Retirement planning and cross-border wealth management
As a Swiss-based financial advisor serving internationally minded American clients, Alpen often highlights that cross-border wealth management is closely connected to deciding where to retire.
A well-chosen country may enhance lifestyle, optimize taxation, and align long-term financial and estate plans across jurisdictions. Each year, International Living’s Global Retirement Index offers useful context by evaluating destinations through the lens of healthcare, housing, climate, cost of living, and overall ease of transition, factors that matter deeply when integrating financial strategy with residence planning. Retirement Visas differ from Golden Visa programs, instead intended for individuals seeking to retire on a passive income or utilize non-lucrative visas.
Greece leads the 2026 Global Retirement Index
Greece claims the top position in the 2026 Index, reflecting a meaningful shift in Europe’s retirement landscape. For Americans seeking an accessible, affordable European base, Greece combines strong private healthcare, a mild Mediterranean climate, and visa pathways that remain comparatively straightforward. These attributes, historically associated with Portugal and Spain, now position Greece as a compelling option for clients considering lifestyle-oriented relocation as part of their broader wealth strategy.
Residency pathways and strategic considerations
From an advisory perspective, residency options play a central role in long-term planning. Greece offers one of Europe’s more attainable golden visa programs, with entry points starting around EUR 250,000 for qualifying property investments, rising for larger or primelocation assets. For clients not interested in real estate, alternatives such as the Financially Independent Person permit or digital nomad visa provide additional flexibility. Spain’s closure of its golden visa program earlier in 2025 has further increased interest in Greece and Portugal among US retirees evaluating cross-border opportunities.
Costa Rica: “The Switzerland of Central America” and the case for the real Switzerland
Costa Rica, ranking third on the Index, is frequently referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America.” Its political stability, absence of a standing army, commitment to peace, mountainous beauty, strong democratic tradition, and relative economic strength have long attracted eco-tourism, expats, and investment. The comparison is flattering—but it naturally raises the question: why not consider the real thing? Switzerland itself offers a retirement pathway for well-situated individuals seeking stability, safety, world-class healthcare, and a globally respected jurisdiction for their long-term wealth and estate planning.
Europe dominates for quality of life and healthcare
While affordability is a key consideration, the Index emphasizes that quality of life— particularly healthcare and cultural compatibility—often drives the final decision. European destinations continue to dominate for this reason, with Greece, Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain all ranking in the top ten. For many American clients, Europe’s balance of medical infrastructure, cultural richness, and regulatory stability can outweigh lower-cost options elsewhere, especially when planning for multi-decade retirement horizons.
A broad world of options—aligned with your wealth plan
At the same time, countries such as Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia remain attractive for clients prioritizing lower living costs and proximity to the United States. Their residency programs, affordability, and accessible healthcare systems widen the spectrum of suitable destinations. As advisors, our role is to align these lifestyle preferences with financial, tax, and estate structures, with the aim to make sure that retirement abroad complements a client’s broader global wealth plan. Ultimately, the chosen destination is not only affordable and enjoyable but should be fully integrated into a family’s long-term crossborder strategy.
Market conditions and broader economic factors can significantly impact the value of investments. Investments in international markets are subject to additional risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations, political or economic instability, and variations in accounting practices. Alternative investments, including but not limited to hedge funds, private equity, and real estate, may be illiquid, speculative, and are not suitable for all investors.
The above information should be considered before making any investment decisions.
All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.
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