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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Top 20 countries to retire that could save you cash in your golden years – including island with 300 days of sun
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE top 20 countries for Brits to retire abroad have been revealed - and they could save you cash in your golden years. Experts looked at factors including affordability, the cost of buying a home, lifestyle, healthcare and safety. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Ireland has come out on top as the number one destination for British retirees Credit: Getty 3 Malta also made the list for its accessible migration schemes and its affordability Credit: Getty 3 Cyprus is among the top 20 because of its good weather and beach-oriented lifestyle Credit: Getty Spain and France might be the first destinations that come to mind if you're thinking about where retirees will flock to. But Ireland has been named the ideal overseas destination, according to analysis carried out by wealth management firm Hoxton Wealth. Each country was ranked with a score from 1 to 100 - and Ireland scored an impressive 85. That's partly because of the ease to migrate there legally post-Brexit. Ireland scored the highest of all countries for visa access and residency pathways because UK citizens have unique rights under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. It means UK can live, work, retire, and access public services in Ireland without restriction, unlike any other EU country following Brexit. Plus, it's easier to integrate because everyone speaks English and it's still close to the UK. In joint second place were Portugal and Cyprus, which both scored highly on lifestyle and safety. People thinking of a move to Portugal can enjoy mild winters and hot summers, as well as its relaxed and outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Popular expat areas include on the Algarve, the Lisbon coast, the Silver Coast, and on Madeira. I explored the tiny European country with underground cities and little-known islands Portugal is also consistently ranked among the best places to live for retirees globally. Cyprus was also highly rated for its climate and its relaxed, beach-oriented lifestyle. It's known for being expat-friendly, especially around areas like Paphos, Limassol and Lanarca - which all offer great outdoor living year-round. The top 20 countries ranked and how they scored 1 - Ireland = 87 2 - Cyprus = 85 3 - Portugal = 85 4 - Malta = 83 5 - Malaysia = 81 6 - Panama = 81 7 - Spain = 81 8 - Greece = 80 9 - Mauritius = 80 10 - Turkey = 80 11 - UAE = 80 12 - France = 78 13 - Italy = 76 14- Uruguay = 76 15 - Canada = 73 16 - Japan = 73 17 - Thailand = 72 18 - New Zealand = 70 19 - USA = 69 20 - Australia = 68 UK baseline = 77 Malta was next on the list as it has structured and accessible residence schemes for British retirees. Everything is also accessible there as English is an official language. The country has been picked out for its affordability, including affordable healthcare, transport and dining. Property prices are rising in areas like Sliema and Valletta but there's still excellent value in smaller towns and in Gozo. Plus, it's said to have a huge 300 days of sun per year. Although Spain has typically been seen as a haven for expats, it's now slipped down the rankings because Brits are regarded as third-country nationals. You would need a visa to stay there for any longer than 90 days in any 180-day period. Retirees can get the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), but you'd need to show a passive income of €28,800 (£24,370) a year per person. Still, Brits could be drawn to the Spanish lifestyle - including its sunny Mediterranean climate - as well as the well-established expat hubs in places like the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and in the Balearics. The countries rated best for cost of living were Malaysia, Turkey and Thailand, with Canada, Japan and Australia scoring the best for economic and political stability. The UAE was rated best for taxation with no income tax on individuals, no inheritance tax and no tax on pensions or investment income. Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, said: "Places like Spain, France, Australia, and the like have long been seen as safe, sunny, and straightforward. But the world has changed. "Rising living costs, shifting visa rules post-Brexit, evolving tax landscapes, and new global lifestyle trends mean the decision of where to retire or relocate now involves far more than sunshine and property prices. "UK residents considering retiring abroad need to look beyond purely the climate or cost of living." Best places in the UK to retire If you're planning to stay in the UK, there are also plenty of great options. A recent study by Legal and General ranked the "wine capital" of Britain on its list, as well as areas of Surrey and Buckinghamshire. Chesham and Amersham took the top spot as the best place in the UK to spend your golden years. The area – popular for its transport links to London, its charming and historic streets, and for being a gateway for walkers and cyclists to the picturesque Chilterns – was ranked the highest in L&G's index. The picturesque town of Beaconsfield, also in Buckinghamshire, came in second place, while Dorking and Horley in Surrey was third. Also in Surrey, Goldalming and Ash was fourth, while Mid Sussex completed the top five. West Sussex - which is part of the wine capital of the UK and produces more wine than any county - also made the list, with East Grinstead and Uckfield coming in 10th. They were ranked on access to healthcare, opportunities to build social connections, access to nature, local amenities and financial security.