Retire Abroad Without Regrets: What to Know Before You Trade Stateside for Seaside

Retiring overseas may sound like a fantasybeaches, culture, lower costs, and a new sense of adventure. But for many Americans, it is becoming a practical reality. Whether driven by lifestyle upgrades, cost savings, or a fresh chapter in life, an increasing number of retirees are asking: Should I retire abroad?

At One Advisory Partners, we help clients navigate this exciting possibility with both enthusiasm and precision. Because while the appeal is real, the financial implications are significant, and planning can mean the difference between a dream and a disaster.

Why More Americans Are Retiring Abroad in 2025

Today’s retirees are more mobile, tech savvy, and globally minded than ever before. Many are drawn to life abroad for reasons such as:

• Lower cost of living: Countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, and Mexico offer excellent lifestyles at a fraction of U.S. costs.

• Access to quality healthcare: Many nations have robust, affordable public or private healthcare systems.

• Lifestyle enrichment: Culture, climate, food, and adventure.

• Tax considerations: Some countries offer attractive tax incentives for foreign retirees.

• A clean break from routine: For many, retirement is not the end. It is a reset.

Financial Realities You Cannot Afford to Miss

Moving abroad may feel like freedom, but it does not free you from financial responsibilities. In fact, it introduces several new ones. Key areas that require expert planning include:

1. U.S. Taxes Still Apply

U.S. citizens are taxed on worldwide income. You must still file a federal return, and possibly state taxes if you maintain property or residency ties. Foreign income exclusions, tax treaties, and foreign tax credits can help, but they require expert coordination.

2. Healthcare Gaps and Planning

Medicare does not cover care received outside the U.S. Some retirees opt for private international insurance, while others rely on the public systems in their host countries. Costs, access, and quality vary, so research is critical.

3. Currency Risk and Income Access

If your retirement income is in U.S. dollars but your expenses are in pesos, euros, or colones, currency fluctuations can have a big impact. You need a strategy to access funds efficiently while managing risk.

4. Legal and Estate Planning

Estate laws vary significantly by country, and U.S. documents may not be recognized or carry over abroad. You may need local wills, powers of attorney, or trusts coordinated with your U.S. estate plan to avoid conflicts.

5. Residency and Visa Requirements

Each country has different rules for retirement residency. Many require proof of income, clean background checks, and ongoing renewals. A proper visa strategy matters just as much as your budget.

Where Are Retirees Going and Why?

Here are a few top picks in 2025 for American retirees and what makes them attractive:

• Portugal: Mild climate, low cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and the Non Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime.

• Mexico: Large expat communities, accessible travel back to the U.S., and affordable housing and healthcare.

• Costa Rica: Known for stability, natural beauty, and strong public healthcare.

• Spain: Cultural richness, walkable cities, and well-regarded healthcare.

• Panama: Pensionado visa program, territorial tax system, and use of the U.S. dollar.

Each of these countries has nuances worth exploring. Our role at One Advisory Partners is to help clients understand those differences and what they mean for their financial life.

How One Advisory Partners Helps You Retire Abroad with Confidence

Retiring abroad is not something to DIY from a travel blog. It requires integrated planning across:

• Financial strategy: Ensuring income streams, tax efficiency, and cost of living alignment.

• Tax optimization: Leveraging treaties, credits, and smart filing to avoid double taxation.

• Healthcare planning: Choosing insurance or access routes that protect your future.

• Estate readiness: Updating documents and strategies for cross-border consistency.

• Ongoing partnership: Staying by your side wherever you are in the world.

As a flat-fee fiduciary firm, our advice is objective, transparent, and 100% aligned with your goals, not a product agenda.

A New Life, Thoughtfully Designed

Retiring abroad can be more than a great story. It can be a fulfilling, enriching way to live your next chapter. However, the best transitions are carefully planned.

At One Advisory Partners, we specialize in making complex financial moves feel simple. If you are dreaming of new horizons, let’s build the roadmap to get you there with clarity, confidence, and a clear plan.

Thinking About Retiring Overseas?

Let’s explore your options together. Schedule a consultation with One Advisory Partners and get expert insight into whether international retirement is right for you.