The 10 best countries in the world to retire to

Not only do graduates often decide to leave Italy, but more and more retirees choose to enjoy their retirement abroadby paying less tax. After a life at home, it is not easy to leave one's habits or affections, but the rising cost of living and increasingly low net pensions (less than 1.000 euros), often do not allow to cover daily expenses, making this decision almost necessary. There is no shortage of opportunities, there are countries in Central America and Asia that have launched specific programs to attract the over 60s from all over the world. Not to mention Portugal.

However, a difficult choice concerns the destination, there are those who prefer to stay in neighboring areas so as not to give up their family. But how to decide? Every year, the magazine International Living publishes the ranking of the 10 best countries where to take refuge once work has ceased (World's Best Places to Retire in 2019). A ranking based on four factors: quality and cost of living, health care and government. Let's take a detailed look at the 10 best countries to retire to, according to International Living.

1. Panama

In first place we find the modern and comfortable Panama. Located at the tip of Central America, famous for the homonymous Canal. A paradise where you can enjoy your retirement at a more than reasonable quality/price ratio. A country, which in recent years has been the protagonist of an economic boom without equal, an attractive destination especially for those who want to live in well-being together with their pension allowance. Just one clean criminal record and an annuity of $1.000 a month to obtain the status of "permanent pensioner" and take advantage of discounts on various services such as medical visits, electricity, water and gas utilities, but above all for tax breaks.

2. Costa Rica

In second place we find Costa-Rica. In San Jose it is possible to live with a income of $1.000 a month, untaxed. The cost of living is certainly higher than in other countries, but the climate (with temperatures never dropping below 22 degrees), political stability and a subsidized health system make this destination a good refuge for retirees. In Costa-Rica the cost of living is 20% lower than in Italy, and thanks to the "Ciudadano de Oro" program it is possible to take advantage of great discounts (up to 50%) on many goods and services, such as tickets for buses, medicines, foodstuffs and many more.

3. Mexico

Last on the podium is Mexico, one of the cheapest countries in Latin America, with rights to discounts of up to 55% on goods and services of all kindssuch as healthcare and entertainment. The card allows access to the programme Inapan which guarantees numerous agreements with companies and associations. In addition, the colonial cities – full of colorful houses, art, music and theater – are much appreciated by emigrants.

4. Ecuador

Ecuador, a UNESCO heritage site, is in the top ten of the countries chosen, especially by US retirees. For $1.000 a month, you can have a very comfortable lifestyle. For example, a complete dinner costs around 10 dollars and the rent of an apartment in the heart of one of the historic centers is around 400 dollars. Here, the elderly enjoy the refund of all VAT paid for purchases and services and an additional 40% discount on all bills, which are already very low.

5. Malaysia

On the other side of the world we find Malaysia in fifth place, which has a good health system and an efficient transport network. The purchase or rental prices of properties are also very affordable. One of the advantages lies precisely in the tax system, in which the tax is paid exclusively on the income generated in the territory. Furthermore, the equatorial climate conquers the hearts of retirees, where the temperature never drops below 28 degrees. And it's also a great base for getting lost in the wonders of the rest of Asia: Bali, Cambodia, Vietnam and many more.

6. Colombia

Colombia allows one simple and economical lifestyle. Advantages also in terms of medical care, health care costs are very low, and tax incentives. The friendly population allows you to feel at home, and the temperatures allow you to live "in spring" all year round. The recommended cities are Medellin, Pereira, Armenia and Manizales, which form the so-called Coffee Triangle.

7. Portugal

The low cost of living-mild climate formula make Portugal the favorite European destination for the over 65s to spend their retirement years. The greatest advantage derives from the proximity to our country - a two hour flight is enough to reach Lisbon from Italy - but above all from the possibility of receiving a tax-free pension for the first decade. According to estimates, the cost of living is 20% lower than in Italy. Not to mention the beauty of this place, from historical sites to the beaches of the Algarve.

8. Peru

In South America, another very popular destination is Peru, for the quality/price ratio. With about 1700 dollars a month, a retired couple can live more than decently. The high quality, associated with a delicious cuisine and low prices, allows you to live with all the necessary comforts. Utility costs are also very low. Rents, for example in Miraflores, the refined district of Lima, start at 800 dollars a month, but it is possible to find even cheaper solutions in the rest of the country.

9. Thailand

Landscapes, good food, low cost of living. These are three factors that make Thailand one of the most livable places in the world, ideal for retirees, equipped with countless benefits such as the duration of the visa for 10 years and the possibility of obtaining the gross pension. Medical care, of the highest level, costs very little, for example for a specialist visit the price is around 10 dollars. In 2018 there was a 65% increase in Italians over 107.

10. Spain

Spain is in last place in this ranking, with in the lead the Canary Islands where more than 20 Italians live. The retirement age in Spain is 65, lower than in Italy, given the latest reforms. The decision to enjoy the "deserved rest years" in this country regards its proximity to Italy and the climate: fairly high temperatures even in winter (never below 17%), but also for health care, with 80 euros per month gives access to a total private policy. The cost of living is also significantly lower than in Italy. The reason? The general indirect tax is 6,5%.