So, you've narrowed down your list of your favorite retirement destinations to just those that are truey outstanding. You've looked at each top retirement destination realistically and checked out both the good and the bad. Now comes the real work: Obtaining Visas and Paying Taxes. (cue dramatic music)

In this step legal matters will be discussed. First, you will learn about with whom you should talk to regarding taxes. The second legal affair is that of obtaining your visa. These are not steps to be taken lightly, as ignoring them will not make them go away and will often just increase your stress later. Take this seriously and you will avoid plenty of headaches down the road.

1. Taxes. There are two tax men you should meet with. One is the ‘tax man’ from your home
country. The other is the ‘tax man’ from the country you are moving to. This second ‘tax man’ may soon be your new tax obligation. You must never forget about your original ‘tax man’ because as an American citizen (for example), you are never free from his reach.

What can you do to meet with both ‘men’? For the first ‘man,’ find a CPA in the U.S. that is an expert in topics for U.S. citizens living abroad. The topics include any income tax exemptions for non-residents and if there are any benefits from maintaining an offshore corporation.

Equally as important is to meet with a tax expert that is knowledgeable in the tax laws for the country you are contemplating moving to; your second tax ‘man.’ The best approach is to gather this information before you move. If you do so, you may find some options that are available to you for your affairs. Often these options, if they exist, are not available after moving to the foreign country.

2. Visas.  Once you have figured out your taxes, you should investigate which type of visa or residency permit is available to you. There are often different types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You will need to select the one that is best for your circumstances.

The options available vary widely from country to country. For example, in some countries when your visa or residency permit expires, you must leave the country for no less than 48 hours before returning to get a new permit. Other countries allow you to renew your visa or permit from within the country. Do the research necessary to find out about the intricacies of the laws in the country you are considering. Do this research before moving because you do not want to be surprised or spend time in a foreign country holding cell.

Frequently, the country you are considering have lawyers that are affordable (according to U.S. standards) and knowledgeable in visas and residency permits for expatriates. Having such and Immigration lawyer on your side can save you time, frustration, blood pressure points, and possibly some money.

Once you have looked into these important aspects of moving abroad, you will have a very good picture of your top retirement destinations and what it would be like to live there. Now is the time to pick a winner and decide what's moving with you. Our next hub will help you to pick a date to retire internationally!