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Top 20 countries to retire that could save you cash in your golden years – including island with 300 days of sun
THE top 20 countries for Brits to retire abroad have been revealed - and they could save you cash in your golden years. Experts looked at factors including affordability, the cost of buying a home, lifestyle, healthcare and safety. 3 3 Spain and France might be the first destinations that come to mind if you're thinking about where retirees will flock to. But Ireland has been named the ideal overseas destination, according to analysis carried out by wealth management firm Hoxton Wealth. Each country was ranked with a score from 1 to 100 - and Ireland scored an impressive 85. That's partly because of the ease to migrate there legally post-Brexit. Ireland scored the highest of all countries for visa access and residency pathways because UK citizens have unique rights under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. It means UK can live, work, retire, and access public services in Ireland without restriction, unlike any other EU country following Brexit. Plus, it's easier to integrate because everyone speaks English and it's still close to the UK. In joint second place were Portugal and Cyprus, which both scored highly on lifestyle and safety. People thinking of a move to Portugal can enjoy mild winters and hot summers, as well as its relaxed and outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Popular expat areas include on the Algarve, the Lisbon coast, the Silver Coast, and on Madeira. I explored the tiny European country with underground cities and little-known islands Portugal is also consistently ranked among the best places to live for retirees globally. Cyprus was also highly rated for its climate and its relaxed, beach-oriented lifestyle. It's known for being expat-friendly, especially around areas like Paphos, Limassol and Lanarca - which all offer great outdoor living year-round. The top 20 countries ranked and how they scored 1 - Ireland = 87 2 - Cyprus = 85 3 - Portugal = 85 4 - Malta = 83 5 - Malaysia = 81 6 - Panama = 81 7 - Spain = 81 8 - Greece = 80 9 - Mauritius = 80 10 - Turkey = 80 11 - UAE = 80 12 - France = 78 13 - Italy = 76 14- Uruguay = 76 15 - Canada = 73 16 - Japan = 73 17 - Thailand = 72 18 - New Zealand = 70 19 - USA = 69 20 - Australia = 68 UK baseline = 77 Malta was next on the list as it has structured and accessible residence schemes for British retirees. Everything is also accessible there as English is an official language. The country has been picked out for its affordability, including affordable healthcare, transport and dining. Property prices are rising in areas like Sliema and Valletta but there's still excellent value in smaller towns and in Gozo. Plus, it's said to have a huge 300 days of sun per year. Although Spain has typically been seen as a haven for expats, it's now slipped down the rankings because Brits are regarded as third-country nationals. You would need a visa to stay there for any longer than 90 days in any 180-day period. Retirees can get the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), but you'd need to show a passive income of €28,800 (£24,370) a year per person. Still, Brits could be drawn to the Spanish lifestyle - including its sunny Mediterranean climate - as well as the well-established expat hubs in places like the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and in the Balearics. The countries rated best for cost of living were Malaysia, Turkey and Thailand, with Canada, Japan and Australia scoring the best for economic and political stability. The UAE was rated best for taxation with no income tax on individuals, no inheritance tax and no tax on pensions or investment income. Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, said: "Places like Spain, France, Australia, and the like have long been seen as safe, sunny, and straightforward. But the world has changed. "Rising living costs, shifting visa rules post-Brexit, evolving tax landscapes, and new global lifestyle trends mean the decision of where to retire or relocate now involves far more than sunshine and property prices. "UK residents considering retiring abroad need to look beyond purely the climate or cost of living." Best places in the UK to retire If you're planning to stay in the UK, there are also plenty of great options. A recent study by Legal and General ranked the " wine capital" of Britain on its list, as well as areas of Surrey and Buckinghamshire. Chesham and Amersham took the top spot as the best place in the UK to spend your golden years. The area – popular for its transport links to London, its charming and historic streets, and for being a gateway for walkers and cyclists to the picturesque Chilterns – was ranked the highest in L&G's index. The picturesque town of Beaconsfield, also in Buckinghamshire, came in second place, while Dorking and Horley in Surrey was third. Also in Surrey, Goldalming and Ash was fourth, while Mid Sussex completed the top five. West Sussex - which is part of the wine capital of the UK and produces more wine than any county - also made the list, with East Grinstead and Uckfield coming in 10th. They were ranked on access to healthcare, opportunities to build social connections, access to nature, local amenities and financial security.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
The 20 best places to retire abroad in 2025 with winner ranked as 'safe and welcoming'
A new study looked at 10 criteria to rank popular destinations including access to healthcare, safety and cost of living The 20 best places to retire to in 2025 have been ranked and in top spot is a country just a stone's throw from the UK. The survey looked at at number of factors in each destination to come up with the list. Taking the crown as the best place for UK retirees to relocate to was Ireland. The research, conducted by international financial advisory and wealth management firm Hoxton Wealth considered 10 criteria in each destination including cost of living, property ownership, lifestyle and healthcare as well as visa access, taxation and safety. Each destination was then scored from one to 100 which had been benchmarked against the UK, which scored 77 out of 100. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Ireland scored an impressive 85 out of 100, the highest of all countries for visa access and residency pathways. And the report also noted that post-Brexit, UK citizens retain unique rights under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement meaning that UK nationals can live, work, retire, and access public services in Ireland without restriction, offering seamless legal migration unlike any other EU country post-Brexit. Coming in at joint second place were Portugal and Cyprus with both being highly rated for lifestyle and safety. Another sunshine spot, Portugal, was recognised for the appeal of its mild winters and hot summers, especially in the south; its relaxed, friendly, outdoor-oriented lifestyle especially around popular expat hubs on the Algarve, the Lisbon coast, the Silver Coast, and on Madeira. The report noted that it was consistently ranked among the best places to live for retirees globally. Similarly, Cyprus was highly rated for its climate, for its relaxed, beach-oriented lifestyle, and for being expat-friendly, especially around expat hubs like Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca offering great outdoor living year-round. Top 20 places to retire to in 2025 *UK benchmark = 77 1 - Ireland = 87 2 - Cyprus = 85 3 - Portugal = 85 4 - Malta = 83 5 - Malaysia = 81 6 - Panama = 81 7 - Spain = 81 8 - Greece = 80 9 - Mauritius = 80 10 - Turkey = 80 11 - UAE = 80 12 - France = 78 13 - Italy = 76 14- Uruguay = 76 15 - Canada = 73 16 - Japan = 73 17 - Thailand = 72 18 - New Zealand = 70 19 - USA = 69 20 - Australia = 68 The report summarised that Ireland is "uniquely positioned for Britons post-Brexit, offering unrivalled access, legal simplicity, and cultural familiarity. It's especially appealing to those who want to remain close to the UK while living abroad". Common language would make integration straightforward. It also scored well economically, with the analysis describing it as 'fast-growing and modern, bolstered by tech, pharma, and finance sectors', and for safety, with it being rated as a 'very safe, welcoming environment'. The top five destinations on the list were made up by Malta and Spain. Malta, post-Brexit, offers structured, accessible residence schemes for British retirees, with extensive support available from local legal and relocation providers and, with English being an official language, all processes are accessible. Cost of living was rated as generally lower than the UK, with affordable healthcare, transport, and dining, and although property prices are rising in central areas like Sliema and Valletta, excellent value can still be found in smaller towns and Gozo. In Spain, Britons are now regarded as third-country nationals and need a visa for stays over 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Zone. Options for retirees include the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which is popular for retirees, but requires proof of sufficient passive income (approx. €28,800/year for individuals). Lifestyle was rated as one of Spain's biggest draws, including the dry, sunny, Mediterranean climate, and the expat lifestyle facilitated by large, well-established British communities along the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and in the Balearics. The countries rated best for cost of living were Malaysia, Turkey and Thailand, with Canada, Japan and Australia scoring the best for economic and political stability. The UAE was rated best for taxation with no income tax on individuals, no inheritance tax and no tax on pensions or investment income. Although retirees must maintain non-residency in the UK to avoid UK tax obligations, it was viewed as an ideal destination for those seeking a zero-tax retirement. Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth said the research was undertaken to assess which destinations remain attractive and viable for UK retirees today. He said: 'We've taken a structured and comparative approach to evaluate the traditional favourites that have historically drawn the largest numbers of British retirees as well as a series of emerging destinations, alternative countries that are becoming increasingly viable for today's globally minded retiree. "In so doing, we can offer a realistic, data-informed, and planning-oriented view of the global retirement landscape, empowering Britons to make smart, secure decisions about where to base their future. 'For decades, British retirees have followed familiar paths when deciding where to spend their later years. 'Places like Spain, France, Australia, and the like have long been seen as safe, sunny, and straightforward. But the world has changed. "Rising living costs, shifting visa rules post-Brexit, evolving tax landscapes, and new global lifestyle trends mean the decision of where to retire or relocate now involves far more than sunshine and property prices. "UK residents considering retiring abroad need to look beyond purely the climate or cost of living.' And he concluded: "The right destination will depend entirely on your personal circumstances—whether you're looking for a vibrant expat community, lower healthcare costs, or simply a slower pace of life. "What suits one retiree may not suit another, which is why tailored financial advice is key to making an informed, confident decision."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hoxton Wealth enters Asia with new purchase
Hoxton Wealth has acquired expat services provider Infinity Financial Solutions, marking its foray into the Asian market. Financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed. The deal will add £225m ($300m) in assets to Hoxton Wealth's books, increasing the total to £2.5bn ($3.3bn). Infinity Financial Solutions, established in 2004, has been serving individual and corporate clients. The company is under the leadership of managing director Trevor Keidan and finance director Ben Bennett, who will remain with the business. Keidan said: 'We are delighted to have agreed the acquisition of the company by Hoxton Wealth. 'We believe this will further strengthen our presence in the Asia region, ultimately providing significant enhancements to our offering and providing clients with additional services from the experienced in-house team at Hoxton Wealth. Hoxton Wealth CEO Chris Ball stated: 'So far, our acquisition strategy has focused on the UK domestic market, with the objective of growing our footprint and supporting existing business in the country. 'Branching out across Asia is a huge step for us. We are very excited to begin connecting with new clients and partners in a region where we did not previously have a huge presence, but which has undoubtable opportunity for significant growth.' The firm aims to elevate its valuation to £3bn ( $4bn ) by the close of 2025. Hoxton Wealth plans to expand into Singapore and aims to operate in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Australia, India, the UAE, Europe, the UK, the US, and South Africa. Earlier this year, Hoxton Wealth acquired advisory firm Family First Financial Services, based in Darlington, UK. "Hoxton Wealth enters Asia with new purchase " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Experts: 9 new retirement hotspots
A new life with mild, sunny winters, a slower pace but lots of time for fresh hobbies and friendships is the retirement dream for many. For decades, British retirees have followed familiar paths when deciding where to spend these later years, with well-trodden paths to the Spanish costas, rural France or perhaps Florida and Australia for the more adventurous. These destinations have long been seen as safe, sunny, and straightforward with well-established British expat communities a reassuring presence too. But the world has changed. Rising living costs, shifting visa rules post-Brexit, evolving tax landscapes and an increasingly global mindset mean that the decision of where to retire or relocate now involves far more than sunshine and property prices. To determine which destinations truly remain attractive and viable for Britons today, the financial advisory firm, Hoxton Wealth, has produced a piece of research analysing visa options, cost of living , taxation, healthcare, climate and lifestyle, safety, connectivity and economics to compare traditional favourites with those rising in appeal – the 'challengers'. The 'favourites' are Spain , France, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Ireland, Cyprus and Thailand . So which are the 'challenger' countries that compete with the UK's baseline score of 77/100? Malta – 83/100 