RetireSpots Monthly

The retire-abroad newsletter where every number shows its source.

One email per month. No spam. No selling your address.

Past editions

Edition #1July 2026

Portugal tops our rankings -- and the D7 visa is still the best deal in Western Europe

RetireScore of 86. A visa that asks for ~EUR 920/month. Private health cover starting under EUR 120/month. Here is what Portugal actually costs and ho...

Edition #2August 2026

Costa Rica at 81 -- and what healthcare actually costs in 5 Latin American countries

The Pensionado visa asks for just USD 1,000/month. Public healthcare at USD 85/month. Territorial tax means no Costa Rican tax on your pension. Plus: ...

Edition #3September 2026

Spain at 77 -- the non-lucrative visa, explained without the brochure language

EUR 2,400/month income requirement. Full private insurance with no co-pays. One year, renewable. Plus: renting vs buying in 5 destinations and why Val...

Edition #4October 2026

Thailand at 75 -- what the retirement visa actually costs and why Hoi An, Vietnam belongs on your list

The O-A visa asks for 65,000 THB/month or an 800,000 THB deposit. Private hospitals at a fraction of Western prices. Plus: USD 1,500/month across 5 So...

Edition #5November 2026

Mexico at 69 -- why it still dominates, and what the visa actually costs

The largest US expat population abroad. Temporary residency with high income thresholds but significantly lower living costs. Plus: how rent shifts wh...

Edition #6December 2026

Italy at 77 -- the 7% flat tax, the Elective Residence visa, and what 2026 taught us about 55 countries

Year-end review. Which visa thresholds changed, which countries got more affordable, and the one thing most retirees forget to check. Plus: the #1 cou...