Emigrating in old age is a dream of many retirees. But experts warn: not all countries are equally suitable for retirement.
Munich – Many people dream of spending their retirement where they once went on vacation. It's not just wanted criminals like the “Most Wanted Pensioner” from Austria who have this wish. Countries such as Spain and Italy are also attractive to retirees with modest incomes because of their generally lower cost of living.
The climate is one of the reasons why pensioners emigrate after retirement
In addition to the financial aspects, improved living conditions, such as the more pleasant climate, can also encourage retirees to take the step abroad. Teresa S. is one of them. She is planning her retirement in Spain and is looking for suitable accommodation. Her reasons for this are health-related, as she shares on Facebook. However, there are also concerns about their plan, which are shared by other users.
She asks for support in the Facebook group “German speakers in Andalusia and Spain”. “I would like to emigrate to mainland Spain because my health is getting worse and worse here in Germany,” she said in a post. She adds: “I'm looking for a cheap two-room apartment where I can live with my cat. It would be important it shouldn’t be so far from the sea.”
“Near the sea is great, but expensive” – users warn the pensioner
Many members of the group are willing to support Teresa in her project. Some ask about the budget she is planning for rent. “Near the sea is great, but expensive,” warns one user. Another offers his help: “Let me know if I can do anything for you.”
A pensioner living in Spain gives Teresa valuable tips. He lives in the Andalusian town of Vera and points out some of the challenges that emigration can bring: “Everything here is half as expensive, and often even less, than in Munich. But remember: the heat in summer is unbearable (often over 40 degrees, slightly inland close to 50 degrees). I wouldn’t do this without a good knowledge of Spanish.”
A network can help retirees find their way abroad
He also mentions the immigration formalities, which are “significant” and “keep you in suspense for a year.” There are some documents that pensioners who want to spend their retirement abroad should not forget. He also points out a controversial Spanish tradition: “For animal lovers, bullfighting and the attitude of some people towards it is almost unbearable.”
Another group member shares his personal experience: “My mom also emigrated when she retired. Moving and emigrating requires strength, patience, perseverance and courage,” he writes matter-of-factly in a comment. But as an emigrant you are never alone: “We experience again and again that the network and mutual help down here is a given for most people when we need something.”
However, experts warn that many retirees move abroad “naïvely” and then face major challenges. Not every country is equally suitable for retirement.