The 5 Best Island Countries in the World to Retire On

The 5 Best Island Countries in the World to Retire On
The 5 Best Island Countries in the World to Retire On

Picture yourself on a remote island, with breathtaking sunsets, deserted beaches, and majestic sceneries all around you. No telephone, no computer, no anxiety.

People often dream of moving to an island and spending their retirement years in adventure, fun, peace, romance, and pleasure. The best part is, that you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy these perks.

If this sounds tempting to you, worry no more! We’ve got you covered with this article since we’ll talk about the best island countries worldwide where you can retire and enjoy your adulthood.

St. Kitts and Nevis

Have you ever dreamt of moving to the Caribbean? And it sounded like a distant dream with no potential of coming true. Well, we have good news for you! St. Kitts and Nevis is a great destination for retirement and many people decide on spending their retirement days in this land.

It offers a citizenship-by-investment program where you can become a citizen by investing a particular sum in the Government National Fund or real estate. St. Kitts citizenship cost depends on the type of investment you’ll make:

  • It can cost $150K for a single applicant
  • $200K invested in real estate
  • $400K investment in units

Many people decide to retire in St. Kitts and Nevis for tax benefits since there is no tax on wealth gifts, inheritance tax, capital gains, or foreign income. However, the cost of living in this country can be quite high, mainly due to the import fees of essential products.

Malaysia

Malaysia is another one of the best countries to retire in. It’s been a favorite ex-pat destination for decades. You’d get to experience the trade-up lifestyle where everything is in the First World order. You can live on a budget of $1500 to $2500 as a couple, or less as an individual.

Most people decide to reside in Penang, which is the largest city in the country and the home of vibrant artworks, eclectic architecture, amazing food, and fascinating history. Penang is in the southeast part of Asia which is convenient for traveling to Cambodia, Bali, Vietnam, and Thailand with no trouble.

Furthermore, in a couple of hours, you could be enjoying a white, sandy beach in the Philippines or climbing on a temple in Myanmar. Do your due diligence and pack your bags to move to this breathtaking country!

Indonesia

Indonesia is another country that took place on our list due to its extremely alluring landscapes, lifestyle, activities, and tranquility. It has a lot to offer, from scenic views to golden beaches swept by the waves of the Indian Ocean.

Imagine living in romantic Bali with a lush jungle, mountainous views, and breathtaking beaches, while spending your time exploring the temples, learning about the culture, and lifestyle, and tasting the food. Indonesia offers a retirement visa, so you can check the process and prepare.

Reasons to retire in Indonesia:

  • Enjoy the calm and peaceful lifestyle;
  • Explore another culture full of art, dance, theatre, rituals, music, and handicraft;
  • Perks of local discounts;
  • Receive a Multiple Exit Re-Permit (MERP), which allows you to leave and re-enter as many times as you need

Cuba

Cuba is one of the best island countries in the world and a lot of ex-pats want to retire. The country is a very friendly place since the Cubans are patriotic people and proud of their country and nationality.

Cuba has a lot to offer and an undeniable cultural reputation. One thing is for sure, you won’t miss the music – there are a lot of festivals and talented street performers that feed the Cuban art.

Additionally, the Cuban weather is amazing. It varies from 18 and 32 degrees and you will get a lot of sunny days. Foreigners can live in Cuba via a visa. Business visas and work permits can be difficult to obtain, however, the country has recently begun the process of initiating “snowbird visas” to make the most of ex-pats who want to come for part of the year.

Thailand

We have another Asian country on our list, for a good reason. Thailand is becoming more popular in the past couple of years as the ultimate retirement destination. The cost of living there is quite low, which means you can afford more and stretch your retirement savings for a longer period.

In fact, Thailand remains one of the best countries in the world to retire in. Some of the reasons to retire in Thailand include:

  • The incredible culture – 95% of the population is Buddhist, so you can experience firsthand the essentials of calmness, compassion, and empathy;
  • Traveling and exploring tropical mountains and hills;
  • Enjoying an ex-pat community;
  • World-class healthcare system;
  • Nursing homes;
  • Amazing food;

Sounds Great, Doesn’t It?!

If you haven’t made up your mind until now, you can check our blog for more information regarding retirement abroad. And enjoy your browsing!