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Retiring in Switzerland: All You Need to Know

Pros, Cons, and What Do You Need for Retiring in Switzerland

Have you ever wondered if retiring to Switzerland could be the perfect fit for you? With a sip of Swiss chocolate that could really make your day or hiking through the Alps to get your day started, this looks like a dream come true, but before you pack your bags and say goodbye to your home country, you should know a few things about retiring to Switzerland.

Our consultancy’s team wrote this article about this popular retirement destination after similar pieces about other places, such as:

Why Retiring in Switzerland

Have you ever thought in your mind, “Is Switzerland the right place to retire?”

Well, to cut a long story short, it depends on the canton.

With incredible political and financial stability, breathtaking natural beauty, a world-class healthcare system, and a strong economy, the Swiss confederation offers a high quality of life that is hard to beat. Here are some primary reasons why some retirees chose Switzerland:

Pros of Living in Switzerland

Photo of Swiss City for Paragraphs about Cons of Retirement in Switerzland — What are the pros and cons of living and retiring in Switzerland?

Healthcare

The Swiss healthcare system is marked by excellence, both in the private and public spheres. Retiring to Switzerland offers you peace of mind regarding healthcare, with top-notch facilities and access to high-quality medical services. The pricing of policies for health and accident insurance for residents is always wholly open to scrutiny. In order to keep people from spending more than 10 percent of their income on insurance, the government provides health care subsidies on a tiered basis.

Safety

Switzerland is famous for being a safe country, with low crime rates and a high standard of living. Switzerland is known for its high safety standards, making it an ideal retirement destination for those who want a stress-free and secure lifestyle. The homicide rate in Switzerland is 0.7% below the OECD average, and it consistently ranks highly in terms of personal security and overall safety.

Taxes

Switzerland has a progressive tax system, which means that Swiss taxes are based mostly on income. However, the Swiss government has tax treaties with many other countries, which can help reduce the amount of taxes you pay. The country is known for its low taxes, making it an attractive choice for retirees looking to minimize the amount they pay. Also, if you are retired and your income is less than a certain amount, you may not have to pay any income tax.

Beautiful nature and Language Variety

Switzerland has a varied climate, with four distinct seasons, and is also home to some of the most stunning and varied landscapes in the world. Switzerland is also a country with four official languages. Its cities are full of a variety of cultural attractions and activities, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and festivals. Switzerland is a great place for people who like to be outside because there are so many things to do there, like hiking, skiing, and water sports.

The special retirement residency program

For those planning on retiring in Switzerland, the government prepared a special scheme of residence permit. More details about it below.

Why NOT Retire in Switzerland

While Switzerland has a lot of attractive qualities for ex-pats looking to retire abroad, it’s only for some. Listed below are several reasons why you may wish to retire elsewhere:

Cons of Living in Switzerland

High Cost of Living: Switzerland is an expensive country to live in, and retirees often find it difficult to adjust their pension income to the high costs of groceries, transportation, rent, medical care, and other living expenses.
Bureaucracy: Switzerland is known for its bureaucracy, and navigating the country’s complex bureaucracy can be challenging for retirees. This can include getting a visa and a permit to live there, as well as doing things like opening a bank account or getting a car registered.
Lack of Healthcare Options: While Switzerland has an excellent healthcare system, it can be expensive, especially for retirees not covered by the public system. Private health can be a good option, but a private Swiss health insurance can be costly, and the coverage may not be as comprehensive as what the government offers.
Limited Social Security Benefits: Social security benefits in Switzerland are limited compared to those in other countries, and some of the Swiss retirement benefits are available to citizens or those with permanent residency.
There is no uniform legislation for many matters. Switzerland is not a country like France or Netherlands. It is a federation, and a real one (many countries, like Brazil, are technically federations, but the central government holds most legislative power). That means the Swiss Confederation is composed of smaller entities called cantons. Every canton has its own constitution, legislature, police force, and courts. So laws and the tax burden can vary drastically between each one of them. Because of this, if you are moving to Switzerland, you should look for a lawyer who is an expert in the canton where you want to live.

The Cost of Retiring in Switzerland

The cost of retiring in Switzerland is highly dependent on the individual’s lifestyle and preferences, as well as where they choose to live. In general, the cost of living in Switzerland is quite high. Without rent, the average monthly cost for a single person is about $1544.

The costs of retiring may also increase depending on the individual’s healthcare needs, and all residents of Switzerland are required to have health insurance coverage, whether through a public or private plan. All Swiss residents must have public health insurance, which is paid for by premiums paid by employees and employers. The increase can be anywhere from 3.9% to 9.5% depending on the canton.

The cost of housing in Switzerland can be high, especially in Zurich and Geneva. Renting an apartment is a popular option for ex-pats, and you can find a range of options, including furnished and unfurnished apartments and short-term and long-term rentals. If you prefer to own a home, you can find a range of properties for sale in Switzerland, including houses, apartments, and chalets. However, get ready to pay an average of $1380 per person for a 44-square-meter living area.

The average Swiss family spends approximately $430 to $700 per month on groceries, which is more than some people may be used to paying at home. However, the country is famous for its high-quality food, including cheese, chocolate, and other specialty items.

Photo of Swiss City for Paragraphs about the costs of Retirement in Switerzland — What are the costs of living or retiring in Switzerland? The answer is below.

Cost of Living in Zug (Switzerland) vs Valência (Spain) and Tampa (the USA)

It’s time for a comparison of the cost of living in Switzerland. I will not compare the living costs of Switzerland with those of New York or London, because nearly anywhere in the world is cheaper than those two cities.

Let’s compare the cost of living in a mid-sized Swiss city (Zug) with the best city for retirement in Europe (Valencia, Spain) and one of the favorite cities for pensioners in the USA (Tampa, Florida).

All prices are from Numbeo and Expatistan (in the few situations where there is no data from Zug, we used numbers from nearby Zurich), two websites that crowdsource prices and living costs from thousands of users and contributors.

Values in USD	Zug	Valencia	Tampa
Meal for 1 Person, Inexpensive Restaurant	32.46	11.59	21
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) in a Supermarket	2.04	2.9	1.57
Eggs (regular) (12)	6.21	1.98	3.29
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	19.49	6.4	11.24
Gasoline (1 liter)	2.01	1.56	1.2
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Garbage, etc.) for 85m2 Apartment, monthly	195.26	128.6	182.51
Internet (60 Mbps or More)	58.4	31.88	63.85
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	19.47	7	14
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes)	–	73	98
A standard men’s haircut in the expat area of the city	–	20	23
Rent of an apartment (1 bedroom)	2181.71	720.77	2,035.75
Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment	–	2,999.91	4,635.63

Cost of different items in Zug (Switzerland), Valencia (Spain), and Tampa (Florida, the USA).

What does an American moving to Switzerland Need to Have?

Retirement Visa Switzerland – Steps to Have a Visa to Retire in Switzerland

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover — Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The people, the beaches, the sunsets, the culture, and everything else in this country make it an appealing choice for everybody. But it’s important to know that moving to Switzerland, especially for Americans, can be hard.

What Are the Requirements to Retire in Switzerland?

To enter Switzerland, one needs one of the multiple entry visas:

The 1-year Schengen multiple-entry visa is issued to applicants who have used three single-entry Schengen visas within the preceding two years.
The 3-year Schengen multiple entry visas are issued to applicants with the 1-year multiple entry visa who lawfully used it within the previous two years.
The 5-year Schengen multiple entry visa is issued to those who used a multiple entry visa with at least two years of validity in the past three years.
The Switzerland retirement visa is issued to pensioners based on certain criteria that are dependent on their nationality

Switzerland Retirement Visa

These are some of the criteria. Cantons may also impose additional requirements.

Be over the age of 55
Be financially self sufficient, meaning have the ability to show sufficient means of financial support, including to family members when needed.
Live in Switzerland for almost a year.
Have proof of a personal link to Switzerland, such as Swiss origin, spending a relatively long time in Switzerland, owning real estate, etc.

The Switzerland Retirement Visa is valid for 12 months and has to be renewed once it expires.

Best Cities to Retire in Switzerland

The best place to retire in Switzerland depends on various factors, such as lifestyle preferences, budget, and proximity to family and friends. Some of the major cities (or cantons) for retirees are below.

Geneva

Geneva has a population of about 200,000, yet its downtown is small enough to be explored on foot. It is one of Switzerland’s wealthiest urban areas and offers a wide variety of restaurants, cultural attractions, and outdoor infrastructure.

The city is easy to navigate, either on foot or by using the convenient public transportation system. Because of this, it doesn’t matter where you live in the city; you’ll have easy access to all parts of it.

Canton of Zurich

Although it has never served as the nation’s capital, this major city holds several physical records and is the largest in the country. Uetliberg, a major tourist destination in the country, can be found in this metropolis. Residents and tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of the city below from this mountain summit, which juts out to the southwest.

Prominent personalities in the modern Protestant movement can trace their roots back to Zurich. Also, Lake Zurich, on the city’s outskirts, is a beautiful spot to unwind, thanks to its picturesque location and refreshingly clear and warm waters.

Canton of Zug

The canton of Zug in Switzerland has some of the most favorable tax rates as compared to those of the other cantons in Switzerland. This is the location of the famous Aegeri Lake, which has crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery that will brighten your day by lounging on the shore, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also walk up Zugerberg Mountain along its circular hiking routes and enjoy the scenery from above.

Book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights — Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

If you enjoyed this article about how to retiring in Switzerland, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

Our World Guide of Best Places to Expatriate

The Best Cities for Remote Workers This Year

The Easiest Countries to Adopt From – A Guide.

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Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

Best Countries Ranking

The 7 Countries With the Worst Work Life Balance…

There are some shocking data about the countries with the worst work-life balance.

When I was still working in the financial area, it was not uncommon to work 13, sometimes 14 hours per day. Since most of our income was variable, staying at the office for long hours was standard practice for young, ambitious college graduates willing to build their bank accounts.

Unfortunately, it became common for many of my coworkers to lose their hair, gain weight, and get sick with things like high blood pressure and diabetes. I won’t even talk about the constant bad mood of an overworked professional.

Working long hours for a short period is probably doable and has only minor health impacts. But in the long term, the effects may be sinister (unless you really enjoy your job).

Recently, I came across the OECD ranking of work-life balance, involving dozens of countries all over the world.

As someone who has worked on four continents and visited over 50 countries, I couldn’t agree more with the results.

Some of the countries mentioned are pretty obvious (as you may guess, South Korea is among them), but others are quite surprising.

Before we get into the ranking, let’s go over the context and the criteria that were used.

Ps: check also our Youtube channel The Expat.

What is the OECD

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is a group of 38 countries, mostly western, that work together to improve their economies. People often call it a think tank group (and is also a very well-established source of economic and social statistics).

It says that its goal is to change policies in ways that increase opportunity, prosperity, and well-being. It has worked on a wide range of issues over the years, such as raising the standard of living in its member countries, helping international trade grow, and working for economic stability.

The OECD was founded in 1961 and has its headquarters in the Chateau de la Muette, in Paris, France.

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity: 11 secrets to make your expat life better than you imagine

The indicators used to define the countries with the worst work life balance

While multiple rankings are based on subjective perceptions and anecdotal evidence, the OECD took the time to establish two objective criteria to measure the work-life balance between multiple countries.

Time devoted to leisure and personal care

This indicator shows the average number of hours spent each day on activities like sleeping, eating, socializing with friends and family, hobbies, working out, etc.

Employees working very long hours

This criterion shows the percentage of workers who worked an average of 50 hours or more per week in the most recent year for which data is available.

Check also: The Weird Relationship Between Libraries and Rising Development Levels

The 7 Worst Countries (of the OECD) in Terms of Work Life Balance

Australia

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 14.4 hours, which is below the average of 15 hours per day of all OECD members.

