7 Countries Offering Retirement Visas to Indians in 2026

Highlights: Top 7 Countries Offering Retirement Visa to Indian Citizens

• Several Indians are exploring retirement visa options across countries with simple eligibility rules and long-term settlement benefits.
• Most retirement visas in these top countries are offered to applicants aged 50–55 and above.  
• Indian retirees in these global nations will benefit from lower cost of living, lower housing costs, and affordable food and public service costs compared to Indian metros.
• Most Indians prefer to retire abroad to access quality public and private healthcare services, citing this as the primary reason.
• Retirement visas abroad offer long-term settlement opportunities without employment to Indians,  making them suitable for passive earners and pensioners overseas.
   

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7 Countries Offering Retirement Visas to Indians Settling Abroad

Indians planning to live overseas after retirement can migrate to countries such as Thailand, Portugal, and Sri Lanka, among others, with flexible retirement visa options. Factors such as long-term lifestyle stability, better financial planning, and improved healthcare standards are majorly influencing Indian retirees' decision to plan a life abroad. Most countries that offer retirement visas also issue long-term residence permits, enabling Indians to live abroad legally without having to work actively.

These retirement-friendly global destinations stand out for their affordable cost of living, simple visa rules, reliable healthcare, and long-term stay benefits. As long as an Indian retiree meets the minimum age and financial requirements, these retirement visas are a gateway to a secure, stable life overseas after retirement. The countries offering retirement visas to Indians are as follows:

• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Portugal
• Sri Lanka
• Mauritius
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
   

Best Countries For Retirement Visas For Indians

Given below are the 7 top global destinations for Indian retirees to seek a stable life after retirement. These countries offer retirement visas to Indians based on specific age, financial asset requirements, and residency requirements.

Thailand

Thailand offers retirement visas to foreigners aged 50 and above, provided they meet the minimum income and savings threshold. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok are suitable destinations in Thailand, offering affordable lifestyles, accommodation, community, and private healthcare facilities, with long-term settlement benefits for Indian retirees.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE offers retirement visas to Indians aged 55 and above, provided they meet certain property ownership, savings, or pension income requirements. Places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are preferred destinations in the UAE among Indian retirees because of their highly modernised infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and smooth airline connectivity from India.

Portugal

The D7 visa in Portugal is a common pathway for Indian retirees to migrate after meeting basic income, savings, and insurance requirements. A D7 visa can be renewed for long-term residency, providing stable access to healthcare for Indian citizens.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a long-term residence programme for retirees aged 55+, but it requires a fixed deposit and monthly inward remittances. Lower food and housing costs, cultural similarities, and proximity make Sri Lanka a popular destination for Indian retirees seeking to settle abroad.

Mauritius

Mauritius provides a retirement residence permit for foreigners aged 50 and above with sufficient income or savings, and who transfer funds to a local bank. Factors such as political stability, strong diplomatic ties with India, and a peaceful environment influence Indian retirees to choose Mauritius as a long-term settlement abroad.

Malaysia

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme offers long-term stay for foreign retirees across different financial tiers. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang offer modern lifestyles, advanced urban infrastructure, and English-speaking regions that ease the transition for retirees from India.

Indonesia

Indonesia offers a retirement visa to foreigners aged 55 and above who qualify for financial and health insurance requirements. Destinations like Bali are suitable for Indian retirees due to their low cost of living, expat communities, and private healthcare facilities.
 

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Planning to Retire Abroad? Here’s What Indians Should Know Before Migrating

Before migrating abroad on a retirement visa, Indians should consider the following factors for a comfortable life after retirement:

• Retirement visas in most countries worldwide are granted to migrants aged 50 and above.
• Indian retirees need to show authorised proof of pension and sufficient savings in fixed deposits and other funds to ensure financial reliance.
• Although active employment is not allowed on a retirement visa, retirees can aim for long-term settlement.
• Private and public healthcare facilities vary based on destination.
• Before immigrating abroad, Indians should evaluate the Visa validity, renewal terms, and tax policies after retirement.
   