Enjoying historic ties and a strategic location within southern Europe, the small island of Malta remains popular for its high standard of living, Anglo-friendly culture and choice of residency programmes. English is widely spoken, and there's a well-established network of relocation agents and tax advisers, as well as plenty of high-class hospitals. Many also love its beach-and-sailing lifestyle and the fact it's only a three-hour flight from the UK. While property is not cheap – new-build one-bed flats in development where foreigners are allowed to purchase start from around €400,000 (£347,302) – retirees do report a lower cost of living day-to-day. For a more relaxed feel, some retirees prefer its sister island of Gozo, where you can find a second-hand two-bedroom apartment for €180,000 (£156,286). Malta scores more highly than most due to its choice of visa and residency schemes and tax benefits: 15 per cent pension tax rate and no inheritance tax. Because the EU country can offer Schengen access, Malta's golden passport schemes are among the most popular in the world, according to Henley & Partners, although it requires significant investment (at least €600,000, or £520,953). Malaysia – 81/100 Rather like its neighbour Thailand, Malaysia is one of the best-value destinations for retirees, with western-standard amenities at southeast Asian prices. You can hop in a Grab (Malaysian Uber) taxi for a couple of pounds, and enjoy delicious street food for half of that. It offers one of the longest-established residency programmes for foreign retirees – its 1987 'Silver Hair Programme' was rebranded Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) to include those below 50. While the entry bar has been raised with the new tiered system, the first investment remains relatively low at RM625,000 (£111k) plus property purchase of RM600,000 (£106k). Sarawak (in Borneo) also has its own programme with lower figures. Property purchases by foreigners are limited to certain areas. Panama – 81/100 Panama couples a tropical lifestyle with some of the world's most generous retirement incentives and excellent healthcare. No wonder, then, that it's very popular with retirees in the US – and increasingly the UK. Housing, food, transport, and services cost far less than the UK, and the environment offers a comfortable lifestyle on a modest pension, exempt from local tax. The politically stable country offers the year-round sun of the Caribbean, with financial services and logistics sectors anchoring its economy. Living costs are typically lower than in Bermuda or the Bahamas. English is also widely spoken, and the government welcomes foreign retirees; the Pensionado Programme offers permanent residency to foreign retirees who can show an income of $1,000 (£745) per month, or lower if they spend $100,000 (£75k) on a property. Furthermore, the visa beneficiaries receive big discounts: 25 per cent off utility bills, 25 per cent off airline tickets – that will help with the 12-hour plus flights to the UK (none direct) – as well as 30 per cent off other transport and 15-20 per cent off medical costs. Greece – 80/100 Long appreciated for its hospitality, slow pace of life and beautiful coastlines, Greece is now attracting an unprecedented number of foreigners with its golden visa and flat-tax regimes. Its low cost of living makes it one of the most affordable destinations within Europe, and property prices remain modest outside the hot-spot areas of Athens or Mykonos where the threshold of the golden visa – offering residency in return for investment – has increased to €800,000 (£694,604). This may be hefty, but low property prices and other long-stay visa options (the type D visa requires income of around €2,000 or £1,737 per month) make Crete popular, where you can find a pretty stone house for as little as £60,000 and pay negligible council taxes. Islands with less well-developed infrastructure, direct flights to the UK and expat communities are much less popular. Across Greece there's the flat 7 per cent tax rate on foreign pensions for 15 years for those who move there, in addition to the €100,000 flat tax for high-net-worths. The biggest obstacle is the seasonality of direct flights to many areas, Greek bureaucracy and sometimes the language barrier. Mauritius – 80/100 This island nation is another far-flung location becoming increasingly popular not just with retirees but entrepreneurs and families too. Here, they will find financial and political stability, safety, world-class healthcare, attractive residency schemes and year-round sun on the tropical Indian Ocean island of sugar-sand beaches. As a former British colony, English is an official language, and there's a lively expat community with life centred around yacht clubs, beach parties and golf courses. Mauritius is even ranked the happiest country in Africa by the United Nations' World Happiness Report. For applicants over 50, the 10-year Retired Residence Permit offers residency with a modest monthly income required of $1,500 (£1200), while the cost of living is 73 per cent lower than the UK ( Rent prices are less than half – the average cost of a one-bed apartment is £227 