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A guide to the best countries to retire in 2025 with great healthcare and zero inheritance tax |
Best Retirement-Friendly Countries in 2025 (With Top Healthcare & No Inheritance Tax)
Looking to retire somewhere peaceful, affordable, and tax-free? In 2025, more Americans are retiring overseas—not just for beaches and weather, but for elite healthcare systems and zero inheritance tax policies. Here are the top countries where your retirement money goes further—without Uncle Sam chasing it.
🇵🇹 Portugal
Portugal combines warm climate, top-tier healthcare, and NHR-friendly policies. As of 2025, inheritance tax is zero and medical care rivals Western Europe. Bonus: English is widely spoken.
🇲🇹 Malta
With a tax system that favors retirees and a healthcare system ranked among Europe’s best, Malta also offers a retirement visa that’s easy to obtain—and no estate tax.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Pura Vida isn’t just a slogan. Costa Rica offers low cost of living, solid public/private healthcare, and no inheritance tax. U.S. retirees are moving here in droves.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia’s MM2H program allows extended retirement stays, while its healthcare system is globally ranked and estate transfers face no inheritance tax.
🇵🇦 Panama
Panama’s Pensionado visa is world famous. Combine zero inheritance tax, cheap high-quality healthcare, and dollarized economy—perfect for U.S. expats.
🧠 Things to Consider Before Retiring Abroad
- Residency visa requirements (e.g., MM2H, Pensionado, NHR)
- Healthcare access and cost (private insurance optional?)
- Local tax laws on passive income or real estate
🌍 Start Your Retirement Plan With Expert Help
Want to relocate without tax headaches? We recommend these platforms:
- Deel – International payroll and remote relocation tools
- StartGlobal – Open a U.S. LLC remotely
- Wise – Multi-currency banking for expats
📚 Want Tax-Free Income in Retirement?
Explore our advanced strategies to draw retirement income without triggering tax events.
- Tax-Free Retirement Trusts for HNWIs in 2025
- Roth vs Traditional IRA: Tax-Advantaged Accounts in 2025
- Private Banking for Global Retirement Planning
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