Employees working very long hours: 12.5%, which is above the average (10%) of all OECD members.

One of the worst problems in Australia is the number of people that simply do not use their leave days.

According to the international consulting firm Michael Page, Australians have, on average, 16 days of holiday they don’t use. More research showed that 2.4 million Australians who work full-time haven’t taken a vacation in over a year and that 86% of them are feeling burned out as a result.

Israel

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 14.3 hours, meaning less than the average of 15 hours per day of all OECD members.

Employees working very long hours: 14.1%, which is above the average (10%) of all OECD members.

According to a survey published by the Times of Israel, most Israeli workers are unhappy with the balance between work and life, and a lot of them work while they are sick.

The survey, which comprised around 600 employees over the age of 18, found that 57 percent of Israelis are unhappy with their current work-life balance. A similar number of respondents also said that their employers are not flexible enough to let them work from home.

South Korea

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 14.8 hours, slightly less than the average of 15 hours per day of all OECD members.

Employees working very long hours: 19.7%, almost twice the average (10%) of all OECD members.

Long work hours aren’t the only thing that makes it hard to balance work and life in South Korea. Because of long commutes and the “socializing after work” culture, people often don’t have much time for their families, friends, or even sleeping.

South Africa

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 14.2 hours, which is almost one hour less than the average of 15 hours per day of all OECD members.

Employees working very long hours: 15.4%, more than 1.5X the average (10%) of all OECD members.

One of the problems in South Africa is that the low productivity of the workforce often causes employees to work longer hours to achieve the same output — something that Botswana managed to partially solve.

South Africa’s rate of productivity growth is the lowest among emerging economies, and together with Brazil and Argentina are the only countries with negative rates.

The low productivity in South Africa is caused by a lack of skills, high business costs, and a lack of competition in many markets. The skills of students are below the OECD average, and the education system is very unequal, with a small number of students doing very well and a large number doing very badly.

Check also: Why This Country in Africa Is Growing So Fast?

Japan

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 14.1 hours, almost one hour less than the average of 15 hours per day of all OECD members.

Employees working very long hours: 15.7%, more than 1.5X the average (10%) of all OECD members.

It is not a surprise to see Japan in this ranking, since they popularized the idea of working long hours. There is even a word in the Japanese language (karoshi) that means “death from overwork”.

But in the last few years, the country has been pushing for better work-life balance.

One of Shinzo Abe’s (the late Prime Minister) main concerns was Japan’s overworking trend. The Work Style Reform Bill was signed into law by his government.

The bill was a key part of his plan to make Japan’s work and life balance more equilibrated. Initiatives include putting limits on how long people can work and giving them more flexibility, as well as requiring people with at least 10 days of unused leave to choose at least five days off.

Check also our article about the Japanese Visa Application Guide for digital nomads and remote workers.

Turkey

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 14.6 hours, which is less than the average of 15 hours per day of all OECD members.

Employees working very long hours: 25%, meaning 2.5X the average (10%) of all OECD members.

Turkey has a relatively long work week: 45 hours. There is also a propensity in some sectors to push extra hours. Put on top of that the fact that major cities like Istambul have considerable traffic jams during rush hours, and you have a recipe for an unbalanced life.

One may wonder if such an unbalanced work-life relationship may harm the activity of health professionals in Turkey since the country is a hotspot for medical tourism and things like gastric sleeve surgery abroad.

Mexico

Time devoted to leisure and personal care: 13.5 hours, meaning one and a half hours less than the average of 15 hours per day of all OECD members.

Employees working very long hours: 27%, almost three times the average (10%) of all OECD members.

The worst country in this ranking has a whopping 27% of all employees working very long hours, and only 13.5 hours per day on average for all things non-job related.

Mexico has some of the longest average annual hours of work (2137 hours), and its average lunch breaks are also some of the shortest in the world, at only 30 minutes.

Somehow, the South Park music about Mexicans working all week long sounds true.

Check also: Hold Your Breath: The Dirtiest Cities in the World — 2022

Conclusion: The Countries With Worst Work-Life Balance

One curious fact is that there are no European countries among the 7 worst countries for work-life balance, despite the fact that 26 of the 38 countries of the OECD are European.

In other words, of the 12 non-European countries that are part of the organization, more than half (7) are at the bottom in terms of work-life balance.

Here is the list of the worst 7:

7 — Australia

6 — Israel

5 — South Korea

4 — South Africa

3 — Japan

2 — Turkey

1 — Mexico

Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

If you enjoyed this article about the countries with the worst work life balance, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, and best-selling author. Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

Living Costs

Retire in Italy – Pros, Cons and Best Places

What Are the Pros, Cons, and Hows of the Idea to Retire in Italy?

Living in Italy is a dream come true for many people, especially those who are used to the hustle and bustle of crowded metropolitan regions. If you’re planning to retire, you should retire in a peaceful place where you can be comfortable. To understand why we wrote an article about retirement in Italy, some context.

Our consultancy’s team wrote this article after reading similar pieces about other hotter retirement destinations, such as:

And we must be honest: while the distance and traffic of Bali, the violence of Jamaica, and the economic instability of Argentina are big cons for anyone considering retiring there, it is truly difficult to find points against retirement in Italy. The capital of this country is also one of the most beautiful European capitals overall.

We believe you already considered Italy in your plans, which must be why you are here. Italy is a beautiful place—the scenery, weather, food, ambiance, adventure, and many other attractive qualities. These qualities make Italy one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

If you are considering retiring abroad, our list of 24 countries that offer retirement visas is a must-read.

Is Italy A Good Place To Retire?

Like most people, you want to settle in a place that offers you a good life (and delicious food!) Is Italy a good place to retire? As much as we want to give a “yes or no” answer, there is no way we can know for sure.

But if you’re also asking yourself, “Is Italy a good place to be?” Then we can confidently say yes. Although there are many upsides and downsides to living anywhere in the world, Italy is a very comfortable place.

Your retirement is prime time. It’s when you can freely explore the world at your pace. You want to avoid being stuck in a place you don’t enjoy. That is why we decided to take most of your pain away by showing you an ideal retirement location—Italy.

Retiring in Italy – Pros and Cons

Illustration for the pros and cons of retire in Italy — Retiring in Italy: Time to understand the pros and cons

Pros of Retirement in Italy

Here are a few things you’d enjoy as a resident of Italy;

Good Healthcare

Italy is known for the quality of its healthcare system. It is ranked as the 8th country with the best healthcare systems by World Health Organization (WHO).

Without sound healthcare systems, a lot of things will go wrong. There will be poor quality of life and a lower life expectancy. This is why you must consider a country that offers this perk, and Italy is one of them. All this is even more important when we are talking about retirement.

Additionally, Italy has also some top-notch private hospitals, especially in the northern part of the country.

Safety

Italy is a safe place to live in. Generally, it has a low violent crime rate, so you don’t have to worry much about violent attackers, burglars, and the like. If it weren’t so safe, it would not continue to house thousands of tourists year after year; think about it.

The homicide rate of Italy is only 0.57 murders per 100,000 residents per year. That is extremelly low. To put it into perspective, the entire country has less than 400 murders per year. That is a number similar to a single city in the US (Baltimore).

Weather

Italy usually has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate with dry and sunny hot summers and cold, sometimes rainy winters. The weather is very different for each region, though. Sometimes, the weather can change greatly across the different regions, granting a healthy variety even during short trips.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Italy is relatively low—15.85% lower than that of the United States. It is one of the cheapest countries to live in. It is ranked as the 4th cheapest country in Western Europe. So if you have a low budget in mind, this is the perfect place for you.

According to Numbeo, Italy has a lower cost of living than countries like Uruguay, France, or Belgium.

Check also: Best Countries to Retire in High-Style (Even If You Are Not a Senior)

Breathtaking views

The main reason why Italy is on the top list of the most visited countries in the world is because of its great scenery. Italy is so beautiful, with a great vibe that is especially perfect for retirees who are not used to such everyday sights.

Cons Of Retiring In Italy

Like any other thing in the world, retiring in Italy has its downsides. Here are a few you must take note of;

● Language Barrier

Although some residents of Italy speak a considerable measure of English, you won’t find that everywhere. You may need to learn a bit of the Italian language, especially if you want to live in rural areas. So if you can’t speak Italian, you may have difficulty navigating and settling in these places.

However, in larger cities in the south or almost any city in northern regions like Lombardy, you would be ok with English, although learning Italian is still recommended and fun.

● Cost of Living

Is this a means to go against the point we made in the previous section? Not. The cost of living in Italy is low, but not in large, richer cities. For example, the cost of properties in Italian urban cities—such as Milan, Rome, Turin, etc.—may cost higher than in cities in the rural region. So if you really want to move to Italy but have a low budget, you may need to cut your coat according to your size.

● Taxes

In Italy, tax rates are progressive and also depend on your region. But generally, they range from 23% to 43%. Additional taxes are also due at the regional (0.9% to 1.4%) and local (0.1% to 0.8%) levels. Compared to the U.S., Italian taxes are 23% higher.

● Bureaucracy

The Italian government and agencies can be frustrating at times. There are sometimes when you need urgent attention with administrative issues, but the bureaucracy can get in the way. Getting official things done can be quite a time and effort-consuming in Italy.

How Much Does It Cost To Retire In Italy

Before you move to Italy, it is very important to manage your expectations beforehand. You should know how much it costs to live in the country, so you can plan your pockets accordingly. That is the purpose of this section—to help you plan.

Now, the followings are the most important living expenses you should note and how much they cost on average; in a mid-sized city (meaning NOT Milan, Rome, Firenze, etc.)

● Housing (85 m²) – €860 per month

● Private healthcare for an elder couple: from €1,500 to €2800 per year, depending on pre-existing conditions.

● Food and groceries for a couple: from €410 to €780, depending of the standard.

● Utilities – from €120 to €190, although prices vary between the summer and winter (more expensive due to heating).

● Public transportation pass (per month) – €35, but sometimes it can be for free, depending of the province and the age.

● Internet – €27

Generally, the farther to the South you go, the lesser the cost of living, unless we are talking about cities like Rome or Florence.

Cost of Living in Bergamo (Italy) vs Valência (Spain) and Tampa (the USA)

City of Bergamo, Lombardy, in Italy: a place that is cheaper to retire than Tampa, Florida.

It’s time for a comparison of the cost of living in Italy. I will not compare the living costs of Italy with those of New York or London, because nearly anywhere in the world is cheaper than those two cities.

Let’s compare the cost of living in a mid-sized Italian city (Bergamo, in Lombardy, a city very close to Milan and served by an international airport) with the best city for retirement in Europe (Valencia, Spain) and one of the favorite cities for pensioners in the USA (Tampa, Florida).

Remember that there are multiple cities in Italy that are cheaper than Bergamo, especially in the southern regions.

All prices are from Numbeo and Expatistan, two websites that crowdsource prices and living costs from thousands of users and contributors.

Values in USD	Bergamo	Valencia	Tampa
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	15	12	22
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) in a supermarket	1.59	0.99	1.57
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.86	2.08	3.3
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	9.5	6.67	11.64
Gasoline (1 liter)	2.01	1.60	1.2
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Garbage, etc.) for 85m2 Apartment, monthly	240	133.51	156.61
Internet (60 Mbps or More)	27	31.88	63.85
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	10	7	14
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes)	72	73	98
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area of the city	21	20	23
Rent of an apartment (1 bedroom) in the City Centre	650	767.24	2,035.8
Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in the City Centre	2,217	3,195	4,636

Cost of different items in Bergamo (Italy), Valencia (Spain), and Tampa (Florida, the USA).

Can Americans Retire in Italy?

