7 Of The Best Countries For Indians To Retire Abroad

Retirement is no longer seen as the end of an active life, it's the start of a new chapter. Increasingly, retirees are choosing to settle abroad, seeking affordable living, quality healthcare, and a fresh environment to enjoy their golden years. Thanks to growing visa options, proximity, and well-connected flights, retiring outside India is now more realistic than ever. From Southeast Asia's tropical retreats to culturally familiar islands and modern urban hubs, the choices are plenty. Each destination comes with its unique advantages, whether it's low living costs, thriving Indian communities, or access to world-class healthcare. If you are considering retiring abroad, here are seven countries that offer comfort, security, and lifestyle perks perfectly suited for Indian retirees.

Also Read: Long Weekend Getaways: Where To Go From Delhi, Mumbai And Bangalore In Just Rs 10,000

Here Are The 7 Best Countries For Indians To Retire Abroad

1. Thailand

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Thailand remains one of the most sought-after destinations for retirees. The country combines stunning beaches, lush mountains, and bustling cities with affordability. Chiang Mai is known for its peaceful vibe, while Bangkok offers vibrant urban life. Thailand also has a retirement visa scheme for those above 50, making a long-term stay simple. With plenty of Indian restaurants and a lively expat community, it offers a mix of familiarity and adventure.

Why It's Great For Retirees:

Low housing costs, easy access to medical tourism, and a relaxed pace of life ensure retirees can stretch their savings while still enjoying a high standard of living.

Thailand Retirement Visa Requirements:

• Must be 50 years of age or over
• Must meet ONE of these financial requirements:
• A security deposit of 800,000 THB (INR 21,87,846) in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to the visa application.
• Monthly income of at least 65,000 THB (INR 1,77,762)
• A combination of a security deposit and annual income totalling 800,000 THB.

2. Malaysia

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Malaysia's appeal lies in its balance between modern infrastructure and affordability. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme is designed to welcome foreigners, including Indians, for long-term residency. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang provide excellent healthcare, international schools, and modern conveniences. At the same time, living costs remain much lower than those in many Western destinations. Its multicultural society makes it easy for Indians to adapt.

Why It's Great For Retirees:

Malaysia offers world-class hospitals, English is widely spoken, and Indian food is everywhere, ensuring both comfort and convenience for retirees.

Malaysia Retirement | MM2H Visa Requirements (for Indians)

• The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme allows foreigners long-term residency.
• Applicants need to show proof of financial stability: e.g. bank statements / fixed deposits.
• New rules (2024) allow a minimum age of 30 (down from 35) for some tiers.
• There are tiered requirements (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with different fixed deposit and investment criteria.
• Medical insurance / medical check-up is generally required.

3. Mauritius

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Mauritius is a dreamlike option for Indians who want a safe, serene, and familiar place to retire. Its cultural links to India run deep, making integration seamless. The island nation is known for its turquoise waters, clean environment, and slow-paced lifestyle. Retirees can secure residency by investing in property, making it appealing to those who want both a home and a retirement plan.

Why It's Great For Retirees:

The proximity to India, along with warm weather year-round and a strong sense of cultural belonging, makes Mauritius feel like a “home away from home.”

Mauritius Retirement Visa Requirements

• Must be over 50 years of age.
• Show either a monthly income of at least USD 1,500 or USD 24,000 in savings
• You must remit funds equivalent to USD 2,000 into a local bank after permit issuance.
• The retirement permit is initially valid for 10 years and is renewable.
• Dependents (spouse, children, parents) can be included, but they must not engage in gainful employment in Mauritius.

4. Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka offers one of the most affordable lifestyles for retirees looking abroad. Its beaches, hill stations, and heritage cities provide endless variety for everyday living. With the Sri Lanka My Dream Home Visa Programme, foreigners over 55 can stay long-term. Housing and food costs are considerably cheaper than in Indian metros, making it attractive for retirees seeking simplicity without financial strain.

Why It's Great For Retirees:

Its closeness to India allows easy family visits, while the welcoming atmosphere and low daily expenses help retirees enjoy a stress-free lifestyle.

Sri Lanka Retirement Visa Requirements

• Foreign national over 55 years of age
• Should deposit US$15,000 or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency in a fixed deposit account in an approved bank in Sri Lanka.
• Monthly remittance of US$1,500 or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency for the principal applicant and US$750 or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency for each dependent, for their upkeep in a savings or current account in an approved bank in Sri Lanka. 
• Dependents as children should be under the age of 18 and unmarried.

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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The UAE—particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi—has long been a favourite for Indians because of its large demography. With excellent infrastructure, tax-free living, and reliable healthcare, it's well-suited for retirees who prefer an urban lifestyle. The UAE now offers retirement visas for foreigners meeting financial requirements, creating new opportunities for long-term stays. The convenience of frequent direct flights to Indian cities is another plus.

Why It's Great For Retirees:

Safety, cleanliness, and access to Indian culture—from temples to food—make it a comfortable yet cosmopolitan choice for retirement.

UAE (United Arab Emirates) Retirement Visa Requirements

• The UAE offers a 5-year retirement visa option for foreigners.
• Applicants must be 55 years old or more or have worked 15 years (depending on Emirates). Must fulfil one of the financial criteria:
• Own real estate in the UAE worth at least AED 1,000,000 (INR 2,41,58,070).
• Or deposit AED 1,000,000 in a UAE bank within 60 days of visa issuance.
• Or have a fixed monthly income of at least AED 20,000 (INR 4,83,161) (or lower thresholds in certain emirates).

6. Portugal

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Portugal is quickly gaining traction among Indian retirees who want European charm without the high costs of countries like France or Italy. The residency-by-investment program makes settling here possible, while its beautiful coastline and mild climate enhance everyday living. Lisbon and Porto are expat-friendly cities with growing communities. Healthcare in Portugal is among the best in Europe, and English is commonly spoken in urban centres.

Why It's Great For Retirees:

Portugal provides retirees with the benefits of EU residency, a peaceful lifestyle, and access to both history and modern amenities at a manageable cost.

Portugal Retirement / Residence (D7 Visa) Requirements

The Portuguese “Retirement Visa” is often applied for via the D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa) route. Key requirements include:

• Be 18 years or older, a non-EU citizen.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Proof of passive income or savings sufficient to cover living costs in Portugal.
• Valid private health insurance covering the stay duration.
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, property deed, or letter).
• Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and bank account.

Things To Consider Before Retiring Abroad

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• Visa and residency rules vary, so check eligibility carefully.
• Proximity to India matters if you want frequent visits from family.
• Language and cultural adaptation can affect your comfort level.
• Property ownership and taxation rules should be reviewed.
• Consider local healthcare costs and insurance options.

Healthcare Facilities For Indian Retirees

Healthcare is often a deciding factor in retirement plans. Countries like Singapore, Portugal, and the UAE offer advanced hospitals and specialists, but at higher costs. Malaysia and Thailand strike the perfect balance between affordability and international standards, making them medical tourism hubs. Sri Lanka and Mauritius provide decent healthcare, though retirees may want international health insurance for emergencies.

Also Read: 6 Hidden Indian Islands Where You Can Holiday Under Rs 10,000

Cost Of Living Abroad vs India

Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka allow retirees to live comfortably on smaller budgets compared to Indian metros. Mauritius and Portugal are moderately priced, offering quality living without being overly expensive. The UAE and Singapore lean toward the costlier side but reward retirees with unmatched amenities and infrastructure. Choosing a retirement spot ultimately depends on whether you prioritise savings, lifestyle, or proximity.

So, if you are planning to retire abroad, check out these fun and exciting options!