This article takes a look at the 10 worst countries to retire in for Americans. If you wish to check out our detailed analysis on navigating retirement realities, you may go to 25 Worst Countries to Retire in for Americans.
10. Cyprus
Insider Monkey Score: 31
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 32nd
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 30th
The island country of Cyprus can be considered one of the worst countries to retire to. Expat Insider states that it ranks 32nd because of its performance in areas such as quality of life (34th), leisure options (34th), safety and security (31st), and even environment and climate (31st). The Natixis Index states that it performs poorly in the Finances in Retirement Index (53%) sub-index as well as Material Well-being (56%).
9. Singapore
Insider Monkey Score: 31.5
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 37th
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 26th
Singapore has dropped places from 10th in Expat Insider Survey 2022 to 35th place in the Expat Insider Survey 2023, a massive plunge that has thrown the country on to our list. High cost of living, aging population, strict laws and regulations, and cultural differences mean it’s not exactly an ideal country to retire to.
8. China
Insider Monkey Score: 32
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 26th
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 38th
One of the worst countries to retire in is China. Deemed as a country with the worst human rights record, expats will find it difficult to start a life in the country. Ranking in the bottom 5 in the Expats Essential Index, expats struggle to settle in, find it hard to express themselves, and even have problems adjusting to their culture.
7. Poland
Insider Monkey Score: 33
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 35th
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 31st
Poland ranks 31st according to the Natixis Retirement Index, while the Expat Insider Survey ranks it at 35th position. Out of 53 countries, it ranks at 34th position in terms of healthcare, 28 in leisure options, 37th in local friendliness, and 39th in finding friends.
6. Hungary
Insider Monkey Score: 33.5
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 34th
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 33rd
Hungary isn’t exactly an ideal destination to retire to, ranking poorly in health index (56%), finances in retirement (58%), and quality of life index (61%).
5. Japan
Insider Monkey Score: 34
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 44th
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 24th
By 2050, Japan’s old-age dependency ratio is expected to reach 80.7. The country is facing an aging population dilemma, making it one of the worst countries to retire in for Americans.
A question often asked on this subject is, can you retire in Japan as a foreigner? You can. While there is no specific retirement visa that the country is offering to expatriates, a long-stay visa can help expat retirees stay in the country
4. Malta
Insider Monkey Score: 34
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 46th
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 22nd
In Malta, it is not quite easy to start a life as an expat. The only good thing about the country is its Mediterranean climate.
3. Italy
Insider Monkey Score: 37.5
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 47th
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 28th
Italy’s bureaucratic processes can be challenging for retirees to navigate, potentially leading to frustrations in dealing with administrative tasks. Moreover, certain regions, especially popular tourist destinations, may have a higher cost of living, that affect the financial feasibility of retirement for some individuals. The country ranks poorly in finances in retirement sub-index (52%) and material well-being (49%).
2. India
Insider Monkey Score: 40
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 36th
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 44th
India stands at 36th position in the Expat Insider survey whereas Natixis ranks it at 44th position, implying that the country is doing poorly in areas such as health (4%), material well-being (11%), and finances in retirement (63%), amongst others. The country also performs poorly in terms of quality of life, coming in at 52nd place.
1. Türkiye
Insider Monkey Score: 32
Expat Insider Survey Rank: 51st
Natixis Retirement Index Rank: 42nd
Turkey is the worst country to retire in for Americans because of its political and economic instability and the unreliability of the country as a retirement destination. Additionally, the language barrier, with Turkish being the official language, may pose challenges for retirees not proficient in the local language. The country also performs poorly in health (54%), finances in retirement (47%), quality of life (25%) and material well-being (28%).
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