Retire in Thailand, Mauritius or Spain. Yes, retirement visas are a thing
Retirement visa is a type of permit that allows retired individuals to reside in another country without the need for employment.
in short
- Retirement visa popularity rising on social media
- It allows retirees to live abroad with benefits
- However, it comes with some conditions
What does retirement look like for you? For many people, as the golden years approach, this may mean spending their retirement in quiet exotic locations, enjoying the sunshine and a slower pace of life.
But what if we told you that this aspiration can be achieved through retirement visas – special permits designed for retirees who wish to reside abroad?
These visas not only allow people to live abroad but often come with additional benefits that enhance the retirement experience.
‘The Chill Visa’
Retirement visa is not a new concept. In fact, it has been around for a long time but has only recently gained popularity as more people are attracted to slower living and retirement abroad.
Interestingly, the first country to launch a formal retirement visa program was Costa Rica. This Central American nation established its retirement visa, known as the Pensionado Visa, in the early 1980s. The Pensionado Visa allows retirees with stable pension income to reside in Costa Rica, making it a leader in offering this type of dedicated visa for retirees.

The topic has once again become a topic of discussion after a viral video garnered over 11 million views on Instagram. In the video, Mauritius President Dharambir Gokhul was seen discussing his retirement visa, which offers various benefits (we’ll look at them in detail in a bit), with a New York-based writer. Take a look at the video:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock)
Soon, people on the internet started calling it the ‘chill visa’, and suggested that more countries should offer a similar visa.
But what is a retirement visa?
Retirement visas are for people who have completed their professional careers and are looking for a change of scenery, a better climate, or a lower cost of living. Think of it as a long vacation, but it comes with some criteria, including that you can’t work with any company in the country (You have to rest or work remotely,
Trishal Rao, chief sales officer, corporate travel management company SKIL, explains India Today That retirement visa requires retirees to have proof of financial stability and health insurance to stay in a foreign country for an extended period.

These visas are popular because they work on a simple barter system. For retirees, the dream of a better quality of life abroad is the main attraction. For countries that offer retirement visas, it is a way to boost the local economy through spending on housing, health care and services.
How does a retirement visa work?
Many countries now offer retirement visas, apart from Mauritius and Costa Rica. Countries such as Ecuador, Indonesia, Ireland, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Portugal, Spain and Thailand have their own programs designed for retirees.
Simply put, a visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in a country for a specific period of time. Retirement visas, in particular, are for people who plan to settle and spend their retirement years abroad.
These visas are generally valid for at least one year and can be frequently renewed, provided the applicant meets the required conditions. If you’re considering applying for a retirement visa, there’s a lot you need to keep in mind before you start the application process.
What you need to qualify for a retirement visa
- age requirement: You must meet a minimum age, which is usually 50 or 55 in most countries.
- financial stability:Applicants must prove that they can support themselves financially. This often involves showing stable income, such as from a pension or investments, that is enough to cover living expenses.
- health insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is usually required to ensure that you will not be dependent on the host country’s health care system.
- clean criminal record: A background check may be required, so you will need to provide proof of a clean criminal record.
- proof of residence: Evidence of where you will live during your time in the country may also be required.
Once these requirements are met, the application process varies by country but generally involves submitting documents and possibly attending an interview.
PS: Consult immigration experts or official government resources to navigate the process effectively.
Countries offering retirement visa for Indians
Many countries offer attractive retirement visa options for Indians, each with unique features and requirements. We tried to look at some of them:
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Thailand
Known for its beautiful landscapes, nightlife and affordable living, Thailand offers retirement visas to those over 50 with proof of income or savings.
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability with a deposit of 800,000 Thai Baht (Rs 19 lakh) in a Thai bank or a monthly income of 65,000 Thai Baht (Rs 1.54 lakh). Comprehensive health insurance is also mandatory.
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mauritius
The island nation’s residence permit is a popular option for retired non-citizens. Applicants must be at least 50 years of age and must transfer a minimum of US$1,500 (Rs 1.25 lakh) monthly or a lump sum amount of US$18,000 (Rs 14.9 lakh) annually into a Mauritius bank account. It also provides tax benefits.
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portugal
Portugal’s D7 visa allows retirees to live in Portugal with proof of a steady income, making it popular for those seeking European attractions. However, to apply for the D7 visa you must have a passive income of 870 Euros (INR 77,460) per month.
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Ecuador
This South American country has a retirement visa. If you want a low cost of living, welcoming culture and natural beauty, Ecuador may be your choice. However, to obtain this visa, one must have a guaranteed source of passive income of USD 1,425 (INR 1 lakh 23,000) from official sources.

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spain
Even though there is no such thing as a retirement visa in Spain, you can still retire in Spain through the Non-Working Visa (Non-Working), which allows expats to live in Spain without working while Until they can support themselves and their families financially.
In case you are wondering, India does not offer retirement visas.
Why might a retirement visa be a good idea?
There are several reasons why experts think a retirement visa may be a good idea for retirees. An expert from international travel platform PickYourTravel lists various reasons.
- cost of living: Many countries offering retirement visas have a lower cost of living than metropolitan areas in India, allowing retirees to enjoy a higher quality of life.
- scenic beauty: From the tropical beaches of Thailand to the historic charm of Portugal, these destinations offer unique natural and cultural experiences.
- tax benefits: Countries like Mauritius do not tax global income, making it advantageous for retirees with international pensions or investments.
- healthcare access: Many popular retirement destinations boast world-class health care facilities that are affordable and accessible.
- cultural experience: Retiring abroad provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, cuisines, and traditions.
Tips for a smooth transition
While the prospect of retiring abroad is exciting, it is important to plan carefully:
- do thorough research: Understand the visa requirements, cost of living, health care system and cultural nuances of your chosen destination.
- go before deciding: Spend time in the country before committing to make sure it meets your expectations.
- seek legal advice: Work with immigration consultants or legal experts to avoid any problems during the application process.
- financial planning: Make sure your income or savings can sustain your lifestyle and withstand currency fluctuations.
- stay connected: Learn the local language or connect with expat communities to make the transition easier.