Respect to the folk that are leaving.i don’t blame you. The UK is in serious trouble. However, I love my country. I wouldn’t leave unless life became impossible here. The UK is still a beautiful country with amazing culture and natural treasures. This land is deep in my DNA and my soul. I love other countries but am always glad to come home. I hope and pray that things will get better in time for my grandchild. As for me, I will stay and help to encourage and protect my family, and I will speak up against the madness that currently prevails. For those of you leaving…good luck and be happy.
@@kyivwithgeofftanya5546 it will be in the UK by then (my guess) all my family if a referendum happens would vote remain in the UK because they dispise the dirt in Dublin. All of our family would previously be considered republican.
@@mikecurtis9617If you didn't feel safe, you could have moved to a different part of the country. But no, you left it altogether and took all the benefits you gained from living in it. Some patriot you are.
@@Ted-f4o077 I lived and worked in Thailand, and loved the place. Living there permanently though, would be a no no for me. Something untrustworthy about too many Thai's.
@@MOGGS1942 me too, I like travelling in Asian countries but am constantly on my guard there and refuse to engage in anything financially related. Not a place I would consider residing in permanently after my previous stay in Philippines
Proud english man born here, take the rough with the smooth, we will rise again as we always do, look back in time over 1000s of years we will never fall
Hungary is another good place to move to. Land is extremely cheap there compared to the uk. 12 acres with 4 houses just over £40 k . So selling your home in the uk will leave you a considerable sum to live on. I am moving there next year and plan to be self-sufficient off grid.
At least you dont have to worry about illegal immigrants ❤❤❤❤❤❤ Just like poland , their not having none of it . ZERO illegal immigrants. Go Mr Trump . January 20th 2025 cant come quick enough 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@DavidLloyd-yu5mt There is nothing racist about hungary. Orban does not bow down to the eu. He has seen the trouble illegal immigration has caused across the west and wants no part of it for his country. That is called self-preservation of one's culture, religion, and values. He also values and supports the family unit, unlike some in the west who seek to divide family values. Hungarians are extremely friendly people.
Spain was once highly recommended as a retirement destination, but now the situation has changed. Numerous social, political, and cultural challenges have made life there more complicated. Currently, Spain is best suited for vacations rather than retirement.
Now 80 I have lived in Spain for 25 years - never regreted a minute of it. Prices have (almost) doubled during this time and the country is increasingly crowded with immigrants looking (or not) for work in a country which already has a 10% unemployment rate. - but it is still 10 times better than anywhere in the UK. Top tip! Don´t buy a fancy villa with a swimming pool - a small apartment is quite adequate as you will be spending a lot of time outdoors enjoying the (almost) continual sunshine. Health care is superb, food excellent and the people friendly - but try and learn the language as not many Spaniards speak English!
We are not immigrants - we are expats who pay their eay FULLY and make a substantial tax contribution to the Spanish Exchequer. We do not "use," the schools or the hospitals - neither do we rip off the social security system. We are only termed as "immigrants" by envious by neoMarxists who are so stupid they will never find a place in the sun...
Public Sector workers get paid very poorly all their working life. They do it for job security, a quiet life and a good pension. If you chose something else, that's your choice. No, I am not a Public Sector worker, unless you consider 30 years in the Armed Forces to be the 'Public Sector'.
@@tinglestingles Funnily enough, I looked into the possibility of going there when starmer and his neo-natzi gang took over, but was met with a mountain of bureaucracy before I could even start looking at properties. May have to stay here and weather the storm.
@@sisyphussapprentice8976 Yep... good to visit but nightmares dealing with Bureaucracy. I'm unable to renew my residency - no appointments available, issues with website, takes 6 months for some to print a card, 6 official visits to swap a UK drivers licence for a Portuguese licence. My original residency appointment was cancelled by the officials, while I was waiting in the queue! The country cannot handle the influx of people - the government has not managed housing, health or education well at all. Local people are now p1ssed - no longer a welcoming country, find another country - the Portuguese no longer want new people here - no matter where they come from.
@mikespike007 a lot has changed since we arrived post Brexit - completely different now. SEF/AIMA have well over 400,000 outstanding cases. No one answers emails or phones. Not allowed to visit office without a prearranged appointment. Spoke with a lawyer - not interested as she knows it’s a nightmare. Setubal but issues are countrywide. Camara no longer dealing with UK citizens - now a 3rd country.
All comes down to money. Passive incomes for Spain, France and Italy are 28,000 Euros. Greece is 25,000. (Single person) I lived in Thailand from 2005 to 2018. I was back earlier this year, the cost of living has rocketed. In 2005 everything cost a fifth of UK prices and the Baht was 77 to the pound. It is now 44 and costs in Bangkok were no different from the UK. You also have to put money in a Thai bank account. The Thai Gov are threatening to tax foreign income at a whopping 35%. or more. Central American countries have issues with safety. Holidays in a resort are great. Finding safe affordable rental is another thing. Portugal requires a passive income of 800 Euros. There has been a massive influx of foreigners recently and this has driven rental prices way out of the range of many locals. This is an issue that might make the Gov change Visa rules to the detriment of retirees. Having been to Spain and Portugal, I always say. Portugal is not Spain. There is no comparison when you look at the big picture. Living in a small rural village sounds great. But, what are you going to do all day? Stare at the view ! Get your atlas out. Paraguay is the latest retiree destination with easy Visas and rules. If you think a flight to Australia is long, try getting to Asuncion. Others I have looked at are the Philippines, Cambodia and Malaysia. Strangely no one considers African countries, I wonder why?
Just back from Thailand and Bangkok is expensive. Hit and miss in other places, as tourist prices influence. But in general lower than U.K. I didn’t see houses that I would want to buy. No idea about prices. might be too hot and humid for me! Nice for holidays but living?
My father did Spain for 16 years. He was very impressed with the medical care. If I didn’t have family, then it’s Thailand for me. Having a Thai partner does solve certain problems. I have looked into some of the visas and they seem fairly straightforward. I think we could adopt some of the Thai system here. Like if I were to marry my partner I wouldn’t get citizenship or be able to buy property. The Thai government are happy to have foreigners live there. They expect you to provide for yourself and not burden their system, which seems perfectly reasonable.
FYI. We emigrated to Canada 20 years ago. Now retired we can spend all winter in Southern USA in our huge RV and our summers in Canada. Best of both worlds.
We are planning to move to Bulgaria in 4 years' time. My wife is Bulgarian, so that's not an issue. I have 2 DB npa60 pensions & 1DC pension from 30 years of teaching, so when I'm 62, I hope to not return to the UK 🙂
Im looking for a country to relocate to.i have no id,or skill set don't want to divulge my criminal history ,but have shares in a dinghy. Any suggestions?
I looked at Thailand at first, then Vietnam, then Costa Rica, then Cyprus, then Greece, then possibly the USA but now looking at Scotland, as remote as possible. All the other countries, language and culture very different to what I know having lived in the UK all my life.
Left the UK for France to retire using the Withdrawal Agreement in 2020 just as well as heart problems here mean that I have survived whereas there would have been little chance in the UK. Nothing short of fantastic treatment here!
@ potty trained?. Seriously,if you ever want to come over and test the place out we would show you around. It’s actually far better than I said,how do you fancy beer at a pound a pint,decent wine at £2.20 a litre. Eat out at £15 a head. Solar power if fitted so no utility bills and warm enough in Winter that we don’t have a heating system.
@ Right now the temperature is 27.3C ,we had a thunderstorm on Sunday that nicely washed everything but it was gone in a couple of hours. One important point is that there’s a large Ex Pat British retired community here so there’s masses of like minded people and loads to do. We are members of a twice a week walking group and a twice a week Boules group+ we have a boat.
Wouldn't it be easier to just rent a property in your chosen country for about 6 months ( November-April ) then return to the UK for the summer months. No need for residency visa or paying locol taxes, certain amount of money in your bank account etc. Each winter choose a different location. I have uk and irish passports so EU not a barrier for residence.
I've often thought just that. And I certainly wouldn't consider moving anywhere permanently without living there for several months first. You hear of people who just sell up here and move, maybe inspired by a TV programme. Madness.
Sure moving abroad would be good for a lot of folks, but as others have said "life ain't that simple"! Big concern for me would be available health care as one ages, good it might be but I think abroad it usually comes at a financial cost. Currently the whole world seems politically unstable and that would be another consideration for me. Personally, better the devil you know for permanent residency but just go abroad for extended holidays! Interesting Topic Dianne, would be interested in a more in depth follow up.
Yep- my thoughts exactly, there's nowhere to run to these days that the WEF etc hasn't infiltrated, and pretty sure in line with their net zero bollocks we'll all be trapped where we live due to "climate lockdowns" or another hoax to imprison us. I'm in the rural Scottish Highlands so the weather has always been hit and miss, but this is nothing like UK inner city hell, clean lochs to swim in, mountains, biking and the local population still "looks" like Scotland lol.... Until they ban it the best option for the best of both worlds is to max out the 90 days Shengen between say now, and mid February, get out to the Canaries and miss the worst of the "dead zone"....
