Exploring places to live for a few years

There are FB groups for any of these countries that are just for expats or for people wanting to move to those areas.
You biggest problem is getting a visa to stay and live there.

Perhaps narrow things down by those places where you can get a visa to remain for long periods.

I presume if you are smart enough to afford the idea, you are smart enough to figure out if you can get a visa.

If you want a place without a visa then the only two that I am familiar with are Armenia which is a 1 year limit, then leave for one full day, then you get another year. Or, Albania which is 12 months in and 3 months out, then repeat.

But dont trust me. Check it yourself.

Hungary? Impossible.

I haven't been everywhere, but it occurred to me that living in Ireland would be easy.

Stan,
I hear good things about Ireland but it would be a bit cold and damp for these old bones. Same thing about Belgium were I have family.

We just got back from 19 days in Valencia, Spain. We've spent similar amounts of time in a lot of other places in Europe. Valencia was the first place I've been to where I felt like I would be happy living there. So you might look into Valencia.

Ireland requires income of €100k for a couple, and an emergency lump fund that needs to be minimum the value of an average residential home in Ireland, which is currently €375k. The countries OP has listed have much lower requirements for their equivalent passive income visas. And the weather in Ireland is terrible

The Other Marty,
Thanks for the input. It's been a long while since I've been in Valencia, maybe 20 years, but I remember it being a lovely city. I was always fond of Barcelona and the surounding areas. It all be one of my top stops in my quest.

Phil

Portugal comes up in many online discussions.

I have lived in Saudi Arabia for five years and Germany for four years, working for the US Government. Also, have visited 80% of the countries in Europe and many more around the World.

At 78 years of age, I would NOT wish to live in a foreign country. Being away from children and grandchildren alone would be a huge problem. Also, my Spanish is weak after years of little use and don't wish to worry about a language barrier.
Of course, living in the UK, Ireland or even Scandinavia where English is either dominate or widely spoken would be an option. Still, I don't wish to live in a country with a colder climate than I have now in South Georgia.

Also, why live overseas when we still travel overseas? When we lived in Germany from 1987-91, we had the military's commissary and PX and didn't have to pay the high prices for food or essentials. Even when we purchased something expensive on the economy, we could get a tax refund for the VAT-tax.
Going to another country now would not have that protection. Also, what taxes would we have to pay in the country we picked.
I love Italy, but not sure I love it enough to live there all the time.

The other thing is that having visited a place like Italy or Spain (warm countries), we have already visited so many places, that only a few more are left.

Then we would have to deal with having to pay our mortgage on our current home, plus rent on a new place.

Geovagriffith,

Appreciate your comments. i too lived in Germany while working for Uncle Sam 71 -79 and 84 -2000 and travelled as you. I've thought through those concerns you've noted but obviously from my post, don't share your concerns or perspective.

Europe has changed based on a number of trips back since I left but good and bad, I still would take its vibrance over the boredom of Florida's beaches.

I am eager to read the responses....I've been dreaming about buying a place in Spain or in Italy for years....language is a non-issue...I'm shocked at how much Italian I've picked up after many visits....keep posting.....!!! Can't wait to learn what you decide to do....

I love Valencia, and Barcelona....and I have no grandchildren to worry about!!!

I spent one month each year in Vejer de la Frontera, in Spain....maybe take a look (??). I'm also looking inland a bit south of Bari, in Puglia where we visit often...slightly inland...

I note that the OP has not responded to the poiunt about getting the right visa for whichever counctry he settles on.
Also it should be noted that in Schengen, you become liable for local taxes.
In Spain, for example, this meant income tax if resident for more than 183 days in a calndar year, plus a 2% wealth tax on all your worldwide assets.
Although the OP has lived and worked in Europe previously, this was was the US Govt by the look of it, and arrangements would have been different that fr a private citizen.
There were also medical treatment costs.
So, a lot to think about apart from having a nice view.

Different countries have different tax laws, and tax treaties with the US. Thats part 2 of the research exercise.

Medical? Every American knows that everyone in Europe gets free Healthcare. I am getting free Healthcare in Europe. Unless I want it in tge near future, then I have to pay for it.

More seriously, you may or may not qualify for the national plan, that varies by country and I suspect most often the answer is NOT. A really basic Healthcare plan for inpatient service only will cost maybe 300 euro a month. Then you will need the $500 a year evacuation policy so you can go home to where you are still paying $200 a month for Medicare or ACA insurance for long term care.

