5 Countries Practically BEGGING You to Move There

Overall theme

The video highlights five countries that, according to the speakers’ research, have legal visa pathways intended to attract foreigners (including retirees, pensioners, entrepreneurs, and remote workers). The processes are framed as more achievable than people typically assume.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Visa rules can change—always verify requirements with official government sources.

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#5 Portugal (Europe, laid-back lifestyle)

Lifestyle / living highlights

• Safe European country with a pleasant climate for much of the year
• Slower pace of life; cafes and long dinners are common
• Everyday life feels “buildable” rather than like a temporary vacation
• Supermarkets, valued medical care, and (claimed) fiber internet are widely available
• Convenient access to the coast (compact country)
• Strong expat community; emphasis on outdoor time and local markets

Potential drawbacks mentioned

• Portuguese bureaucracy can be slow
• Property prices rising in Lisbon and Porto
• Salaries generally lower than northern Europe
• Learning Portuguese recommended for easier living outside tourist areas

Who it’s described as ideal for

• Retirees, couples, people with passive income
• Those wanting a European slower lifestyle

Visa route mentioned: D7 (passive income / retirement route)

• Intended for people who support themselves via passive income, not employment
  • Remote workers generally need a different visa: D8 (digital nomad visa)
• Passive income examples:
  • Public/private pensions, rental income, dividends, investment income
• Minimum threshold (stated): ~$782 USD/month (for a single applicant)
  • Higher requirements for partners/dependents (noted as a 2026 threshold)
• Applicants typically expected to provide funds equivalent to ~12 months of required income
  • Often held in a Portuguese bank account
• Government fees (stated range): ~£255 to £425
• Process timeline (stated):
  • 4-month entry visa leading to a residence permit
  • 2-year residence permit, extendable 3 more years
  • After 5 years, may qualify for permanent residency or citizenship
    • Depends on legal requirements such as language proficiency

Tip

• Learn the language as soon as possible to support eligibility and daily life.

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#4 Malaysia (modern cities + relatively easy digital nomad visa)

Lifestyle / living highlights

• Presented as strong for modern living at lower Western prices, often overshadowed by Thailand/Bali
• Kuala Lumpur described as:
  • Very modern, with huge shopping malls
  • Excellent public transportation
  • High internet speeds
  • World-class healthcare
  • English widely spoken
• Easy to settle into: cafes, coworking spaces, multicultural food
• Strong infrastructure; “money stretches longer” than in some places

Drawbacks mentioned

• Humid/wet conditions
• Traffic in Kuala Lumpur
• Slightly higher cost of living than Thailand

Who it’s described as ideal for

• Remote workers, digital nomads, young couples, families, entrepreneurs

Visa route mentioned: “Digital Nomad Pass”

• Designed for remote workers/freelancers/digital professionals working for overseas clients or companies
• Eligibility (as described) was previously expanded
• Financial requirements (stated):
  • ~£17,000/year or $24,000 for qualified digital/IT professionals
  • ~£44,000 (over $60,000) mentioned for some others not eligible under expanded criteria
• Fee mentioned: about £182 / $244
• Coverage stated: 3–12 months, renewable depending on eligibility

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#3 Thailand (easy day-to-day + multiple long-stay visa paths)

Lifestyle / living highlights

• Biggest surprise: everyday life becomes routine, not just a vacation
• The speakers highlighted:
  • Favorite coffee shops and local night markets
  • A gym and walkable areas
  • A relaxed lifestyle
• Modern but peaceful cities described (examples):
  • Chiang Mai and Bangkok (modern/clean/comfortable)
• Convenience:
  • Shopping malls nearby (example given: ~200 meters)
  • Use of Grab to order many things
  • Excellent internet
  • World-class private hospitals
• Cost-of-living benefits claimed:
  • Lower daily cost than many Western countries
  • Private healthcare described as a fraction of UK/US/Australia prices
• Food:
  • Affordable eating out
  • Fusion cuisine (example: Japanese food)

Drawbacks mentioned

• Humidity (some adjust over time; speakers mention not being fully used to it yet)
• Immigration rules can change frequently
• Air quality can be extremely poor during fire season (especially in Chiang Mai)
• Being away from family can be emotionally/financially difficult
• Learning basic Thai helps daily life

Visa types discussed

1. DTV Thailand (Digital Nomad Visa—clarified as “better suited”)

   • Presented as DTV (Thailand) (not the generic “digital nomad visa” label as commonly used)
   • Intended for remote workers/freelancers/online business owners/digital nomads and certain “soft power” activities (examples: cooking and Muay Thai)
   • Visa cost (stated): ~£221 (under $300)
   • Proof of savings: at least $500,000 (translated by speakers to £11,000–£15,000)
     • Suggested to hold it for some time
   • Validity: 5 years
   • Multiple entry with up to 180 days per entry
   • Restrictions stated:
     • Cannot work in Thailand
     • Cannot have a Thai employer