Health care is the big one for me. Not just the cost but understanding the language. You need to have a reasonable understanding of the local language. Not something Brits are renowned for! A bit of work may overcome the language barrier.
@@mikewallace1723 Definitely agree about language issue and think I'd want to be quite fluent with regards to medical terminology; don't think Google Translate would be trusty enough!
There are lots of online courses and when I lived in France I joined local committees, initially I understood very little which they laughed about later but I ended up a vice president of their Comite des Fetes.
Duolingo, Google translate etc. all are significantly improved since I lived in Germany (2013-2016). I struggled a great deal but, if you have the right mindset, people are (mostly) helpful and courteous. I had been in Germany less than 1 month before I had to buy my winter tyres/wheels and have them fitted. It was a struggle but I got by and have fun memories. I also broke my foot and wrist during a trip back to the uk. My first hand experience of the German healthcare system versus uk was that Germany was 10 times better. I returned to the UK for several reasons but often wish I had stayed there.
A barrier, there's only yourself that makes it so. If you move to another country, it's best you learn their language, simple. I speak 3 languages fluent & others enough to get by.
I’m lucky enough that my wife is Czech so we can retire anywhere in the EU with few restrictions. We don’t want to move until our kids, now aged 15 and 17, are through education and fully fledged adults. Plan is to retire in next two years (I’m 54, wife is 50), explore Europe on extended campervan trips, with an eye on where we want to ultimately move to. Top of our list is France as we lived in Paris for a few years and own a small apartment in the Alps. Portugal is a close second. We do have a lovely standard of living in the UK and live in a beautiful part of the country, but we love outdoor hobbies like hiking and cycling, which are harder in crappy wet weather as you get older.
I have a ten year residence visa for Croatia using Article 50 of the EU regulations, All I needed was a house fully owned by me and my wife and declare myself as fully retired. This can be converted to a lifelong residence permit after 5 years (only got 3 years to go).
Philippines may be a better choice than Thailand… since the government honours state pension increments there, but will not increment your pension if you’re resident in Thailand.
If you can put up with the poor medical care in Philippines, met some expats who had been given a misdiagnosis by a hospital doctor/consultant there. Food on the whole is very dire there nowadays but BGC apparently still has some decent restaurants. Pollution is going to damage your lungs in the City areas. Good things financially include annual increments as you mentioned on British Pension, if registered as a Non UK Resident you can also receive in most cases your company pension free of tax. Also capital gains taxes on your shares/ETF's investments are waived both in Britain and& Philippines But money isn't everything, don't be there if you are sick or become sick
@ those are all great points! I’m not trying to push one over the other… just pointing out that for folks hoping to retire cheaply on the state pension, non-indexing in Thailand will erode their buying power quickly. I think the Philippines is on a fairly short list of non-EU/Angloshphere countries that the UK government honour pension indexing for. For those with more significant private arrangements, that’s not such a consideration of course.
@@danguee1 those damn things start at 3am and go on all through the day. I can get used to train noise, plane noise but not 130 decibels of screeching just outside the subdivision (and that’s before the wife starts…)
One issue with many of these countries, is that their UK state pension will not increase. However I think that is a small price to pay for the benefits gained, and this would only be a smaii part of the pension pot. Panama is currently at the top of my list.
Most countries do have a reciprocal state pension arrangement with the UK and so so ex pats to these countries do benefit from the triple lock. I agree that this does not apply to some countries including I think Canada and Australia - but I think that ex pats in all EU countries continue to benefit from the triple lock.
@@mikeroyce8926 Not most countries. All EU countries, the US, some Caribbean islands and a few other countries have the reciprocal agreement with the UK. The list is actually quite short. Just my luck to be mainly interested in Panama, which does not😂
considering the index linking even the relatively low amount of state pension can be a critical element of protecting any additional savings you have. Having it frozen is a big issue over the 20-30 years you might want to be retired for and should be factored in to this list IMO. Alternatively some tips for mitigating these limits - like how often/long you may need to come back to the UK to keep that index linking
Yes, I agree with others about cyprus. Cat f applications have at present been frozen. There are various different income choices so definitely more to thi k about.
If you were born in England you're now no longer allowed to leave , well you can leave but you will soon be sent back ..life in the UK is what it is ,either unbearable or love it ..because your not going to go anywhere else , you have to adapt ..i live in a terraced house and have spray painted all the walls ..in one room i have a beach setting and the floor covered with sand and a small inflatable pool with a deck chair ,and a sun lamp , in another room i have all the walls sprayed like the setting in a bar / taverna with a mini bar in the corner ..and Spanish music playing ..ok its not Spain but its the next best thing.
So sad that so many of us feel this way and our Government seem not to care…….some interesting suggestions on this list but the emotional strain of leaving friends and family should not be underestimated…….despite all of this, like so many who have commented, I sadly agree and feel the UK is done….given the recent protests across Spain/others, think carefully to make sure that your search is based on countries that will actually welcome and want you……not only today but in the future, but remember, there is no crystal ball and regimes can change quickly….
Very appropriate as I'm just looking at retiring abroad somewhere - lots of useful advice to start the process many thanks. I was thinking of Cape Town.
Oooohhh it's nice... you should see it. But it's getting crowded and the weather can be menacing but it get more sun and the beautiful place in all the world. If you live there, you must participate to make it better, in your own way. It needs contributors, there is no provision for super-lifers, so be careful.
@@MOGGS1942 I live in NW England just outside Manchester city centre. I travel to S Africa and especially Cape Town at least twice a year for the last 15 years. I'm 76 y/o white english and I can say without doubt it's safer walking around Cape Town at night than anywhere in Gtr Manchester.
How does taxation work in these places, is there a chance you could be taxed twice? Lets say you have a UK SIPP as your primary retirement fund. Do you transfer that to a pension provider in the destination Country or can you leave your SIPP where it is and have income paid and taxed only in your destination Country? After all you have been given taxable benefits in contributing in the UK
What about Mexico? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you can apply at the Embassy in London for a 1-year visa that you can extend for a further 3 years when in Mexico. After that, you can apply for permanent residency. I'm unsure how much money (proof of passive income, pension, etc.) you need to have. However, after 4 visits to the country, and spending time in 15 different cities, I would say that Mexico has everything you need for a happy retirement. Beautiful beaches, highland cities with their cool climate, a favourable currency exchange rate, great food and drink, and a really nice capital city.
@anthonyrybicki1000 Violent crime is a problem in some cities/ provinces in Mexico. Most of them are related to drug gangs. I felt quite safe in Mazatlan, Sinaloa. In Mexico City, Tepito is a dangerous area 10 blocks or so from the touristy Zocalo part of Centro. My city, London isn't that safe anymore.
Extremely unsafe country where cartels routinely kill police and do all kinds of other heinous things. I’d love to go there 1 day but not until the country becomes safer.
I visited a friend in Baja california some years ago for several months....awesome place....and at the time, very cheap to live there. On one occasion we went to the local city as my friend had to pay their yearly land tax(?)...it was 27 dollars !
A crucial common denominator you mention in all country descriptions is health care. If you can’t understand how to live healthily in your own country stay away from others. The health care system is not for people to rely on but as absolute emergency. In Malaysia ,where I live , there is a chronic problem with obesity and diabetes, which of course, leads to further serious health complications. If you want to move to anywhere in the world get your dietary health under control first it will serve you well in the long run. Drugs won’t cure you, life style choices will.
Took early retirement and moved here to Lithuania 9 years ago. Still cheaper than UK and you can access public and private healthcare which is up there with the best of them.
I watched the 1st country and then Googled "Is Panama a safe place to live" .....Googles answer: Pay attention to your personal security in crowded areas and don't go out alone (see 'Safety'). We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Panama overall due to the threat of violent crime. Higher levels apply in some areas.13 Sept 2024
I'm thinking of leaving Wales. Just because it rains so much, and it seems to be getting worse. Everywhere I go I look at house prices. My friends say I should live on a cruise ship as I'm on one atleast 3 times a year 😂😂😂
You do not say which countries where you can still claim your SERPS UK pension. Most countries outside Europe, the UK government will completely suspend your SERPS pension, so massively reducing choice ☹
We bailed from the UK before Brexit slammed the doors shut. Now live in rural France and love it. Houses are a bargain with as much land as you want (*don't get too much as you have to maintain it in some way*). Post Brexit the immigration rules have changed, including min income and mandatory French language lessons and testing!!!
@@davidholgate123 Yeah you can still emigrate but it isn't easy. Now you must prove your income, take mandatory French language classes, pass language tests annually, your professional skills aren't recognised so you have to retrain, in French (even for self employed e.g. builder). And of course you don't get on the NHS equivalent automatically if you're not working. As a pre-Brexit migrant I don't have any of that hassle.
