Português
English
Français
1 – Portugal
It must be said that Portugal is unbeatable: for 5 years it has occupied the first place in the ranking of the best destinations to spend your retirement. According to data from the French Embassy in Portugal, more than 10 thousand French retirees have already taken up residence there.
And for good reason, this European country enjoys a much cheaper cost of living compared to France. So, for a retirement pension of around €1,500, you can enjoy a comfortable life in Portugal. On the other hand, spending your retirement in Portugal allows you to enjoy a European quality of life. Not to mention the country's wealth in terms of natural heritage and its geographical proximity to France.
Portugal is also highly appreciated by French retirees for its tax advantages. Since 2013, a 10-year tax exemption has been granted to the retirement pensions of private sector workers. How to benefit from it? Simply because you live more than 183 days a year in Portugal and obtain the status of "non-habitual resident".
2 – Spain
Settling permanently in Spain is also the dream of many French retirees. The number of 191,000 pensioners of the French general scheme who currently live there proves this very well.
The main reason for this enthusiasm of pensioners for Spain is because it allows them to enjoy a very pleasant Mediterranean climate while staying in Europe. The country of flamenco also offers a great sweetness of life with a higher purchasing power than in France.
This destination is also perfect if you're looking for a bargain-price real estate acquisition. Another positive point of spending your retirement in Spain is the opportunity to enjoy a healthcare system comparable to that of France.
3 – Thailand
For the more adventurous seniors looking for sun and a change of scenery, spending their retirement in Thailand is also a great idea. This country is acclaimed for its low cost of living, which makes it perfect for low-income retirees. We love its wide variety of breathtaking landscapes with its zen interior and islands with paradisiacal beaches. Not to mention, of course, its modern living environment and its very welcoming population. The country is also full of activities to discover for an active retirement.
Another reason that leads more and more retirees to enjoy their old age in Thailand is that the country has many infrastructures dedicated to health. You can find many luxury hospitals with state-of-the-art medical equipment, qualified doctors in the United States or Japan, and a high quality of service.
4 – Morocco
Many seniors are also interested in Morocco as a destination to spend a peaceful retirement abroad. To be more precise, more than 60,000 French retirees have chosen this very welcoming land to expatriate. This figure is not at all surprising if we take into account the pleasant Moroccan climate throughout the year. This country is also chosen for its beautiful proximity to France; Linguistic and geographical proximity.
Morocco also offers advantageous taxation to retirees. In fact, a tax treaty between France and Morocco stipulates that the amount to be declared may benefit from a tax exemption of 40%. You can even benefit from a tax reduction of 80% on the amount of your pension, provided that it is paid into a Moroccan account in non-convertible dirhams.
5 – Mauritius
If we consider its sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and mild climate almost all year round, it is quite logical to find Mauritius in the top 10 countries where to spend your retirement. Admittedly, this place is not so close to France, but it seduces many French retirees.
Enjoying a postcard-worthy landscape is one of the main advantages of spending your old age in Mauritius. However, the idyllic setting is not its only asset. In this country, the inhabitants speak French. In addition, the cost of living is about 15% cheaper than in French territory.
On the tax side, spending your retirement in Mauritius allows you to benefit from many advantages. In this country, there is no wealth tax, estate tax, or real estate capital gains tax. You will also not be subject to dividend deductions. As for your retirement pensions, they are subject to a flat rate of 15% if you are a resident.
6 – Dominican Republic
Many elderly French people also choose the Dominican Republic to spend their retirement. It's hard not to be tempted by its paradisiacal landscapes and pleasant climate with warm sunshine all year round. The country also has a considerably lower cost of living than France and other European countries. This is especially the case for local products. In addition, the medical care offered in the main cities of the Dominican Republic is of very good quality, being cheaper compared to that offered in other countries.
In the Dominican Republic, retirees also benefit greatly in terms of taxes. In fact, the country's law guarantees a tax exemption on pensions. In short, there, you have the opportunity to transfer your property without paying taxes. Not to mention, of course, the 50% discount on the annual property tax.
7- Senegal
If during your retirement, you are looking for a total change of scenery, you will surely enjoy Senegal. This destination offers a great sweetness of life, breathtaking sites, a multi-ethnic culture and traditions, etc. In terms of gastronomy, this country has a reputation for offering the best West African cuisine.
The cost of living is much cheaper than in France, allowing you to make large savings and thus get more out of your retirement. Senegal is also of interest to the elderly because of the ease of the steps to be taken to be able to settle there. The negative point is the lack of resources and poor management in hospital structures. It will be necessary to reach the capital to benefit from a more efficient service.
8 – Italy
Spending it under the Italian sun is also a great idea to enjoy old age. Italy offers, in fact, many cultural, gastronomic and natural riches. As for the Italian health system, it is very successful in the north of the country, but it is often less bright in the south.
Advantageous tax provisions for pensioners are introduced in Italy. In this country, no fees are charged for donations, inheritances, and income from real estate capital. A nice advantage when you know the inheritance fees charged in France.
9 – Vietnam
Welcoming inhabitants, grandiose landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, light cuisine... Of course, you will have to accept living far from France, but the advantages are numerous.
This country also has a much cheaper cost of living than France. As for taxation, you have the choice between being a tax resident in France or Vietnam, depending on what is more interesting to you.
10 – Bali
Bali is also worth your attention if you're looking for the perfect destination to spend your retirement. Living in this Indonesian country means living among volcanoes and beaches. The low cost of living in the place also allows French seniors to enjoy a comfortable life in a paradisiacal environment. In addition, your integration will be done very quickly, because the residents are very kind. There are also expat networks that will make you feel at home.
Ease of installation, cost of living, health system, climate and nature, so many criteria have been taken into account to determine the best destination for a peaceful retirement. If Portugal, Spain and Thailand are at the top of the ranking, many French retirees are also interested in spending happy days in countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia or Mexico. In any case, remember to find out about your destination before leaving. Don't forget to carry out all the necessary administrative and sanitary procedures.
by: Top 10 Countries to Retire in 2022 (retraite-etranger.fr)