Best Countries to Retire from the UK in 2025
9 min readRetirement isn’t what it used to be.
It’s no longer just about stepping away from work – for many, it’s an opportunity to start a new chapter on their own terms, with greater freedom, purpose and enjoyment.
Turning that vision into reality, especially overseas, takes careful planning and a clear understanding of your options.
One of the most popular routes is the ‘golden visa’ – a residency program offered to those who are prepared to invest a significant amount of money in a country.
Each program comes with its own rules, minimum investment thresholds, and unique advantages. Some offer favourable tax treatment, while others allow easier travel to multiple countries by providing access to highly desirable regions like the EU’s Schengen Zone.
But navigating these programs can be complex, and the international golden visa landscape is always evolving, meaning up-to-date, clear guidance is essential.
That’s why the Nomad Capitalist team has put together this in-depth guide to help UK citizens navigate their retirement options in 2025. In it, we break down the latest updates, key benefits and what makes each destination a compelling choice for British citizens planning their next chapter.
How Much Pension Do You Need to Retire Abroad?
This is one of the most important questions people ask, and the answer varies for everyone.
For one thing, the cost of living in your chosen country is a major factor. Some destinations are famously affordable, while others are more expensive.
Your desired lifestyle plays a big part, as do healthcare, currency exchange rates, and any tax obligations, both in the UK and your new home.
A good starting point is to research typical costs for rent, groceries, utilities and private healthcare there to see which countries fit your budget.
It is important to keep in mind that your UK State Pension benefits can typically be received while living abroad. However, its value may be influenced by currency exchange rates and in certain nations, yearly increments may be restricted.
Understanding Visa-Free Countries for British Citizens
The UK passport is one of the world’s most powerful.
While the list of visa-free countries can evolve, and the duration of stay varies (typically from 30 to 180 days), UK passport holders generally enjoy visa-free access to many countries.
A UK passport holder can travel to most European Union (EU) countries in the Schengen Area. These countries include popular retirement places like Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece for short periods (usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
Countries outside the EU, like Switzerland, Norway and Iceland, often offer similar short-stay visa exemptions.
A UK passport holder can travel to the Americas for 90 days. This includes Canada and the US, many places in Central America, South America (like Mexico or Peru), and many Caribbean islands like Barbados.
Popular Asian destinations like Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia frequently allow visa-free entry for UK tourists. Thailand also offers this for short tourist stays, though, as discussed elsewhere, longer retirement stays require specific visas.
The Oceania region includes Australia (often accessible for short stays via an Electronic Travel Authority – ETA) and New Zealand, which also permits UK citizens short visits without a visa.
However, when we think about retiring to another country, these visa-free allowances are not meant for long-term living.
Setting up a home and enjoying your retirement years abroad almost certainly requires a specific type of long-stay visa or residency permit.
These are typically based on having enough income, health insurance, and sometimes making an investment.
That said, the ability to visit a country visa-free can be incredibly useful during the planning stages. It allows you to spend time in potential retirement spots, get a feel for a neighbourhood, look at properties or simply experience daily life before making any big decisions.
Just remember, for the actual move, you’ll need to look into the specific residency requirements of your chosen country.
Retiring to France from the UK
France has long been a popular choice for retirees from the UK.
It’s easy to see why, with charming villages, busy local markets, world-renowned cuisine and a rich culture that savours the good things in life.
Since the UK’s departure from the EU, the process of moving to France for retirement involves a few more steps.
UK citizens who plan to stay for more than 90 days must now apply for a long-stay visa, typically a ‘visiteur’ (visitor) visa. This means proving you can support yourself without working in France and having private health insurance, at least at first.
Regarding healthcare, if you receive a UK state pension, you can apply for an S1 form. With this document, you can use the French government healthcare system, PUMa (Protection Universelle Maladie), like French citizens.
Until then, or if you’re not eligible for an S1, private health cover is a must.
Retiring to Spain from the UK
For many in the UK, the thought of retiring to Spain is an attractive prospect. The most common path for UK retirees is the Non-Lucrative Visa, which allows you to live in Spain provided you can show sufficient monthly income and have comprehensive private health insurance.
For those with more funds, Spain’s Golden Visa offers another route to residency and eventual citizenship.
Full private health cover is initially necessary. However, if you have a UK state pension, you can access Spain’s public healthcare system, much like a local.
Retiring to Portugal from the UK
Portugal has a way of catching people’s attention.
Beyond the well-loved Algarve, with its glorious beaches and superb golf, lie historic towns brimming with character and culture.
Many who’ve made the move speak of a gentler cost of living and a real sense of welcome from the Portuguese people.
