Whether you're a beach bum, history buff or just tired of your mother country, Planet Earth is a vast place: in truth, we're spoilt for choice in terms of dream destinations to move to for work or retirement. Where does one even begin to choose?
Now that Brits no longer enjoy the visa-free rights of being in an EU member state, the time has come to start looking a bit further afield. Thankfully, we've got you covered. Beyond the white-hot sands of the Spanish coast or the French Riviera, this article presents some of the more overlooked locales for your warm and sunny future away from the rainy skies of the UK.
To find out more about the countries you may have never even considered, as well as the ins and outs of getting your visa for resettlement, read on.
1. Malta
A cornerstone of the sun-soaked Mediterranean, Malta has been a popular destination for many expats for years. With its exotic weather, wondrous architecture and comfortable standard of living, the island nation is home to a vibrant community for retirees and professionals alike. Malta boasts fascinating museums, Baroque buildings, and archaeological sites dating back 7000 years.
Residency and citizenship options
Those hoping to seek out the next chapter of their lives in Malta have a number of options at their disposal. For professionals in tech and computing, the "digital nomad residency" may be an enticing option, which permits them to move to Malta but work remotely in their currently held job. Citizens of EU member states can relocate here without a visa, so long as they have a confirmed job offer. While those coming from outside of the EU (for instance, the UK) require work permits from the Department of Citizenship. A Single Permit application must be submitted and approved by the employer beforehand.
Although EU country retirees are able to move to the island with few obstacles, third-country nationals, however, need a permanent residency scheme authorised by the Central Visa Unit. However you gain a residence permit, you must live in Malta four cumulative years within six years to be eligible for permanent residency.
For the more affluent individuals and families, Malta also operates a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programme. Here, those who can invest a certain amount of money into the country receive all the rights and benefits of an official citizen. As CS Global Partners clarify, applicants "must hold residency status in Malta for at least 12 months and pass an eligibility assessment to submit an application for citizenship".
2. Mexico
Aside from the sun-drenched landscapes, succulent and spicy cuisine, and exuberant culture, Mexico welcomes a population of friendly, salt-of-the-earth people with many rich and diverse cultures. All of these factors make the country an underrated gem. It's also proved a desirable place for expats, not least because of the ease with which many can resettle there.
Residency and citizenship options
For those starting the next stage of their professional lives in one of Mexico's provinces, they are required to prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their cost of living. They then have to pass an immigration interview held at a Mexican Consulate. Expats can acquire permanent or temporary visas, which ultimately come down to retirement age and income. William Russell explains that, during the interview process, applicants "will be asked by Mexican immigration officials how [they] plan to cover [their] expenses in Mexico" and whether they will "receive a pension or social security". They will also have to confirm their employment, source of income, as well as their "reason for wanting to live in Mexico".
For retirees, eligibility hinges on financial assets, as they must prove that they are able to support themselves through means earned outside of Mexico. Roughly speaking, the minimum requirement is currently a net income of US$1,620 per month (£1222).
To gain Mexican citizenship, you must have lived in the country for at least five years, among other requirements.
3. Vietnam
Moving to the other side of the world, Vietnam may be a frequent stop-off in Southeast Asia's backpacker trail, but this reputation overlooks the nation's potential as a great place for long-term resettlement. Vietnam is a highly affordable and attractive destination for expats, offering up vibrant entertainment, food and cafe culture, along with "retirement hotspots such as Hanoi and Da Nang", as Nomadic Fire points out.
Residency and citizenship options
Nonetheless, Vietnam might be the trickiest nation on this list to move to - but trust us, the food and the delightful weather at the very least will make up for it. Immigration laws are strict, and prospective residents must go through a three tier application process to get a permanent residency card. This involves first applying for a working visa, then a temporary residence permit, before eventually they can apply for a permanent residence permit. For professionals looking to secure a working visa, they need to provide evidence of a guaranteed job offer, with requisite experience for their role, as well as no criminal record. They should also be over 18 years old and in good health.
Work permits usually last up to two years, and have to be acquired no less than two weeks before the start of the expat's new job in Vietnam. The temporary residency permit can last up to five years, and requires approval by the business owner of their profession in Vietnam or the government department that they work for.
For foreign retirees, permanent residency is granted to those who have already had temporary residency and lived in Vietnam for at least three years. They must also provide evidence of their stable income - in this case, a pension fund, and these permits need to be renewed every ten years.
To obtain Vietnamese citizenship, individuals must renounce their original citizenship.