@@StonedSidney That's still not slamming the door shut is it lol, that's a lie... You're also mixing up visa entry with citizenship!... They are 2 totally different things and there's usually a big gap between them in terms of time and the qualification standards needed... Near enough every country has citizenship testing and requirements like you've just mentioned including the UK, that's been there for decades and keeps getting layered on with more criteria, so it's not a new thing as a concept... Also, the same people complaining about having to qualify to emigrate to EU countries are the same people who say that we should have much tougher rules and criteria to live in the UK lol, you can't have it both ways!... Tougher rules to live in a country is a good thing, every country should be doing it... Freedom of movement has ruined the EU. I've just been to Dublin and they're completely destroyed it's identity with low barrier to entry free movement... The Polish model which goes against the rest of the EU is proof that freedom of movement is a disaster as they have much lower crime rates etc... The proof is in the pudding and what you've described is a good thing which should be the bare minimum... Importing trash candidates to live in a country has been proven to be a disaster for the EU so let's not be hypocritical and want one thing for immigrants coming into the UK but expect a far easier ride when we want to live in another country!
@@davidholgate123 *"Brexit hasn't slammed the doors shut"* - Yes it has. Now you have to go through immigration and not everyone is going to qualify. Otherwise what was Brexit for? If French people can still come and live in the UK whenever they want? Brexit shut the door because that was the whole point of Brexit - to stop immigration.
This video fails to consider the extremely important issue of taxes. In the UK we get £12,500 income tax free personal allowance, also the first £1000 of interest is tax free, plus any amount invested in ISAs is tax free. I looked at a few EU countries, particularly Italy. No, or very low, personal allowance and all interest or investments are taxable (ISAs are only free of UK tax, not tax in other countries). I found it would cost me thousands a year to move which more than negated any benefits. Argentina looks good but no state pension indexing there.
@ Have travelled the world and there is no place like the U.K. providing you have money and health….weather could be better but then what would the english talk about ?
@@APW-ry2ok I've traveled the world also and agree with most international surveys - the UK is a dreadful place to living. Violent cities, overtaxed, no social cohesion, extortionate food prices , depressing weather and failing public services.
@ Beg to differ ,if you visit the U.K. try the Chewton Glen near the new forest of maybe the Savoy in London ,as I stated before it all depends on health and wealth in any place you live ,having visited Mexico many times and stayed a month at each visit ,always five star adults only right on the beach we loved it,but getting there and seeing some of the less desirable areas on the way it gives a fuller picture of Mexico and would not want to live there. Maybe you should visit North Korea as it sounds more like the place your describing ,enjoy your day sir.
I moved 20 years ago to Spain, I managed to live on 3500 until Covid, I live off grid so expense is minimal, my food bill has now doubled to 30€ a week from 15, I don’t drink and I don’t smoke, most of my income goes to insurance and fuel
Advisable to do a climate change/impacts risk assessment before moving to a new country. Some of those listed here already experience weather extremes like hurricanes, excessive heat, droughts, & flooding at different times of the year. Sea level rise is also impacting shoreline. Political stability needs to be assessed as well as the robustness of Immigration/residence policies. - for example Thailand is forever changing its visa requirements & eligibility from one year to the next.
Great vid. My problem is my kids and future grand kids will be in the UK. So I have to balance the monitory saving versus the emotional cost of being isolated from them?
Exactly. Family are always going to create gravitational pull back to them. I guess a lot of people just tell themselves “it’s just for a few years, we can always go back”. I’m sure we will have that mindset to cope.
🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:13 *☀️ The video explores the top 10 easiest countries for British retirees, focusing on factors like warm climate, outdoor activities, and visa accessibility.* 00:26 *🇵🇦 Panama offers a pensionado visa with low income requirements, healthcare discounts, and tax incentives, making it a top retirement choice.* 01:25 *🇨🇷 Costa Rica attracts British retirees with its natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and accessible healthcare through both public and private systems.* 02:05 *🇧🇬 Bulgaria stands out for its low living costs, relaxed residency requirements, and access to private and public healthcare.* 02:31 *🇹🇭 Thailand is popular for its affordable living, excellent private healthcare, and vibrant expat communities, especially for retirees over 50.* 03:14 *🇨🇾 Cyprus appeals to British retirees with its English-speaking environment, warm climate, and attractive tax system.* 04:05 *🇮🇹 Italy offers an elective residency visa, a rich cultural lifestyle, and affordable living outside major cities, ideal for retirees.* 04:48 *🇲🇹 Malta provides favorable tax rates, English as an official language, and a high standard of healthcare, making it retiree-friendly.* 05:28 *🇫🇷 France combines proximity to the UK, cultural richness, and excellent healthcare, with rural areas offering affordable living for retirees.* 06:08 *🇪🇸 Spain's non-lucrative visa, Mediterranean climate, and accessible healthcare make it a favorite among British retirees.* 07:01 *🇵🇹 Portugal's D7 visa, tax benefits, mild climate, and high-quality healthcare position it as the top retirement destination for Brits.* Made with HARPA AI
You do not mention cultural issues. When I was young I left the warm middle east because of the spread of radical islam, now the UK and western countries suffer of same problems. I think people should be leaving NOT going to countries like France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and of course the UK even if they look ok at the moment. Remember Lebanon was fantastic 30 years ago.
Something you didn’t mention is tax liabilities/reciprocal arrangements and whether or not your uk pension will be frozen or not. It makes a lot of difference…
just don't retire to Australia. prices are ridiculous, heat is unbearable, culture is...what culture...there isn't any! After 15 years here, we're moving back to the UK. Aus may suit multi millionaires but not joe average.
In addition you can't! It's not the colonies now. Also what prices do you expect in a country that has an average wealth score ranking number 3 in the world. Only Switzerland and the USA is higher. Hope you have fun and make sure you pay your TV licence. Just wait until you get your electricity and gas bills. I was there recently. My mother in law a single pensioner in a small house. Gas bill for the quarter was A$3000! Electricity was A$300 a month! Here in Queensland our winter bill for all power, running air con was A$379. Total for the quarter. That leaves me A$3521 ahead for just 3 months. Enough to pay the marina fees for my yacht. Our diesel here is 50% the prices we paid in the UK. Now listen to this. They tax pensions! Yes you heard it right. You can be a pensioner receiving a UK state pension and you will be taxed on any pension savings you have. Excellent choice to go back!
I must be honest in saying that if I had the chance of moving to Australia, I would be there 'like a shot.' Yet as already stated by philgray1023 Australia does not accept old people per se. As far as I know, you have to prove some sort of previous experience or life spent in Australia or close family ties. Australian borders are very tight indeed. I was once waiting for a bus and the bus driver was an Australian living in England and was married to an English woman. In the conversation, he explained to me that the law in Australia has now changed and even though he is Australian, his English wife has no right to just move and live in Australia. It seems exactly the same as the situation in the U.K. but just in reverse where just about anybody and everybody with absolutely no ties to the U.K. can come and settle.
@@chrisstone4648 Our Government is. However, our friendly creatures are okay. Like everywhere, you have to take the good with the bad and make the most of every opportunity.
Thx Diane, it would be interesting if there are any financial implications for people who would like to snowbird to another country for 3 to 4 months of the year in another country and any country recommendations.
Thing is…when it goes belly up in the particular country of choice, where will all these retirees return to? Yes, the good old UK that many seem to spend their time denigrating. Every country has its issues. I’ve travelled all across Europe and America and enjoyed it. But,for many reasons, I prefer the UK, even if the weather is unpredictable and the country is run by idiots.
How many and which have pension agreements such that pension paid by the UK is not frozen at the rate it is when you leave? I know Australia doesn't yet have such an agreement and so after a few years the pension is worth less and less.
If you search 'Countries where we pay an annual increase in the State Pension' (the title of the government page which lists them) you'll have all the relevant information.
You really need to consider safety, not just about Health service. No point retiring to some 'pleasant' rural place in the sun, if you are going to get robbed or blackmailed.
The philippines is for me, depending on your money and what you want. Thailand has a poor exchange rate. Cambodia is the cheapest place in the far east at the moment. These places are like living in the 1970's anyone growing up in the UK in that decade will want it back (apart from the strikes, who cared anyway)....
Philippines for me too as they speak English i spent 3 weeks there in 2022 and was blown away by how friendly the Filipinos are, also cheaper rent and food will help my pension go further and not to mention the beautiful island beaches.And another thing to consider is you still get the annual increase on the UK pension unlike Thailand where i believe you don't
Anyone retiring to many of those countries listed on here should conduct a deal of research including conversing with retirees residing at their selected destination. Whatever country healthcare requires funding and is not always available to those with a history not overlooking private health insurance is very expensive added to which there are age limits on many policies. Thailand for example is great provided one is prepared to jump through hoops including 90-day report plus annual visa renewal fee and £20,000 deposited funds alternatively confirmation minimum annual pension. As for less expensive locations there are very few thus the need to study the exchange rates that are constantly changing thus forever a serious governing factor.
Dianne, Excellent video as I'm thinking I want to get away from Labour and the UK, so very timely. Great comments from those with experience of many different countries.. Thank you Dianne.
quick question, if I were to chose one of the countries you mention would my pension then become subject to the tax laws applicable locally and not the UK ?