Lots of good things to think about BEYOND location, but also more nuanced and often location (deeper than country) specific. For example, mentioned about Spain and taxes. For Spain, there are a bunch of rules - and EXEMPTIONS - for taxes, so Mr E is correct that it is a KEY part of the process to moving anywhere abroad - shorter terms or permanently. It's also tied, to some extent, to the type of visa you might want, need, or even be able to get. Healthcare will then also tie into the mix, as many (all?) visas are going to require some sort of proofs of income, health coverage, and often specific housing.

Certainly, narrow down your list of potential landing spots but at the same time, I'd add broadening to some retirement friendly spots like Greece or Malta (or other Med area countries). You sure can find tons of info to use as a starting point via online sources, and like others noted, there are FB expat groups, youtube channels, "bootcamps" and more online.

This guy - The Expat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRNXsH7IEic&t=217s - ranks places around the world (Spain in this video), and can give a high-level breakdown of costs & options across a country or region using things like housing, healthcare, taxes, transportation, and other things that may be important to your plans.

Good luck, and enjoy the planning process :)

ekscrunchy,

Appreciate and thank you for your comments, recommendations and positive attitude.

Spent some time in Cadiz and surrounding area; has a lot going for it. Bari would be interesting but doubt I have time to explore that area this trip. I keep coming back to Barcelona probably have spent much time there. Lisbon is on the itinerary and have had some positive recommendations to follow up on.

Comment from Lin C. and Mr. E regarding issues of visas, healthcare and taxes are valid and require further detailed investigation. In my case I’d qualify for a Passive Income/Retirement visa and the US tax treaties with the EU countries would avoid much of the double taxation. I have heath insurance that covers us outside the US but that’s an area that needs more investigation. All of these issues are obstacles but hardly insurmountable.

Tom R. - Thanks for the insights and the Expat site.

⁸> ... and the US tax treaties with the EU countries would avoid much of the

double taxation.

Now, there is a good point. The point being that you have a big learning curve if you have an assumption that any of this has anything to do with a country being in the EU. US tax treaties and Passive Income/Retirement visas are individual country decisions. Ain't got either in some EU countries and the exact details in the others are going to vary wildly depending on which country you choose. Even more frightening is you could move in May, the law could change in August and you will have to decide of you want to stay and face the huge tax increase or move. You are not a citizen, your rights are limited.

But it sounds like you are sold on Spain which I have heard is one of the more retirement friendly countries ... except for the protests from the locals who say the rich retired foreigners are causing inflation and housing shortages.

Just before COVID, my wife & I were exploring the notion of extended stays. We were looking for warmish, good transportation options and so on. We spent a month in Malaga and took Spanish classes. My wife who spoke a bit took to the classes well. I was hopeless-- well, maybe just a wee bit daft.

Anyway we loved it. But then Covid hit and we never got back around to thinking about it again.

The original concept was to snowbird in Europe (instead of places like Florida) in order to experience old world culture and charms.

Good luck and happy travels.

As David mentioned, Malaga is a great option. We began wintering in Malaga in 2019 and have been returning yearly (other than 2021) for 6-8 weeks per visit. Malaga is full of history, beautiful architecture, close to water, tons of restaurants, and a very nice market. It is a transport hub so is easy to fly/bus/drive to numerous locations. City and regional buses are timely and run frequently. The commuter train between the airport and city is super easy.
We have been to Valencia and that would be a favorite second choice - lovely city with plenty to keep you busy - we just wanted the water closer to city central. However, we would be happy to return in the future for a long stay.
Good luck with your decision!

David, Susan & arjunpatelta8,

All, thanks for the good advice and perspectives, especially to relax, look round and smell the roses.

Susan, with the back and forth, are you running into the 183 day issue vis.a..vis taxes since I understand stays are cumulative.

cumulative within a tax year

There is at least one major brokerage house that holds a lot of US 401(k) accounts that may ask you to withdraw your accounts of you become a tax resident on another country.

Then there are DL issues and voting issues US medical insurance issues, where do I get my mail issues, credit card expiration and replacement issues, no home to return to issues, life storage issues.

I spent many years prepping and still got hit with surprises.

As others are indicating, the biggest factor may be the ability or ease of getting a visa for the country you want. Portugal and Spain have made it a bit easier, at the moment, other countries, it varies.

Seeking out some ex-pat websites, facebook groups, and forums would be a good first step. If you are interested in Spain, James Blick, of Devour Tours and loads of great food videos on Spain, now is focusing on helping people move to Spain, his Spain Revealed YouTube channel and website: https://www.spainrevealed.com/ might be worth a look.

As others indicate, having a tax plan is huge, figuring out healthcare for at least the first year, then only a hundred other details.

