Retiring in Argentina: a complete guide
Discover the pros and cons of retiring in Argentina and why US seniors are choosing this country to live out their golden years.
Summary
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Argentina is 210.7% lower than in the US, making it an attractive retirement option.
There is no tax on retirement income for those who retire in Argentina.
Argentina is one of the safest countries in South America, and obtaining a visa is incredibly simple.
Find a financial advisor who can help you to plan for retirement and maximize your income and investments.
What are the pros and cons of retiring in Argentina?
Argentina is a culturally vibrant and diverse South American country with plenty to offer in terms of community, cuisine, and history. But it is also far removed from other countries and its infrastructure can be challenging to deal with. Take a look at the main pros and cons of retiring in Argentina:
Pros
Cultural diversity: The food, culture, community, and climate of Argentina are vibrant and full of life. There are lots of exciting activities, people, and heritage sites to explore in retirement.
Low cost of living: Rent, food, and general living expenses are significantly lower in Argentina than they are in the US, allowing seniors to save more money.
Simple visa application process: The visa application process for retiring in Argentina is one of the easiest in the world.
Cons
Unreliable public services: Argentina's infrastructure is not very reliable. Transportation and healthcare can be difficult to access without private service support.
Government instability: Argentina is still technically a developing nation. Poverty is a problem, and the government cannot always be relied on to deliver consistently fair policies.
Location isolation: Traveling to or from Argentina from the US and most EU countries takes at least 12 hours by air. If you plan on visiting family or taking vacations, this can become expensive and time-consuming.
What are the best places to retire in Argentina?
Many people emigrate to Argentina because it offers many stunning locations in a warm and summery climate.
Some of the best places to retire in Argentina are located around Buenos Aires and below the Andes Mountains, providing both active cities and natural beauty to enjoy in your retirement.
Buenos Aires: The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis of culture and diversity. It has world-class cuisine, a rich expat community, and plenty of activities and sites to explore.
Mendoza: Just below the Andes Mountains is Mendoza, a region known for its winelands, nature hikes, and stunning landscapes. It is considered one of the best places to retire in Argentina.
Cordoba: Cordoba is the second-largest city in Argentina and is renowned for its historic architecture, mild climate, and lower cost of living than busier parts of the country.
At what age can you retire in Argentina?
The average age of retirement in Argentina is 65 for men and 60 for women.
Once you reach retirement age (and assume you have the necessary retirement visa), you will qualify for benefits such as a monthly pension calculated by the insurer’s adjusted earnings.
What is the average cost of retirement in Argentina?
You can live comfortably as a retiree in Argentina on $1,000 - $1,500 per month as an individual or $1,500 - $2,000 as a couple.
However, many seniors find they spend less than the projected average.
Do you pay taxes after retirement in Argentina?
The Argentinian government does not charge tax on pension income, making it an extremely tax-advantaged place to settle down if you intend to live off of your retirement savings.
However, if you emigrate to Argentina before your retirement age and therefore need to work for a few years, your standard income will be taxed at 35%.
What programs are there for emigrating to Argentina?
Argentina offers a retirement program for foreign seniors who want to retire in Argentina.
To qualify for the program, US seniors need to provide proof of their retirement in the form of Social Security receipts and meet the minimum income requirement of $2,000 per month.
What visas do I need to retire in Argentina?
The best visa for retiring in Argentina is a Pensionado Visa. It is a temporary residence permit that allows you to live in the country for a year, after which you can renew the visa for up to three years.
After two years of residency, you can then apply for Argentine citizenship. You will need several documents to apply for the Pensionado Visa, including proof of income, health insurance, a background check, and proof of accommodation.
What are my healthcare options in Argentina?
The healthcare system in Argentina is excellent.
They have a free healthcare program for all Argentinian residents, including expats.
Public healthcare will cover up to 60% of all medical needs. However, if you are applying to retire in Argentina, you will need proof of health insurance.
Is Argentina a good place to retire?
Argentina is considered one of the best places to retire in South America.
It has a great healthcare program, a warm climate, friendly people, and beautiful nature to explore in your later years.
Get expert financial advice
Retiring in Argentina is a goal that many seniors work towards because of its climate, rich cultural history, and retirement tax advantages. While there are some downsides, such as political instability and unreliable public services, the low cost of living is a major advantage.
For expert retirement advice, let Unbiased match you with an SEC-regulated financial advisor. They can assist you in planning for your future and enjoying a comfortable retirement.
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