We’ve decided to research living outside the US. Moving is a huge decision, and moving out of the country is even bigger. So I’m doing research on countries that welcome older, retired Americans.
One prerequisite is that the country has to allow long term residency. The best way to find out what the country requires to establish permanent residency is to read the country’s official webpages on immigration and residency. Don’t rely on hearsay or other, non-official websites because things change!
New Zealand would be my first choice – English speaking, gorgeous country, great weather, cultured, good economy and government – but they require conditions that we cannot meet. The most likely option for residency permit would be as an investor; New Zealand requires $3MM (New Zealand dollars) if one is under 65, or it may be possible for older individuals to get accepted if they have $10MM to invest in New Zealand.
Australia has similar requirements.
I’ve since looked at Uruguay which has many attractions and one big negative; Spanish is the official language and English fluency is not widespread. Now I’m looking at Caribbean islands, which have the negative of consistently very warm weather. (That may be a plus for you!) Many of the island countries are former British colonies and speak English.
Uruguay allows residency to people who – this is great – want to live there and are willing to move and live there. It’s that simple. Yes, you need a background check, proof of income, a health check, but the main thing is intention and feet on the ground. I will continue researching Uruguay and we’ll plan to visit there.
The Bahamas allow residency to people who buy homes – with special attention if you spend $750,000 on your house. The Bahamas are former British colonies, speak English and they are also expensive with hot weather and hordes of tourists.
Cayman Islands are attractive too. You can get a Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means if your income is $120 Cayman dollars, about $144K US and have invested $1MM Cayman in Cayman islands of which $500K must be real estate. This certificate is good for 25 years and may be renewed.
Jamaica doesn’t appear to have income or investment requirements but one needs two Jamaicans references. Many people speak English.
I plan to finish researching the Caribbean countries with the intention to rule out any that do not welcome permanent residents before doing a deeper dive as to livability.
Justin says
The Bahamas are not British, as staed above. The bahamas gained independence from the UK in 1973.