Yes, absolutely. There are 29,182 pensioners or beneficiaries that are U.S. citizens living in Italy as we speak. All you need is the right visa and permit. How does it all work?

If you’re a member of the European union or merely visiting Italy, you don’t need a visa. But if you’re not, you definitely need a visa. The most popular visa for retirees is the Italian Elective Residence visa.

The visa will not give you access to hold a paid job in Italy, though. For that to happen, you’ll need to submit some proof of sufficient income or assets. Also, be prepared to submit proof of owning or renting a home in Italy and proof of EU-wide valid health insurance.

Note that without the Italian elective residence visa, you can’t apply for or gain permanent residency. You also need to provide evidence of sufficient retirement funds— an annual requirement of €31,160 for individuals and €38,000 for married couples.

Once your visa is approved and you move to the country, it is advisable to apply for a temporary residence permit called Permisso di soggiorno.

After living in Italy for five years without interruptions, you can then apply for a permanent residence permit called Carta di soggiorno. With this permit, you can live and work in Italy and enjoy similar rights and benefits to Italian citizens.

For a residency visa (or Permisso di soggiorno) you will need, besides the requirement mentioned above, the following documents:

passport and visa with which you entered Italy (and a copy of both)
request form and documents about your reason to stay in Italy
4 recent passport photos
a € 16.00 stamp, which you buy from a tobacconist
a receipt of payment (make this payment to the post office with a bulletin ) of
- €40 for a permit valid from 3 months to 1 year
- €50 for a permit valid from 1 year to 2 years
- €100 for a permit valid for longer than 2 years
receipt of payment of € 30.46 to print your permit (make this payment to the post office)
payment of €30 for sending your request (only if you apply at the post office)

In Italy, not only the visa process and residency permit but most bureaucratic processes demand a lot of printed documents. It is a good idea to have all of them in a folder in case you need them.

Check also: Your Retirement is an Illusion: Why Most of Us Will Work to Death

Best Places to Retire in Italy

Where to Retire in Italy Cheap

Abruzzo, with some of the cheapest cities to retire in Italy

Public transportation is very good in Abruzzo. The area has easy access to Rome by train and bus. In Pescara, the capital of Abruzzo, there is an airport with cheap flights all over Europe.

People often say that the landscape looks like Tuscany. Like Tuscany, Abruzzo is full of towns and villages from the Middle Ages that sit on top of rolling hills. But the prices are nothing like Tuscany. You can live the same kind of life for a lot less money. The region of Abruzzo is known for being one of the most reasonably priced in all of Italy.

The other thing about choosing Abruzzo if you want to retire in Italy is that you can live an outdoor lifestyle. About a third of Abruzzo is set aside as a nature reserve or national park. A lot of the native plant and animal life has survived as a result of this. Because of this, Abruzzo is popular with people who like to hike, watch birds, and spend time outside.

Piedmont, where small cities like Ivrea have connectivity and low costs

A house in the Italian region of Piedmont

The town of Ivrea is located in northwest Italy’s Piedmont region and it is considered one of the best small cities in Europe to retire. The town is surrounded by five lakes: Sirio, San Michele, Pistono, Nero, and Campagna, all of which are close to the Aosta Valley. On July 1st, 2018, Ivrea was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ivrea is a small town with fewer than 24 000 residents. Despite being small, it is situated between Turin and Milan, two of Europe’s biggest cities. Ivrea gains the particular advantage of having access to top-notch infrastructure and services while keeping very cheap living costs as a result.

The picturesque views of the alps, the surrounding nature with white-water rivers, the low costs, the infrastructure, and, of course, the exquisite cuisine propelled this small community to second place despite the fact that Italy has a relatively small number of English speakers — a good point to learn Italian.

Puglia, Where Sunshine Comes Together with Low Living Costs

Puglia has two airports, in Bari and Brindisi. Both airports have international flights, but Bari has more of them. A robust bus system, as well as occasional train service, connects the area’s inhabitants.

Puglia is one of the cheapest places to live in Italy and a popular place for Italians to go on vacation. July and August are very busy months. If you own property here, you can rent it out during these months and make money. This still lets you enjoy the good weather in June and September.

There are some good things about living here in the winter. The food is cheaper, and in the case of seafood, it is also fresher.

Puglia is a stronghold for agriculture, and it makes more olive oil than anywhere else in Italy. More and more organic fruits are being grown in the area. People who like the sea and nice weather but don’t want to live with many other expats would enjoy living in Puglia.

Best Places to Live in Italy for Americans

Region of Lombardia (Lombardy)

Lombardy is the best place to retire if you’ve been saving and budgeting your entire life and now want to treat yourself to a life of lavish comfort and leisure.

Picturesque though it may be, the northern Italian area that is home to Milan, the worldwide hub of high fashion, and the playground of the wealthy and famous, has some of the highest living costs in all of Italy.

Also, you don’t necessarily need to live in a large city like Milan. There are plenty of small or medium-sized cities like Bergamo or Mantua.

Expats in Lombardy gush about the region’s spectacular natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle in the surrounding countryside, as well as Milan’s outstanding cultural scene, historical architecture, and world-class medical services.

Como Region

Lecco, one of the towns around the scenic Lake Como

Lake Como is much more than simply a gorgeous getaway for Movie celebrities and has been featured in numerous classic movies. Due to the exposition to tourists and international stars, it is not difficult to find people that speak English.

In a tranquil setting and convenient location just outside of Milan. Relax and take a break from city life here.

Como, Lecco, and Brienno are just a few of the towns around the lake. They are breathtaking, and it’s not difficult to go from one to the other.

The pace of life in these communities is often slow and peaceful. There are several restaurants, cafés, and pubs for the locals (several of whom are elderly) and visitors, but there isn’t much in the way of entertainment, and the nightlife is often somewhat modest. On the other hand, it is not difficult to experience the night buzz in Milan, not far away.

Since Milan, home to famous fashion brands and a massive international airport, is so near, residents may enjoy the best of both urban and rural settings.

Now that you’ve been exposed to all you need to know about retiring in Italy, what do you think about the idea? We hope this article helps you to make good and informed decisions in your retirement journey. All the best!

If you enjoyed this article about how to retire in Italy, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

Where Can I Live? The Complete Guide of Best Places to Expatriate

The Best Cities for Remote Workers This Year

The Easiest Countries to Adopt From – A Guide.

Best Countries Ranking

The Easiest Countries to Adopt From – A Guide.

The Easiest Country to Adopt from Is Closer than You Imagine

(To save you time: the list of the easiest countries to adopt from starts in the middle of the article, but before that, there are some important considerations).

My mother had adoptive parents. Although later on in her life she met her biological parents — almost by accident — the real ones for her were always the adoptive ones.

She always talked about them on a very positive note, and I bet she loved her adoptive parents more than many biological kids love theirs. Every time she recalls some moment with them, I feel in her words the enhanced gratitude she has since they chose to raise her.

Adoption, on the other hand, is not a simple decision that should be made hastily.

Once I read that there is ONE question a person should make before

I will also share with you some personal stories I have heard or read about. Some of them are positive, others are not, but all of them are real.

Check also some of the other rankings we compiled:

Why Would Someone Refuse to Adopt From Their Own Country?

First of all, “refuse” here may not be the proper verb. There are three major reasons for someone not to adopt within their own country.

1st: In other countries (like mine), there are many more prospective parents seeking to adopt a child than there are children for adoption. With high competition, unless you are a wealthy couple married for years, your chances of having an adoptive child are meager.

2nd: In other countries, bizarre laws can cause traumatic experiences. For example, in Brazil, there were cases where biological parents, years after abandoning the child and when they were already adopted and living with a new family, went to court to recover custody. And they won.

3rd: Due to immense bureaucracy, adoption in some countries takes years and is nearly impossible.

Countries That Allow International Adoption (And Those Who Don’t)

Not every country will allow foreigners to adopt kids.

What countries do NOT ALLOW international adoption

Here is a list of some countries that don’t let people from other countries adopt children.

Argentina
Benin
Bhutan
Burma (Myanmar)
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)
Comoros
Ethiopia
Grenada
Iran
Iraq
Kenya
Kuwait
Laos
Maldives
Mozambique
Paraguay
Saudi Arabia
Swaziland
Tajikistan
Tanzania

Be aware that in some cases, YOUR country may prohibit international adoptions from certain blacklisted countries. For example, Canada has stopped allowing its citizens to adopt children from Nepal, Liberia, Georgia, Guatemala, and, temporarily, Ukraine.

Nearly all other countries not listed above allow international adoptions, but some of them have extremely restrictive criteria. But not those listed in this ranking of the easiest countries to adopt from.

With no further ado, let’s talk about the criteria for this list.

Criteria to Define the Easiest Countries to Adopt a Baby From

Is the country a signatory of the Hague Adoption Convention?

The Hague Adoption Convention is a transnational agreement about international adoption. Its goal is to protect those involved from the corruption, child trafficking, and exploitation that can sometimes go along with international adoption. The agreement is important because it establishes formal international acceptance of intercountry adoptions to make sure the process will normally be recognized in other countries.

That is the reason you will not see in this list popular names like Ethiopia, since the country is not a signatory of the convention.

Is it possible to adopt a child from this country to the United States or Europe?
Average Adoption Cost (according to consideringadoption.com, unless stated otherwise).
Is there a minimum age requirement to adopt a child? If so, what is a child’s minimum legal age for adoption?
What are the requirements for adoptive parents?

The Easiest Countries to Adopt a Baby From

(They are not necessarily in order, but all of them meet the above-mentioned criteria.)

Colombia – The Easiest Country to Adopt From Latin-America

Colombia — One of the easiest countries to adopt from. Image customized by the author.

Is the country a signatory of the Hague Adoption Convention?

Yes

Is it possible to adopt a child from this country to the United States or Europe?

Yes

Average Adoption Cost:

The cost of a typical adoption process for a child from Colombia is around $35,470. This does not include airline tickets to and from Colombia, hotel accommodations, etc. Be warned that travel advisories have been confirmed by the US State Department due to criminal activity and terrorism connected to narcotics.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the adoptive child?

Children eligible for international adoption are at least 6 months old.

What are the main requirements for adoptive parents?

Single women or married couples are allowed.
For couples to adopt together, the country demands a minimum of two years of marriage.
Positive net worth and an annual income of at least $10,000 per family member, including the adopted child.
There can be no more than two misdemeanors in a person’s lifetime and no history of felonies.
Applicants who have or have had a life-threatening or contagious disease or other condition that affects their ability to parent and/or the quality of life of a child are not allowed to adopt.

Thailand

Is the country a signatory of the Hague Adoption Convention?

Yes

Is it possible to adopt a child from this country to the United States or Europe?

Yes

Average Adoption Cost:

According to ThaiEmbassy, agencies give a wide range of prices for, but most of them are between $10,000 and $18,000. But don’t be too excited about the low price: it doesn’t include travel costs or fees for visa processing.

Costs to stay a few months during the process in Thailand, however, are not expensive (in fact, costs are very low, and that is why many remote workers choose to live in Thailand).

Is there a minimum age requirement for the adoptive child?

Babies are available from 10 months old, nevertheless, most of them are around 2 years old.

What are the main requirements for adoptive parents?

Candidates must be at least 25 years old.
Candidates who are single or have been married for at least two years to a heterosexual partner.
Before they can adopt a child in Thailand, parents must show proof that they have a stable income.

China – The Easiest Country to Adopt In Far-East Asia

China — One of the easiest countries to adopt from

Is the country a signatory of the Hague Adoption Convention?

Yes

Is it possible to adopt a child from this country to the United States or Europe?

