Reaching financial independence gives you the ultimate freedom to choose where you live.
Many people who reach FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) today decide to relocate abroad to stretch their savings, reduce their tax burden or simply enjoy a better climate.
Picking the right destination requires a careful look at living costs, healthcare access, safety and visa options.
Let’s examine some of the most popular locations for expats right now and what makes each one worth considering.
Top global destinations for early retirees
Choosing a base depends entirely on your target budget and lifestyle preferences.
Some expats want a bustling Asian metropolis, while others prefer the historic charm of a European capital. You’ll need to weigh up the benefits of each region against your specific financial goals.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal remains a massive draw for the expat community. Lisbon offers excellent infrastructure, high safety standards and reliable healthcare.
The D7 visa provides a clear path to residency for those with a steady passive income, making it a favourite among early retirees.
You’ll need a minimum of around €920 per month in passive income to qualify. Most advisers also recommend having at least 12 months’ worth of the minimum income (€11,040 in 2026) in a Portuguese bank account to strengthen your application.
Living costs have certainly increased over the last few years as the city becomes more popular, but they’re still much lower than in London or New York.
One thing to be aware of is that Portugal’s old Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which was hugely popular with foreign retirees, closed to new applicants in 2024.
Its replacement, known as IFICI, is open to highly qualified professionals in fields like scientific research, higher education, certified startups and certain export-focused companies.
It doesn’t cover retirees or people living on passive income alone. That means if you’re moving on passive income alone, you’ll likely face Portugal’s standard progressive tax rates.
It’s still a great place to live, but the tax picture has changed.
It’s also worth noting that Portugal extended its citizenship waiting period in May 2026, from five years to ten for most applicants.
If you’re planning a long-term move with an eye on a second passport, factor that into your timeline.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you want to drastically reduce your monthly expenses, Chiang Mai is hard to beat. The city provides a high standard of living for a fraction of Western prices.
You get access to incredible local food, modern amenities and affordable private healthcare facilities that are popular with medical tourists.
The visa situation requires some planning, but long-term options like the Thailand Privilege Visa (formerly the Thailand Elite Visa) are available for those willing to pay an upfront membership fee.
Tiers range from five to twenty years.
The entry-level Bronze membership costs ฿650,000 for five years, though it’s a promotional tier with limited availability, so it’s worth checking the Thailand Privilege website for current options before you apply.
This removes the headache of constant border runs and lets you stay in the country for years without re-applying.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is perfect for expats who want big-city comforts without the premium price tag. English is widely spoken, and the private hospitals offer world-class medical care at very reasonable rates.
Renting a luxury condominium with a pool and gym costs significantly less here than in most European capitals.
Malaysia also provides excellent connectivity for travelling across Southeast Asia. You can easily catch low-cost flights to neighbouring countries whenever you want a change of scenery.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia is a highly tax-efficient base for early retirees. Tbilisi offers a very low cost of living and a unique cultural experience in the Caucasus.
Citizens of over 95 countries, including the US, UK and all EU member states, can stay for up to a year without a visa. This makes it incredibly easy to settle in and set up a base without complex immigration paperwork.
It’s worth noting that since January 2026, all foreign nationals entering Georgia must hold travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL (roughly $11,000).
You can rent a spacious apartment in the city centre on a modest budget and enjoy the famous local hospitality.
Test a city closer to home before you commit
Many expats prefer to stay closer to home and look for a solid Western European base. UK cities like Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh are excellent choices for this.
They offer rich cultural scenes, great transport links and a much lower cost of living than London. Setting up a base in the UK also means you have easy access to the rest of Europe for shorter trips.
You shouldn’t buy property or sign a long-term lease in a new city without living there first.
A destination might look perfect on a spreadsheet but be completely different once you actually arrive and deal with the daily routine. It’s always best to spend at least a month in a location to see if the local lifestyle genuinely suits your retirement goals.
Booking short-term accommodation allows you to explore different neighbourhoods and get a realistic sense of daily life. Many expats today book corporate apartments through providers like Situ to secure a fully furnished base in the UK and Europe.
This setup gives you the flexibility to test out a location without committing to a six-month contract or dealing with complicated furniture deliveries. You can walk in with just your suitcase and immediately start living like a local.
A trial run helps you figure out the public transport system, locate the best local markets and check out the healthcare facilities in person.
You’ll be able to test the internet speeds, meet other locals and decide if you actually want to live there permanently before you move all your assets.
Make the move on your terms
Relocating after achieving financial independence is a major life decision. The right location will help you protect your wealth and improve your daily routine for decades to come.
Take your time to research visa requirements, healthcare access and local tax laws before you make a final decision. Always prioritise a trial run in your chosen city to make sure the reality matches your expectations.
By Helen with support from AI
Advertising feature with SITU
