5 Trending Retirement And Golden Visa Destinations for Americans (2025)

Explorer Investments
Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Retirement Abroad, Portugal Golden Visa, Residency by Investment, U.S. Expats, Global Mobility, Private Equity Funds, Schengen Area

More Americans are seeking life abroad through golden visas and retirement routes. Explore five destinations trending right now — and why Portugal’s fund route stands out for productive capital and EU mobility.

U.S. interest in residency-by-investment and retirement visas is accelerating, with Europe leading the conversation. From Portugal’s €500k fund route to Greece’s Mediterranean lifestyle, here are five destinations on American radars in 2025.

The Trending 5

1. Portugal: EU residency via CMVM-regulated funds (€500k), ~7 days/year presence, Schengen mobility, and a five-year path to long-term status.

2. Greece: Coastal living, EU access and a historically popular real-estate-linked visa ecosystem.

3. Panama: Pensionado Visa with modest income requirements; English widely spoken and close to the U.S.

4. Costa Rica: Wellness culture, affordability under ~$2k/month and residency options for retirees.

5. Spain: Non-lucrative visas, world-class infrastructure and Mediterranean lifestyle.

Why It Matters

Diversification: Residency options hedge policy and tax uncertainty.

Mobility: Schengen access across much of Europe.

Lifestyle & Healthcare: High quality of life in safe, well-connected jurisdictions.

Explorer Insight

“Global mobility is becoming a retirement plan. The Portuguese fund route keeps capital productive — an investment, not a donation.” — André Bandeira, Explorer Investments

Next Steps

Clarify objectives (lifestyle, mobility, succession, tax alignment).

Coordinate U.S./local tax advice (PFIC/QEF for U.S. persons investing in foreign funds).

For Portugal: obtain NIF, open bank account, select a CMVM fund, subscribe and prepare AIMA submission.

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