I’m retired and living in Panama now. I have gotten my permanent visa. I am heading back to the states next spring, but will make a point to keep my visa active, and some day, I may come back to Panama permanently. But for now, I have family in the US that I miss.
Here’s what they don’t tell you. Watching the horror show that is the United States is no easier when you’re watching it from another country. I have been completely unable to distance myself from it. Some can successfully do this, I couldn’t!
This is a really crucial point you make. I had wondered about how this might feel there - especially if you are heavily involved in expat circles that still embody the same political divides present in the US. Would you be willing to share your take on what, specifically, kept you still mentally tethered to the US meltdown?
Mostly we don't talk politics at expat events, but the majority are horrified at what's happening when the conversation does veer in that direction. MOST, not all. Others get mad if it's even discussed so they can continue distancing themselves from it.
What keeps me mentally tethered? I don't know. How can I not pay attention to what's happening in my country? Being from Minnesota, I watched in horror as ICE ravaged not only my country, my state, but the cities I lived in. I watched in horror as they murdered people.
I did delete TikTok, because as bad as seeing what's happening, to me, what's worse is knowing that there are people who defend and support it. Unfortunately, TikTok is filled with those people. It was literally impacting my health. Substack and Bluesky have less of those people, for now.
Like I said, some can successfully distance themselves. Others like me, who have the curse of having too much empathy...we can't do that.
Thanks for sharing your experience. This is the concern my husband has for me - that I still will feel stressed. I feel deeply for people, animals, plants, land, etc. Running away so I can turn a blind eye feels wrong. Not 'running away' but moving away with intention for another life, plus tuning out what's happening here at home feels like irresponsibility toward my homeland. And, yet, I'm not sure US life is the lifestyle I want. We love our home, our garden, having our adult kids here with us, being near family, and the conveniences of American life. But, jeepers....we walk daily amongst traumatized people. You can feel it - even when there is a smile on the face. I guess my greatest wish of life abroad is that it would renew my hope in humanity...to experience a higher percentage of human decency in a population. To witness more people being good stewards of their community and land. America has been pretty demoralizing over this last decade. --- Best wishes for your return. I 1000% understand the draw back toward family that you love.
Mr. Hies, I have a question about all of these places you review as being “welcoming” to allowing a citizen of the States to move there and live in peace among its citizens. Where is it even remotely possible???
I tried in December of 2022, after self publishing my first book, to merely visit Stonehenge in England. I had purchased my ticket on British Air, reserved a room and taxi and was completely ready to begin a world trek of places I have longed to visit since I was a child. (I am 70 years of age now)
I was told, the day before my flight was supposed to leave, that my ticket had been cancelled. Researching for months afterward I only discovered the truth by calling the British Home Guard; that I was denied entry into any of Great Britain’s subject nations due to the fact that I had been hospitalized in a mental institution for the criminally insane for a period of four years.
Upon further research I discovered that there is no nation on the planet (including the States where I was born) that will allow entry to anyone who has been confined for a period of 12 months or more, for any reason.
Although there are some that might allow entry, as long as you are not identified as having been confined, those nations will; upon discovering that fact; will confine you all over again, without benefit of trial.
Where then, I must ask you, do the nations you have listed here fall into those two types of categories?
With all that is happening in the States, and my having been forewarned of what is occurring here I had sought to leave and hopefully expire along my quest to meet and greet individuals from other nations.
I published the warning I was shown in 2022 and was blocked from entering their nation by England to the point where the British Home Guard contacted the State Department here and had my passport revoked.
I never heard of a worldwide rule barring anyone who has been confined for 12 months or more. No registry like that exists, and most countries never ask. Americans still enter Europe on a passport alone.
If your passport was revoked, no destination matters until that is sorted, and the State Department has to give you the reason in writing. That is where I would start.
34 felony convictions, adjudicated rapist, grifter and thief; and that’s without seeing the un-redacted Epstein files establishing recorded proof his identity as a pedophile.
Why didn’t the British Home Guard prevent him from entering Ireland? It was in my bucket list, they disallowed my entry there as well.
I had my visa revoked to the US after a misunderstanding so it can definitely work both ways. I hope you get to visit many more wonderful places that appreciate you.
I'm an USAer who has lived in Armenia for several months, has left briefly, and am heading back there in a week. Hopefully to stay "permanently". I'd like to hear your thoughts on the country.
I‘m a big fan of Armenia. I think Armenia, together with Georgia, will are highly underrated countries for residency. Also, Armenia is working on a new residency program which will most likely be reality by 2030.
