An increasing number of Belgian pensioners are leaving the country to spend their retirement abroad, drawn by lower living costs, tax incentives, and more favourable climates.
According to figures from Belgium’s ministry of pensions, around 226,000 retirees now receive their pension payments outside of Belgium. Of these, around 75,000 are Belgian nationals who have chosen to relocate permanently.
The most popular destinations remain familiar: France tops the list with nearly 27,000 Belgian retirees, followed by Spain, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal and Italy. Outside the EU, Swiss towns, Turkish coasts, and even far-flung countries such as Thailand and Mauritius are witnessing a rise in the number of Belgian pensioners.
While neighbouring France continues to attract retirees with its proximity, language and accessible healthcare, destinations further afield have seen some of the steepest growth. The number of Belgian pensioners in Morocco, for example, has doubled since 2014. Thailand and Portugal have also seen increases of 130% and 348% respectively, according to L’Avenir.
For many, this decision is driven by finances. A comfortable lifestyle is often far more affordable in countries like Morocco or Turkey, where monthly expenses are less than half of those in Belgium. In Essaouira, for instance, a villa with a private pool can be rented for less than €1,000 per month, comparable to a mid-range house in Wallonia.
“People often don’t realise how much further their pension can go abroad,” said Diego Angelini, an adviser with the Union Francophone des Belges à l’Étranger (UFBE). “But they also underestimate the practical and emotional challenges of living far from home.”
For many locations, however, rules are being tightened, making some destinations less attractive for pensioners.
Portugal’s once-popular non-habitual resident scheme, which allowed foreign pensioners to pay little or no tax, was phased out in 2024 for new arrivals. The expert noted that some pensioners who had moved abroad for fiscal reasons have already returned to Belgium after encountering difficulties with accessing healthcare or integrating into the local culture.
Still, many countries are actively seeking to attract foreign retirees, developing infrastructure such as senior-friendly housing, concierge medical services, and tailored residency permits. Mauritius and Thailand, in particular, have invested heavily in what economists refer to as the “silver economy.”
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Angelini urges those considering a move to take their time. “Don’t treat retirement abroad like a holiday,” he said. “Spend several months in your chosen location during different seasons. Try living like a local. Talk to residents, not just real estate agents.”
Language also remains a key factor in determining success. French-speaking destinations, such as Morocco, Tunisia, and parts of Switzerland, are easier for Belgian francophones to navigate, while more distant or less familiar countries may pose administrative and cultural barriers.
Despite the enthusiasm, the expert cautioned that large-scale retiree migration may have knock-on effects in Belgium. If rural communes experience an exodus of pensioners, they risk reduced local spending and a decline in civic engagement.