Good luck. I sometimes think about it, get a kick out of figuring out the process, but my situation with elderly in-laws and young Grandkids and Great Grandkids just makes too many ties to home to think of relocating.

Paul,

Thanks for the advice and pointers. Family in the States is always sticking point with some thinking of relocating although I have friends that have moved because of them. We have family in Europe and the ones still in the States have dual citizenship.

Mr. E,

Thanks, I get it - complicated and maybe difficult but not insurmountable and I'm optimistic.

I have done it in Italy, sold house and cars in Canada and jumped in with both feet. It is eminently doable. The only real prerequisite is enough desire to make the move so that you have enough motivation to figure out the various hoops and twisted paths to get things done.

I picked Italy and would pick it again and again. I'm settled in Abruzzo, which has both beaches and mountains. Friendly people, good food, beautiful towns and national parks. All the things except tourists hordes. I'll be here until I need assisted living. And maybe even then, if I can find care here. I have national health care, a lovely home, good friends both Italian and foreign. We do seem to be having a recent influx of Americans, to no surprise.

This is a travel site, with a sprinkling of expats. There are expat sites with a sprinkling of travellers. You might get better information there.

For me, I have not had a single day of regret nor a single day thinking I couldn't do it. Find your place and make it happen.

Nelly,

Glad you've found your ideal place and appreciate your encouraging comments. Abruzzo really sounds ideal.

First, you might add Gerona north of Barcelona to your list.
You've gotten some tips from several people who have moved to Europe. I agree thoroughly with Nelly and others who have suggested you look on websites, but I suggest private Facebook groups of people already living in the areas you are considering. You'll find the most general such as Retiring in Such and Such with 200,000 members to Americans Living in Malaga and Costa del Sol with 552 members. There are even FB groups for obtaining visas, getting or exchanging a driver's license. You want to be near water, so it's already narrowed down to the Mediterranean or the Atlantic.

We moved to France because we are French. But to decide where, we explored different cities several summers with a list of criteria.Next came the criteria within the city. Information posted by one member on one of the Facebook groups led us to our area. We did see apartments before we were ready to move, and it was a waste of our time because we were exploring, not moving. So concentrate on choosing the city first. Once there in a short term rental, you can get yourself situated.

Right now we have a huge influx of Americans where we live. Their visas were not difficult to obtain, unlike Jo's visa. Different country, different type of visa, retiree vs self-employed. I'm not sure why some people see a visa as a big obstacle, when it’s not for a retiree. In fact, several hurdles have been mentioned, which don't exist for most people.

These are some of the things you'll learn using the Facebook groups.
You'll need a US address for a couple of things, one US phone number for two factor identification, most investment firms won't want to keep you unless you are in the 10million group so decide how to handle that while gone for a couple of years, read the tax treaties and the inheritance treaties just in case, you can have your Social Security directly deposited, cheaper than using Wise. Etc, etc, etc.

Thanks, I get it - complicated and maybe difficult but not
insurmountable and I'm optimistic.

Wasn't meant to discourage you, just help you start building a list. Of course its possible. I've bern here 4 years.

Also look fot a place with good Wizzair and Ryanair service and all of Europe becomes your playground.

I am so eager to read about your process. The area around Girona sounds like a great idea..think about whether you need to be near, or on, the sea.....

I love the Vejer area because it is only an hour drive to the airport in Jerez, with easy connection via MAD to the US (in March I fly in and out of Miami).

Currently in Puglia, where we visit often, and I might take a look at towns either on the coast, or inland, south of Bari....I could give you much more information because I have begun investigating..but I think I am too old to actually buy..but I will begin planning for renting for 3-4 four months per year......the choice is endless....all of the red tape might seem daunting but from the people I spoke to--it works out in the end... But Puglia is likely not the best option for either of us...

One big question is whether you would want to have the option to rent out the property when you are not there.....

Last night I had dinner with two woman from the Bay Area who just purchased a property in the Loire Valley...they are about finished with all of the necessary paperwork and will spend several months in residence, and rent the place when they are not in residence... Again, the options are endless and it is so much fun to dream. Do not let the nay sayers give you pause.....I would be thrilled to hear how your research is progressing....

Apologies to all for my belated thanks to you all the invaluable advise, recommend places to visit, tips and potential obstacles.

Elizabeth, appreciate your valuable comments and tips. I have a coworker who relocated to France 3 years ago and bought a home southeast of Saint-Brieuc and will be visiting them.

Ekscruncy and Tom, thanks for the interest, encouragement and tips.

Have to close this down for now, lots of soul searching and research to do and will pick it up when I get back in October. Best wishes and thanks to all.

Phil