to £321 a month but purchase prices are higher for foreigners (limited to certain schemes) and you can buy one for around £250,000. There are tax perks: no inheritance tax or capital gains tax; and a 15 per cent flat income tax rate applies to income earned or used locally. The small island won't suit everyone (or the 12-hour flight home from the UK with limited direct options) but other benefits include its rich cultural diversity – and it's one of Africa's most LGBTQ+ friendly nations. UAE – 80/100 As with entrepreneurs, digital nomads and families, retirees are also moving to the UAE, and especially Dubai. Many grandparents are now following their families to join a burgeoning retiree community that revolves around hotel brunches and beach clubs (plus a spot of childcare). While searing summer temperatures and significant increases in the cost of housing (plus the need for private healthcare) might deter some, the high standard of living and services appeals – along with low crime rates. Plus, English is widely spoken, there's a large British expat community and property purchase is made easy – and fast. You'll need fairly deep pockets, though: the UAE offers a retirement visa for over-55s that requires either a monthly income of AED 20,000 (£4,050) or the purchase of an AED1million (£203k) property. For Dubai, a slightly lower figure of AED 15,000 (£3,040). You won't find much to buy for £200k beyond a studio apartment – but rent in Dubai is 16 per cent lower than London's, according to Numbeo. Of course the zero-tax retirement also appeals: there is no tax on pensions or investment income, no inheritance tax (but you won't get triple lock protection on your state pension from the UK). Turkey – 80/100 While political instability and periods of terrorist threat have put off foreign buyers for a few years, the appetite for Turkey has returned from tourists and home hunters. Around the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, where there are long summers and mild winters, small communities of expat retirees have evolved, especially around Fethiye, Side, Antalya and Bodrum. It's easy to find a modern apartment with pool access by the coast for £100,000, yet title deed purchase rules remain slightly more complicated than elsewhere in Europe. Property-linked residency is affordable and accessible, with a minimum investment of £156,000 required. Turkish citizenship is offered to those investing at least £312,000 – which is lower than the Greek equivalent in many areas – and it's possible to stay long-term without major financial hurdles. Cost of living is a major incentive, despite inflation-induced increases. Rent and healthcare are especially affordable, and British retirees report a high standard of living for modest pensions. There is no wealth tax, low property tax, and no inheritance tax for most foreign retirees, although residents will need to plan around progressive income taxes as there is no flat-tax rate for retirees as per Greece and Cyprus. Italy – 76/100 Like Greece, Italy has one of the most highly coveted lifestyles in the world – and it has also started courting foreign retirees with low-tax incentives. Those who fancy the southern part of Italy (and who wouldn't prefer the warmer climate and the lower cost of living?) can take advantage of the 7 per cent flat-tax regime if they move to a town with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants. Anecdotally, the most popular regions for British retirees doing this have been Abruzzo, Marche, Sicily and Puglia – but not all parts of these areas are practical for full-time living and speaking Italian is essential outside of expat hubs. Moving to Italy tends to be for the slightly more adventurous – especially those keen to renovate as they can find incredible value in pretty hill towns surrounded by vineyards or low-key seaside villages. They are even homes for €1 and buyers in Italy face no restrictions. The most popular visa for retirees, the Elective Residency Visa, has a higher income requirement than other equivalents – €38,000 a year for a couple – and the bureaucracy can be a headache. But it's hard to top its scores for lifestyle and accessibility. Uruguay – 76/100 This South American outlier also appears in the top five global destinations for retirees in a new study by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS). Uruguay – known as the 'Switzerland of South America' for its political stability and safety – offers a high standard of living and healthcare and offers a benign tax environment (no tax on foreign-sourced income and no wealth tax or inheritance tax, according to Hoxton). The retirement visa requires a modest monthly income of $1,500 (£1,118), according to GCS, which they report many expat couples can live well on. If you have basic Spanish you'll have an advantage, although English is becoming more widely spoken. Beach towns around Punte del Este, like the fishing villages of La Paloma or Punta del Diablo, are popular. Foreigners face no restrictions on buying property, but the biggest downside is that while it's great for exploring the Americas, it's around 15 hours from the UK with no direct flights.