I will make a dangerous generalisation - generally speaking, you will no longer pay UK taxes as long as you do not spend more than a certain number of days in the UK per year. There are exceptions to this depending on the type of income you are receiving.
pretty sure you DO get taxed in the UK. What's worse is that if your chosen foreign country doesn't have a "double taxation" agreement then it can be taxed by both countries. And even if there is an agreement then you pay the tax in whichever country has the highest tax rate. It is very complex though so google it between the UK and your planned destination and if you're serious about moving I recommend appropriate tax advice. (HMRC might help with that for free)
If you are permanently resident abroad and only return to the UK for short visits you can extricate yourself from the HMRC. You can request to have a nil rate on all UK income. Obviously you will be required to declare your income to the tax authority in your new country of residence.
@@johnpipping3848Does this mean you can draw down on your Sipp without paying UK tax on it? This is really important if leaving the pension pot invested here but sending the drawdown monies each month to a foreign land. Seriously considering up sticks and leaving in 5 years time so this is an important factor in the consideration.
Thanks for the precis, Dianne. I doubt uprooting and moving to these countries is quite so simple. My paretnts moved to Spain in 2005 and it was not so easy despite being in the EU. There's problems with huge tax on property inheritance. Given half the countries you suggest are in the EU, the same applies. I live in, and love, the south west of England. I moved here 28 years ago from the Home Counties. I don't intend to leave and see this country swamped with immigration. I'll fight for it.
@philgray1023 Yes we will. Getting people off their lazy butts and voting for a start. 2Tk only got in because nearly 40% of the electorate didn't bother to turn out. Vote Reform Uk, going all the way 🇬🇧
I have a close relative that retired to Spain, I suspect the cost of living was the primary consideration, but they love it. But if you want to do this why wait to retire? Why not move before you retire? It is good for the UK economy that retirees move abroad. Especially to countries where the pension does not increase each year, but even retiring to countries where the state pension does increase the UK still makes money from not treating the decline in health that nearly all that die a sudden death face.
It was actually never that simple in most Eu countries with lots of bureaucratic barriers (typically required to be conducted in local language) to actually settling there, registering with local authorites and medical systems etc, but dream on ... and in any case, if you don't have a passive income of whatever its (a measly 800 Euros in Portugal) then it's not going to be much of a retirement. The reality is that most people genuinely motivated can move if they want to. What's been curtailed is easy access to second homes - this the the mob that's squealing loudest..
@@tomk8729 "It was actually never that simple..." Gosh you make me feel so much better about losing my freedoms. I wonder if you've anything uplifting to say about the difficulties small companies have experienced trading across the channel? Or if you've spotted any actual positive benefits coming out of the 2016 fiasco?
Thailand is a great place to spend a lot of retirement time, but perhaps not a place to retire to.. Retirement Visa is like a 1 year tourist visa, renewable maybe, though some other options. If you are present in Thailand cumulatively, for any second of a day, in a calendar year, for more than 179 days = tax resident.
Im done with the UK, it has eaten most of the money I have earn't over the decades and in four years will have good pensions, so im off. Goodbye Blighty I'd like to say its been fun, but it's been hard work all my life with little to show
I'm in Thailand, have been here 6 years. The WeF has got their hands on the government and the tax system is changing. I'm now looking at 6 months in Cyprus and 6 months in Thailand. With some holidays in between.
Respect to the folk that are leaving.i don’t blame you. The UK is in serious trouble. However, I love my country. I wouldn’t leave unless life became impossible here. The UK is still a beautiful country with amazing culture and natural treasures. This land is deep in my DNA and my soul. I love other countries but am always glad to come home. I hope and pray that things will get better in time for my grandchild. As for me, I will stay and help to encourage and protect my family, and I will speak up against the madness that currently prevails. For those of you leaving…good luck and be happy.
@@Karen-i7d6p my plan would be to retire{again} in several years back to Northern Ireland, if it’s still in the UK
@@kyivwithgeofftanya5546 it will be in the UK by then (my guess) all my family if a referendum happens would vote remain in the UK because they dispise the dirt in Dublin. All of our family would previously be considered republican.
Imagine if the UK looked after it’s own so you didn’t have to leave the country of your birth to feel safe and welcome?
So true.
It does look after its own, it ensures they move out of the country to retire 👍
How should the UK pay for you to feel safe? Raise taxes even higher? The higher taxes get raised the less people can save their heirs own money.
@ people who have answered that question are in prison now so I’m not going there. The answer is obvious.
@@mikecurtis9617If you didn't feel safe, you could have moved to a different part of the country. But no, you left it altogether and took all the benefits you gained from living in it. Some patriot you are.
What about Albania, it must be nearly empty
Good one!!
no not ture i have been told there are upto 35 people left there now!
I asked my local people trafficking drug dealer and he said its a good place to live.
@@biddyboy1570 he he,
Stupid. Been listening too much to Nigel.
My partner is Thai so I know where I'm retiring to. It's just a shame the UK has gone to shit and we need to look at moving away.
Just be aware of the recent tax changes on foreigners spending more than 180 days a year in Thailand
partner? What are you, a law firm? Stupid woke speak.
@@Ted-f4o077 I lived and worked in Thailand, and loved the place. Living there permanently though, would be a no no for me. Something untrustworthy about too many Thai's.
@@MOGGS1942 me too, I like travelling in Asian countries but am constantly on my guard there and refuse to engage in anything financially related.
Not a place I would consider residing in permanently after my previous stay in Philippines
Thailand for me as soon as possible. Been going for over twenty years, married to a Thai for twenty years, can't wait to get out of the UK!
Retirement is a long way away for me, but one thing I can be certain of is that i have no intention of staying in the UK!
Proud english man born here, take the rough with the smooth, we will rise again as we always do, look back in time over 1000s of years we will never fall
But when we do, dont bother coming back 😂
Don’t want to wait a thousand years though - there’s a chance I won’t be alive 😂🎉
Not when we’ve been replaced and is part of a European Caliphate..
Never run never hide we the English have our pride 😊
@@shanedowns5082not gona happen..not in older peoples lifetime anyway. Why would anyone want go come back here?
Dianne what a beautiful calming voice you have ❤
Antarctica - no tax, no people, no traffic, sunny xmases and all the penguins you can eat.
Sssshhh. Now everyone will know the secret. No visas or border controls either.
And a guaranteed White Christmas...
no politicians is the biggest lure...
Strange it has great wi fi
Prefer Twix myself
I never leave the ship while it's sinking. I stay as an English man and stand up to whatever is destroying my country.
Ironically it's attitudes like yours that are destroying Britain 🤣💩🇬🇧
The Tories
LIE bour
Why ,when you are treated so bad and you will become a minority in your own country filled with scum that are here for good.
The unnecessary polarisation of populist politics.
I move to Japan 16 years ago from the U.K, I would never go back that country is finished.
And it's coming to Japan
Japans economy is struggling unfortunately. Beautiful though it is.
I’m escaping UK as well, it’s finished.
So going to a foreign country. Clown.
Thanks Dianne, Cyprus and Portugal are on our list. Like many others, we are saddened by the most recent budget. your videos are much needed advice.
Hungary is another good place to move to. Land is extremely cheap there compared to the uk. 12 acres with 4 houses just over £40 k . So selling your home in the uk will leave you a considerable sum to live on. I am moving there next year and plan to be self-sufficient off grid.
Hungary has a government which verges on the fascist. You might not find it so welcoming if they decide to throw all foreigners out!
Have you learned the language?
At least you dont have to worry about illegal immigrants ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Just like poland , their not having none of it .
ZERO illegal immigrants.
Go Mr Trump .
January 20th 2025 cant come quick enough 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@cryptotharg7400 Igen es nehez volt megtanulni
@DavidLloyd-yu5mt There is nothing racist about hungary. Orban does not bow down to the eu. He has seen the trouble illegal immigration has caused across the west and wants no part of it for his country. That is called self-preservation of one's culture, religion, and values. He also values and supports the family unit, unlike some in the west who seek to divide family values. Hungarians are extremely friendly people.
Spain was once highly recommended as a retirement destination, but now the situation has changed. Numerous social, political, and cultural challenges have made life there more complicated. Currently, Spain is best suited for vacations rather than retirement.
I hear the Spanish government are about to make the same mistake Northern Europe did. Crazy!
@@Yoshi.usa-uk the creeping cancer of EU Marxism
Or turn up in a dinghy and gets loads of stuff for free? Is that just the UK?
Now 80 I have lived in Spain for 25 years - never regreted a minute of it.
Prices have (almost) doubled during this time and the country is increasingly crowded with immigrants looking (or not) for work in a country which already has a 10% unemployment rate. - but it is still 10 times better than anywhere in the UK.
Top tip! Don´t buy a fancy villa with a swimming pool - a small apartment is quite adequate as you will be spending a lot of time outdoors enjoying the (almost) continual sunshine.
Health care is superb, food excellent and the people friendly - but try and learn the language as not many Spaniards speak English!
