Where The World Wants To Retire To The Most

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Where The World Wants To Retire To The Most

Conducted by money.co.uk, the research analysed how often retirees worldwide are searching on Google to retire to particular countries overseas, and it’s France that tops the retirement wish lists of 20 countries – more than anywhere else worldwide. France is followed by Canada and Argentina, while Spain comes in at number six.

France is the number one destination for retirees looking to relocate, according to a new analysis of Google search demand for retirement hotspots
Canada, known for its healthcare, scenery and friendly locals ranked in second, followed by Argentina, a popular choice for South American retirees
Americans are searching for retired life in Costa Rica the most, followed by Portugal, Mexico, Spain and then Panama
Nigeria is only the country most wanting to spend their retirement in the United States of America

A new study by money.co.uk has revealed where the world is planning on retiring to the most, crowning France as the most sought-after retirement hotspot, whilst Americans are hoping to retire to the sunny hotspot of Costa Rica.

With restrictions starting to lift around the world, the study analysed where the inhabitants of 142 different countries are searching to retire to the most on Google.

Home to a reasonably priced property market, strong healthcare system and warm climate, France proves to be a favourable choice for many retirees looking for a change of scenery in their later years. Taking the top spot with a total of 20 countries that include the likes of Italy, Belgium and Cameroon searching to retire here more than any other country.

However, the other side of the Atlantic also proved popular, with Canada ranking in second, being the most searched retirement relocation destination for 14 countries that include Albania, Taiwan and more. Argentina ranked third, favoured by 11 countries in total, with many already based within South America.

The 10 Most Searched For Retirement Hotspots

Rank	Country	Number of countries searching to retire here the most
1.	France	20
2.	Canada	14
3.	Argentina	11
4.	Portugal	10
5.	Australia	9
5.	Thailand	9
6.	Spain	8
7.	Costa Rica	6
7.	Germany	6
8.	New Zealand	5
9.	Turkey	4
10.	Belgium	3
10.	Malaysia	3

Potentially due to the difficulty of being able to actually retire to the United Kingdom or United States of America, both of these countries were discovered to be less desirable when it comes to finding to right place to retire. Only America topped the searches for retirees in Nigeria, and the UK failed to rank top for any pensioners worldwide.

Meanwhile, inhabitants of the UK search most for retirement options in Spain, a country popular with British expats. Americans instead desire to retire to the tropical surroundings of Costa Rica the most, a country that offers enviable medical care alongside its picture-perfect habitat.

Which Countries Want To Retire To Spain The Most

Argentina
Belize
Dominican Republic
Equatorial Guinea
Jamaica
Maldives
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom

Spain was the top choice for eight countries looking to retire abroad including the United Kingdom. With a thriving expat community along with great weather, friendly people and fantastic food, it’s easy to see why Spain would be the top choice for many looking to settle down in another country after retirement.

Where People in Spain Want To Retire To The Most

Grenada
Argentina
India
United States of America
Costa Rica

The retirement destination Spaniards are searching for the most is Grenada. The Caribbean island is known for its coastal living, beautiful scenery and tropical weather with the country benefiting from more than 200 hours of sunshine each month.

Joel Kempson, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, commented:

“Retirement is an exciting phase of our lives and for many, this means the opportunity to spend some of our pensions, and the latter years of our lives, in a new country altogether.”

For further information on the findings, the top-ranking countries and their options for retirees, visit: https://www.money.co.uk/pensions/where-the-world-wants-to-retire.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.