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FAQs

What is a retirement visa, and who can apply for it?

A retirement visa is a long-term residence permit designed for foreign nationals who have stopped working and wish to live abroad using pension income, savings, or passive income. Most retirement visas are available to applicants aged 50 or 55 and above, depending on the country. Indians can apply if they meet the required age, financial thresholds, and health insurance conditions. These visas generally allow long-term stay but do not permit employment, making them ideal for retirees seeking a stable and peaceful life overseas.

Which countries offer retirement visas to Indians?

Several countries offer retirement visas or long-term residence permits to Indian citizens. Popular destinations include Thailand, the UAE, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These countries are known for affordable living costs, quality healthcare, and clear visa frameworks. Each country has different eligibility requirements related to age, income, and savings. Indian retirees should carefully compare visa rules, healthcare access, and renewal conditions before choosing a retirement destination abroad.

What is the minimum age requirement for a retirement visa?

The minimum age requirement varies by country. Many retirement visas are available to applicants aged 50 years and above, such as in Thailand and Mauritius. Some countries, including the UAE and Indonesia, require applicants to be at least 55 years old. Age is a strict eligibility criterion, and applications below the required threshold are usually rejected. Indians planning to retire abroad should check the age requirement of their chosen destination before starting the visa process.

Can Indians work abroad on a retirement visa?

Retirement visas generally do not permit employment. These visas are intended for individuals who can support themselves financially without working. Applicants must usually provide proof of pension income, savings, or passive income. Engaging in paid employment or business activities while on a retirement visa can lead to visa cancellation or penalties. Retirees who wish to work or invest actively may need to explore alternative visa categories.

What financial requirements are needed for a retirement visa?

Financial requirements depend on the country but typically include proof of monthly pension income, savings, fixed deposits, or bank balances. Some countries require retirees to transfer funds to a local bank account, while others accept overseas income. These financial conditions ensure that retirees can support themselves without relying on public welfare. Meeting the financial criteria is a key part of a successful retirement visa application.

Is healthcare available to Indian retirees abroad?

Healthcare access is one of the main attractions of retiring abroad. Many retirement visa destinations offer access to high-quality private healthcare, and some allow retirees to use public healthcare systems. In most cases, valid health insurance is mandatory for retirement visa holders. Countries such as Portugal, the UAE, and Malaysia are known for modern healthcare facilities, while Thailand and Indonesia offer affordable private medical services.

Can a retirement visa lead to permanent residency?

In some countries, retirement visas can lead to long-term or permanent residency if renewal and residency conditions are met. For example, Portugal’s D7 visa may offer a pathway to permanent residence over time. However, many retirement visas are renewable long-term permits and do not automatically lead to citizenship. Indian retirees should review long-term residency rules carefully before applying.

Why are more Indians choosing to retire abroad?

More Indians are choosing to retire abroad due to better quality of life, affordable living costs, access to reliable healthcare, and clear visa policies. Rising living expenses in Indian metro cities, longer life expectancy, and improved retirement savings have also contributed to this trend. Countries offering retirement visas provide stability and comfort, making overseas retirement a practical option for many Indians.

Are retirement visas renewable?

Most retirement visas are renewable as long as applicants continue to meet eligibility criteria such as financial requirements, health insurance coverage, and legal compliance. Renewal periods vary by country and can range from one year to several years. Failure to meet renewal conditions may result in visa cancellation, so careful planning and documentation are essential.

How can Y-Axis help with retirement visas?

Y-Axis assists Indian retirees by providing expert guidance on choosing the right retirement destination, checking eligibility, preparing documents, and navigating the visa application process. Since retirement visa rules vary widely across countries, professional support helps reduce errors and delays. Y-Axis ensures a smooth, transparent process, helping retirees plan their overseas retirement with confidence.