The irony of an immigrant complaining about the number of immigrants
We are not immigrants - we are expats who pay their eay FULLY and make a substantial tax contribution to the Spanish Exchequer.
We do not "use," the schools or the hospitals - neither do we rip off the social security system. We are only termed as "immigrants" by envious by neoMarxists who are so stupid they will never find a place in the sun...
What is life like in the villages as I like the traditional old houses.
Somewhere like Frigiliana on the Costa del Sol
@@gerardmccartney3186the huge difference between this “immigrant” and other immigrants, is that this one doesn’t come over in search of benefits.
@@Kiefer1976 I quote - 'Health care is superb'
There are many UK retirees in Malaysia, which was not mentioned. The cost of living is low and health care is also low cost and high quality.
How about financial requirements?
None
Probably a good plan for some on public sector pensions.
Public Sector workers get paid very poorly all their working life. They do it for job security, a quiet life and a good pension. If you chose something else, that's your choice. No, I am not a Public Sector worker, unless you consider 30 years in the Armed Forces to be the 'Public Sector'.
must admit Portugal does have an appeal for me.
Look extremely close to the full details. It is certainly not as easy as some might think or can be explained in a 2 minute video.
Very friendly and welcoming people, beautiful country.
@@tinglestingles Funnily enough, I looked into the possibility of going there when starmer and his neo-natzi gang took over, but was met with a mountain of bureaucracy before I could even start looking at properties.
May have to stay here and weather the storm.
@@sisyphussapprentice8976 Yep... good to visit but nightmares dealing with Bureaucracy. I'm unable to renew my residency - no appointments available, issues with website, takes 6 months for some to print a card, 6 official visits to swap a UK drivers licence for a Portuguese licence. My original residency appointment was cancelled by the officials, while I was waiting in the queue! The country cannot handle the influx of people - the government has not managed housing, health or education well at all. Local people are now p1ssed - no longer a welcoming country, find another country - the Portuguese no longer want new people here - no matter where they come from.
@mikespike007 a lot has changed since we arrived post Brexit - completely different now. SEF/AIMA have well over 400,000 outstanding cases. No one answers emails or phones. Not allowed to visit office without a prearranged appointment. Spoke with a lawyer - not interested as she knows it’s a nightmare. Setubal but issues are countrywide. Camara no longer dealing with UK citizens - now a 3rd country.
All comes down to money. Passive incomes for Spain, France and Italy are 28,000 Euros. Greece is 25,000. (Single person)
I lived in Thailand from 2005 to 2018. I was back earlier this year, the cost of living has rocketed. In 2005 everything cost a fifth of UK prices and the Baht was 77 to the pound. It is now 44 and costs in Bangkok were no different from the UK. You also have to put money in a Thai bank account.
The Thai Gov are threatening to tax foreign income at a whopping 35%. or more.
Central American countries have issues with safety. Holidays in a resort are great. Finding safe affordable rental is another thing.
Portugal requires a passive income of 800 Euros. There has been a massive influx of foreigners recently and this has driven rental prices way out of the range of many locals. This is an issue that might make the Gov change Visa rules to the detriment of retirees. Having been to Spain and Portugal, I always say. Portugal is not Spain. There is no comparison when you look at the big picture. Living in a small rural village sounds great. But, what are you going to do all day? Stare at the view !
Get your atlas out. Paraguay is the latest retiree destination with easy Visas and rules. If you think a flight to Australia is long, try getting to Asuncion.
Others I have looked at are the Philippines, Cambodia and Malaysia. Strangely no one considers African countries, I wonder why?
Climate?
Africa is big amongst black expats.
Philippines keep changing the rules.
Just back from Thailand and Bangkok is expensive. Hit and miss in other places, as tourist prices influence. But in general lower than U.K.
I didn’t see houses that I would want to buy. No idea about prices. might be too hot and humid for me! Nice for holidays but living?
People retire to Africa. For example Asmara in Eritrea. There are even retirees in Kigali, Rwanda despite what the UK press say about the place.
My father did Spain for 16 years. He was very impressed with the medical care. If I didn’t have family, then it’s Thailand for me. Having a Thai partner does solve certain problems. I have looked into some of the visas and they seem fairly straightforward. I think we could adopt some of the Thai system here. Like if I were to marry my partner I wouldn’t get citizenship or be able to buy property. The Thai government are happy to have foreigners live there. They expect you to provide for yourself and not burden their system, which seems perfectly reasonable.
It is perfectly reasonable. Yet we are Ray cists for wanting this in our country
Judging by the state of the U.K., North Korea?
FYI. We emigrated to Canada 20 years ago. Now retired we can spend all winter in Southern USA in our huge RV and our summers in Canada. Best of both worlds.
We are planning to move to Bulgaria in 4 years' time. My wife is Bulgarian, so that's not an issue. I have 2 DB npa60 pensions & 1DC pension from 30 years of teaching, so when I'm 62, I hope to not return to the UK 🙂
Im looking for a country to relocate to.i have no id,or skill set don't want to divulge my criminal history ,but have shares in a dinghy. Any suggestions?
The uk .....complete open doors policy ...welcomed by the woke brigade...all bills paid for .......no questions asked ;)
There is one place I think you will fit in, no problem. It’s E wait, someone at the door 😉
I looked at Thailand at first, then Vietnam, then Costa Rica, then Cyprus, then Greece, then possibly the USA but now looking at Scotland, as remote as possible. All the other countries, language and culture very different to what I know having lived in the UK all my life.
Love the video! We plan to retire in Southeast Asia due to the climate and lower cost of living.
Sounds great!
Try several countries for say, six months each before you commit. I live in Sabah Malaysia and thoroughly enjoy it.
Left the UK for France to retire using the Withdrawal Agreement in 2020 just as well as heart problems here mean that I have survived whereas there would have been little chance in the UK. Nothing short of fantastic treatment here!
Portugal isn't on the Mediterranean, it's on the Atlantic!!
Fair point; Algarve 🤔
Açores have a lot going for them.
@@JohnSchofield-j4i Be under water soon according to certain folk.
To be fair she said Mediterranean climate not coast.The Atlantic climate goes from brass Monkeys to frying eggs on your bald patch!
Err best you keep your mouth shut as like trump you obviously know nothing about geography
We’ve been in Cyprus for 23 years,low tax,low council tax,drive o the left,great health service low cost of living.
Would you like a grown child? I'm house trained......
@ potty trained?. Seriously,if you ever want to come over and test the place out we would show you around. It’s actually far better than I said,how do you fancy beer at a pound a pint,decent wine at £2.20 a litre. Eat out at £15 a head. Solar power if fitted so no utility bills and warm enough in Winter that we don’t have a heating system.
@@geoffevans4908 It sounds glorious, certainly better than what the UK is/has turned into.
@ Right now the temperature is 27.3C ,we had a thunderstorm on Sunday that nicely washed everything but it was gone in a couple of hours.
One important point is that there’s a large Ex Pat British retired community here so there’s masses of like minded people and loads to do. We are members of a twice a week walking group and a twice a week Boules group+ we have a boat.
@@geoffevans4908 walking in spring winter I assume Geoff.
What is your walking group and if I came over can I tag alone ?
Wouldn't it be easier to just rent a property in your chosen country for about 6 months ( November-April ) then return to the UK for the summer months. No need for residency visa or paying locol taxes, certain amount of money in your bank account etc.
Each winter choose a different location. I have uk and irish passports so EU not a barrier for residence.
I've often thought just that. And I certainly wouldn't consider moving anywhere permanently without living there for several months first. You hear of people who just sell up here and move, maybe inspired by a TV programme. Madness.
You can't do 6 months in one go any more!
I do 90 days U.K. and then 90 days abroad, and repeat.
Sure moving abroad would be good for a lot of folks, but as others have said "life ain't that simple"! Big concern for me would be available health care as one ages, good it might be but I think abroad it usually comes at a financial cost.
Currently the whole world seems politically unstable and that would be another consideration for me. Personally, better the devil you know for permanent residency but just go abroad for extended holidays!
Interesting Topic Dianne, would be interested in a more in depth follow up.
Yep- my thoughts exactly, there's nowhere to run to these days that the WEF etc hasn't infiltrated, and pretty sure in line with their net zero bollocks we'll all be trapped where we live due to "climate lockdowns" or another hoax to imprison us. I'm in the rural Scottish Highlands so the weather has always been hit and miss, but this is nothing like UK inner city hell, clean lochs to swim in, mountains, biking and the local population still "looks" like Scotland lol.... Until they ban it the best option for the best of both worlds is to max out the 90 days Shengen between say now, and mid February, get out to the Canaries and miss the worst of the "dead zone"....
Health care is the big one for me. Not just the cost but understanding the language. You need to have a reasonable understanding of the local language. Not something Brits are renowned for! A bit of work may overcome the language barrier.
@@mikewallace1723 Definitely agree about language issue and think I'd want to be quite fluent with regards to medical terminology; don't think Google Translate would be trusty enough!
@@Semponiyes it is in France
@@jesscourt9068 Tres bon, I stand corrected.
