Retiring abroad can be an ideal way to spend your golden years. You could spend your retirement visiting different countries and cultures and having new experiences.
Let’s talk about retirement in Macedonia.
The downfall of living in Europe is the price tag. A lot of European countries feature a high cost of living. One country, however, costs a fraction of the price and also offers a very low crime rate. Macedonia, located in southeastern Europe, is that country.
This small country borders Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. Macedonia is still not part of the EU so the cost of living is low. The economy is improving, especially in the past ten years, as foreigners are seeing the appeal of the quiet nation.
Why Macedonia?
A Macedonian retirement abroad would definitely be a quiet one. Your day-to-day may consist of a cold beer in the garden and a glass of wine in the evenings with friends. Macedonia has a low crime rate, so you won’t have to worry about your safety, or your wallet, like in many other countries.
One of the many draws to Macedonia is the scenic mountains, rivers and lakes. Imagine going from the forests of Kozhuv in the morning to an early afternoon swim in the Aegean sea in neighboring Greece.
The climate is perfect for enjoying a variety of activities all year long. Many love the idea of spending their days in a year-round summer, but others miss the changing seasons. Macedonian winters are cold and snowy, while summers are hot. In between sits a pleasant spring and autumn. You’ll get to ski during the winters and enjoy swimming in the summer!
There are more than 50 lakes and 34 mountains higher than 2,000 metres. It has the fifth highest average elevation of any country in Europe (741m), behind Andorra (highest), Switzerland, Austria and Turkey.
Not only is the country aesthetically pleasing, the people are welcoming and kind. The locals of Macedonia know how to party and have a good time!
Second only to the low cost of living, the low taxes are one of the biggest draws for expats looking to retire abroad. The rate of the Macedonian personal and corporate income tax is 10%. Moreover, the reinvested profit is taxed at a 0% tax rate.
Cost of Living
Cost of living is one of the biggest factors when deciding where to retire abroad to. Compared to EU countries, Macedonia is a very inexpensive country to live in. This is due to low salaries compared to the European countries.
1 British Pound is equal to more than 70 Macedonian denars which will get you pint of beer.
Real estate prices are some of the lowest in Europe.
Food is also inexpensive in Macedonia, especially when eating out. In Skopje where most expats gather, there are plenty of restaurants and bars. Groceries are also inexpensive and very good quality. Growing your own food is very common in Macedonia.