Quality of life is most important for expats when they retire, survey shows

The key to expat retiree happiness is a good quality of life, good weather and a low cost of living, according to an international survey.

Quality of life is the most important consideration for those retiring abroad with 83% citing this as the main reason when deciding on location, the 2011 HSBC Expat Explorer survey shows. Then 62% take the weather into account and 27% consider family ties.

The survey also found that almost half, 47%, of expats aged over 55 are planning to retire in the country that they currently live in and only one fifth, 19%, plan to return to their home country.

Thailand is rated by 82% as the best place for retirement and also tops the Expat Experience league table. Some 78% rate France as the best country to retire and 62% said Spain.

Source: Expat Forum