Retirement doesn’t have to mean choosing one place and staying put. While much has been written about permanently retiring to another country, far less attention is given to a more flexible and increasingly popular option: retire abroad for several months each year—without fully relocating. For many retirees, this approach offers the best of both worlds: global living paired with the comfort of a home base in the U.S..
Why Living Abroad Seasonally Appeals to Retirees
For retirees living in hot or cold climates, seasonal relocation is already familiar. Many Americans in Florida, Texas, and the Southwest escape summer heat by heading north. Extending that same idea internationally, such as spending summers in Europe, can significantly improve quality of life.
Northern Europe, in particular, offers compelling advantages for seasonal retirees:
- Mild summer temperatures
- Long daylight hours
- Walkable cities and reliable public transit
- Infrastructure designed for everyday living, not tourism
Living in countries like the Netherlands during the summer often feels less like travel and more like settling into a seasonal rhythm.
Staying Connected While Living Abroad
One of the most common concerns about living abroad part of the year is distance from family, friends, and professional relationships. In reality, staying connected while living overseas is easier than ever.
Video calls, messaging apps, and cloud-based systems make it simple to remain engaged back home. For those who are “mostly retired,” it’s entirely realistic to stay in touch with clients or colleagues without feeling tethered to a desk.
Seasonal living abroad doesn’t mean disappearing. It simply means changing your view.
Visas for Seasonal Living Abroad: Often Simpler Than Expected
Visa requirements are frequently assumed to be complex, but for many retirees, they’re quite manageable.
- Tourist visas are often sufficient for seasonal stays. U.S. citizens can typically spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period in much of Europe without applying for residency and ideal for summer living.
- For longer stays of four to six months, temporary residence or long-stay visas may be an option.
Several countries offer visas specifically designed for financially independent retirees, allowing extended stays without employment or permanent relocation.
Housing Options: Flexibility vs. Familiarity
Housing choices play a major role in shaping the seasonal living experience.
Both short- and long-term leases can serve as a base camp to establish routines, receive mail, and live day to day rather than out of a suitcase.
- Short-term leases offer flexibility and are well-suited for retirees who want to sample different cities or countries over time.
- Long-term leases can provide familiarity, a deeper sense of place, and sometimes cost stability for repeat seasonal stays.
The right approach depends on whether exploration or continuity is the priority.
Base Camp Advantage
Having a reliable address abroad changes how you experience a region.
Travel becomes lighter and more spontaneous. Weekend trips, nearby countries, and slower exploration replace constant packing and point-to-point tourism. Instead of visiting a destination, you begin living from it.
This is one of the most overlooked benefits of seasonal international living.
What to Consider Before You Retire Abroad
Seasonal living across borders isn’t effortless, but with thoughtful planning, it can be highly rewarding. Key considerations include:
- Visa timing and stay limits
- Healthcare coverage while abroad
- Housing strategy and contract flexibility
- Taxes and financial logistics across countries
- Cash flow planning, especially with overlapping residences
For retirees exploring this lifestyle, coordinating these elements in advance can make the difference between stress and simplicity.
Learn more about Global Financial Planning. Let’s Talk about your ideas for a life abroad.