Eric and Christina Schwendeman's relationship got serious the day he brought up retirement.
23.04.2024 - 20:29 / forbes.com
For many people considering a move overseas one of the biggest barriers they face is the language barrier.
They may not feel able to master a new language… not have time to… or simply not want to… but the fear of not being able to communicate in your adopted homeland can be off-putting.
Happily there are plenty of destinations around the world where English is widely-spoken meaning fluency in a new language doesn’t have to be a requirement for a new adventure overseas.
Here are some of your best options for destinations where you’ll find English-speaking locals and an easy route to expat life…
Formerly a British colony, Belize’s official language is English. Indeed, it’s the only English-language-official country in Central America.
About 83% of the country speaks English as their first language, while many also speak Creole and Spanish.
Leases and legal contracts are in English… English-speaking staff are available at clinics… Media and the news are delivered in English. The average person you come into contact with, whether it’s a cashier or a government official, speaks English.
This ease of language is a big reason why many American and Canadian expats choose to move to Belize.
Plus, the people are welcoming, open-minded, and eclectic—and the country has excellent residency programs.
In addition, Belize offers Caribbean living at a much lower cost than elsewhere in the region—around $1,500 a month is a good guide as a start point for your costs here.
When it comes to residency options things are straightforward. There’s the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) which is open to applicants over 40 who can prove a monthly income from a source outside of the country (such as a pension or Social Security) of $2,000.
Alternatively, you can just go to Belize and stay there for 12 months continually renewing your tourist visa. After that time you can then apply for permanent residency.
For many expats the easy-going lifestyle and live and let live attitude of the locals here is a big selling point.
Malta, a former British colony, has two official languages: English and Maltese. About 88% of the population is fluent in English, and laws are enacted in both languages so you shouldn’t have any trouble being understood or understanding the locals.
Your residency options here include Citizenship by Investment, a Permanent Residence Scheme, a Family Visa and the Ordinary Residence Scheme.
The Ordinary Residence Scheme is the most popular with the key requirements being able to show a net worth of €14,000 for a single or €23,000 for a couple, that you spend a minimum of 183 days per calendar year in Malta, and evidence of a physical address in the country which can be through a real estate purchase or rental
Eric and Christina Schwendeman's relationship got serious the day he brought up retirement.
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