Your golden years are approaching, and you’re considering relocating to one of the best places to retire in Europe. The Old Continent is a great place to spend your retirement in, as long as you find the right location. To help you do that, we’ve compiled a list of our top choices. Read on and decide where your new home is going to be.
Portugal – One of the Most Affordable Destinations
Located on the Iberian Peninsula and surrounded by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is known as one of the most affordable countries with the best cost-to-quality of life ratio. The real cost of living, of course, depends on where exactly you’re planning to move. For reference, here is the cost of living in 2020 in some of the most desirable locations:
- Porto: expenses for a single person, including rent, amount to 1100-1300€ per month ($1300-1500)
- Lisbon: 1200-1400€ ($1400-1600) per month
- Madeira: 1000-1100€ ($1150-1300) per month
Friendliness Makes Portugal One of the Best Countries for Retirement
The hospitable people of Portugal make it one of the friendliest countries in the world. In other words, even if you’re moving abroad alone, the Portuguese will make sure you don’t have a hard time adjusting to the new country. Making friends and maintaining a social circle will be a breeze, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy their cuisine, as well.
Italy is a Timeless Destination
If you enjoy good food and even better wine, we’re sure that Italy is already at the top of your list of potential retirement destinations. However, you’ll need more than good taste if you’re planning on gaining the right to an indefinite stay:
- Citizenship: If you’re not married to an Italian citizen or don’t have Italian descent, you’ll need to obtain citizenship through naturalization. For more information, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Language: Italians are not known for their great English, so breaking the language barrier should be high on your to-do list.
- Healthcare: You’ll need to obtain a healthcare plan to be sure you can get high-quality medical assistance if needed. Not having one can be a real hassle.
- Savings: Even though the cost of living in Italy is lower than the average cost of living in the States, you will still need to save up to ensure you’ll be living overseas
Should You Retire in Rome?
According to many, Rome is one of the best cities to live in Europe, for retirees as well as for students. However, there are some places we believe would provide you with a higher quality of life, more peace, and privacy. Here are some regions you should consider for your extended stay:
- Tuscany – Located in the geographical middle of the country, Tuscany is home to breathtaking nature, lots of Renaissance art, and vast vineyards.
- Liguria – The north-western region spans along the shore of the Ligurian Sea. Its capital, Genoa, is one of the most important ports in the nation.
- Sicily – The largest island in the Mediterranean offers a mild and enjoyable climate all year long. However, it is also a popular tourist destination, so summers can get quite crowded.
Spain – The Happiest Country in the World
Did you know that Spain was named the happiest nation in the world in the year 2019? The way things are going, we’re sure they’ll keep their title in 2020. In other words, if you decide to relocate here, living in Europe as an American will be a blast. There are many great cities to settle in Espana, including the capital Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Malaga, and San Sebastian.
How Much Does Living in Spain Cost?
Before you reach out to international movers and book moving services, check out the video below to find out all you need to know about this country’s costs:
Malta – A Small Nation With Rich History
The European island nation in the Mediterranean Sea is home to a little over 500,000 residents. Thanks to its rich history, it offers plenty of things to do and see in your leisure time. Given its small area of just over 100 square miles, no matter which city or town you decide to move to, you’ll be able to visit them all. Make sure to tell your packing service providers to pack your camera, because you will definitely want to take some photos in this beautiful country.
France – From Provence to Normandy
France has traditionally been one of the go-to destinations for American expat retirees, and it is not hard to imagine why. The nation is one of the most important centers of art, with one of the highest numbers of UNESCO-protected sites in the world. It also boasts a strong economy and a high standard of living. No matter which of its 18 regions you pick to live in, we’re sure you won’t regret your decision.
Have You Picked One of the Best Places to Retire in Europe?
Have you found your favorite destination for retirement on our list yet? If so, it is time to start preparing for moving overseas. If you’re not sure what to pack when moving abroad, make sure you consult your chosen international moving company. The most important thing is not to forget any of the documents needed to travel abroad. Good luck and bon voyage!
