover, but Argentina is known for serving some of the best beef in the world (especially steak).
What I Like
- Minimum age is 18.
- $1,800 USD monthly passive income requirement.
- You can apply for citizenship after just 2 years of residency.
Things to Consider
- There is no minimum stay, but they unofficially ask you to stay in the country for at least 6 months each year.
How To Apply – Contact the Argentinian Consulate.
Retirement Visa Programs in Europe
10. Portugal – D7 Visa
The D7 Visa functions as Portugal’s pensioner visa, but a rare perk is that you can still work in the country if you’d like to make extra income!
Portugal is a favorite for Americans retiring in Europe because it has a much slower pace, and you can find cheap direct flights back to the U.S. to see family!
Property is also cheap here. One of my retirement dreams is to get a cute little place by the sea in Europe.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program is also popular with retirees, but that requires a larger investment upfront of at least €500,000 ($551,000 USD).
What I Like –
- Minimum age is 18.
- €820 ($900 USD) monthly passive income requirement.
- You’re allowed to work.
- You can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency.
Things to Consider –
- Minimum stay of 16 months in 2 years.
How To Apply – Contact the Portuguese Consulate.
11. Ireland – Stamp 0
Ireland’s Stamp 0 is a temporary residency visa for retirees looking to settle abroad. The downside is that it’s not a very long-term visa, but you can renew your visa every year as long as you meet the requirements. However, it never leads to Irish citizenship.
My friend Mary moved here from the U.S. and always talks about how stunning Ireland is. If you love nature, you’ll be right at home here. Just get ready for some erratic weather!
What I Like
- Minimum age is 18.
Things to Consider
- High passive income requirement at €50,000 ($55,100 USD) per year
- You must also have at least €300,000 ($333,165 USD) in emergency savings.
- You can renew this visa indefinitely, but it doesn’t lead to Permanent Residency or citizenship.
How To Apply – Mail your application to the Department of Justice in Dublin.
Retirement Visa Programs in the Asia Pacific
12. New Zealand – Temporary Retirement Visa
I was on a working holiday here in 2019, and it’s by far the best country I’ve ever lived in!
I love the warmth of the Kiwis, who very kindly adopted this introvert and included me in their social circles. It’s so easy to feel welcome here, and the scenery is so beautiful it’s unreal!
What I Like
- You can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency.
Things to Consider
- Minimum age is 66.
- You need to invest $750,000 NZD ($474,000 USD), have an income of $60,000 NZD ($38,000 USD) per year, and have $500,000 NZD ($316,000 USD) in savings.
How To Apply – Contact New Zealand’s visa application center.
13. Malaysia – My Second Home (MM2H)
Malaysia is one of the best countries to retire in Asia. The quality of life is fantastic, almost everyone speaks English, and it’s cheaper than places like Singapore and Hong Kong.
The MM2H program is well-established, but there was some drama when they increased the income requirements a few years back.
My Malaysian friend Julie says the government is reviewing the program, but you should also look into Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H). It’s run by the Sarawak state in East Malaysia and has similar perks for a much lower investment.
What I Like
- Minimum age is 30.
Things to Consider
- You must deposit $500,000 to $5,000,000 MYR ($108,000 to 1,080,000 USD). Higher investment gets you a more desirable visa, and the highest investment category grants you a Permanent Residency.
- Currently, you need to earn a monthly passive income of $40,000 MYR ($9,000 USD). Yep, it’s steep, but I hear this should change soon.
- Minimum stay of 60 days per year.
How To Apply – Contact a licensed MM2H agent.
14. The Philippines – Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
The Philippines is a gorgeous country of tropical islands, bustling cities, and quiet villages in the mountains, which is why a lot of people consider retiring here.
The country offers a few options for retirees under their Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV).
The SRRV Expanded Courtesy category is perfect for military veteran Americans dreaming of retiring abroad. However, aging retirees needing good medical care access will find the SRRV Human Touch category a slightly better fit.
What I Like
- The income requirement starts from $1,000 USD a month and a deposit of $1,500 USD.
Things to Consider
- Minimum age is 50.
