6 Latin American countries among the 10 best places to live in retirement

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Global Retirement Index 2022 by U.S. magazine International Living, which has been published annually for more than three decades, lists the best countries based on criteria such as cost of living, housing conditions, health care system, hospitality, and cultural environment of the nations, as well as indicators of a pleasant climate and good governance.

Unfortunately, Brazil is not one of the top 25 countries for retirement living. But other Latin American countries are.

The best place in 2022 was Panama, where US$1,650 per month, including rent, is enough for a couple to live in peace. The index comprises hundreds of opinions and experiences gathered from people in each country. Surprisingly, among the top ten are six from Latin America. See the list:

1- Panama

It meets all the requirements, such as the maximum score in the removal of bureaucracy to obtain permanent residence, as well as in the tax system and the possibilities of exceptional living for retirees.

It also stands out for its delightful tropical climate, as well as for its flexibility and numerous opportunities for retirees to engage in additional activities (either looking for compensation to supplement income or just for fun).

2- Costa Rica

The tropical climate and lower cost of living skyrocket the country’s ratings, which also wins in the requirements of tranquility and governance. The public administration is relatively responsible for environmental and social policies.

Strict laws on issues such as gun ownership and a regular healthcare system are other advantages of the country.

3- Mexico

When talking about North America’s only Latin country, culinary and cultural flare-ups are excessive. Other attractions include nature and various tourist sites. Mexico received the best rating for adaptation and hospitality.

The country also offers advantages to foreigners, especially those coming from the United States, in terms of housing, cost of living, and less bureaucracy.

4- Portugal

The quality of public health (with low rates), climate, and urban development have improved the country’s rating. Cities with well-preserved historic architecture, a balance between urbanity and nature, and safety were other factors considered.

5- Ecuador

A well-balanced place between the small gentrification of cities and the necessary structure for modern life. However, the major highlight is the additional services provided by the country.

In this regard, the ranking considers discounts for retirees, such as airline tickets, food, electricity, and public transportation.

6- Colombia

The health system and the cost of living are two highlights of this South American country. The biodiversity, the “cosmopolitan” cities in cultural terms, and the favorable climate with several coastal towns have made Colombia one of the best places to retire.

7- France

The cultural, artistic, and architectural richness does not even need to be mentioned. The country also stands out for its development of infrastructure, the (universal) health system, the climate, and the regularity of governance.

This last factor concerns the respect for individual freedoms, the de-bureaucratization, the efficiency of the banking system, and even the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

8- Malta

This tiny, isolated European country is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy, and has great natural wealth that serves the well-being of its population. Other highlights highlight the non-bureaucratic procedure for foreigners settling in the country and a developed urban structure.

9- Spain

The country’s healthcare system is the best rating here, including the public and private sectors. According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2020 of the World Economic Forum, the best strategy in the world.

The cultural vibrancy and diversity (especially in the major cities such as the capital Madrid), the affordable cost of living, and the development of the country’s infrastructure are other highlights.

10- Uruguay

In addition to the natural landscapes with its numerous coastal cities, the country received the best marks for urban development and infrastructure, as well as for the balance of the political system and, therefore, quite good governance.