Language barrier is still a major factor. Being able to order a beer or a meal is different from explaining that your think your having a heart attack
Laying on the floor, clutching your chest seems to be pretty global 😁But I do get your point.
There are lots of online courses and when I lived in France I joined local committees, initially I understood very little which they laughed about later but I ended up a vice president of their Comite des Fetes.
Duolingo, Google translate etc. all are significantly improved since I lived in Germany (2013-2016). I struggled a great deal but, if you have the right mindset, people are (mostly) helpful and courteous. I had been in Germany less than 1 month before I had to buy my winter tyres/wheels and have them fitted. It was a struggle but I got by and have fun memories. I also broke my foot and wrist during a trip back to the uk. My first hand experience of the German healthcare system versus uk was that Germany was 10 times better. I returned to the UK for several reasons but often wish I had stayed there.
A barrier, there's only yourself that makes it so.
If you move to another country, it's best you learn their language, simple.
I speak 3 languages fluent & others enough to get by.
Karen, it's 'you & you're'
I know of people who have moved back to the UK from Cyprus and Sicily as the weather has become too hot. Things can change very quickly.
I’m lucky enough that my wife is Czech so we can retire anywhere in the EU with few restrictions. We don’t want to move until our kids, now aged 15 and 17, are through education and fully fledged adults. Plan is to retire in next two years (I’m 54, wife is 50), explore Europe on extended campervan trips, with an eye on where we want to ultimately move to. Top of our list is France as we lived in Paris for a few years and own a small apartment in the Alps. Portugal is a close second. We do have a lovely standard of living in the UK and live in a beautiful part of the country, but we love outdoor hobbies like hiking and cycling, which are harder in crappy wet weather as you get older.
I have a ten year residence visa for Croatia using Article 50 of the EU regulations, All I needed was a house fully owned by me and my wife and declare myself as fully retired. This can be converted to a lifelong residence permit after 5 years (only got 3 years to go).
How much pension/savings do you have to show each year?
Philippines may be a better choice than Thailand… since the government honours state pension increments there, but will not increment your pension if you’re resident in Thailand.
If you can put up with the poor medical care in Philippines, met some expats who had been given a misdiagnosis by a hospital doctor/consultant there.
Food on the whole is very dire there nowadays but BGC apparently still has some decent restaurants.
Pollution is going to damage your lungs in the City areas.
Good things financially include annual increments as you mentioned on British Pension, if registered as a Non UK Resident you can also receive in most cases your company pension free of tax.
Also capital gains taxes on your shares/ETF's investments are waived both in Britain and& Philippines
But money isn't everything, don't be there if you are sick or become sick
@ those are all great points!
I’m not trying to push one over the other… just pointing out that for folks hoping to retire cheaply on the state pension, non-indexing in Thailand will erode their buying power quickly.
I think the Philippines is on a fairly short list of non-EU/Angloshphere countries that the UK government honour pension indexing for. For those with more significant private arrangements, that’s not such a consideration of course.
@@Ted-f4o077 And cockerels crowing in back yards at 4-5am all across the land!
@@danguee1 those damn things start at 3am and go on all through the day.
I can get used to train noise, plane noise but not 130 decibels of screeching just outside the subdivision (and that’s before the wife starts…)
Philipines stinks and you’re much more likely to get robbed there than TH
One issue with many of these countries, is that their UK state pension will not increase. However I think that is a small price to pay for the benefits gained, and this would only be a smaii part of the pension pot. Panama is currently at the top of my list.
Most countries do have a reciprocal state pension arrangement with the UK and so so ex pats to these countries do benefit from the triple lock. I agree that this does not apply to some countries including I think Canada and Australia - but I think that ex pats in all EU countries continue to benefit from the triple lock.
@@mikeroyce8926 Not most countries. All EU countries, the US, some Caribbean islands and a few other countries have the reciprocal agreement with the UK. The list is actually quite short. Just my luck to be mainly interested in Panama, which does not😂
considering the index linking even the relatively low amount of state pension can be a critical element of protecting any additional savings you have. Having it frozen is a big issue over the 20-30 years you might want to be retired for and should be factored in to this list IMO. Alternatively some tips for mitigating these limits - like how often/long you may need to come back to the UK to keep that index linking
@@mikeroyce8926 No they dont, almost all countries you will want to go to the pension will be frozen. Not EU but all commonwealth countries.
Yes you’re right, I’m retiring to the Philippines where I think we do get all state pension increases strangely, I could be wrong.
Yes, I agree with others about cyprus. Cat f applications have at present been frozen. There are various different income choices so definitely more to thi k about.
If you were born in England you're now no longer allowed to leave , well you can leave but you will soon be sent back ..life in the UK is what it is ,either unbearable or love it ..because your not going to go anywhere else , you have to adapt ..i live in a terraced house and have spray painted all the walls ..in one room i have a beach setting and the floor covered with sand and a small inflatable pool with a deck chair ,and a sun lamp , in another room i have all the walls sprayed like the setting in a bar / taverna with a mini bar in the corner ..and Spanish music playing ..ok its not Spain but its the next best thing.
So sad that so many of us feel this way and our Government seem not to care…….some interesting suggestions on this list but the emotional strain of leaving friends and family should not be underestimated…….despite all of this, like so many who have commented, I sadly agree and feel the UK is done….given the recent protests across Spain/others, think carefully to make sure that your search is based on countries that will actually welcome and want you……not only today but in the future, but remember, there is no crystal ball and regimes can change quickly….
14 years of Tory government and the rise of Reform and it's bigots, it certainly has gone to the dogs!
I’m Thai leaving in the UK for now I’m still happy here
Very appropriate as I'm just looking at retiring abroad somewhere - lots of useful advice to start the process many thanks. I was thinking of Cape Town.
Not safe.
@@MOGGS1942No, it's fine so long as you have a fenced compound, guard dogs and don't stop at traffic lights after dark.
The last time i was there, they'd added electricity to the fences !
Oooohhh it's nice... you should see it. But it's getting crowded and the weather can be menacing but it get more sun and the beautiful place in all the world. If you live there, you must participate to make it better, in your own way. It needs contributors, there is no provision for super-lifers, so be careful.
@@MOGGS1942 I live in NW England just outside Manchester city centre. I travel to S Africa and especially Cape Town at least twice a year for the last 15 years. I'm 76 y/o white english and I can say without doubt it's safer walking around Cape Town at night than anywhere in Gtr Manchester.
Most of the countries you didnt include the basics ie income/money requirements
How does taxation work in these places, is there a chance you could be taxed twice? Lets say you have a UK SIPP as your primary retirement fund. Do you transfer that to a pension provider in the destination Country or can you leave your SIPP where it is and have income paid and taxed only in your destination Country? After all you have been given taxable benefits in contributing in the UK
I have retired to Malaysia, Sabah on the island of Borneo. There may be no rail network and the roads ar cr*p but it is still a great place to live.
This is not upto date. Since brexit it is lot harder to move to Cyprus. Cat F residency visa are no longer being processed.
What about Mexico? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you can apply at the Embassy in London for a 1-year visa that you can extend for a further 3 years when in Mexico. After that, you can apply for permanent residency. I'm unsure how much money (proof of passive income, pension, etc.) you need to have. However, after 4 visits to the country, and spending time in 15 different cities, I would say that Mexico has everything you need for a happy retirement. Beautiful beaches, highland cities with their cool climate, a favourable currency exchange rate, great food and drink, and a really nice capital city.
Very high murder rate and generally unsafe for gringo's.
And violent crime
@anthonyrybicki1000 Violent crime is a problem in some cities/ provinces in Mexico. Most of them are related to drug gangs. I felt quite safe in Mazatlan, Sinaloa. In Mexico City, Tepito is a dangerous area 10 blocks or so from the touristy Zocalo part of Centro.
My city, London isn't that safe anymore.
Extremely unsafe country where cartels routinely kill police and do all kinds of other heinous things. I’d love to go there 1 day but not until the country becomes safer.
I visited a friend in Baja california some years ago for several months....awesome place....and at the time, very cheap to live there. On one occasion we went to the local city as my friend had to pay their yearly land tax(?)...it was 27 dollars !
A crucial common denominator you mention in all country descriptions is health care. If you can’t understand how to live healthily in your own country stay away from others. The health care system is not for people to rely on but as absolute emergency. In Malaysia ,where I live , there is a chronic problem with obesity and diabetes, which of course, leads to further serious health complications. If you want to move to anywhere in the world get your dietary health under control first it will serve you well in the long run. Drugs won’t cure you, life style choices will.
A sensible comment, which would benefit anyone regardless of where they happen to live.
Took early retirement and moved here to Lithuania 9 years ago. Still cheaper than UK and you can access public and private healthcare which is up there with the best of them.
You missed the easiest one Ireland. If you go to Ireland 15 years or so before you retire you will get a UK state pension and an Irish state pension.