Mexico is a great residency option in many ways, one of my favorite ones. But for the criteria I used for this particular article, the 5 were more suitable.
I would really like to eventually retire in a German speaking of country, as I know that language well and have lived in Germany for short periods in the past. I have a (well managed) chronic illness and will likely be at least 60 and spouse 66, maybe older, before we will feel able to leave the US - unless things change very suddenly. I assume we will have to pay expensive private health insurance and taxes on passive income. Both our pensions will be from a public university. How much would we need per month to live in German speaking places?
Hey Rachel, thanks for your message. The cost of living highly depends on the area you chose to live in, and also on your lifestyle. I would say if you are living outside the major hubs (Munich, Frankfurt etc) you could make it work from $3,000, for a couple closer to $4,000.
Hi Benjamin! This was a really helpful article. What does permanency residency entail? I’m wondering specifically about being a citizen of the U.S. and a resident of the Philippines or Panama, does that give you a passport or just visa travel approval?
Hey Jeanetta, permanent residency is your right to stay in the country long-term and more solid than e.g. a stay permit or temporary residency. Short of obtaining a passport, permanent residency is the most „permanent“ option (pun intended). There are no travel benefits or a passport when you obtain it. But once you are on a permanent residency permit, often you can work your way towards citizenship in that country, by naturalization. Does that make sense?
Yes! That makes perfect sense. Thanks for clarifying me. My top two picks would be the Philippines and Panama. We’re working toward sailboat living. I’m exploring best states to claim US residency vs. other countries. I appreciate your research.
I have lived long-term in 7 countries (Australia, UK, Germany, Thailand, Denmark, UAE, Cyprus) and hold residencies in 5. I have visited the ones named here, sometimes for shorter visits, sometimes for months at the time. I don't hold residencies in all of the countries I talk about (but I'm expanding my setup on a yearly basis). I do know people personally who hold residencies or citizenship in all of the ones above though ;)
Great article, I appreciated the considerations. As a Brit my main hates about my own country are surveillance/Big Brother interventions and the cost of living.
South America and The Philippines definitely appeal to me.
Thanks Julie! There are some very interesting residency options in SA and also the Philippines. The latter is one of the easiest residencies to obtain in SEA (together with Thailand).
I spend time in Albania and have traveled to many other countries looking for the best set up. For me maybe just slow travel will be enough. That way I can continue to explore more places. Tblisi and Batumi might get a visit early in 27. Thanks!
We are currently doing the Schengen Shuffle between Lagos, PT and Minneapolis. Not keen on pursuing residency in PT at the moment. We are always exploring alternatives for either residency or another shuffle stop.
My friend went to Tblisi a few years ago for her son's dental care. They were facing a $40k bill in the US, but there it was less than $1k and they said the American dentist should be reported for the bad work she had done. She LOVED it, especially the food and architecture. She did, however, see neo-Nazi Azov infiltration in the works that I asked her to keep an eye out for.
I'm pretty black-pilled, so take what I say with a grain of salt if you must, but I fear the rest of these countries are either already captured by (Philippines) or about to get the Cuba treatment from the US govt.
Hopefully, the Epstein class's plans will fail spectacularly.
I’m retired and living in Panama now. I have gotten my permanent visa. I am heading back to the states next spring, but will make a point to keep my visa active, and some day, I may come back to Panama permanently. But for now, I have family in the US that I miss.
Here’s what they don’t tell you. Watching the horror show that is the United States is no easier when you’re watching it from another country. I have been completely unable to distance myself from it. Some can successfully do this, I couldn’t!
This is a really crucial point you make. I had wondered about how this might feel there - especially if you are heavily involved in expat circles that still embody the same political divides present in the US. Would you be willing to share your take on what, specifically, kept you still mentally tethered to the US meltdown?
Mostly we don't talk politics at expat events, but the majority are horrified at what's happening when the conversation does veer in that direction. MOST, not all. Others get mad if it's even discussed so they can continue distancing themselves from it.
What keeps me mentally tethered? I don't know. How can I not pay attention to what's happening in my country? Being from Minnesota, I watched in horror as ICE ravaged not only my country, my state, but the cities I lived in. I watched in horror as they murdered people.
I did delete TikTok, because as bad as seeing what's happening, to me, what's worse is knowing that there are people who defend and support it. Unfortunately, TikTok is filled with those people. It was literally impacting my health. Substack and Bluesky have less of those people, for now.