2. Retirement visa (over age 50)

   • Minimum age: 50
   • Financial requirement (stated): 800,000 Thai baht (~$18,000–$24,000), held in a Thai bank account for required periods
   • Requires proof of qualified monthly income/pension (per current rules)
   • Issued as a 1-year residence permit, renewable annually
   • Work restriction emphasized: no employment

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#2 Panama (retiree-focused, stable and “modern + warm”)

Lifestyle / living highlights

• Presented as underrated beyond the Panama Canal
• Mix offered:
  • Modern city life (e.g., Panama City with skyscrapers)
  • Mountain towns (cooler temperatures)
  • Tropical beaches
• In Panama City:
  • Modern malls and international supermarkets
  • Excellent private healthcare
• Outside the capital:
  • Potentially lower cost of living
  • Bokit mentioned as a cooler-climate option with an established expat community
• Convenience:
  • US dollar used (simplifies financial services)
  • Reliable internet and modern conveniences
  • International air connections
  • Strong expat community
  • Stable economy (claimed)

Drawbacks mentioned

• Tropical humidity (in some areas)
• Imported goods can be expensive (example: Yorkshire tea)
• Heavier traffic in Panama City
• Government paperwork can take time
• Learning Spanish helps

Who it’s described as ideal for

• Retirees and couples with guaranteed pensions
• People wanting warmth, stability, and long-term residence

Visa route mentioned: Retirement visa

• Best suited for retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension
• Minimum pension stated:
  • ~£745 (~$1,000/month) from state or private pension fund
• Dependents:
  • Additional income may be required
• Potential reduction:
  • Purchasing real estate above a threshold may reduce requirements (details depend on current rules)
• Process/outcomes:
  • Leads to permanent residency (not repeated temporary renewals), framed as a major advantage
  • Visa costs/fees described as modest, but many use an immigration attorney (making total cost variable)
• Work:
  • Emphasized as a retirement destination—not designed for employment

Additional mentioned benefit

• Discounts (entertainment, transportation, restaurants, medical services) under Panamanian law
  • Eligibility depends on current legislation and may change

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#1 Mexico (first place for “ordinary people” via relatively simple temporary residency)

Lifestyle / living highlights

• Positioned as a top option for people seeking a fresh start with culture and expat support
• Key idea: Mexico is diverse, not only beaches/resorts:
  • Mexico City (modern)
  • Colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende
  • Beach communities like Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen (spelled inconsistently in subtitles)
  • Mountain regions with cooler weather
• Everyday life described as “ordinary” and comfortable:
  • Large supermarkets
  • Excellent private healthcare
  • Reliable internet
  • Modern apartment complexes
  • Cafe culture and easy coffee routines
• Food and costs:
  • Eating out still significantly lower than in Western countries (speakers’ claim)
• Expats and support:
  • Communities, clubs, and assistance due to established migration
• Sentiment quote:
  • It “doesn’t feel like you’re running away… it feels like you are being renewed.”

Drawbacks mentioned

• Some Spanish helps (and can be an advantage for friendly local interactions)
• Security varies by region—choose carefully
• Bureaucracy can be slower than expected
• Some places have very hot summers
• Popular expat areas have become more expensive due to demand

Who it’s described as ideal for

• Remote workers, retirees, couples, families, digital entrepreneurs
• People looking for long-term accommodation

Visa route mentioned: Temporary Resident Visa

• Presented as relatively simple for those who can demonstrate financial independence
• Purpose:
  • Longer than 6 months without relying on a Mexican employer
• Typical process/cost mentioned:
  • Applying at a Mexican consulate: about $42–$56
  • Additional fees for resident cards paid upon arrival in Mexico
• Eligibility:
  • Demonstrate economic solvency (savings, income, investments, or regular monthly income)
  • Thresholds vary by consulate (speakers stress checking exact consulate requirements)
• Duration/outcome:
  • Temporary residency granted up to 4 years
  • After meeting requirements, many become eligible to apply for permanent residence
• Remote work:
  • Remote workers earning outside Mexico can use this route if they meet financial requirements and apply correctly

Core message

Mexico is framed as one of the most realistic options for average people to start over abroad, provided they do research and meet financial/visa requirements.

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Notable locations, products, and speakers (as referenced)

Locations

• Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve coast
• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
• Thailand: Chiang Mai, Bangkok (and mentioned beach/trip areas), fire season areas, plus “Pi Changai” (subtitle text)
• Panama: Panama City, Bokit (as spelled), Panama Canal
• Mexico: Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen

Products / services

• Holafly (unlimited data eSIM plans; mentioned discounts and plans for 160+ destinations; hotspot/backup data features)

Speakers

• Two hosts (named only as “Justin” in one segment, and “Jill” in retirement/Mexico mentions)