Best country to retire to

I think that Brexit makes it difficult for us to retire in the EU, or anywhere else we would want to go, unless you have pots of money so that they let you in.

We are having problems getting our heads around moving within England, let alone moving to another Country, plus I wouldn’t want to leave our family behind at my age.
I think the U.K. will be fine for us.

Oopsadaisy1

I think that Brexit makes it difficult for us to retire in the EU, or anywhere else we would want to go, unless you have pots of money so that they let you in.

We moved to a non eu country in 2004. It can be done.
You’re correct about finances. You have to show your bank statements continuously until you get residency.

My DSIL moved to Northern Cyprus 12 years ago. Still have to prove they have enough money to support themselves, otherwise they will deport you. All countries the same I would think. Family in two EU countries. So no, England me, and short visits elsewhere. Best of both worlds.

Belgium. Just love it!

Brexit: the gift that keeps on giving, even to the retired.

My old school friend took early retirement and moved to Spain with her husband. Reading between the lines I don’t think it is as wonderful as she makes out.

Freya5
england for me
Same here, that’s why I only stayed 5 years, and the pull of the grandchildren.
I didn’t have any when we left.

A friend and her husband moved to Portugal a few years ago, in retirement.

Their only daughter, married to a Portuguese chap was there plus two little GC.

No other major ties here. I assume they are happy, but she seems keen to keep in touch with old friends on Facebook.

Home must still have a strong pull, even so.

Our DD lives in Oz. We have a son and family locally.

Would not want to move to Oz permanently though, even if we just had her.

Oz has it’s good points but on a world scale probably not. We love it because all our family are here but there are certain things I would change if I could! I suppose that is true of most places in the long run.

We thought about Portugal and have done several exploratory trips. The information we got from the guide on our trip to Portugal in response to the questions about taxes, medical care costs and insurance would outweigh the sunshine for us, even though it is lovely. Driving along a road and suddenly finding that there’s fire on either side ahead was also a bit offputting.
I love England and the UK, even though I don’t like everything that’s going on, so I think we’ll stay here.

We often toy with the idea of retiring abroad, but like others say, the pull of the grandchildren is too strong.
It's also the little everyday things I would now miss. A kind of security in familiarity.

A friend was hospitalised on a holiday in Portugal and could only say that our NHS is truly wonderful whatever we think.

Oopsadaisy1

I think that Brexit makes it difficult for us to retire in the EU, or anywhere else we would want to go, unless you have pots of money so that they let you in.

Not sure that’s true.
I think people retire to Spain still, and not those with pots of money.

Only England for me. The grass isn't greener elsewhere - politics, strikes, wildfires, raging temperatures, snakes, spiders .... no thanks.

Ironically 60% of over 65s voted for Brexit. Turkey's voting for Christmas.

Retiring abroad wihout speaking the language and without strong ties- has been a disaster for many.

However, those who did so at an earlier stage, then retired back to the UK when getting older- are often so disappointed about the state of the UK and even more so, the state of the NHS.

For us, returning to the UK with pre-existing conditions, with huge waiting lists and many treatments not available- is just not an option.

We lived in France for four years pre Brexit, one of the best periods of my life, then Brexit. We couldn’t do now what we did then, plus we’d miss children, grandchildren and friends if we lived there permanently.
But, we’re so very glad we did it.

Fleurpepper

Retiring abroad wihout speaking the language and without strong ties- has been a disaster for many.

However, those who did so at an earlier stage, then retired back to the UK when getting older- are often so disappointed about the state of the UK and even more so, the state of the NHS.

For us, returning to the UK with pre-existing conditions, with huge waiting lists and many treatments not available- is just not an option.

That doesn’t make sense to me Fleurpepper because you must be paying health insurance where you live now, and if you did the same in the UK you would get a similar service? I can think of many reasons why it would be preferable to live abroad, but that wouldn’t be one of them.

We spent nearly 30 years living on and off in France in a farmhouse and loved the experience, the friends we made there and the way of life. Then Brexit was foisted on us by Garage, the Buffoon and the turkeys so we left with some regret knowing that it was never going to be as straightforward as it had been when we were in the EU.

If you retire to EU countries you have to provide details of your income. I believe for Spain you must have an income of about £28000 and this is for a one year visa.

Casdon

Fleurpepper

Retiring abroad wihout speaking the language and without strong ties- has been a disaster for many.

However, those who did so at an earlier stage, then retired back to the UK when getting older- are often so disappointed about the state of the UK and even more so, the state of the NHS.

For us, returning to the UK with pre-existing conditions, with huge waiting lists and many treatments not available- is just not an option.

That doesn’t make sense to me Fleurpepper because you must be paying health insurance where you live now, and if you did the same in the UK you would get a similar service? I can think of many reasons why it would be preferable to live abroad, but that wouldn’t be one of them.

Where I live now, Health insurance cannot exclude pre-existing conditions, by Law. Bupa/Spire, etc, make it difficult, almost impossible, with huge premiums and said conditions often excluded, especially if over 70.

We moved not ot escape with UK at all- but to look after my parents in their latter years, with the absolute intention of returning to the UK we loved later. This is no longer an option- due to the country having changed so much since we left, and mainly due to State of NHS.

All the snakes in this country are in government!

The best country for me is the one that keeps family and friends within easy reach, which is a factor not just of distance but travel costs and travel complications (passports, airports etc)

For me that means staying in the UK, in England and south of the Watfotd gap.

We have had a holiday home in France for over 30 years, it is in Normandy so very convenient for quick weekend visits. We love it there, but have never considered retiring there. In fact, having hot 80 this year, we have decided to sell it and limit complications for our chldren when we die.