Like I said, some can successfully distance themselves. Others like me, who have the curse of having too much empathy...we can't do that.
Thanks for sharing your experience. This is the concern my husband has for me - that I still will feel stressed. I feel deeply for people, animals, plants, land, etc. Running away so I can turn a blind eye feels wrong. Not 'running away' but moving away with intention for another life, plus tuning out what's happening here at home feels like irresponsibility toward my homeland. And, yet, I'm not sure US life is the lifestyle I want. We love our home, our garden, having our adult kids here with us, being near family, and the conveniences of American life. But, jeepers....we walk daily amongst traumatized people. You can feel it - even when there is a smile on the face. I guess my greatest wish of life abroad is that it would renew my hope in humanity...to experience a higher percentage of human decency in a population. To witness more people being good stewards of their community and land. America has been pretty demoralizing over this last decade. --- Best wishes for your return. I 1000% understand the draw back toward family that you love.
Mr. Hies, I have a question about all of these places you review as being “welcoming” to allowing a citizen of the States to move there and live in peace among its citizens. Where is it even remotely possible???
I tried in December of 2022, after self publishing my first book, to merely visit Stonehenge in England. I had purchased my ticket on British Air, reserved a room and taxi and was completely ready to begin a world trek of places I have longed to visit since I was a child. (I am 70 years of age now)
I was told, the day before my flight was supposed to leave, that my ticket had been cancelled. Researching for months afterward I only discovered the truth by calling the British Home Guard; that I was denied entry into any of Great Britain’s subject nations due to the fact that I had been hospitalized in a mental institution for the criminally insane for a period of four years.
Upon further research I discovered that there is no nation on the planet (including the States where I was born) that will allow entry to anyone who has been confined for a period of 12 months or more, for any reason.
Although there are some that might allow entry, as long as you are not identified as having been confined, those nations will; upon discovering that fact; will confine you all over again, without benefit of trial.
Where then, I must ask you, do the nations you have listed here fall into those two types of categories?
With all that is happening in the States, and my having been forewarned of what is occurring here I had sought to leave and hopefully expire along my quest to meet and greet individuals from other nations.
I published the warning I was shown in 2022 and was blocked from entering their nation by England to the point where the British Home Guard contacted the State Department here and had my passport revoked.
Hey Michael, thank you for reading.
I never heard of a worldwide rule barring anyone who has been confined for 12 months or more. No registry like that exists, and most countries never ask. Americans still enter Europe on a passport alone.
If your passport was revoked, no destination matters until that is sorted, and the State Department has to give you the reason in writing. That is where I would start.
I hope you get to Stonehenge.
IF you want to direct message me - mine is always open - I can send the .jpgs and/or link proving what I have said.
You account here, like so many other influencers would not allow me to post the .jpgs even.
I have posted them before, on my own accounts across social media but for you I will repost them here.
Wow, as a Brit, that has shocked me, considering the people we do let in.
Like 45.
34 felony convictions, adjudicated rapist, grifter and thief; and that’s without seeing the un-redacted Epstein files establishing recorded proof his identity as a pedophile.
Why didn’t the British Home Guard prevent him from entering Ireland? It was in my bucket list, they disallowed my entry there as well.
Crazy. Hypocritical.
I had my visa revoked to the US after a misunderstanding so it can definitely work both ways. I hope you get to visit many more wonderful places that appreciate you.
I would be happy to find even one that would welcome me. Before humanity goes extinct.
Really excellent article. Georgia and Panama come up time and again!
Thanks René, appreciate it! Yes, they come up more and more. Also Armenia is a place I will write more about in the future :)
I'm an USAer who has lived in Armenia for several months, has left briefly, and am heading back there in a week. Hopefully to stay "permanently". I'd like to hear your thoughts on the country.
I‘m a big fan of Armenia. I think Armenia, together with Georgia, will are highly underrated countries for residency. Also, Armenia is working on a new residency program which will most likely be reality by 2030.
I’ll look forward to that, I haven’t ever considered Armenia before
I saved this to read it later as soon as I saw Georgia and the Philippines.
🫶
What about Costa Rica?
Also a great option, but in for the criteria I used to evaluate here, Costa Rica did not score as high as the 5 named in the article.
Mexico's not on this list. What's missing?
Mexico is a great residency option in many ways, one of my favorite ones. But for the criteria I used for this particular article, the 5 were more suitable.
Too high income requirement, 400 times minimum wage for permanent residency, above what most social security pays.
