These are the top 10 countries for retirement (6 of them are Latin American)

Six of the top 10 countries to retire in 2019 are from Latin America.

That's what he says
Annual Global Retirement Index, an International Living study that badyzes destinations for retirement, taking into account factors such as ease of obtaining residency, health system, climate and cost of living. life, among others.

The list is led by Panama and follows, in order: Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, Malaysia, Colombia, Portugal, Peru, Thailand and Spain.

These are not countries where the local population is withdrawing under better conditions. But we consider the benefits that people in developed countries can offer with good purchasing power and the possibility of changing countries.

To develop the ranking, the study badigns a differentiated score in 13 categories:

• Cost of buying properties
• Cost of real estate rental
• Benefits and discounts
• Visas and residence
• Cost of life
• Ease of adaptation to local culture
• Entertainment
• Access to health
• Healthy lifestyle
• Level of development (technology, infrastructure)
• Climate
• Governance (quality of institutions, security, banking system, respect for individual freedom)
• Opportunities to start new projects

The "Panamanian paradise"

At a time when many countries are implementing immigration control measures, Panama offers legal residency to any retiree with a stable income of 1,000 USD per month.

In addition to the beautiful weather, postcard landscapes and a government that is not too curious, this country has a particular advantage: its proximity to the United States.

And given that in the world's largest economy, 10,000 people retire every day, Panama is one of the most sought after destinations for Americans looking for sunshine.

"Panama is hot and tropical, but it's completely outside the hurricane zone," said Jessica Ramesch, editor-in-chief of International Living in the country.

"The currency is the dollar, taxes are low and there is a large community of English speakers, including excellent doctors," he adds.

In Panama, you can rent an apartment with ocean views for around $ 1,500 a month.

"You can earn about $ 2,600 a month, rent, food, services and entertainment included," said Ramesch.

The country has a program for local and foreign retirees that offers a long list of discounts ranging from medical fees to airline tickets.

And as often happens in countries with high migration from rich countries, some Panamanians see positive effects, because they have access to better job offers, while others oppose it because the cost of living has risen sharply for Panamanians.

Costa Rica is second on the list, a country that attracts foreign retirees for reasons quite similar to those of Panama: climate, cost of living, beauty, cost of health and real estate prices.

The country is distinguished by a stable democracy and a culture of tranquility. Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and devoted this budget to education and health expenditures.

Called "Switzerland of Central America", it is known for its high levels of security and its efficient banking system.

Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende

"The cost of living is notoriously low," says Don Murray, American correspondent for International Living on the Riviera Maya, who has been living in Cancún since 2014 with his wife.

"A couple can live here with an income of between US $ 1,500 and US $ 3,000 per month, depending on the location, including rent and medical expenses."

"Once in residence, you can enroll in the national health plan," he adds.

In addition to geographic diversity, gastronomy and intense cultural life, Murray points out that it's easy to adapt to the Mexican way of life and mentions popular destinations for expatriates, such as Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende.

But in Mexico, unlike Panama and Costa Rica, security and corruption are two major problems that prevent many expatriates from setting up in this destination.

However, being such a vast country, there are clearly "protected" areas for tourists and expatriates, which differ considerably from the reality that the rest of the territory faces.