Yes

Average Adoption Cost:

According to ConsideringAdoption, here is a breakdown of the costs:

Agency Application: $1,000-$2,500
Home Study: $1,000-$3,000
Program Fees: $8,000-$12,000
Travel Costs: $7,000-$14,000
Documentation: $1,000-$3,000
U.S. Entry Visa Application: $300-$500
Post-Placement Fees: $500-$1,000
Orphanage Donation (required in China): $5,000-$6,000
I-800 Visa Application: $500-$1,000
Third-Party Fees: $2,000-$3,000

Is there a minimum age requirement for the adoptive child?

What are the main requirements for adoptive parents?

The minimum age for candidates is 30.
Neither parent should be more than 50 years older than the child they are adopting. You cannot be more than 45 years older than the adopted child if you are a single parent.
Married couples must have no more than five children, none of whom are younger than a year old. Single parents may have no more than three children in their home, none of whom must be under the age of six.
Married couples must be married for a minimum of two years, and remarried couples must be married for a minimum of five years. A maximum of two divorces are permitted.
Married couples must have a minimum net worth of $80,000 and earn $10,000 per child in the home, including the prospective adopted child. The requirements may be more stringent for single parents.
Anyone considering adoption must be in good health.

With the worsening economical situation in China, there is a chance the number of kids put for adoption will increase in the next years.

Haiti

Is the country a signatory of the Hague Adoption Convention?

Yes

Is it possible to adopt a child from this country to the United States or Europe?

Yes

Average Adoption Cost:

Depending on the specifics of your adoption process, the total cost could range anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000, including travel expenses.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the adoptive child?

Adoptable children must be at least three months old and no older than sixteen years old; if they are older than 12 years old, they must express their consent to the adoption.

What are the main requirements for adoptive parents?

If you are going to adopt as a couple, at least one of you must be 30 or older. If you’re a single parent, you must be least 35 years old to adopt.
Candidates above the age of 50 are not allowed.
Heterosexual couples (married and unmarried) are ok. You must show proof of at least 5 years of marriage or co-residence.
Candidates must provide proof of employment and a stable income. There are no explicit guidelines for how much money a family must earn.

India

Is the country a signatory of the Hague Adoption Convention?

Yes

Is it possible to adopt a child from this country to the United States or Europe?

Yes

Average Adoption Cost:

It ranges from $30,000 to $40,000, including travel costs.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the adoptive child?

There is no minimum age for adoptive children.

What are the main requirements for adoptive parents?

Candidates must be at least 25 years old and no more than 45 if adopting a child under the age of four. If the kid is between the ages of four and eight, both candidates must be at least 29 and no older than 50. If the kid is over the age of eight, the candidates must be at least 33 and no older than 55.
Adoption can be done by married couples or single women.
Couples (only heterosexuals) must be married for at least two years.
Candidates must have no more than four children.

The easiest country to adopt from in 2023 — Bulgaria

Bulgaria — The easiest country to adopt from.

Is the country a signatory of the Hague Adoption Convention?

Yes

Is it possible to adopt a child from this country to the United States or Europe?

Yes

Average Adoption Cost:

A Bulgarian adoption will generally cost you around $40,000. The $30,500 in costs can be directly linked to the procedure. The rest includes air travel and hotel accommodations abroad.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the adoptive child?

A child older than 12 months can be adopted by parents between the ages of 23 and 49. Parents between the ages of 50 and 55 can adopt a child who is at least 5 years old.

What are the main requirements for adoptive parents?

Candidates must be at least 15 years older than the child they intend to adopt.
Candidates can be either a heterosexual married couple or a single parent.
Before a kid can be adopted, parents must spend at least 5 days with them in Bulgaria.

The Fastest Adoption Process for US Citizens

If you are purely interested in a (relatively) speedy process and have no issues with a child that is older (the average child there is 6.5 years old), you can always look into the US Foster Care system. Currently, there are over 400,000 kids in the US foster care system.

It is possible to finish the adoption process for a child who is in foster care in less than a year. If you adopt within your own state, there are no expenses and you do not need to travel for the process.

International Adoption Questions

These are some of the most common questions candidates to become adoptive parents hear during the “interviews” along the way.

How old are you?
How healthy are you and what is your BMI?
Are you married, and for how long? Have you been divorced?
How much money do you make, and how long have you been working in a stable, long-term job?
Is there a stay-at-home parent available to care for the child?
Do you have multiple children at home already?
What are their sexes and ages?

Remember that these are some questions, but not all of them. Also, there is a good chance that US homeland security will ask more questions (the feared “red sheet”) when the adopted child is brought to the US.

A Couple of Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Adopting

Why do you want to create a family through adoption?

Are you prepared to become a parent to a kid that does not have the same genetic makeup as you do?

Parenting takes a lot of selfless love because it often means putting your own needs aside for someone else’s, and the results aren’t always clear right away.

As soon as you are able to respond to those questions in a manner that is honest to yourself, it is a good idea to speak with a credible adoption center, either in your local region or in any of the countries that were listed earlier.

There are a great number of youngsters in need of parents who are caring and committed all around the world. By adopting them, you can save them from violence or extremely harsh conditions to live in.

Also, there are a lot of scams out there, so watch out.

Personal Stories of International Adoption

During the research for this article about the easiest countries to adopt from, I came across some interesting stories of international adoption. Two of them are below.

Sarah (fictional name) adopted a child from Uganda.

I have several friends who have adopted abroad, and the process was extremely smooth and extremely short compared to friends who have adopted from Uganda, like we did. There were eight countries that we could not even qualify for based on our family size or our inability to live in a foreign country for 3–6 months.

Robert (fictional name) adopted two kids from Russia years ago.

I adopted two children from Russia. One was 20 months old, and the other was about 4 years old. This is my qualification to speak on the subject. Sadly, Russia no longer adopts children from the US because we sanctioned them.

The fact of the matter is that it is easier to fly all the way around the world two times, like an astronaut, to get a child in Russia than it is to adopt a child in the US State of Washington (and presumably other U.S. states).

Be Aware of Physiologic or Genetic Traits That Are Challenging in Some Places

This is the last tip, and maybe somehow polemic for this article about the easiest countries to adopt from.

It is understandable that many people would enjoy having a kid from a different part of the globe join their family.

But people in some areas have developed certain traits over thousands or even millions of years, and the only reason for this was to help them fit in with the natural environment there.

I give my own example: I am an olive-skinned South American living in a cold part of Europe.

Summers here are relatively short, and winters are long and dark. Very dark. The locals are white, so their skin is optimized to absorb the most sunlight to create Vitamin D, essential for good health.

My skin, however, gets tanned VERY quickly, and for a very long time. I went to the beach for a few days in early September, and almost 2 months later, I am still tanned.

While this is a good device my body has to protect me from skin cancer — a danger in my home country, Brazil, it also reduces the amount of Vitamin D I absorb from sunlight.

That is why, during my first years in Europe, I suffered from a severe deficiency of Vitamin D during the winter that made me sick and weak almost all the time, even affecting my fertility. The problem was only solved by taking supplements, which I must take at least 6 months per year as long as I live in Europe.

There is no escape from that. (In another article, I explain why Vitamin D supplementation is one of the 5 simple-but-crucial tips for moving to Europe).

This is just one example, quite anecdotal, but it exemplifies why it is important to consider physiological and genetic characteristics when adopting abroad.

If you enjoyed this article about the easiest countries to adopt from, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

Due to Huge Economic Growth, Emigrants Are Back to This Country

Prepare for Winter: 16 Uncommon (And Crazy Cheap) Ways in 2022

The Dreamy Destination That’s 50% Cheaper to Live In than Spain or Florida

Why This Country in Africa Is Growing So Fast?

Expats

Retiring in Jamaica: Don’t Make Any Plans Before Reading…

Is Jamaica a good place for retiring? Learn more in the next paragraphs.

Jamaica is one of the most beautiful and welcoming places in the Caribbean. It has breathtaking beaches, stunning waterfalls, and lush rainforests (besides the lovely fauna; my favorite of the local species are the lovely hummingbirds). With a pleasant climate and an easygoing lifestyle, one could look for more about retiring in Jamaica and ask if it is a good place to live during the golden years.

So here it is! In this article, you will find all of the information you need about the pros and cons of retiring in Jamaica.

Our consultancy’s team wrote this article after similar pieces about other hot retirement destinations, such as:

Why Should You Retire in Jamaica?

If you’ve ever asked, “Is Jamaica a good place to retire?”, the answer is yes, but it also depends on a few factors. There are many reasons why Jamaica is a good retirement destination and many reasons why it is not.

But don’t worry, in the next few paragraphs you will discover ALL of them, so keep reading.

The country has excellent cuisine, a laidback lifestyle, and affordable housing options. It’s also one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, with gorgeous beaches and tropical rainforests. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling on one of the many beautiful reefs around the island. All of that is located very close to the US.

When you want to retire, you readily picture yourself sitting at the beach with a drink in hand, overlooking an azure ocean. Jamaica is the perfect location to live out that fantasy.

There are also plenty of activities to enjoy during retirement.

Do these sound like a dream come true?

Jamaica boasts a relatively good quality of life (if you have a pension in US dollar standards) and a bubbling local community. The island is also relatively safe to live on, but you should still take some precautions when going out late at night or traveling alone.

It’s also important to note that there are many western expats in Jamaica, so there will be plenty of people around you who speak English.

Check also: The best countries to retire.

The Pros of Living in Jamaica

Let’s look at some of the pros of living and retiring in Jamaica:

The Cost of Living is Lower

At the end of this article, there is an entire table comparing the cost of living in Jamaica, so you can check how much cheaper it is. Hint: we are talking about a place where a dinner (three course meal) for two costs only 45 US dollars in a decent restaurant.

No Capital Gains or Inheritance Taxes

There is no capital gains tax in Jamaica (unless very specific circumstances exist where capital gains are understood as a business income, but for these particular situations, a financial advisor experienced in the Jamaican market can advise you).

There is also no inheritance tax, meaning that your inheritors will have tax-free access to any equity you purchase on the island. Jamaica is also part of the selected group of countries that have a treaty with the US to reduce double taxation. There is a property tax, and it is around 1%, depending on the real estate value. Lastly, if you receive any rental income from abroad, it may be taxed.

Cheaper Private Healthcare

Jamaica has a decent network of private clinics that are much more affordable than in the US, so elders can save on medical expenses. Regarding the public healthcare system, the Jamaican government initiated a program on April 1st, 2008, that enabled locals to receive free medical care, but often public hospitals have more patients than they can handle.

Purchasing Real Estate is Cheap

On average, real estate prices of similar standards are 52% cheaper in Jamaica than in the US.

It is an Island Full of Natural Wonders

Jamaica is a paradise for those that enjoy an idyllic setting. You can go diving on one of the many beautiful coral reefs around the island, swim with dolphins and sea turtles, or enjoy a relaxing day at one of its many stunning beaches. The Blue Mountains are especially popular among tourists as they offer breathtaking views and hiking trails through the lush rainforest that take you right up to the peaks.

Other Pros of Retiring in Jamaica

Jamaica is home to a vibrant arts community and a strong foundation. Many museums and galleries around the island showcase local talent, besides world-famous places like the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. Jamaica also has some amazing golf courses in Montego Bay for those who enjoy one of the favorite sports of retirees.
Music: Jamaica is well-known for its vibrant music scene. The island has produced many iconic artists, including reggae music stars like Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. If you visit Jamaica, you’ll be able to see live reggae performances at one of the many festivals or nightclubs around the island.
Birds and Wildlife: Jamaica is home to various birds and wildlife. The island is famous for its majestic, brightly colored hummingbirds and parrots. But keep your eyes peeled for other types of wildlife, like iguanas, snakes, and bats. There are also many beautiful beaches along Jamaica’s coast that are great places to see sea turtles swimming in the water or coral reefs at low tide.
Jamaican cuisine is a unique blend of African, European, and native Indian foods. Its famous dishes include ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken, oxtail stew, and curried goat. Jamaicans also make rum, which they use in cooking and drinking.
Fishing: Do you love to fish? If so, you’ll love Jamaica. The island has some of the best fishing in the Caribbean, and there are many types of fish that you can catch here. Some of the most popular species include snapper, grouper, and barracuda. If you’re not interested in fishing but still want to try your hand at it while on vacation, plenty of tour operators offer excursions where they take guests out on boats for an afternoon or even overnight trip.