If you’re a UK retiree dreaming of making Portugal your home, the D7 Visa is usually the best route.
The Portuguese Golden Visa now requires an investment in funds, cultural projects or companies instead of direct property purchases.
In addition, you might have heard about the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme, which was a big part of the program’s success. However, it closed at the end of 2023.
If you’re moving to Portugal in 2025, your overseas state pension will now be taxed either under Portugal’s usual income tax system or according to the agreement between the UK and Portugal.
There is a new, much narrower tax incentive, but it’s really for people in specific tech or research jobs, so it generally won’t apply if you’re retiring.
For healthcare, once you’re legally a resident and registered, you can access Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS).
Retiring to Thailand from the UK
For those looking to Thailand for their retirement, there are a few well-trodden residency paths.
The Non-Immigrant O-A visa (which you renew each year) and the O-X visa (typically valid for five years, renewable for another five).
To qualify, you generally need to be over 50 and able to show either a steady monthly income or a lump sum in a Thai bank.
More recently, Thailand launched its Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa. This newer option is for those with more substantial finances, including a category for ‘wealthy pensioners’ who can show a large, regular annual income or ample assets.
While the financial bar is higher, the benefits include easier travel in and out of the country and sometimes quicker service at airports, which many find appealing.
Exploring European Alternatives
While Spain and Portugal often take the limelight, several other European countries have their own unique appeal for UK citizens looking to retire.
Italy, for instance, offers art, history, amazing food and landscapes that range from rolling Tuscan hills to dramatic shorelines.
For foreign retirees, the Elective Residency Visa is the best pathway.
Then there’s Greece, a land where ancient mythology meets sun-drenched islands and the famous Mediterranean laid back lifestyle. Many are drawn by the warmth of its climate and its people, alongside a generally more affordable cost of living.
UK citizens usually use the Financially Independent Person’s Permit.
Further Afield?
Vietnam offers UK retirees ancient traditions, stunning landscapes and one of the lowest costs of living in the world.
While Vietnam doesn’t currently offer a specific ‘retirement visa’ in the way some other countries do, there are ways to enjoy longer-term stays.
This includes investor or business visas, or carefully planned extensions of other visa types.
Then there are the ever-popular destinations of New Zealand and Australia.
Both offer incredible lifestyles, but it’s important to note that their pathways to retirement for UK citizens can be more complex and come with higher financial requirements.
While a dedicated temporary retirement visitor visa was previously available for New Zealand, it has now closed to new applicants.
Current long-term options for UK retirees include:
- Having family connections, like the Parent Resident Visa, which needs sponsorship by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident and meets the minimum monthly income criteria
- Or a significant investment through visas like the Active Investor Plus Visa.
Similarly, Australia doesn’t offer a straightforward retirement visa.
The most common routes for UK citizens looking to retire there are through family or investment-linked visas if you have significant capital to invest in the country.
Retiring Abroad From the UK: FAQs
Start by researching your chosen destinations. Look into living costs, visa rules (especially for Europe post-Brexit), and healthcare. Other factors to consider are ease of accessibility, language barrier, cultural barriers, the potential for extreme weather events and the scale of the current expat community.
Portugal is among the most affordable choices in Europe. Looking further, countries in Southeast Asia, like Thailand and Malaysia, or parts of Central and South America, such as Ecuador, can offer a much lower cost of living for UK retirees.
Spain and Portugal are very popular for their climate and lifestyle, although UK citizens now need residency visas post-Brexit. Common retirement destinations, like France, Malta, Cyprus and Greece have also attracted many UK retirees.
Yes, usually. Since Brexit, if you’re moving to an EU country, you’ll need a specific long-stay visa and residence permit. Similar rules apply to retiring in most countries outside of Europe, too.
If you receive a UK state pension, you can use an S1 form, which allows you to access state healthcare in EU countries the same as a local. Otherwise, private health insurance is necessary.
Go Where You’re Treated Best in 2025
Many people in the UK, including British retirees, today feel a growing sense of unease, prompted by a continually rising cost of living, concern about crime and safety, or simply the feeling that the country isn’t what it used to be.
For these people, the idea of ‘going where you are treated best’ truly comes into its own.
This isn’t about running away. It’s about intentionally choosing a place that aligns with your personal values and aspirations, offers you greater freedom, allows your money to go further and delivers the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to achieve.
At Nomad Capitalist, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live where they feel secure, respected and free to thrive. That’s why we specialise in helping high-net-worth individuals navigate the complexities of international living.
From cross-border tax planning to second residence and citizenship strategies, we build holistic, personalised plans that cover every aspect of your transition.
Ready to take that next step? Let’s talk.