- Citizenship application opens after 10 years.
- Dual citizenship by naturalization is not recognized.
How To Apply – Contact the Philippine Consulate.
Retirement Visa Programs in the Middle East & Africa
15. United Arab Emirates – Retire in Dubai Program
If partying on a yacht on a random Tuesday sounds like your kind of retirement, retire in Dubai.
Dubai is popular with influencers, which makes me a little less interested in this program. My guess is that most people over 55 (the required age) are also less interested in partying and more interested in nature and culture.
However, Dubai is an excellent place to run your business, so it’s worth having on the list!
What I Like
- You’re allowed to work on the visa.
Things to Consider
- Minimum age is 55.
- High AED180,000 (US$49,000) yearly income requirement.
- Does not lead to citizenship.
How To Apply – Submit your application online.
16. Mauritius – Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit
This sunny island in the Indian Ocean has an interesting mix of African, French, Chinese, and Indian influences. The culture here is so rich, and Mauritian food is really something else!
Even though it’s a popular holiday spot, the cost of living here is 127% lower than in the U.S.
What I Like
- $1,500 USD monthly passive income requirement.
- Tax exemptions on funds transferred to Mauritius.
- You can apply for citizenship after 7 years.
Things to Consider
- Minimum age is 50.
How To Apply – Submit your application online.
17. South Africa – Retired Person’s Visa
If you love the outdoors, South Africa is the perfect retirement spot. I love to hike and would feel spoiled for choice, knowing there are more than 3,000 trails across South Africa to explore!
Some retirees also like the Independent Financial Person’s Permit. You have to prove your net worth and pay a one-time fee, which gives you Permanent Residency and permission to work.
What I Like –
- Minimum age is just 18
- $2,100 USD monthly passive income requirement
- Tax exemptions on global income
Things to Consider –
- Citizenship application opens after 10 years of residency
How To Apply – Contact the South African Consulate.
Retirement Visa Application Requirements
Most requirements are the same across the board. Assuming you qualify for the country’s passive income requirements, you’ll also have to prove that it’s recurrent and essentially guaranteed. Most programs accept pensions, rental income, dividends, and annuities.
The minimum income requirement will also be higher if you add family members to your application.
Furthermore, most programs will also need you to prove that you are in good health, have a clean criminal record, and carry comprehensive insurance coverage.
More Options for Long-Term Visas
While these aren’t necessarily retirement visas, people use these Visas to retire abroad in countries that don’t have designated retirement visas.
- Brazil – VITEM XIV
- Chile – Temporary Residence Visa
- France – Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS)
- Italy – Elective Residence Visa
- Spain – Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
- Greece – Financially Independent Person Permit
- Bulgaria – Visa Type D
- Thailand – Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X Visa
- Indonesia – KITAS
- Cambodia – ER Visa
- Fiji – Residence Permit on Assured Income
- Vanuatu – Self-Funded Visa
Summary – Countries With Retirement Visas
You can see that there are a bunch of countries around the world with retirement visa, but after all my analysis, Portugal is my #1 pick.
It’s a no-brainer for me. Portugal is such a beautiful country covered in coastlines and scenic landscapes. You can live in a vibrant city like Lisbon or Porto and take holidays to the mountains, beaches, or Azores islands! Also, the retirement age is just 18, and the income requirement is reasonable.
Here are my top pros and cons of living in Portugal to see if it’s right for you!
Furthermore, if nothing on this list felt right, check out these countries with digital nomad visas.
Read More About Living Abroad:
- How Living Abroad Changes You: 15 Ways You’ll Grow
- Inspirational Living Abroad Quotes for Expats [Best Moving Abroad Quotes]
- Moving and Living Abroad Guide
- Pros and Cons of Living Abroad: Why You Should Move to Another Country
- Best Suitcases for Moving Abroad
- Challenges of Moving to a New Country to Overcome
- I Regret Moving to Another Country for Love
- Quiz: What Country Should I Move To?
- Best Laptops for Digital Nomads Remote Work
- 50+ Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
- 40+ Countries with Working Holiday Visas
Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
