If you have spent all your life working hard and accumulating wealth, and now that you’re retired, you are looking for new challenges, why not look into moving to your dream holiday destination? Most European countries are very favorable to expats who want to invest in the local economy, so read on to find out more.
Slovenia
With its mountainous landscape, crystal-blue lakes and a 15km long Mediterranean beach, Slovenia is milder in the summer than Italy or Portugal, yet isn’t as cold as Switzerland. You’ll be delighted to know that Maribor and Bovec are one of the most popular ski destinations in this part of Europe. Generally, mountain tourism is very well developed in Slovenia, since its intact nature is perfect for stressed-out folks looking for a way to forget about their daily struggles and enjoy some fresh air. Yet, this gem is still mostly unknown to western expatriates. And it’s a shame since Slovenia offers exceptional environmental factors, low crime rates, and low real-estate restrictions for foreigners attempting to buy. Not just that, but Slovenia also has well-established medical coverage plans.
Italy
One of the most popular destinations for foreign retirees, Italy attracts thousands of tourists each year with its warm Mediterranean climate and numerous historic monuments alone. Add to that miles upon miles of Mediterranean beaches, world-renowned cuisine, feisty and gregarious locals, and rich cultural heritage and you can see why all roads lead to Rome. Depending on your health and preferences, you can choose between the more continental northern regions or sunny warmer southern parts of Italy. With world-class health care, surprisingly low crime rates, and plenty of opportunity for investment (especially in tourism) this is a country we highly recommend for retirement.
France
If you dreamt your whole life of exploring Paris, picking lavender in Provence, or tasting authentic French cuisine, we have good news for you. France is arguably one of the best and most popular countries expatriates choose to spend their retirement days. A price-protected health system, reasonable housing costs, and a rich cultural heritage would be a well-deserved reward for all those years spent saving for retirement. Depending on your preferences, France offers a wide arrange of lifestyle options – you can opt for a quiet, slow retirement in more rural areas like Annecy, or live a life of shopping, wine tasting, and visiting galleries and museums in Paris. Additionally, you may experience a slight language barrier in some parts, so it is advisable to learn the language while you’re there.
Montenegro
Another undiscovered gem of the Mediterranean, Montenegro is a country where mountain tops oversee the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. Montenegro is located between Croatia and Albania and has one of the most beautiful coastlines and beaches in this part of the world. Recently, the Government began investing in luxury tourism in order to attract the rich and famous. The Bay of Kotor has slowly become the biggest superyacht marina on the Adriatic Sea. Not just that, but its comparatively low cost of living, low crime rates, and its new citizenship-through-investment program are just some of the reasons offers and prospects in Montenegro are high on our list. You can obtain citizenship simply by investing in real estate, e.g., buying properties in Budva, Bar, or Sveti Stefan. This way, not only do you get a permanent stay, but you get a great ROI by renting out apartments to rich tourists.
Switzerland
A tad bit more expensive than the other entries on our list, but for obvious reasons. Switzerland has long been a popular country for luxury retirement. High standard of living, low taxes, and world-renowned healthcare are just some of the reasons the rich and powerful choose to spend their retirement years in this idyllic Alpine country. If you enjoy a cooler mountain climate, the fresh air will certainly benefit your health, as will the plethora of outdoor activities Switzerland has to offer, like skiing and Nordic walking. At the same time, the Government offers special retirement residency programs for ex-pats.
Greece
Another affordable Mediterranean country, Greece is an ideal place for those who want to kick it by the sea and enjoy a warm and sunny retirement. Imagine a seaside vacation, but it lasts for years or even decades. With its ancient ruins, healthy aromatic cuisine, colorful fishing villages, and clear blue Aegean Sea, Greece is definitely a dream holiday and retirement location. There is a lot to think about when moving to a new location, but fitting in in the countryside won’t be one of them, since most of the landowners are local retirees who rent out apartments to tourists. And the Government has established a golden visa program that grants five years of permanent residence to non-European Union citizens who invest at least €250,000 in local real estate, and by renting out you can establish a steady income. You can even apply for citizenship after seven years.
Whether you choose to spend your retirement days experiencing hip, fast-paced cities or relaxing somewhere on a beach or in a mountain cabin, Europe has it all. Moving to another country is a big step, so think about your lifestyle preferences and needs before making a decision. Always look for investment opportunities, especially in local tourism, because, chances are, you can establish a steady income with little effort, making your retirement a bit more comfortable.
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