Great article! I live half the year in Sicily right now and I’m intrigued by paying a visit to Albania.
Before I got my Italian citizenship, I was actively seeking somewhere outside the US to live and fell in love with Boquete.
The only problem with living there is healthcare is an hour away in Davide. I understand they’re now building a medical facility close by.
I don’t know what they’ve been waiting for considering the number of seniors that lived there!
Thanks Francine! I haven’t been to Albania myself, but I‘m planning a Caucasus tour and also include Armenia in it!
Wonderful! I look forward to reading your insights after the trip.
🫶
Another great post, Ben! Thank you for your amazing and intentional content!!
You are welcome welcome, glad this one helped 🫶
I would really like to eventually retire in a German speaking of country, as I know that language well and have lived in Germany for short periods in the past. I have a (well managed) chronic illness and will likely be at least 60 and spouse 66, maybe older, before we will feel able to leave the US - unless things change very suddenly. I assume we will have to pay expensive private health insurance and taxes on passive income. Both our pensions will be from a public university. How much would we need per month to live in German speaking places?
Hey Rachel, thanks for your message. The cost of living highly depends on the area you chose to live in, and also on your lifestyle. I would say if you are living outside the major hubs (Munich, Frankfurt etc) you could make it work from $3,000, for a couple closer to $4,000.
That's including the health insurance, rent, utilities and groceries?
Hi Benjamin! This was a really helpful article. What does permanency residency entail? I’m wondering specifically about being a citizen of the U.S. and a resident of the Philippines or Panama, does that give you a passport or just visa travel approval?
Hey Jeanetta, permanent residency is your right to stay in the country long-term and more solid than e.g. a stay permit or temporary residency. Short of obtaining a passport, permanent residency is the most „permanent“ option (pun intended). There are no travel benefits or a passport when you obtain it. But once you are on a permanent residency permit, often you can work your way towards citizenship in that country, by naturalization. Does that make sense?
Yes! That makes perfect sense. Thanks for clarifying me. My top two picks would be the Philippines and Panama. We’re working toward sailboat living. I’m exploring best states to claim US residency vs. other countries. I appreciate your research.
I'm curious if you have lived in any of these places or just visited them?
I have lived long-term in 7 countries (Australia, UK, Germany, Thailand, Denmark, UAE, Cyprus) and hold residencies in 5. I have visited the ones named here, sometimes for shorter visits, sometimes for months at the time. I don't hold residencies in all of the countries I talk about (but I'm expanding my setup on a yearly basis). I do know people personally who hold residencies or citizenship in all of the ones above though ;)
Thank you, that does answer my question.
I‘m glad Hermann, let me know if any other questions come up.
Great article, I appreciated the considerations. As a Brit my main hates about my own country are surveillance/Big Brother interventions and the cost of living.
South America and The Philippines definitely appeal to me.
Thanks Julie! There are some very interesting residency options in SA and also the Philippines. The latter is one of the easiest residencies to obtain in SEA (together with Thailand).
I spend time in Albania and have traveled to many other countries looking for the best set up. For me maybe just slow travel will be enough. That way I can continue to explore more places. Tblisi and Batumi might get a visit early in 27. Thanks!
Yes I think Armenia is 180 days for US? Not sure…
Yep 180 days.
Thanks Jorge! You might also want to check out Armenia, some interesting residency option coming up.
Id put 63 coins into freedom, 13 into lifestyle, 24 into cost of living
That's great! Then this list of countries is exactly what you need.
Money 10
Lifestyle 65
Freedom 25
Nice work! Focus on lifestyle, very interesting. Which countries are you contemplating?
We are currently doing the Schengen Shuffle between Lagos, PT and Minneapolis. Not keen on pursuing residency in PT at the moment. We are always exploring alternatives for either residency or another shuffle stop.
Nice! I like the Shuffle as an initial strategy, it gives you the opportunity to explore before committing to any residency long-term.
My friend went to Tblisi a few years ago for her son's dental care. They were facing a $40k bill in the US, but there it was less than $1k and they said the American dentist should be reported for the bad work she had done. She LOVED it, especially the food and architecture. She did, however, see neo-Nazi Azov infiltration in the works that I asked her to keep an eye out for.
I'm pretty black-pilled, so take what I say with a grain of salt if you must, but I fear the rest of these countries are either already captured by (Philippines) or about to get the Cuba treatment from the US govt.
Hopefully, the Epstein class's plans will fail spectacularly.