I watched the 1st country and then Googled "Is Panama a safe place to live" .....Googles answer: Pay attention to your personal security in crowded areas and don't go out alone (see 'Safety'). We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Panama overall due to the threat of violent crime. Higher levels apply in some areas.13 Sept 2024
computer says no. you'd better not go then.
High theft rates in Barcelona 👍
Same as in London then.
@jablot5054 yup, London no safer than many other capital cities
Plus the unbelievable humidity...
I'm thinking of leaving Wales. Just because it rains so much, and it seems to be getting worse. Everywhere I go I look at house prices. My friends say I should live on a cruise ship as I'm on one atleast 3 times a year 😂😂😂
You do not say which countries where you can still claim your SERPS UK pension. Most countries outside Europe, the UK government will completely suspend your SERPS pension, so massively reducing choice ☹
We bailed from the UK before Brexit slammed the doors shut. Now live in rural France and love it. Houses are a bargain with as much land as you want (*don't get too much as you have to maintain it in some way*). Post Brexit the immigration rules have changed, including min income and mandatory French language lessons and testing!!!
Brexit hasn't slammed the doors shut, you can still emigrate to EU countries from the UK very easily if you haven't failed in life!
@@davidholgate123 Yeah you can still emigrate but it isn't easy. Now you must prove your income, take mandatory French language classes, pass language tests annually, your professional skills aren't recognised so you have to retrain, in French (even for self employed e.g. builder). And of course you don't get on the NHS equivalent automatically if you're not working. As a pre-Brexit migrant I don't have any of that hassle.
@@StonedSidney That's still not slamming the door shut is it lol, that's a lie... You're also mixing up visa entry with citizenship!... They are 2 totally different things and there's usually a big gap between them in terms of time and the qualification standards needed...
Near enough every country has citizenship testing and requirements like you've just mentioned including the UK, that's been there for decades and keeps getting layered on with more criteria, so it's not a new thing as a concept...
Also, the same people complaining about having to qualify to emigrate to EU countries are the same people who say that we should have much tougher rules and criteria to live in the UK lol, you can't have it both ways!...
Tougher rules to live in a country is a good thing, every country should be doing it... Freedom of movement has ruined the EU. I've just been to Dublin and they're completely destroyed it's identity with low barrier to entry free movement...
The Polish model which goes against the rest of the EU is proof that freedom of movement is a disaster as they have much lower crime rates etc... The proof is in the pudding and what you've described is a good thing which should be the bare minimum...
Importing trash candidates to live in a country has been proven to be a disaster for the EU so let's not be hypocritical and want one thing for immigrants coming into the UK but expect a far easier ride when we want to live in another country!
@@davidholgate123 TLDR. You missed out residency though, I think.
@@davidholgate123 *"Brexit hasn't slammed the doors shut"* - Yes it has. Now you have to go through immigration and not everyone is going to qualify. Otherwise what was Brexit for? If French people can still come and live in the UK whenever they want? Brexit shut the door because that was the whole point of Brexit - to stop immigration.
This video fails to consider the extremely important issue of taxes. In the UK we get £12,500 income tax free personal allowance, also the first £1000 of interest is tax free, plus any amount invested in ISAs is tax free. I looked at a few EU countries, particularly Italy. No, or very low, personal allowance and all interest or investments are taxable (ISAs are only free of UK tax, not tax in other countries). I found it would cost me thousands a year to move which more than negated any benefits. Argentina looks good but no state pension indexing there.
Plus £50k premium bonds is tax free…. Love the U.K. having travelled the world…
@APW-ry2ok yes, there's a good reason why so many people want to come to live here.
@ Have travelled the world and there is no place like the U.K. providing you have money and health….weather could be better but then what would the english talk about ?
@@APW-ry2ok I've traveled the world also and agree with most international surveys - the UK is a dreadful place to living. Violent cities, overtaxed, no social
cohesion, extortionate food prices , depressing weather and failing public services.
@ Beg to differ ,if you visit the U.K. try the Chewton Glen near the new forest of maybe the Savoy in London ,as I stated before it all depends on health and wealth in any place you live ,having visited Mexico many times and stayed a month at each visit ,always five star adults only right on the beach we loved it,but getting there and seeing some of the less desirable areas on the way it gives a fuller picture of Mexico and would not want to live there. Maybe you should visit North Korea as it sounds more like the place your describing ,enjoy your day sir.
I moved 20 years ago to Spain, I managed to live on 3500 until Covid, I live off grid so expense is minimal, my food bill has now doubled to 30€ a week from 15, I don’t drink and I don’t smoke, most of my income goes to insurance and fuel
but i thought prices had all doubled in the uk because of the nasty tory's.. thats what labour tell us every day
Advisable to do a climate change/impacts risk assessment before moving to a new country. Some of those listed here already experience weather extremes like hurricanes, excessive heat, droughts, & flooding at different times of the year. Sea level rise is also impacting shoreline. Political stability needs to be assessed as well as the robustness of Immigration/residence policies. - for example Thailand is forever changing its visa requirements & eligibility from one year to the next.
No such thing as climate change
Great vid. My problem is my kids and future grand kids will be in the UK. So I have to balance the monitory saving versus the emotional cost of being isolated from them?
Free holidays for the family.....
Exactly. Family are always going to create gravitational pull back to them. I guess a lot of people just tell themselves “it’s just for a few years, we can always go back”. I’m sure we will have that mindset to cope.
🎯 Key points for quick navigation:
00:13 *☀️ The video explores the top 10 easiest countries for British retirees, focusing on factors like warm climate, outdoor activities, and visa accessibility.*
00:26 *🇵🇦 Panama offers a pensionado visa with low income requirements, healthcare discounts, and tax incentives, making it a top retirement choice.*
01:25 *🇨🇷 Costa Rica attracts British retirees with its natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and accessible healthcare through both public and private systems.*
02:05 *🇧🇬 Bulgaria stands out for its low living costs, relaxed residency requirements, and access to private and public healthcare.*
02:31 *🇹🇭 Thailand is popular for its affordable living, excellent private healthcare, and vibrant expat communities, especially for retirees over 50.*
03:14 *🇨🇾 Cyprus appeals to British retirees with its English-speaking environment, warm climate, and attractive tax system.*
04:05 *🇮🇹 Italy offers an elective residency visa, a rich cultural lifestyle, and affordable living outside major cities, ideal for retirees.*
04:48 *🇲🇹 Malta provides favorable tax rates, English as an official language, and a high standard of healthcare, making it retiree-friendly.*
05:28 *🇫🇷 France combines proximity to the UK, cultural richness, and excellent healthcare, with rural areas offering affordable living for retirees.*
06:08 *🇪🇸 Spain's non-lucrative visa, Mediterranean climate, and accessible healthcare make it a favorite among British retirees.*
07:01 *🇵🇹 Portugal's D7 visa, tax benefits, mild climate, and high-quality healthcare position it as the top retirement destination for Brits.*
Made with HARPA AI
You do not mention cultural issues. When I was young I left the warm middle east because of the spread of radical islam, now the UK and western countries suffer of same problems. I think people should be leaving NOT going to countries like France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and of course the UK even if they look ok at the moment. Remember Lebanon was fantastic 30 years ago.
I left the uk 21 years ago aged 36 and now retired in Australia and it’s my best ever by far decision in my life I still relish weekly 🥰
Something you didn’t mention is tax liabilities/reciprocal arrangements and whether or not your uk pension will be frozen or not. It makes a lot of difference…
Exactly.........
Italy has a wealth tax for instance, you are taxed on most assets held outside of Italy!
just don't retire to Australia. prices are ridiculous, heat is unbearable, culture is...what culture...there isn't any! After 15 years here, we're moving back to the UK. Aus may suit multi millionaires but not joe average.
In addition you can't! It's not the colonies now. Also what prices do you expect in a country that has an average wealth score ranking number 3 in the world. Only Switzerland and the USA is higher. Hope you have fun and make sure you pay your TV licence. Just wait until you get your electricity and gas bills. I was there recently. My mother in law a single pensioner in a small house. Gas bill for the quarter was A$3000! Electricity was A$300 a month! Here in Queensland our winter bill for all power, running air con was A$379. Total for the quarter. That leaves me A$3521 ahead for just 3 months. Enough to pay the marina fees for my yacht. Our diesel here is 50% the prices we paid in the UK. Now listen to this. They tax pensions! Yes you heard it right. You can be a pensioner receiving a UK state pension and you will be taxed on any pension savings you have. Excellent choice to go back!
I must be honest in saying that if I had the chance of moving to Australia, I would be there 'like a shot.' Yet as already stated by philgray1023 Australia does not accept old people per se. As far as I know, you have to prove some sort of previous experience or life spent in Australia or close family ties. Australian borders are very tight indeed. I was once waiting for a bus and the bus driver was an Australian living in England and was married to an English woman. In the conversation, he explained to me that the law in Australia has now changed and even though he is Australian, his English wife has no right to just move and live in Australia. It seems exactly the same as the situation in the U.K. but just in reverse where just about anybody and everybody with absolutely no ties to the U.K. can come and settle.
Apparently Oz is the most super woke country on the planet. That plus spiders, snakes, sharks. Pass.