Why Not Retire in Jamaica?

What are the downsides to retiring in Jamaica? There are some things you should know before you retire here.

The Cons of Living in Jamaica

Beach in Jamaica - A good, albeit relatively violent, place to retire to. — Beach in Jamaica – A good, albeit relatively violent, place to retire to.

Limited Economic Diversity: The island is not very diverse regarding the jobs available. Most residents work in tourism or agriculture, although there is an increasing need for technology workers. If you’re looking for a more stable income, you may want to consider one of the other Caribbean nations instead.
Public Safety: With a homicide rate of 85 per 100,000 people, Jamaica is one of the most dangerous places in the world. The main reasons are the high gang violence and drug trafficking rate. If you’re considering retiring there, get advice from someone who lives on the island first to avoid these areas and reduce your chances of being a victim. Jamaica is more violent than even the most violent cities in Europe.
Disparities in Employment: Jamaica has a high unemployment rate of 6.2%. The lack of job opportunities means that many people will try to exploit you as a tourist by charging exorbitant prices for goods and services. You’ll also find a few jobs available for retirees, so you may have difficulty finding work if you don’t speak the language or have any skills that locals need.
Limited Emergency Medical Services: Jamaica has a life expectancy of 74.77 years. It is ranked 123rd in the world, and its healthcare system is not very good. If you become ill or injured while on the island, finding adequate medical care or diagnosing your condition could be challenging. You may have to travel a long distance to get treatment at a reasonably good hospital if something happens that requires emergency care. There are only 30 to 40 hospitals, and most of them are small and not equipped to handle serious cases. This makes it hard to get medical care.
Infrastructure: The infrastructure in Jamaica is not up to par with the rest of the world. You will find that many roads are in disrepair, there are power outages, and public transportation is limited to a few bus schedules. If you want to get around quickly, you’ll need to rent a car or take a taxi. If you drive around town, be sure your vehicle has an international driver’s license before hitting the road.
Jamaica is a tropical country, so it’s prone to hurricanes. Unfortunately, these storms can cause significant damage and disrupt travel plans. If you are visiting during hurricane season (June through November), keep up with the latest news about what’s happening in Jamaica and plan accordingly.

Check also: Are public pensions at risk? The short answer is yes. The long answer is here.

How Much Does It Cost to Retire in Jamaica?

The cost of living in Jamaica is between $800 and $2,000. So, a retired couple can live comfortably for about $2,000 per month. This amount would cover things like rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other necessities.

It is a bit more expensive than retiring in Argentina but it is also closer (in terms of distance) to the United States.

It’s essential to remember that the cost of retiring in Jamaica varies depending on where you live and your lifestyle. For example, if you want to live in an upscale neighborhood with access to a private beach, expect to pay more than someone who lives in a more modest community without these amenities—which is not really what someone expects for retirement.

Remember that no matter where you live, air conditioning is a must (and likely any apartment or house with a decent standard will have it).

Time for a comparison of the cost of living in Jamaica. I will not compare the living costs of Jamaica with New York or London, because nearly anywhere in the world is cheaper than those two cities. Let’s compare the cost of living in Jamaica with the best city for retirement in Europe (Valencia, Spain) and one of the favorite cities for pensioners in the USA (Tampa, Florida).

All prices are from Numbeo and Expatistan, two websites that crowdsource prices and living costs from thousands of users and contributors.

Cost of Living in Jamaica vs Valência (Spain) and Tampa (the USA)

Values in USD	Kingston (Jamaica)	Valencia	Tampa
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	6.07	11.59	22
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught)	1.97	2.9	6
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.79	1.98	3.3
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	6.19	6.4	11.64
Gasoline (1 liter)	1.34	1.56	1.2
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Garbage, etc.) for 85m2 Apartment, monthly	135.01	128.6	156.61
Internet (60 Mbps or More)	41.08	31.88	63.85
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	9.85	7	14
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes)	22	73	98
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area of the city	11	20	23
Rent of an apartment (1 bedroom) in the City Centre	641.47	720.77	2,035.75
Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in the City Centre	1,836.07	2,999.91	4,635.63

Cost of different items in Kingston (Jamaica), Valencia (Spain), and Tampa (Florida, the USA).

What an American Moving to Jamaica Needs to Know

American passport. — Discover in the next paragraphs what an American moving to Jamaica needs to know about visas.

Retirement Visa Jamaica—Steps to Have a Visa for Retiring in Jamaica

By now, you probably know that Jamaica is a natural tropical paradise with its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and welcoming people. If you are considering retiring in Jamaica, here’s what you need to know about the process to apply for residency status.

What Are the Requirements for Retiring in Jamaica?

Jamaica offers various visa types for those willing to stay in the country:

A Tourist Visa is for non residents coming for tourism.
Entry visa for temporary trips to Jamaica
Visa on arrival for some nationals coming to the country for business or other reasons.

But what about a retirement visa? Well, there is no official Jamaican retirement visa like in other destinations like Bali. However, you can retire in Jamaica with a Permanent Residence Visa. In practical terms, it is pretty much the same.

We’ll explain how it works in the next section.

Picture of Jamaica with the illustration of a visa — The visa application can be done either via the closest Jamaican embassy or with the Jamaican Passport Immigration & Citizenship Agency.

Jamaica Permanent Residence Visa

You can apply in the Immigration department for a Jamaican Permanent Residence Visa if you meet these requirements:

You can retire in Jamaica using the Permanent Residence Visa. You must have a retirement plan and show evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay on the island.
The process takes about three years on average, so it’s essential to start early.
You must provide your valid government-issued identification and proof of address. You will also need to show a copy of your passport, birth certificate, and marriage license.

Retiring in Jamaica can be a great way to enjoy your golden years in a beautiful tropical paradise. What do you think about that possibility?

If you enjoyed this article about retiring in Jamaica, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The Best Cities for Remote Workers This Year

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The Easiest Countries to Adopt From – A Guide.

Business in Europe

How to Immigrate to Spain

A 5-Point Checklist on Moving to Spain

When you think about moving to Europe, Spain is one of the few countries that will make you come up with new ideas. Let’s face it, this bright corner of Europe has something for everyone. Many people would ask themselves how to immigrate to Spain because it has great food, beautiful scenery, amazing culture, and a laid-back way of life.

However…

It is not all flowers and scents. Before you move, there are a few things you need to know. Basic stuff that often people ignored lured by the enchanting Iberian peninsula.

This article was a contribution from a friend that went through this experience and decide to share the best of his insights.

Do Your Research Well Before Moving to Spain

When moving to Spain, conducting thorough research about your soon-to-be new home is crucial. Ensure your research covers all important aspects, from the overall cost of living, local housing, and education, to the price of essential commodities in Spanish supermarkets.

One piece of good news is that, at least in terms of security, Spain is a very safe country. However, big cities have their bad and good neighborhoods (we investigated what are the good and dangerous areas of Madrid in this article). The most dangerous places in Spain are often communities on the outskirts of large cities.

If you are in doubt about which city to move to, take a look at our Expat Living City Guide.

The best way to get such information is by linking up with the expat community in the local Spanish town you intend to move to. Online platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp groups, where members freely interact and answer queries, will be helpful.

Several websites also have detailed guides on almost anything you want to know about how to immigrate to Spain.

Check also: Retiring in Switzerland – What You Need to Know

Remind about Health Insurance

Arranging for proper health coverage for you and your family is one of the most important things you may have to do before relocating to Spain. It will give you the peace of mind needed to start your life in a foreign country. Health Insurance in Spain applies in both private and public hospitals.

While most local citizens prefer the public healthcare system, many immigrants relocating to Spain choose to go with private healthcare insurance, even before they land in the country.

Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona…Choosing Where To Live in Spain

After equipping yourself with all the facts you need to know about how to immigrate to Spain, you must choose where to live carefully.

Suppose you fall in the category of people relocating for family commitments or work. In that case, the decision on where to reside is determined by the location of your family residence or workplace.

Another issue is connectivity. If you are going to live in a smaller town, it will be harder to either visit or be visited by your family and friends (unless the city has some exceptional attractions). In this matter, often large cities are better, and Barcelona is one of the cheapest destinations to fly to in Europe.

If you are not in the above two categories, your options are always wide open. You can choose to live in several interesting places when moving to Spain. For instance, many expatriates prefer the capital, Madrid, or beachside Barcelona because of the numerous job opportunities in the two Spanish cities (not even mentioning that Barcelona has one of the most beautiful parks in Europe).

Prepare for a New Schedule

Spain uses a different time zone (GMT+1). Hence, when moving into the country, you must be prepared to adapt to a new schedule. For example, you will realize that Portugal, a neighbor to Spain, has the same schedule as the UK, while Spain doesn’t.

Due to their unique time zone and culture, you might also have to adjust to different mealtimes.

Most people in Spain eat their lunch at 3 pm and have late dinners, at around 9 pm, with the two being the most important meals of the day. During meals, they prefer a proper sit down with family and friends over la Comida — which means — “the meal.”

Know the Cost of Living

When relocating to Spain, you need to understand the cost of living in the country and prepare your finances accordingly. This is an essential part on the “how” to immigrate to Spain.

Fortunately for you…

Spain is perhaps the cheapest to live in among the Western European countries. For instance, prices of commodities in Spain are, on average, 18.74% lower than those in the UK. The rent costs in the two countries are projected to be 28.17% cheaper in Spain compared to the UK.

When we compare capitals, the difference is even more shocking: Madrid is 45% cheaper than London. Even on small things, we can check the affordability of Madrid compared to the rest of the European capitals, like in this comparison of Uber rates.

Hence, it is no surprise to see many British retirees relocating to spend their pension under the Spanish sun. In fact, 2 of the 10 best cities to retire in Europe are located in Spain (Alicante, in 4th, and Valencia, in the first place). Spain is also overall one of the best countries in the world for retirement.

Picture of Valencia, one of the favorite places of those asking how to immigrate to Spain. — Valencia, one of the favorite places of those asking how to immigrate to Spain

Conclusion on How to Immigrate to Spain

Finally, before you move to Spain, it is important to remember that the country is rich in culture and traditions which heavily influences the Spanish people’s lifestyles.

You will realize that they have a unique way of greetings, eating, dating, and celebrating the many local festivities. To avoid culture shocks and make settling in Spain much easier, you are better off taking your time to learn about the country’s culture and traditions.

If you enjoyed this article about how to immigrate to Spain, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

How Belgrade Defeated Criminal Clans and Became a Prime Destination

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Why You Should Visit This Once-Famine-Ravaged Country, Now One of the World’s Richest

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Retire in Bali, Indonesia: Pros, Cons, Costs and All…

A dream of many people is to retire in Bali, Indonesia, and it’s not that hard to do it.

Have you caught yourself wondering if it is a good idea to retire in Bali, the sun-kissed island between Indonesia and Australia? In this article, we will explain everything to you, and give some well-needed context.

Our consultancy’s team wrote this article after similar pieces about other hot retirement destinations, such as:

Our list of 24 countries offering retirement visas is a must-read if you are considering retiring abroad.

Is Bali a Good Place to Retire?

Yes, and that is proved by the enormous number of western expatriates that choose this island on the other side of the world to spend their time.

Be aware, however, of one thing: talking about retirement in Bali is completely different from talking about retirement in other parts of Indonesia, which is not one of the best countries in the world to retire in, although easily could figure among the best beach destinations in the world.

Bali is different from the rest of the country. It has a good infrastructure. differently than Indonesia or other countries with pollution problems.

For most people, retirement is the golden age of their lives. They can enjoy their time without compulsory schedules and, more often than not, get to do so with a growing nest egg, which gets bigger year after year thanks to the magic of compounding interest.

So why spend this time hearing the loud sirens of a large city and dealing with long traffic jams?

The good weather, relatively cheap cost of living, magnificent beaches, rich history, and strong traditions combine together to make living in Bali the archetypal tropical paradise for people wishing to move out of noisy, polluting, and crowded metropolitan zones.

Retire in Bali Pros and Cons

As nearly every area in the world, it has its pros and cons, and even some bureaucracy, albeit significantly less than many other destinations.

Pros of Living in Bali

The weather. Yes, it was obvious this was going to be the first point (although the others are not in order of importance) of the pros of retiring in Bali. While you might encounter some tropical rain and thunderstorms during the rainy season, overall the weather in Bali is lovely. Sunny and warm days year round, great for escaping those cold winter days back home. If you would prefer cold weather, check our article about retirement in Finland.
Healthy living. Bali is a paradise for those who love working out, yoga, and surfing. Bali’s healthy food is another reason why so many people visit. It has also plenty of western food options. Places like Canggu have healthy food stores and cafes with the best options; many dishes are so good you won’t even wish for fast-food anymore!
The people. Balinese people are friendly, welcoming, and willing to help. Expatriates often fall in love with Bali because of its friendly people, and you may feel the same way.
The large expat community. Bali is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads, making it easy to find people with similar interests. Join Facebook groups like Bali Expats Group. Before you arrive, connect with these groups.
Very low cost of living (when compared to America or Europe). Bali’s cost of living is lower than in North America, Europe, and Australia. Eating out, grocery shopping, activities, and specially rent are cheaper. The lower living costs are also one of the reasons a place like Argentina is attractive for retirement. We’ll explain how much is the cost of living in Bali in the sections below.
Coworking spaces (If you decide to make some extra money as a remote worker during your retirement). As the expat and remote-workers community grew, so did the number of coworking spaces and cafes with decent wifi, and great places to work while exploring the island. You’ll find these spaces in Canggu and Ubud, where many expatriates and digital nomads live.
Plenty of activities to do. Not only the great prices, healthy lifestyle, and kind people draw travelers to this island, but also the beautiful sights and activities. White and black sand beaches, rice fields, waterfalls, and a sunrise-climbable volcano. Due to the island size, every place is 3 to 4 hours away, no matter where you live.
Your family and friends will be glad to visit you. Who doesn’t love a sunny island with sandy beaches? Costs and expenses to fly so far aside, nobody will refuse to spend some time in Bali with you in your new home.
The Internet Connectivity is excellent. It is easy to understand why Bali attracts so many remote workers. The internet is lightning fast! It’s faster than in some developed countries like Australia and very reliable. And connectivity issues are quickly sorted out.

Locals from Bali, Indonesia. — The kind and friendly local population is one of the pros of living in Bali

Cons of Living in Bali

Public transportation. Bali’s public transport system is a big drawback. In Bali, scooters are the best method to move about fast. If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter in Bali, it could be difficult to get around.
Distance. It is far if you are from the American or European continent, like me. Flights can be expensive when you want to visit your family and friends. If you looking for a similar climate (and don’t mind the higher costs), check Honolulu or Jamaica.
Traffic (if you need to move from one city or town to another). Bali’s traffic might be too heavy for the narrow roads connecting numerous places. A distance of 30 kilometers between two takes 45 to 1 hour on a scooter, however, if you are moving by car you may easily double these times since nearly half the journey you will be detained in traffic, especially during rush hour and high season when the island is loaded with people.
Healthcare. Healthcare may be a concern in Bali. Many tourists suffer from what is known as “Bali belly.” Dengue fever and scooter accidents occur. Accidents occur frequently, and people die from not using a helmet or intoxicated driving. Pay for a good health and life insurance and see what’s covered. Bali hospitals won’t treat you without insurance (or money).
The process of obtaining a visa. You will read more about the retirement visa process below, but overall acquiring the visa and extending it may be rather time-consuming. If you’re moving to Bali, learn about visas and extensions. They aren’t that complex once you’re familiar with the process, although it may take some time to adjust.

Do They Speak English in Bali?

First of all, Bali has many expatriates, and nearly all of them speak good English.

Outside the expat community, most locals in Bali know a little bit of English. In particular, the younger urban generation speaks English. Head into the villages however and there’s a strong possibility you’ll have to depend on hand gestures to converse with the inhabitants.

And a curiosity: Indonesian is a simple language to learn. Although speaking Indonesian is not a need for living in Bali, I would still advise taking at least a week of courses. People will value the work you put in. More people will grin at you, and it creates the possibility of amusing conversations.

Retirement Visa Indonesia – Steps to Have a Visa to Retire in Bali

There are undoubtedly a lot of things about this tropical island that draws you in, whether it be the people, the beaches, the sunsets, the culture, or everything in between. It’s time to move on to the qualifications once you’ve verified that Bali does really provide everything you want.

What Are the Requirements to Retire in Bali?

Picture of Bali with the illustration of a visa — The visa application can be done either via the closest Indonesian embassy or with the Indonesian immigration office.

There are multiple types of visas to live in Bali:

The Single Entry Visa, often used by digital nomads.
The Multiple Entry Visa, used among others by people visiting constantly relatives who live on the island.
ITAS / KITAS (The limited stay permit, also known as a temporary residence permit), utilized by foreigners who choose to stay in Bali for a few years. This permit can be for reasons like for investors, for workers, or for family stay.With a KITAS, you are also allowed to bring your spouse or children to live in Bali (they need to apply for a dependent visa).
The Bali Retirement Visa, which we will give the details below.

Before applying for a retirement visa, it is common practice for people to arrive in Bali as tourists to check the local real estate market, study possible places to settle, or just to feel the island and discover if that is the place where they want to live. If you decide to go through this path and arrive first with a single entry visa, it is highly recommended that you have some sort of travel insurance or health insurance. One firm we recommend for this is Ekta.

Bali Retirement Visa

A retirement visa requires you to:

Be 55 years old, or older
Have health and life insurance
Rent a property that costs over US$380 a month with a lease agreement for a minimum of one year. If you are married to a local and live in a home registered in your spouse’s name, you can circumvent this criterion.
In terms of money, you must have a pension fund of at least US$1,520 a month or must produce evidence of a lump sum of US$18,000 income per year to meet living expenditures alone (this data may change with inflation).
In addition, you can’t work and must hire an Indonesian domestic helper or household worker.
As of 2022, retirement visas are not granted to any of these countries: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Guinea, Israel, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, or Somalia.

Remember that the retirement visa (also known as a retirement KITAS) is a one-year temporary residency permit with a five-year extension option. After five years, you will be able to apply for a KITAP, or permanent stay permit. The retirement visa allows you to open a local bank account, obtain a local driver’s license, sign a lease agreement, etc.

The fantastic news is that retirees in Bali who have valid retirement visas are eligible to purchase a house. Real estate is negotiated with a 25-year lease that can be extended for an additional 20 years. If you want to buy a more expensive property, one way often used by expatriates is to purchase it as a foreign investment through a foreign-owned company (PT PMA).

Properties are very affordable in Bali when compared to western standards. And since we are talking about affordability, time to enter the next (and probably most expected) point.

House and swimming pool in Bali, Indonesia. — The affordable real estate prices make the idea of retire in Bali attractive.

Is It Cheap to Retire in Bali?

Yes, it is very cheap to retire in Bali. There are not many places in the US (if there is any) where you can live in a nice villa with a private pool for the prices you will find in Bali.

And the numbers below will prove that. I will not compare the living costs of Bali with New York or London, because nearly anywhere in the world is cheaper than those two cities. Let’s compare the cost of living in Bali with the best city for retirement in Europe (Valencia, Spain) and one of the favorite cities for pensioners in the USA (Tampa, Florida).

All prices are from Numbeo and Expatistan, two websites that crowdsource prices and living costs from thousands of users and contributors.

Cost of Living in Bali vs Valência (Spain) and Tampa (the USA)

Values in USD	Bali	Valencia	Tampa
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	1.64	11.59	22
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught)	2.97	2.9	6
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.48	1.98	3.3
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	4.37	6.4	11.64
Gasoline (1 liter)	0.81	1.56	1.2
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Garbage, etc.) for 85m2 Apartment, monthly	46.05	128.6	156.61
Internet (60 Mbps or More)	26.93	31.88	63.85
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	3.6	7	14
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes)	16	73	98
Standard men’s haircut in expat area of the city	10	20	23
Rent of an apartment (1 bedroom) in the City Centre	482.81	720.77	2,035.75
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in the City Centre	1,056.21	2,999.91	4,635.63

Cost of different items in Bali (Indonesia), Valencia (Spain), and Tampa (Florida, the USA).

That is what I call cheap, right? So what are your opinions about the idea of retire in Bali?

If you enjoyed this article about how to retire in Bali, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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City and Safety Guides

Is Toronto Safe?

Discover How Safe Is Toronto, the Bad Areas, and the Safest Neighborhoods

When you think of Canada, cold weather, friendly people, maple syrup, and poutine typically come to mind, and being concerned about safety is not something you typically think of. Currently, Canada is the 12th safest country in the world according to the 2022 Global Peace Index, but this can obviously vary from city to city.

Toronto is the most populous city in the country, coming up on almost 3 million residents. The unique and modern city is right on the beautiful Lake Ontario, and the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower gives it one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.

The city offers many amazing things to do, such as exploring the old St. Lawrence Market for special goods, a tour of the 1911 gothic-style Casa Loma, checking out one of the many museums, the impressive Toronto Zoo, walking up all 147 floors of the CN Tower, or taking a stroll around the romantic and historic distillery district.

With so many neighbourhoods and districts, it can be confusing to know where to stay or live. We’re going to go in-depth now in the post and help you find the answer: is Toronto safe?

(It is the third city in Canada that we analyze in such a complete way. The other two are Vancouver and Montreal). We also wrote a guide about Canada as a retirement destination for pensioners and remote workers.

Toronto Crime Rates

Infographic for article Is Toronto Safe — Our infographic with the answer to the question, “Is Toronto Safe?” (Feel free to share, but please give proper credit by linking back to this article 🙂 )

According to the ‘Crime Severity Index‘, Toronto is very low, not even making the top 100 on the list of the cities with the most severe crime. However, most of these cities with high crime rates are quite small and could be considered large towns in some cases.

When it comes to large cities such as Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver, Toronto still fared much better in comparison. In the 2019 Safe Cities Index, Toronto came in 6th place out of 60, coming just behind Sydney and Amsterdam and just before Washington, DC.

Back in 2017, Toronto was ranked the safest city in North America, having a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities. Regarding the crime index, Toronto ranks closer to other cities in North America such as Halifax, Austin, Edmonton, Boston, and Denver.

Image of Toronto skyline to illustrate article about how safe it is. — Is Toronto Safe? While the city is far from the lowest crime rate in Canada, it is still not dangerous per se.

When it comes to the homicide rate, which is homicides per 100,000 people, Toronto only ranks 18th on the list with 1.81 homicides per 100,000 people in Canada. This is much safer when compared to American cities such as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, which have around 20 homicides per 100,000 residents.

It should be noted that almost all of the violent crime in Toronto is gang-related, so don’t let any of these figures or statistics deter you from visiting this unique and interesting city.

