Planning your retirement abroad requires careful timing and preparation. Use this interactive timeline to create a personalized roadmap for your international retirement journey.

How to Use This Timeline Planner

This timeline provides a recommended schedule for planning your retirement abroad. It's organized into phases, starting 3-5 years before your planned retirement date.

You can:

Adjust the timeline to match your personal retirement date
Check off tasks as you complete them
Add custom tasks specific to your situation
Save your progress to track your retirement planning journey

Planned Retirement Date

Phase 1

3-5 Years Before Retirement

January 2022 - January 2024

Begin your research and initial planning.

Research potential retirement destinations

Assess your retirement savings and create a budget

Begin learning about visa requirements for potential countries

Start paying down debts

Begin learning the language of your target country

Phase 2

2-3 Years Before Retirement

January 2024 - January 2025

Narrow your options and deepen your research.

Narrow down your list of potential countries to 2-3 options

Plan a scouting trip to your top destination choices

Research healthcare options in your target countries

Connect with expat communities online

Consult with a financial advisor about international retirement

Phase 3

1-2 Years Before Retirement

January 2025 - January 2026

Make concrete plans and begin preparations.

Choose your final destination country

Research housing options (rent vs. buy)

Begin gathering necessary documents for visa application

Research international health insurance options

Make decisions about your current home (sell, rent, etc.)

Begin downsizing and decluttering

Phase 4

6-12 Months Before Retirement

January 2026 - July 2026

Finalize your plans and begin the transition process.

Apply for your visa/residency permit

Purchase international health insurance

Set up international banking arrangements

Research and plan for shipping belongings overseas

Arrange for temporary housing in your new country

Create a detailed budget for your first year abroad

Phase 5

3-6 Months Before Retirement

July 2026 - October 2026

Handle logistics and prepare for the move.

Book your flights

Arrange for mail forwarding or virtual mailbox service

Begin selling, donating, or storing remaining possessions

Notify Social Security of your plans to live abroad

Get necessary vaccinations and medical check-ups

Obtain international driver's license if needed

Phase 6

1-3 Months Before Retirement

October 2026 - December 2026

Finalize all arrangements for your move abroad.

Notify banks, credit cards, and financial institutions of your move

Set up automatic bill payments for recurring expenses

Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and memberships

Make copies of important documents and store securely

Purchase travel insurance for your journey

Retirement

Retirement Month

January 2027

Begin your new life abroad!

Complete final packing and shipping arrangements

Confirm all travel arrangements

Say goodbye to friends and family

Exchange currency for your initial expenses

Confirm your arrival accommodations

New Life

First 3 Months Abroad

January 2027 - April 2027

Settle into your new home and lifestyle.

Complete any required in-country registration

Open local bank account

Find permanent housing if in temporary accommodations

Connect with local expat community

Establish a routine and explore your new surroundings

Add Custom Tasks

Select Phase

Task Description

Timeline Controls

Your Retirement Date

Download Timeline PDF

Retirement Timeline Planner