Retire Abroad Before 55: Eight Expert Tips

A young couple that has retired abroad poses with keys to their new home.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 7 December 2024

Editor’s note: "Retire Abroad Before 55" is part 12 of an ongoing series on how to retire early and the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. Part one is How to Retire Early in Six Steps. To see all early retirement articles, jump to the end.

Better weather. Better food. Better health. And lower cost. Living abroad can offer the chance to get more bang for your buck — and more out of life.

The cost of living is generally lower in many countries outside the U.S. For example, Panama, which topped International Living’s Global Retirement Index, offers a comfortable lifestyle for as little as $2,400 a month. In contrast, the average monthly expenses for a single consumer in the U.S. are $6,440, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With numbers like these, it’s easy to see why some Americans dream of trading in their daily grind for the beaches of Mexico or the mountains of Portugal.

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Retire abroad before 55

For many, retiring early is about maximizing health and time to enjoy life. Why not do it in a place where you can afford more of what you love — whether that’s dining out, exploring new cultures or embracing outdoor adventures?

But while retiring abroad might sound idyllic, it’s not without complexities. From navigating tax laws to finding affordable healthcare, there are critical factors to plan for. And you'll need to choose your retirement destination wisely —considering where the dollar is strong and the safest countries for foreigners.

Here are eight tips from financial experts to help you retire abroad before 55 and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Know the true cost of living

Researching the cost of living in your destination is crucial — but don’t just rely on averages. While online calculators and expat forums can provide a starting point, Frank van Lerven, CFP and director at ISGAM US, emphasizes the importance of digging deeper.

“The best way to do this is to acquire ‘local’ information about key costs like housing, car purchases, food, and leisure activities,” he says. “These costs vary widely by country.”

2. Master the art of currency exchange

Exchange rate fluctuations can impact your budget significantly. “If your U.S. dollars suddenly weaken, your ‘cheap’ retirement could become costly,” warns Elaine King Fuentes, CFP and founder of Family and Money Matters. She advises holding multi-currency accounts or using forward contracts to lock in favorable rates.

Van Lerven notes that the impact of exchange rates depends on the country. “Some currencies, like those in Southeast Asia, are tied to the U.S. dollar, while others, like the euro, fluctuate more.” Therefore, keeping part of your wealth in U.S. dollars as a safety net is a wise move.

3. Plan for taxes (and avoid double trouble)

Taxes are a critical consideration for retirees abroad. Many countries have tax treaties with the U.S. to prevent double taxation, but navigating these rules can be complex. “Work with a U.S.-new country tax lawyer to ensure filings are done correctly and to use applicable tax treaty agreements,” says van Lerven.

He adds that while this professional advice may come at a cost, “it’s well worth it” to avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary tax burdens.

Tip: For more on taxes abroad, read How to Retire Abroad.

4. Access your retirement funds wisely

Withdrawing from retirement accounts before 59½ can trigger penalties, but there are strategies to access funds penalty-free. King Fuentes highlights the Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP) rule, also known as Rule 72(t), which allows for structured withdrawals over your life expectancy.

Van Lerven suggests using penalty-free withdrawals from a 401(k) using the rule of 55, potentially relying on the funds to cover significant expenses like purchasing a home abroad. But he advises against investing these funds in your new home country, as “U.S. investments have historically produced better returns, and non-U.S. brokers often charge higher fees.”

5. Secure quality health care

Health care is one of the biggest concerns for early retirees abroad. Many countries offer excellent care at a fraction of U.S. costs, but eligibility varies.

“Expats might need private insurance to access public healthcare,” says King Fuentes. “Look for global health plans or local expat policies, and consider how quickly you can become a resident or citizen in countries like Brazil or Norway, where health care is free for citizens.”

6. Protect against the unexpected

Political instability, natural disasters or changes in residency laws can derail your plans. “Diversify! Keep wealth in different currencies, invest in stable assets like U.S. Treasuries and stay updated on geopolitics,” encourages King Fuentes.

Further, figure out how much cash you really need. Maintain an emergency fund in the U.S. and have a contingency plan in case you need to move back unexpectedly.

7. Embrace local banking and financial systems

Setting up banking abroad requires forethought. “Retirees should work with local advisors to open accounts and identify banks that accept Americans,” says van Lerven. He also recommends using U.S. banks experienced in transferring funds internationally.

King Fuentes suggests leveraging digital solutions like Wise or Revolut to minimize transfer fees and maintaining a U.S. account for Social Security and pension deposits. “Think of it as an “anchor fund” — accessible for emergencies or a potential move back to the U.S.,” she says.

8. Prepare for emotional and cultural adjustment

Retiring abroad isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a lifestyle change. Moving to a new country means adapting to a different culture, language and way of life.

“It’s critical to make plenty of visits to the new home country before moving,” says van Lerven, who resides in Spain. “Explore different regions and consider how your new life aligns with your values and activities.” He also stresses the importance of meaningful engagement, whether through work, volunteering or hobbies to create a happy retirement.

The best thing may be to embrace the cultural change that comes from retiring abroad. As bestselling travel writer Bill Bryson wrote: “I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. … Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses.”