Top 5 Countries to Retire with Easy Citizenship

For any number of reasons, many people consider retiring to another country. A foreign country may offer a lower cost of living, which can be important to retired adults with limited retirement savings. Some countries may have particularly appealing climates, or people may simply have fallen in love with a country they once visited and vowed to themselves they would one day retire there.

For a person planning to settle down permanently in a foreign country, it is typically necessary to become a citizen of that country because it simplifies matters such as opening bank accounts and owning property. Some may choose dual citizenship, obtaining a second passport, while others may prefer to drop their U.S. citizenship altogether and become citizens of their new home country.

Key Takeaways

Citizenship

Some countries allow dual citizenship, and some do not. Many wealthy Americans, perturbed by what they consider oppressive U.S. taxation, have chosen to renounce their U.S. citizenship in favor of becoming citizens of nations such as Singapore or Chile.

Factors to consider in terms of new citizenship and a second passport are whether your new passport allows visa-free travel, taxes and other potential obligations, and financial freedom such as the ability to open a bank account or establish a business. There is also the question of whether a retirement destination is welcoming to ex-pats who wish to become citizens. It is relatively easy to obtain citizenship in the following five countries.

Dominican Republic

Retirees can obtain citizenship in a reasonably short period in the Dominican Republic. The basic requirement is that a retiree document a stable retirement income of at least $1,500 per month from a source outside the Dominican Republic, plus $250 per each dependent. Non-retirees have to show a minimum monthly income of $2,000 per month. The term dependent refers to a spouse or children under the age of 18.

The Dominican Republic allows foreigners with Ordinary Temporary Residence permits to settle permanently. This extension, valid for five years, requires several documents including a valid passport, Temporary Residence Card, and Certification of No Criminal Record. Additionally, applicants must prove financial solvency and pass medical examinations. The procedure involves registering on an online portal, submitting scanned documents, depositing originals within 30 days of arrival, and translating foreign documents into Spanish if necessary. Note that immigration rules, timelines, and requirements should be further researched as the process may vary from applicant to applicant.

Ireland

A person can qualify to become a naturalized citizen of Ireland by living there for one year, plus four years cumulative residency over the eight years preceding the one year.

The Irish government may even be willing to waive part of the residency time requirement if you can sufficiently document Irish ancestry or other associations with Ireland. If you happen to have a provable Irish grandparent, you may be able to become an Irish national by virtue of your ancestry. Ireland does permit dual citizenship. Keep in mind that obtaining citizenship does not automatically shield you from obligations of citizenship in another country (for example, paying taxes in both homelands).

Peru

Getting a residence permit for Peru is not too difficult for individuals who are willing to attend school, start a business in Peru, or prove that they earn more than $1,000 per month in investment or pension income.

Those who meet one of these criteria can receive a “carné de extranjeria” (a foreigner’s identification document) that is valid for two years. The carne can then be renewed as needed. There is a language and history test in Spanish that passport applicants must take unless they marry a Peruvian.

It is advisable to go through an agent who can guide you through the process of applying for residency at a Peruvian embassy. Applicants may also need to change their name to the Spanish style of having surnames from both their mother and father. Unlike some countries that require you to renounce your previous citizenship to become a citizen, Peru allows dual citizenship.

Singapore

Singapore offers a simple route to citizenship. Anyone who establishes a business in Singapore obtains employment there, or marries a citizen of Singapore can obtain permanent residency. After two years of residency, individuals can apply to become a naturalized citizen. Opening a business, however, can be a costly enterprise: check carefully for the latest financial requirements; it’s not just simply depositing a certain sum in a Singapore bank.

Important

Singapore requires National Service from its male citizens. If you are of retirement age, you are likely safely outside the age window that obligates you for national service. A male permanent resident can apply for citizenship after completing National Service. Singapore does not allow dual citizenship. Applicants must renounce their prior citizenship to become a citizen of Singapore.

Canada

Canada also offers a simple path to citizenship. Unless you have a job in Canada, you need proof of other income to obtain residency. To meet the residency requirement, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (two years) in every five-year period. An individual needs $13,757 (CAD), as proof of funds to immigrate as a skilled immigrant.

After becoming a permanent resident, you can apply for naturalization as a Canadian citizen if you meet certain criteria. There are interactive questionnaires you can take to deliberate if relocating to Canada is right for you.

The Canadian immigration authorities are very strict about enforcing the requirement that you physically reside in the country before applying to be a citizen. You must have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days during the five years immediately before the date of your application. You also must have filed your taxes for at least three years during the last five years, and any income tax you owe must be paid.

Other requirements include: If you’re 14 to 65, you must send documents proving that you can speak and listen in English or French, and you will need to pass a citizenship test. If you wait until you are older, these requirements will not apply. Canada does permit dual citizenship.

Can I Retire Abroad Without Losing My Citizenship?

In most cases, yes. Many countries allow their citizens to retire abroad without forfeiting citizenship. Note that some countries have specific requirements or limitations for citizens living abroad, such as maintaining a primary residence or voting obligations.

How Much Money Do I Need to Retire Abroad Comfortably?

There’s unfortunately no single best answer for this one. The amount of money needed for retirement abroad depends on various factors including your lifestyle preferences, healthcare needs, housing choices, and desired activities. Keep in mind that your general cost of living may vary from one location to the next, so consider speaking with a financial advisor in a specific country for direct guidance.

Can I Access My Retirement Savings if I Move Abroad?

Yes, you can typically access your retirement savings if you move abroad. However, the process for accessing funds may vary depending on your retirement accounts and financial institutions. For example, you may come across currency exchange rates, transaction fees, and tax implications when withdrawing funds from your retirement accounts. Each of these factors may vary from one international location to another.

Can I Still Receive Social Security Benefits if I Live Abroad?

Yes, you can typically receive Social Security benefits if you live abroad, provided you meet eligibility requirements. However, there are some exceptions and limitations depending on your citizenship, residency status, and the specific terms of the Social Security agreement between your home country and your chosen destination.

The Bottom Line

Try vacationing or staying on a short-stay visa before applying for a residency visa. It is important to get a feel for a country and its ex-pat community before committing to a big retirement move.