The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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We are interested in retiring to either France, Mexico, Panama or Portugal. Getting visas can be tricky for those of us who haven’t done it in the past. Do you recommend getting an immigration attorney? If so, would that be one in the U.S. or the country we’re interested in? How do we find a knowledgeable immigration attorney?
For Portugal, I did it myself on vfsglobal.com. Just be sure to apply while you are in the US.
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My husband and I (retired mid sixties) are interested in becoming part time residents in Portugal where my maternal ancestors are from. I speak some Portuguese and am working on improving. We are traveling there soon for three months to explore the country as a possible area in which to buy a condo. Our hope is to buy a place in the Algarve area that can be rented out during the warmest months while we are in the U.S. and spend about half the year in the condo ourselves. We have a certain amount of money to spend but it's not half a million euros, so I'm looking for a real estate manager who can help us in the 200-400,000 Euro range. It seems many I have found are very high end and we need someone willing to help the lower middle range. Any suggestions on how to find someone? Thank you!
Hi, I live on the Algarve and do exactly what you describe, I rent my villa in July and August while I explore the world. I know a very nice lady who volunteered with me at a charity event here. She's is English, a real estate agent here, but I have not used her services. I can tell you she gave her time for a hospice charity, so she is a good person and seems quite professional. Her name is Karen Sneider Shears. She can be reached on What's App or by phone at +351 915 962 156. Please tell her that Glenda Cole referred you. Good luck, it's a BEAUTIFUL life!!
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Can I still receive US social security when living in a foreign country
Absolutely. I live in Portugal and get it every month! Glenda
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what if we wsnted to stay in multiple countries throughout the year at most appropriate times within each cointry? Maybe three or four countries?
Sure. If you are talking about Europe, keep an eye on the 90 day limit with the Schengen Zone.
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For Portugal, you need to spend 5 years on a residency visa. Then you can either choose to apply for a citizenship, or a permanent Visa.
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Is it cheaper and easy to ship a car to Panama, Costa Rica or Portugal or purchase a car in country?
For Portugal, much easier to buy here. There are huge import takes added to cars in most European countries. I bought a little used car and I love it. Glenda
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UK has horrendous waits to see a dr. how are wait times in the countries you mention?
In Portugal, I can see my doctor the same day if I am ill. Or I can wait a day or two for an appoitnment with her. And she is fabulous! Glenda
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What is a good way to handle automobile driving and auto insurance in my new place of retirement, as well as on those times I return to the US? Is it better to not drive in my new country, and to use rideshare services and car rentals when back in the States? Is my US driver's license good abroad and would a license from a foreign country be valid in the US?
In Portugal, you can get a Portuguese drivers license. Your American license will also work just fine. I kept my American license and use it when I go back to the States. Glenda
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For longer stays abroad, what are the best options for health insurance, especially for those over 65 with pre-existing conditions, in countries that require private insurance?
Hi, Eric. Yes, getting local health insurance is good and cheap. In Portugal, I pay $207 a month. I am 66 years old. Care is excellent. And my doctor speaks perfect English. Glenda
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We are interested in retiring to either France, Mexico, Panama or Portugal. Getting visas can be tricky for those of us who haven’t done it in the past. Do you recommend getting an immigration attorney? If so, would that be one in the U.S. or the country we’re interested in? How do we find a knowledgeable immigration attorney?
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How do we find an attorney that can review home or apartment rental contracts before we sign them? Rental agreements in other countries can be tricky.
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Can you please make available the email addresses of the speakers? Thanks!
Panama: panama@internationalliving.com
Costa Rica: costarica@internationalliving.com
Mexico: mexico@internationalliving.com
Portugal: portugal@internationalliving.com
France: france@internationalliving.com -
Great presentation today! Will it be available online? I would like for my wife to see it, but she is at work today.
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Hello! We are considering retiring to either France, Mexico, Panama or Portugal. Visas can be somewhat tricky. Do you recommend an immigration attorney to assist us with this process? If so, would that be an attorney in the U.S. or in the country we are considering? And how do we get a list of knowledgeable and reputable attornies? Also, I read that it is advisable to get an attorney to review home or apartment rental contracts since laws vary in these countries. How would we get a good attorney for this process as well? Thank you!
Hello, we always recommend enlisting the help of a reputable attorney, licensed in the country in question, to help you with immigration/visas and real estate or rental matters (contracts, etc). In many countries the same attorney can assist you with all these things but it can vary from country to country.
Re Panama: In our Escape to Panama book we list contact information for Panama attorney Rainelda Mata-Kelly whose firm, Mata-Kelly & Partners, specializes in visas and real estate, among others.
Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
www.mata-kelly.comSimilarly you can find resources on the other countries you're interested in here on the IL website and at the IL Bookstore (www.ilbookstore.com).
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Hello! We are considering retiring to either France, Mexico, Panama or Portugal. Visas can be tricky. Do you recommend consulting an immigration attorney first? And would they be attornies in the U.S. or the country we are interested in? And how do we find these attornies? A similar question relates to renting a home or apartment. I read that it is a good idea to have a local attorney review the contract since countries have very different laws related to this process. Any thoughts or information would be greatly appreciated.
Hello, we always recommend enlisting the help of a reputable attorney, licensed in the country in question, to help you with immigration/visas and real estate or rental matters (contracts, etc). In many countries the same attorney can assist you with all these things but it can vary from country to country.
Re Panama: In our Escape to Panama book we list contact information for Panama attorney Rainelda Mata-Kelly whose firm, Mata-Kelly & Partners, specializes in visas and real estate, among others.
Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
www.mata-kelly.comSimilarly you can find resources on the other countries you're interested in here on the IL website and at the IL Bookstore (www.ilbookstore.com).
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
We are big music people. What countries/cities have the best nighlife (as in live music, not "club" music).
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what are the financial requirements for residency as a couple in Panama?
Hi Mikel, there are several options for residency. You can read about visas here on the IL website at https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/visa/ and/or watch this video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Ab76QTi_Q&t=2s&ab_channel=InternationalLiving.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Does anyone have a recommendation for Financial Planner to help set up alternative "Passive Income" that meets the ERV requirements?
If you're not already signed up for and reading the free Field Notes newsletter you may want to sign up, they're very informative:
https://globalintelligenceletter.com/subscribe-3/Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch