The lure of a sunnier climate combined with the attraction that your pension will go further and the prospect of a more relaxed way of life means that staggering numbers of over-50s are drawing their pensions abroad. One of the basic rights the EU gives to its citizens is the freedom to travel within its borders and to remain in any part of it. The expanding EU means there are plenty of countries to choose from. All its citizens now have the right to travel to any of the 25 member countries and live anywhere within its four million square kilometres without a visa or other restrictions, so whether you fancy spending your golden years in Malta or Poland the doors are open to you, as the UK state retirement pension can be paid in full anywhere in the EU.

Brits have had a love affair with the Spanish Costas since the 1960s. Coastal Spain, remains the number one European destination for the 50 plus age group, with only seven days of rain a year and of course several golf courses. Retirement complexes have become a popular choice. Purpose-built and offering a range of services and leisure facilities, they are springing up along the eastern and southern coasts of Spain.
 
Growing evidence of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and a more laid-back way of life add to an increasing sense that by heading to southern Europe you could be adding to your chances of a longer life. After all, heart disease rates are considerably lower in France, Spain and Italy then they are in the UK.
 
Alongside the traditional European destinations new, further flung countries are becoming increasingly popular for those planning to retire abroad. Take the English speaking Australia, with its world famous laid-back lifestyle, many people move to this incredible country to be closer to relatives or to simply start a new life. Year-round sunshine, friendly people and great food and drink all add up to a very high standard of living. Self-supporting retirees need to transfer a substantial amount of capital to support themselves and acquire accommodation for their use. A four year retirement visa is available, which is renewable provided you still meet the capital requirements, currently £350,000. You may apply if you are over the age of 55, have no dependants (other than a spouse), and are able to support yourself financially in Australia without being a burden to the country's welfare services and are sponsored by a participating state or territory.
 
If you are fearful of feeling isolated in your new home than consider somewhere already popular with Brits like South Africa. The Western Cape, predominantly the Cape Town region, is one of the prime areas where retirees are interested in purchasing a second home or even a permanent residence. If you want to spend the second half of your life waking up to spectacular views, in a country steeped in history that offers a fantastic lifestyle and guaranteed good weather than South Africa could be your ideal spot to wind down in. Under present legislation, to obtain a retiree permit you need to be sponsored by children or grandchildren already resident or, to have sufficient funds to purchase a property and  income reaching a prescribed level. Retirees can reside temporarily in South Africa provided they can demonstrate a pension or income of at least ZAR20,000 a month. A temporary retired persons permit can be granted for up to four years, while a permanent retiree permit is also available. Wherever you choose, the dream of heading abroad for good after a lifetime of work, could become a reality.

Other options to consider:

Panama
Panama, one of the world's undiscovered paradises, is a great place to retire abroad and finding a retirement complex won't cost you the earth. It has fantastic weather, political stability and best of all it has a low cost of living and inexpensive property. What's more, a healthy retirement plan has been put together to encourage people to invest in Panama. In order to qualify as a retiree in Panama you have to have a guaranteed pension income of only £300 per month. On becoming a 'pensionado' you are entitled to significant discounts.

Malaysia
Malaysia has one of the best standards of living in South East Asia. With temperatures ranging to 32°C , Malaysia is a tropical paradise of friendly people, wonderful food, beautiful beaches, historic towns and the world's oldest rainforests. The ticket to this retirement paradise is Malaysia's 'MM2H' scheme which allows retirees with sufficient, but modest, funds to take up residence.

Ecuador
According to Escape Artist's annual survey Ecuador is the world's best retirement or second home destination.  You'll find palm-fringed white sandy beaches and a tropical climate. Property prices are extremley low, as is the cost of living. People over 50 qualify for permanent residence visas, on condition that they have a monthly income of £1,100.

Florida
Florida boasts a fabulous sunshine lifestyle and a strong British community. There's no retirement visa for the US, but you can spend up to six months per year here on a B-2 visa, making it a great location for a second home. 

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