More and more European and American retirees are choosing to spend their retirement years outside their home countries. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, more than 700,000 Americans currently receive monthly pensions while living abroad. Europe has become an especially popular destination for retirees, and there are several reasons for this trend.
Many retirees are drawn to Europe to experience the culture of their ancestors or to enjoy more time on the continent where they frequently vacationed. As reported by tportal, European destinations offer a variety of benefits, including a low cost of living, pleasant climate, and high quality of life, although these vary depending on the country and city.
There are many factors to consider when retiring abroad, so experts recommend seeking professional advice on tax, and thoroughly researching healthcare options, visa and residency requirements, rental prices, infrastructure, language, and more.
Why Croatia is becoming a popular retirement destination
One of Europe's increasingly popular travel destinations for retirees is Croatia, with the coastal city of Split recently making it onto the list of top cities for retirees. According to travel portal Travel + Leisure, Croatia is not only an increasingly popular tourist destination, but it's also an attractive place for retirees. Croatia has around 5,800 kilometres of coastline and warm, dry summers and mild winters, making it an ideal climate for retirees.
As Croatia's second largest city, Split offers convenient access to some of the country's best beaches and a rich cultural heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace. The city also offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, cultural and entertainment venues, and a large English-speaking population, making it an expatriate-friendly place to live.
Split
U.S. citizens planning to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days need a temporary residence permit. After living in the country for five years, they can obtain permanent residency. Americans are also allowed to buy property in Croatia, making it an attractive retirement destination. Health care in Croatia is considered adequate, and many English-speaking doctors are available, providing peace of mind for expats.
Other popular European retirement destinations
Croatia is not the only European destination garnering attention from retirees. Other popular destinations include the Algarve in Portugal, Bordeaux in France, Budapest in Hungary, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Alicante in Spain, Valletta in Malta, Kinsale in Ireland and Prague in the Czech Republic. Each of these destinations offers a unique combination of lifestyle benefits, from cultural experiences and beautiful landscapes to affordable prices and quality healthcare.
As more retirees look to enjoy retirement in scenic, culturally rich environments, Europe continues to be a top choice, offering a variety of destinations to cater for different tastes and needs.
