European hub with low costs named among top 3 countries to move to in 2025 as visa 'makes retiring easy' ()
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52816185%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3DdLQFPi_ZKkt" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p>A relocation expert has named 2025’s top destinations for retirees, with Portugal topping the list alongside Costa Rica and Panama.</p><p>The European hub has long attracted Britons keen to escape the dreary weather of the UK. </p><h3></h3><br/><p>But Expat advisor Kristin, from the YouTube channel Travelling with Kristin, argued the country ticks several additional boxes on a retiree's checklist.</p><p>She said the country also owes much of its popularity to exemplary safety and healthcare standards.</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><h3></h3><br/><img alt="City of Porto skyline" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fb32c670fae91504631ddef1097cd4db" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="24034" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/city-of-porto-skyline.jpg?id=60044239&width=980"/><p><br/></p><p>Kristin explained that Portugal offers modern healthcare, infrastructure throughout its cities, and an efficient transportation network.</p><p>She told viewers: “If you’re thinking of retiring abroad, you’ll want somewhere with a good lifestyle, low cost, friendly people and high-quality healthcare.</p><p>“Year after year, Portugal is near the top of International Living’s retirement index and for good reason. </p><p>“It offers world-class healthcare, safety and a relaxed lifestyle.</p><h3></h3><br><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><h3></h3><br/><p>“Whether you’re drawn to the beaches of the Algarve, the wine country of Porto, or a quiet inland town, life in Portugal is affordable with top-notch healthcare and a D7 visa that makes retiring here easy.</p><p>“It is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, and it’s also ranked as one of the safest.”</p><p>Portugal's coastal location provides an optimal climate, with beach weather available in the south and more cosmopolitan living in Lisbon, while Porto offers a cooler, more relaxed lifestyle.</p><p>Kristin noted that the country's high safety standards alone have attracted thousands of foreigners and retirees over the past few years.</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-mostread"></div><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/news/jet2-manchester-airport-alicante-barcelona-diverted-disruptive-passengers" target="_self">Jet2 flight diverts mid-air to kick off disruptive passengers sparking three-hour delay</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/liverpool-tax-nightly-visitors" target="_self">Liverpool to implement new tax within weeks as tourists warn levy 'will deter visitors'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/best-beach-uk-scotland-beaches-beautiful" target="_self">Three 'breathtaking' UK beaches to visit this spring - 'among the most beautiful in the world'</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Kristin" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="75a2201e85487564ac28cea2ba9bf94e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="970e2" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/kristin.jpg?id=60044250&width=980"/><p>“It’s very safe and for that reason has attracted thousands of foreigners and retirees over the last few years,” she explained.</p><p><span></span>However, she pointed out that Portugal ended some of the benefits of its NHR tax program in 2024, meaning retirees can expect to pay taxes on their pensions.</p><p>She also warned that the housing market is currently in crisis, with property prices becoming “shockingly expensive” in cities such as Lisbon.</p><p>Kristin advised that those wanting to live in the centre of the action should prepare to pay more than they would in the towns and suburbs.</p></br>