Bad Areas in Toronto

Just like in every large metropolitan city in the world, there are always some bad apple neighbourhoods you should look out for, especially after dark, and Toronto is no exception. Certain areas should be avoided or exercise a degree of caution if you happen to visit one of these neighbourhoods. The following are some places to avoid in Toronto:

Moss Park

Ranked number 1 in overall violent crime in Toronto, this place should just be avoided altogether. It’s just south of Dundas Street, around Parliament and Jarvis Street. The whole area around Dundas Street downtown can seem quite sketchy and dangerous at times, especially at night.

Regent Park

One of the most notorious areas for its high crime rate for many years has been mainly a poor neighbourhood where people will go to extremes to try to make ends meet. There is a lot of vandalism, property crimes, petty crimes, and robberies in this area.

Jane & Finch

Perhaps the most notorious area of Toronto, known for its high crime rate and overall depressing atmosphere. While it’s safe during the day, certain areas of Jane and Finch should be avoided at night. If you’re wandering around aimlessly, then you might run into trouble, but if you’re using common sense while traveling, you should be fine.

Little Portugal

Located in the west of the city, usually referred to as Old Toronto, this area has quite a high crime rate, especially the region bordered by College, Brock, and Lansdowne, and also the railway tracks, which include Lansdowne, Dufferin, and Dundas Street.

Corridor of Bay Street

Also known as Bay Cloverhill, this area is one of the many downtown sections stretching along Bay Street. You’ll notice a lot of high rises in this area, as well as lots of fancy, upscale restaurants and shops. With a very high rate of burglaries targeting the rich, you will most likely be fine here if you’re just a tourist minding your own business.

Other areas that should be avoided in Toronto are Queens Street, Dundas Street, the Bloor Neighbourhood, Kipling & Albion, Jane & Finch, and St. James Town.

The Safest Areas in Toronto

While there are a few bad areas in Toronto to avoid, the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto far outnumber the unsafe ones.

Because Toronto is such a big city, you’ll rely on public transportation or bicycle rentals to get around, as it’s not much of a walking city (for most part of it). Students (and Toronto has many of them, since Canada is one of the favorites among the best places for education abroad and also for studies in the medical area) often prefer to live closer to their universities.

Map of The Kingsway, one of the safest neighborhoods in Toronto. — The Kingsway is one of the safest neighborhoods in Toronto. Source: Google Maps.

Kingsway South (The Kingsway)

Having the lowest assault rate in Toronto, Kingsway South is also very low in total crime rate, at only 500 per 100,000. The area has beautiful century-old architecture and beautiful parks along the Humber River. People usually just refer to it as the Kingsway so as to not confuse it with South Kingsway Street, which is further east. Heads up, it’s quite an expensive area to stay in.

Yonge-St.Clair

Located in midtown Toronto, Yonge-St.Clair is an area diverse in culture and also in business and commerce as it’s so close to the center of the city. It’s a great mix of suburban and big city life, with excellent nightlife and amazing restaurants to try. The crime rate here is only 469 per 100,000 people, which is quite less than half of the total crime rate in Toronto.

Queen West West

West Queen West is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Toronto, with tons of unique architecture and friendly people. It’s a popular spot for foodies, hipsters, and graffiti artists. It’s not just one of the coolest neighbourhoods; violent and petty crime are almost non-existent here, making it one of the safest areas in Toronto.

Chinatown

Considered the largest Chinatown in North America, this particular one in downtown Toronto is also within the greater Kensington Market area. This neighborhood is generally considered a very safe area and is full of all kinds of wondrous sights and smells to ignite your senses.

It’s also a hot spot for foodies and backpackers, with many options for budget accommodation if you’re looking to stay somewhere a little cheaper in Toronto.

Forest Hill South,

Forest Hill South is a rich, affluent neighbourhood that is also well known for being very safe and family-friendly. With an average rate of assault of only 17.4 per 10,000 people, it’s the lowest rate in Toronto. It’s a great place to take a bike ride through the impressive mansions and tree-filled neighborhood, as well as the nearby Cedarvale Park.

There are some excellent and (surprisingly!) inexpensive hotels in the best areas of Toronto. You can find them below.

Is Toronto a Good Place to Live?

Toronto is a good city to live in, not just because of how safe it is, but also because there’s just so much to do here, you’ll never get bored. Want to cool off? Visit one of the local beaches in the city that dot the shore of Lake Ontario, such as Sunnyside Beach or Woodbine Beach to the east.

The city also has a very large expatriate community, what helps to make the immigrant adaptation process much easier.

You can take a day trip to Toronto Island Park and take in the fantastic view of the Toronto skyline at dusk. The city even has the Toronto Bike Share app, with stations found in every neighbourhood, making travel within the city a breeze. Pricing starts as low as $7 per day. Toronto has an abundance of bike paths, so biking safety is not an issue here.

Skyline of Toronto during the day. — Overall, Toronto is safe and a good place to live, but some research before moving always helps. PS: It is also an expensive city.

Toronto is also a great city to travel alone as you don’t need to worry about safety and can safely stroll around at night checking out different sites. You may even make friends with locals. After all, Canadians are very friendly. We recommend strolling around the Harbourfront, which is right on Lake Ontario, or going out drinking in “The Junction,” the hippest nightlife area in Toronto.

Overall, Toronto is a very safe city, even when compared to some of the safest cities in North America.

Toronto is also actually rated quite low when it comes to the Crime Severity Index, which may come as a surprise. It’s also one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in the world. At night, you’ll see people walking around alone without cause for concern, but remember, this is Canada!

That being said, Toronto isn’t without its problems (just like Montreal, which we covered in this article, or Vancouver, which is covered here).

Unfortunately, there are a lot of poorer neighbourhoods in Toronto, such as Jane & Finch and Regent Park, which do tend to be less safe. The safest areas are the wealthy suburbs, but most people don’t have the luxury of being able to afford to live or travel there. Use common sense, stick to the safe areas we mentioned, and you’re sure to have a great time in Toronto!

Ps: If you are still in doubt about a move to Toronto or any other city, check out our Expat Living City Guides, with information about multiple cities all over the world!

Other Tips for Visiting Toronto

1st — If you are visiting the city, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from the Toronto International Airport (or from any station) to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

By the way, Toronto has a very large airport called Pearson, which is one of the best and cheapest departing points to fly to Europe from North America.

3rd — If you want to walk around and see some historical spots without the risk of getting lost or wasting your time, hire a guide. You can find some amazing and reliable guides and tours at Viator. They will give you insider information about historical facts and curiosities, and also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

4th—Stay in a good hostel. Hostels are usually in the safest parts of cities, unlike hotels. Most hostels have private rooms that are as comfortable as a hotel, plus a friendly staff to give information. When looking for hostels, I visit Hostelworld and filter for those above grade 7.

If you enjoyed this article answering the question Is Toronto Safe? here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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Levi Borba is the founder of the Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

City and Safety Guides

Where Can I Live? Our Expat Living City Guides

Living as an Expat: It Is Easier When You Know Which Places You Should Avoid!

If you want to move to another country but don’t know where to start and have doubts about expat living and lifestyle, you’re in luck today because I am going to tell you (almost) everything I know from my own experiences.

There are also some excellent books about life abroad, and a list of them you can find here.

Living as an Expat in the XXI Century

People are moving abroad more frequently and more easily in the present globalized world for a variety of reasons, including work, education, or just exploring different environments and meeting new people. A new culture usually comes along with it.

When you emigrate, you must adopt new customs and social standards.

In order to avoid experiencing the so-called culture shock, which is a state of anxiety brought on by contact with a new culture and is accompanied by emotions of loss and bewilderment, you must assume as soon as possible that you will require an adaptation and learning process.

Deciding Where to Live

There are 4 important things to think about when deciding where to live:

Living costs
The language barrier
Quality of life and safety
The climate

Living Costs: Finding a Place to Live That Will Not Empty Your Pockets

If you are planning to move abroad, it is important to analyze the living costs as soon as you get there. You might end up spending more money than expected on food, accommodation, and other services every month. So figure out how much money you need when moving abroad in order to not be another expat living plunged in debt..

To help you with that, I wrote a few other articles on this subject on different countries:

This article will put into perspective how London is so much more expensive than any other major European capital.
On the other hand, here you will discover 3 cities with VERY low living costs for both digital nomads and travelers.
If you are thinking about studying medicine abroad, the cost of living is an important component and here you have the countries with the best cost-benefit for medical school.
Brazil: Here you will learn how the exchange rate made life cheaper for expats, while here you will discover 4 things that are extremely cheap in Brazil.
Since I live in Poland, would be unfair to not write anything about them. This article enters into detail about the cost of living in Warsaw, while this one lists 5 insanely expensive things in Poland.

The language barrier

Individuals fluent in multiple languages comprise less than 3% of the current world population.

There is a reason there are so many Latin-Americans in Spain or so many Brazilians in Portugal: the language barrier for an expat living in a country with a distinct idiom is a REAL DEAL.

If you are moving to a country with the same idiom as yours, or a place where almost everyone speaks English (eg: the Netherlands), you don’t need to worry so much about this issue.

On the other hand, I saw expats that gave up excellent standards of live in countries like South Korea or Brazil because they could not withstand the problems and solitude imposed by the language barrier.

A whole new world will be revealed to you once you become familiar with the local language (and there are methods to learn it faster than you think). When grocery shopping or ordering at a café, you won’t just be able to say things like “Thank you” or “Please,” but you’ll also be able to pick up on the subtleties that affect people’s moods. Knowing the local slang will help you get a better sense of what is outrageous and what is funny in your new neighborhood.

Language has an impact on how we think, according to research by cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky. Your chances of succeeding (or at least surviving) in your new environment will therefore increase if you learn the local language because you will be able to think like a local. Which incentive is more advantageous than this? According to Ludwig Wittgenstein, an Austrian philosopher:

The limits of my language mean the limits of my world

Quality of Life and Safety: Even the Best Cities for Expats Have Bad Neighbourhoods

Safety should be the top priority of anyone thinking about moving to a new city. That is true whether you’re moving to a new country or simply across your country, to another city.

However, it can be difficult to find the information that is needed when vetting where you want to live. There are certain cities that are perceived as unsafe and rightfully so based on what is going on within and around that city. But here is a thing that many people forget:

Many times, the good areas in the bad cities are better than the bad areas in the best cities.

For this reason, there are plenty of guides that my team and I prepared for you. In these guides, each for an individual city, you will discover:

If the city is safe when compared to other major destinations and to the rest of the country.
What are the crime rates and more prevalent types of violence.
What are the places to avoid and what are the unsafe neighborhoods.
What are the good places, family-friendly and welcoming to expatriates.

Here is a list of them:

Europe

Athens, Greece
Belgrade, Serbia
Berlin, Germany
Munich, Germany
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dublin, Ireland
Edinburgh, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland
Lisbon, Portugal
Madrid, Spain (We also wrote a guide with tips on immigrating to Spain)
Manchester, England
Milan, Italy
Rome, Italy

The United States

Canada

Latin America

Asia

Qatar

Safety and Violence Rankings

Besides all the cities mentioned previously, we also prepared some special rankings on the subject of how safe (or dangerous) are certain places.

Places to Retire

Our team also researches the best and most affordable places for those willing to retire abroad. Below you can access some of these guides:

Other Tips for Staying Safe in a New Place

Let’s assume you just arrived in a new place, either to spend just a few weeks or as an expat living there permanently. You are still looking for a place to stay until settle down. Here are some additional tips.

2nd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from the airport (or from any station) to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

4th—Stay in a good hostel. Hostels are usually in the safest parts of cities (at least in Europe and South America), unlike hotels. Most hostels have private rooms that are as comfortable as a hotel, plus a friendly staff to give information. When looking for hostels, I visit Hostelworld and filter for those above grade 7.

The climate: finding a place to live during all 4 seasons.

Author, an expat, in a cold climate. I knew what kind of climate I would face when I made my choice of living as an expat in Europe. — I knew what kind of climate I would face when I made my choice of living as an expat in Europe.

Instead of just telling you how bad is the winter in some places or how hot is the summer in others, I will give you a fact. A fact that I experienced myself and that shows how important is to analyze the climate of the place where you are moving to.

Latin Americans, for example, tend to have darker skin tones on average than most Europeans, especially those from the northern and eastern parts of the continent.

Anyone who lives in sunny regions like Brazil’s northeast or the Andean altiplano will find darker skin to be an advantageous adaptation. More ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun are filtered out by darker tones. Since they have more melanin, they are better able to avoid sunburn and other issues brought on by excessive sun exposure, like skin cancer.

The problem is that the same UVB rays that cause cancer also break down the cholesterol in skin cells, supplying the human body with energy for the production of vitamin D. Lack of vitamin D can result in fatigue, muscle cramps, depression, and issues with the immune system. Vitamin D is necessary for good health.

Days are significantly shorter and the sun rarely appears in northern parts of Europe during the winter.

For instance, in December, here in Poland, the sky can be cloudy for weeks, and the sun sets in Warsaw at about 15:30. Less than 30 hours of sunlight are available each month in the winter. To put it in perspective, neither Buenos Aires nor Mexico City has a single month with less than 130 hours of daylight.

People in nations like Estonia and Poland have extremely white skin, which blocks fewer UVB rays. So, even in small amounts of sunlight, they receive enough UVB to produce the necessary amounts of vitamin D.

That did not apply to me. I have olive skin, and during my first year in Poland, I frequently fell ill. I visited the doctor, and exams found that I was severely vitamin D deficient. I started taking Vitamin D3 supplements during the fall and winter, which only costs me less than 8 euros per month, and this solved my problem of fatigue and ongoing sickness.

So don’t forget to check about the climate of your destination and how it affects you body!

Recommended books for expats, digital nomads, or anyone living abroad

Budget Travelers Digital Nomad and Expats Book — Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

Starting Your Own Business Far From Home: What (Not) to Do When Opening a Company in Another State, Country, or Galaxy

If you enjoyed this article about expat living, subscribe (for free) to receive my articles directly in your inbox and receive a special gift. If you enjoy this article, please consider becoming a Medium member by using this link and have access to premium, unbiased content from authors not tied to big media.

Digital Nomads

The Best Place to Live in Poland

Using 12 Different Criteria, This Is the Top 10 Best Places to Live in Poland

There are only 107 cities in Poland.

The low number is due to Poland’s distinction between towns and cities. While a town mayor is called the burmistrz, a city mayor is the prezydent miasta. Other differences are some public services, like specific courts, and so on.

There isn’t any city in Poland with less than 35,000 residents, though some towns might have a larger population.

However, 107 is not a small number, and when considering a move, many expatriates wonder where in Poland they should settle (at least this is a question I asked myself six years ago when I was planning to move here).

Fortunately, an interesting study conducted by the consulting firm ThinkCo and the Polish portal Otodom helped us find the answer to this question about Poland. Yes, Poland, a place where the economy is expanding so rapidly that it is causing a reverse-immigration, and bringing back the citizens who long ago left the nation.

In this guide, we will share with you the criteria and the highlights of the best cities in this guide, as well as my personal opinion about those that I know personally.

Criteria used to define the best place to live in Poland

How happy do you feel in the city where you live?

Almost 36 thousand people living in Poland responded to this question in the survey that Otodom conducted between the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. The respondents gave their opinions on a scale from 1 (completely unhappy) to 5 (extremely happy).

The study’s objective was to determine what factors affect people’s subjective feelings of happiness in the city and its nearby areas. Therefore, in addition to providing a general assessment of their level of happiness, the respondents also provided information on the factors that had a positive and negative influence on it.

These components (in the report, some smaller cities lacked a breakdown of results by each factor) included:

Availability of shops
Public transportation
Natural environment
Security
Availability of entertainment and cultural attractions
Cost of living
Availability of sports and recreation venues
Relations with neighborhood and community
Cleaning and maintenance of the city
Availability of health services
Infrastructure for kids
Infrastructure for animals

Without further ado, let’s dive into the best places to live in Poland according to the research.

10: Kraków

Score: 3.69 (where 1 means completely unhappy, while 5 means extremely happy)

Best evaluated factors: The things that Kraków residents liked best were public transportation (39% said it has a positive impact on their lives), commerce (36%), and entertainment and cultural attractions (34%).

A curious result is that Kraków scored better than any other large Polish city in the availability of health services (20%).

Worst evaluated factors: Living costs (54% of the respondents considered that it has a negative impact on their life) and the natural environment (48% of negative evaluations — the worst among all large cities).

Picture of the center of Krakow, the city that opens our top 10 of the best places to live in Poland — Krakow opens our top 10 of the best places to live in Poland

My personal opinion about Kraków

Although I live in Warsaw, I consider Kraków a more pleasant place in almost all aspects (an exception would be the job market), and it is probably the best place to visit in Poland if you have only a few days.

They do have a great (and cheaper than Warsaw) public transport system, and the city has plenty of cultural attractions that are often not present even in Warsaw (e.g., the Cirque du Soleil during the 2022 tour will make presentations both in Gdańsk and Kraków, but not Warsaw).

The critics are also in line with my own experiences, which may be shocking if you read a previous article where I put Kraków as one of the best cities in the world for digital nomads, in part because of its low cost of living. It is also a favorite among international students in Poland.

The thing is: compared to other similar cities in the European Union, Kraków is inexpensive, but compared to other Polish cities, except for Warsaw, it is expensive. That explains why locals complain about the cost of living: they are not comparing it with Valencia or Lyon, but with smaller cities in Poland.

Inflation is also hitting hard: 2 years ago, I wrote an article about cities in Europe that you could visit for less than 25 euros per day, nowadays, I doubt this is still possible.

The locals’ complaints about the environment are also understandable since during the winter Kraków has some of the worst air quality of any city in the world.

9: Poznań

Score: 3.73

Best evaluated factors: Public transport (34% of the respondents affirmed it has a positive impact on their life), and availability of entertainment and cultural attractions (31%).

Worst evaluated factors: Living costs (49% of the respondents considered that it has a negative impact on their life) and the natural environment (31%).

My personal opinion about Poznań

While the best-evaluated factors are no surprise for me and I completely agree with them, it is a surprise to see that people in Poznań have so bad remarks about the natural environment. The city is not even close to having air as polluted as Kraków or Warsaw during the winter.

I also expected more criticism about security, since it is one of the most violent cities in Poland (however, since Poland is a very safe country, it is still much safer than other similar-sized European cities).

8: Katowice

Score: 3.75

Best evaluated factors: Availability of shops (32% considered it a positive impact). Katowice also had the best results among all large cities in Poland in 2 factors: availability of sports and recreation venues (24%), and Infrastructure for kids (18%).

Worst evaluated factor: Katowice had the worst score among all large cities in Security, with 25% of the respondents affirming it negatively impacts their life.

My personal opinion about Katowice

Katowice has indeed a remarkable infrastructure, both for commercial activities but also for sports and recreation. Lately, the city and its metropolitan area became the host of multiple fairs and large events in Poland that before would be in Warsaw or Krakow.

The bad result in security isn’t because of the city itself, but I guess it is because of the areas around it. For example, poor towns like Bytom and Sosnowiec never got back on their feet after the coal mining industry collapsed.

7: Rzeszów

Score: 3.76

6: Szczecin

Score: 3.82

Best evaluated factor: Natural environment, where 36% of the respondents considered it a factor with a positive impact on their lives.

Worst evaluated factors: Living costs (43% considered it a factor with a negative impact) and public transportation (26%).

5: Bielsko-Biała

Score: 3.85

My personal opinion about Bielsko-Biała

It is a lovely city close to the Beskid mountains (one of the most beautiful places in Europe during autumn). It is medium-sized, with close to 170,000 residents. This city has the advantage of being located 1 hour or less from major urban centers like Katowice or Ostrava (Czech Republic) but without the cons of these larger cities.

It is a bit colder than the other cities on this list, so you may spend a bit more on heating bills (although there are some extreme ways to reduce heating expenses).

If in the future I move out from Warsaw, Bielsko-Biała is on the list of the cities that definitely I would live in.

4: Tychy

Score: 3.91

The 3rd Best Place to Live in Poland: Zielona Góra

Score: 3.95

I have never been to Zielona Góra, but from what I know, the city (which has around 140 thousand inhabitants) offers great opportunities for anyone that likes nature or students seeking higher education. The University of Zielona Góra provides a diverse range of programs, including foreign languages and computer science.

Zielona Góra is also known for its beautiful nature. There are many lakes, forests, and mountains near the city, which makes it a perfect place for hiking and other outdoor activities. Attributes enough to put Zielona Góra as the 3rd best place to live in Poland.

The 2nd Best Place to Live in Poland: Gdańsk

Score: 3.96

Best evaluated factors: Natural environment, with 37% considering it a positive factor, the same percentage that also evaluated positively the availability of entertainment and cultural attractions

Worst evaluated factors: Cost of living, with 56% considering it a negative impact, and availability of health services (23%).

Picture of Gdańsk downtown, one of the 3 best places to live in Poland. — Gdańsk, one of the 3 best places to live in Poland.

My personal opinion about Gdańsk

Gdańsk is one of the most popular summer cities in Poland, although its beaches may be overshadowed by those of neighboring Sopot. The city has plenty of nice parks and one of the best air quality indicators in the entire country despite its size. It is relatively expensive if compared to other cities that are off the beaten tourist path, but still much cheaper than Warsaw.

The Best Place to Live in Poland: Gdynia

Score: 4,03

Best evaluated factors: Public transportation (39% consider it a positive factor) and natural environment (36%).

Worst evaluated factor: 57% evaluate the cost of living negatively, and this is the worst result on this factor in the entire country.

My personal opinion about Gdynia

Just like Gdańsk (which is a few minutes farther east), Gdynia has wonderful clean air, beautiful parks, and great public transport. The cost of living is pumped during the summer by large touristic inflows, and I guess that this, together with the proximity to Sopot, the most expensive city in Poland, inflates the prices inside the city and causes some dissatisfaction among locals.

Check also: The Most Beautiful Capital Cities in Europe

Why Warsaw is Not Among the Best Places to Live in Poland?

Warsaw downtown at night. One of the reasons why Warsaw is not one of the best cities in Poland is that it feels a bit too crowded sometimes. — One of the reasons why Warsaw is not one of the best cities in Poland is that it feels a bit too crowded sometimes, as you can see. Picture by Levi Borba.

One could ask why Warsaw is completely absent from the list of the best cities to live in Poland, even when we consider only the largest cities.

But I would rather ask: why would Warsaw be among the best places to live in Poland?

Yes, the Polish capital does have plenty of cultural and entertainment attractions, the availability of numerous health services, very decent infrastructure for sports, and a good public transport system.

BUT….

Everything goes down when we talk about pollution (although not as bad as Kraków), traffic jams, and the worst of all: the price. Warsaw is much more expensive than nearly all Polish cities, except for resort municipalities like Sopot (during the summer) or Zakopane (during the winter).

For example, housing prices in Warsaw are 56% higher than in Szczecin.

Yes, Warsaw is still one of the most inexpensive capitals in the European Union (it also has one of the cheapest Uber rates in the world), but it is pricey when compared to the rest of the country.

If you enjoyed this article about the best place to live in Poland, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe This Year

The Best Cities to Retire in the European Continent

The Miracle on the Vistula 1920: How Poland Saved Europe from the Soviet Union