Malta gets silver in international retirement stakes

Malta has come second in this year’s International Living’s Global Retirement Index.

Steeped in history and tradition, the citation said, these small islands (Malta and Gozo), with near-perfect climates year-round, offer a simple, relaxed lifestyle, an affordable cost of living, and permanent foreign residents can take advantage of a 15 per cent tax rate. Plus, property taxes don’t exist in Malta, and crime too is practically non-existent.

International Living has just compiled its Global Retirement Index for 2006, which lists the most popular overseas destinations for retirees.

Its criteria is strict and takes into account the following: real estate prices, special benefits for retirees, cost of living, safety and stability, health care, climate, culture and entertainment, and infrastructure.

Topping the list, for the sixth year in a row, is Panama, which boasts beautiful landscapes, warm weather and a low cost of living that enables retirees to make the most of their retirement.

Malta is followed by New Zealand, Uruguay, Mexico, France, Romania, Argentina, Malaysia, and Ecuador.

[Source: The Malta Independent]

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