@michaelmckelvey51s22 should have left it to the Aboriginals, tazmainia bud
@@chrisstone4648 Our Government is. However, our friendly creatures are okay. Like everywhere, you have to take the good with the bad and make the most of every opportunity.
We left Britain years ago , now enjoying retirement in south west France. No trouble with pension payments converted into euros.
Thx Diane, it would be interesting if there are any financial implications for people who would like to snowbird to another country for 3 to 4 months of the year in another country and any country recommendations.
Thing is…when it goes belly up in the particular country of choice, where will all these retirees return to? Yes, the good old UK that many seem to spend their time denigrating. Every country has its issues. I’ve travelled all across Europe and America and enjoyed it. But,for many reasons, I prefer the UK, even if the weather is unpredictable and the country is run by idiots.
I think people have just had enough mate, nothing but bad news and the weathers wank.
Anywhere else but the UK. It's finished.
How many and which have pension agreements such that pension paid by the UK is not frozen at the rate it is when you leave?
I know Australia doesn't yet have such an agreement and so after a few years the pension is worth less and less.
If you search 'Countries where we pay an annual increase in the State Pension' (the title of the government page which lists them) you'll have all the relevant information.
Very interesting! Especially about EU countries post Brexit. Thank you
You really need to consider safety, not just about Health service. No point retiring to some 'pleasant' rural place in the sun, if you are going to get robbed or blackmailed.
Greece can get quite cold in January and February, colder than the UK
The philippines is for me, depending on your money and what you want. Thailand has a poor exchange rate. Cambodia is the cheapest place in the far east at the moment. These places are like living in the 1970's anyone growing up in the UK in that decade will want it back (apart from the strikes, who cared anyway)....
Philippines for me too as they speak English i spent 3 weeks there in 2022 and was blown away by how friendly the Filipinos are, also cheaper rent and food will help my pension go further and not to mention the beautiful island beaches.And another thing to consider is you still get the annual increase on the UK pension unlike Thailand where i believe you don't
Anyone retiring to many of those countries listed on here should conduct a deal of research including conversing with retirees residing at their selected destination. Whatever country healthcare requires funding and is not always available to those with a history not overlooking private health insurance is very expensive added to which there are age limits on many policies. Thailand for example is great provided one is prepared to jump through hoops including 90-day report plus annual visa renewal fee and £20,000 deposited funds alternatively confirmation minimum annual pension. As for less expensive locations there are very few thus the need to study the exchange rates that are constantly changing thus forever a serious governing factor.
A remote house in the Scottish isles would do me fine.
Good video, thank-you
Dianne, Excellent video as I'm thinking I want to get away from Labour and the UK, so very timely. Great comments from those with experience of many different countries..
Thank you Dianne.
Thank you for your kind comment
quick question, if I were to chose one of the countries you mention would my pension then become subject to the tax laws applicable locally and not the UK ?
loved the video BTW
I will make a dangerous generalisation - generally speaking, you will no longer pay UK taxes as long as you do not spend more than a certain number of days in the UK per year. There are exceptions to this depending on the type of income you are receiving.
pretty sure you DO get taxed in the UK. What's worse is that if your chosen foreign country doesn't have a "double taxation" agreement then it can be taxed by both countries. And even if there is an agreement then you pay the tax in whichever country has the highest tax rate.
It is very complex though so google it between the UK and your planned destination and if you're serious about moving I recommend appropriate tax advice. (HMRC might help with that for free)
If you are permanently resident abroad and only return to the UK for short visits you can extricate yourself from the HMRC. You can request to have a nil rate on all UK income. Obviously you will be required to declare your income to the tax authority in your new country of residence.
@@johnpipping3848Does this mean you can draw down on your Sipp without paying UK tax on it? This is really important if leaving the pension pot invested here but sending the drawdown monies each month to a foreign land. Seriously considering up sticks and leaving in 5 years time so this is an important factor in the consideration.
Ive bought a yacht ima gonna sail off into the sunset
Is it possible to retire to say Malta if you only have state pension and would it still be paid if you did relocate ?
You fail to mention that retirement to countries out Europe are in the main areas where the U.K. state pensions stop being index linked!
Bulgarian winters can be harsh
Thanks for the precis, Dianne. I doubt uprooting and moving to these countries is quite so simple. My paretnts moved to Spain in 2005 and it was not so easy despite being in the EU.
There's problems with huge tax on property inheritance. Given half the countries you suggest are in the EU, the same applies.
I live in, and love, the south west of England. I moved here 28 years ago from the Home Counties.
I don't intend to leave and see this country swamped with immigration.
I'll fight for it.
The UK exclusion of housing from an estate only works for those who have children, so no difference for some.
In the EU, tax varies from one country to another.
No you won't! Explain exactly how. Try living in Byker and then tell me how wonderful it is. This list of countries is for dreamers and the deluded.
@philgray1023 Yes we will. Getting people off their lazy butts and voting for a start. 2Tk only got in because nearly 40% of the electorate didn't bother to turn out. Vote Reform Uk, going all the way 🇬🇧
SOME OF THESE COUNTRIES ARE OUT OF THE EU AND TO RETIRE TO THESE PLACES YOU WOULD LOOSE YOUR YEARLY INCREASE IN YOUR PENSION
Thank you Diane. I’m retiring from the NHS soon and this has been very informative.
@@johnnyfortpants1415 You nhs guys get a fantastic pension deal don’t you bet you can’t wait.
@@sunshinedream98 Fantastic pensions, like most public sector organisations.
@@fuzzacker. Yeah they don’t mention that while demanding a 22% pay rise strange🤔
NHS have pulled the UK tax pay pants down
GET ADVICE ABOUT YOUR PENSION-YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED RICH BY THE LABOUR PARTY AND WILL FACE EXTRA TAX.
@@fuzzacker.and many private pensions aswell...Ill informed jealousy...I paid the equivalent to my mortgage every month into my public sector pension
I have a close relative that retired to Spain, I suspect the cost of living was the primary consideration, but they love it. But if you want to do this why wait to retire? Why not move before you retire?
It is good for the UK economy that retirees move abroad. Especially to countries where the pension does not increase each year, but even retiring to countries where the state pension does increase the UK still makes money from not treating the decline in health that nearly all that die a sudden death face.
No, absolutely not. Every country has its disadvantages and you don’t want to find them out as you age.
I thought Brexit changed all this? 89 days in 180 limit surely?
Yes it did - which is why you now need to apply for a visa/residency permit
what about South Africa - can you do a comparison to retire there?
I’ll look into it if it’s a popular request
Dangerous
Anyone remember those happy carefree days when a Brit was able to live anywhere in 27 countries without needing a large passive income?
Oh yeah, whatever happened to that? Can’t comment more, just off for a stroll on a sunny upland to do some unicorn spotting.
Don’t even get me started!
It was actually never that simple in most Eu countries with lots of bureaucratic barriers (typically required to be conducted in local language) to actually settling there, registering with local authorites and medical systems etc, but dream on ... and in any case, if you don't have a passive income of whatever its (a measly 800 Euros in Portugal) then it's not going to be much of a retirement. The reality is that most people genuinely motivated can move if they want to. What's been curtailed is easy access to second homes - this the the mob that's squealing loudest..
I remember when my Country was for Brits and not for the rest of the world and we were happy to stay here to retire on a good pension!
@@tomk8729 "It was actually never that simple..."
Gosh you make me feel so much better about losing my freedoms. I wonder if you've anything uplifting to say about the difficulties small companies have experienced trading across the channel? Or if you've spotted any actual positive benefits coming out of the 2016 fiasco?
Thailand is a great place to spend a lot of retirement time, but perhaps not a place to retire to..
Retirement Visa is like a 1 year tourist visa, renewable maybe, though some other options.
If you are present in Thailand cumulatively, for any second of a day, in a calendar year, for more than 179 days = tax resident.
I moved to Tehran ten years ago,the cost of living is good.
No pubs tho
Thinking about escaping the UK! But where? So thanks for this posting.
Surprised that The Philippines isn't featured - it's supposed to be pretty easy and has a similar lifestyle to Thailand.
What would happen if I just turn up on a small boat. Free digs spending money all mod cons. That what we do😩
I was thinking of emigrating to Mars? Any suggestions?
Go for it,but beware of the immigration from Venus.
Bookings are heavy at the minute.
Yes I got a mate called Elon hes going there soon Ill see he can give you a life, FYI he did says its one way! Dont say I dint warn you!
Evidently nice Bars,
Does anyone know if Greece is easy for retirement??
Lack of specific information in this video. Too many generalities.
Im done with the UK, it has eaten most of the money I have earn't over the decades and in four years will have good pensions, so im off. Goodbye Blighty I'd like to say its been fun, but it's been hard work all my life with little to show
I'm in Thailand, have been here 6 years. The WeF has got their hands on the government and the tax system is changing.
I'm now looking at 6 months in Cyprus and 6 months in Thailand.
With some holidays in between.
I live in two countries Portugal and the Philippines.