So you’re putting together your own unretirement plan. But where should you go to start living your best life at midlife?
The digital revolution has created unprecedented opportunities for freelancers, consultants, and digital entrepreneurs in their 50s to run thriving remote businesses while experiencing the world.
A big motivator is a higher quality of life with a lower cost of living. As real estate agent Parisa Afkhami of Coldwell Banker Warburg notes in a recent Architectural Digest piece:
“Often when I ask people why they are moving, there are many reasons, but affordability is key. A higher quality of life as well as lower taxes and medical expenses have been cited as reasons.”
But this isn’t just about saving money. It’s about creating a lifestyle that combines professional fulfillment with personal adventure, all while maintaining your valuable Western client base.
Here are nine countries picked by a range of experts — including those who work with expat communities, international real estate specialists, and expat insurance providers — that offer the perfect backdrop for running your remote business.
The Americas: Perfect Time Zones for U.S. Clients
Mexico: Your Virtual Office with U.S. Time Zones
For those serving American clients, Mexico’s time zone alignment is golden. Your 9am client call in California is still 9am in Puerto Vallarta. Your East Coast customers can reach you during their business hours while you enjoy morning coffee in Mérida. Beyond the UNESCO-recognized culture and affordability, Mexico offers what remote business owners need most: seamless connectivity with the U.S. market.
Quick flights back to the States for occasional in-person meetings keep you connected to your network, while high-speed internet in major cities ensures your Zoom calls stay crystal clear. Plus, as U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings show, Mexico’s economic resilience makes it a stable base for your operations.
Panama: Business Infrastructure with Beach Views
Panama isn’t just another tropical paradise – it’s a remote business owner’s secret weapon. Ranking as InterNations’ top destination for expats worldwide, Panama combines First World infrastructure with significant tax advantages for foreign-earned income. The country operates on Eastern Time, making it ideal for serving both U.S. coasts.
Jackie Lange, who relocated to Panama in 2010, has watched the transformation:
“I can tell you that hundreds of people are moving to Panama every month,” she shares.
While retirees once dominated the expat scene, Lange notes a significant shift: freelancers and entrepreneurs running online businesses are increasingly making the move, drawn by reliable internet and banking systems that make serving Western clients seamless.
Costa Rica: Sustainable Living Without Sacrificing Connectivity
Costa Rica’s “pura vida” philosophy might seem laid-back, but don’t let that fool you – its business infrastructure is serious. Operating in the Central Time Zone, you’re perfectly positioned to serve North American clients while living in paradise.
The country’s digital nomad visa program gives you up to two years to run your business, with high-speed fiber internet available in most expat-friendly areas. Or you can make Costa Rica your permanent base with your choice of several residency programs that are easy to qualify for.
Europe: Elegant Living While Serving Global Markets
Portugal: The Perfect Hub for Transatlantic Business
Portugal has become a magnet for American entrepreneurs, with 22% of its expat population hailing from the U.S. The secret? It’s ideally positioned to serve both European and American clients.
Your afternoon in Lisbon is early morning in New York, and you can easily schedule evening calls with West Coast clients. With some of Europe’s fastest internet speeds and a growing tech scene, Portugal offers the infrastructure remote businesses need.
Spain: Strategic Time Zone for Two Continents
Spain topped InterNations’ 2024 Quality of Life Index, and for remote business owners, its time zone is a strategic advantage. Your afternoon in Barcelona is morning in New York and evening in Dubai, letting you serve clients across multiple continents.
Plus, Spain’s excellent healthcare and infrastructure mean you never have to worry about missing a client deadline due to unreliable internet or personal health issues.
Italy: Classical Beauty Meets Modern Tax Advantages
Running your remote business from Italy just got more attractive. As Luca Traverso of Nest Seekers International points out:
“The introduction of Italy’s Flat Tax Regime has become a game changer for wealthy Americans, offering a flat tax of €100,000 on all foreign-sourced income.”
Combined with strong internet infrastructure in major cities, Italy offers a tax-efficient base for serving global clients.
Asia: Serving Western Markets from the Future
Japan: A High-Tech Base for Global Operations
Despite the time difference with Western markets, Japan’s infrastructure makes it worth considering. Tokyo’s 60th place ranking in The Economist’s Worldwide Cost of Living report – far below San Francisco, New York, or Los Angeles – means you can reinvest more in your business.
Schedule your U.S. client calls for your evening (their morning), and spend your days enjoying Japan’s remarkable efficiency and reliability.
Thailand: Affordable Excellence for Digital Operations
Thailand’s time zone can actually be an advantage – start your day with European client calls and end with U.S. East Coast meetings. Aaron Henry, an American expat running a marketing agency in Bangkok, reveals:
“A small luxury condo, around 540 square feet, can be rented in Bangkok for as little as $1,000 per month with a pool, gym, and other amenities.”
Many buildings offer business centers and reliable internet, essential for serving Western clients. It’s little wonder that Thailand is a favorite among digital nomads.
United Arab Emirates: Your 24/7 Global Business Hub
The UAE’s time zone positions you perfectly between Asian and European markets, with evening hours good for U.S. clients. Dubai’s boom isn’t just about local business – it’s about global connectivity.
With over 80% of its 9.5 million residents being expats from more than 200 countries, you’ll find yourself among other global business owners serving Western markets. This is valuable for community as well as business opportunities.
Get Your Unretirement Plan Going
Each of these countries offers unique advantages for remote business owners, from time zone alignment to tax benefits and quality of life improvements. The key is matching your business needs with the right environment.
Remember: This isn’t about retiring from your successful career, but rather advancing it from a location that enhances both your business and your lifestyle. These countries aren’t just destinations – they’re strategic bases for your next chapter of success.
