Nevertheless,
Retirement without border: when seniors:
Nicole Töpperwien (left). For example, Livia Tomas debated in our studio of the question of the expatriation of seniors. Consequently,
swissinfo.chIn Switzerland, more and more people decide to expatriate at an advanced age. For example, What are the reasons? Consequently, What should you pay attention to? Similarly, We have debated it with two specialists in the field, Livia Tomas and Nicole Töpperwien. – Retirement without border: when seniors
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Emigration in retirement age: If senior: sweep your back on the inside of Switzerland
Switzerland offers a safe. Nevertheless, pleasant living environment and one of the most efficient health system in the world. Similarly, This does retirement without border: when seniors not prevent more. Meanwhile, more people from making their suitcases once their professional life is completed in the country. Therefore,
According to the Federal Statistics Office. Moreover, the number of Swiss affecting an AVS annuity abroad has doubled in 20 years, reaching 134,000 at the end of 2024. Similarly,
Over the same period. However, there is a similar increase in AVS annuities paid outside Switzerland to foreign nationals and nationals who have spent all or part of their professional life in Switzerland (673,000 in 2024). In addition,
Among the holders of a red cross-white passport. Consequently, people aged 55 to 69 are today the second age group that emigrates the most after 20-35 year olds.
Retirement without border: when seniors
The cost of living, a determining factor
“The financial question often plays a very big role. Many people must deal with less retired money than retirement without border: when seniors during their working life. Hope is to live better abroad. not to have to depend on the complementary services of the State, ”underlines Nicole Töpperwien, director of SoliswissExternal linka cooperative that provides advice to the Swiss from abroad.
Researcher at the University of Neuchâtel. at the Haute École de Labor de Labor de Zurich, Livia TomasExternal link Asked several dozen people -Swiss or foreign who worked in Switzerland -who emigrated to the southern coast of Spain. Three main motivations grow. according to the results of his researchExternal linkretirees to leave Switzerland: economic considerations, the climate and a feeling of belonging to the country of destination.
“The gain in purchasing power and the lower prices allow certain retirees to maintain their standard of living. But other people are simply forced to leave Switzerland to reach both ends, ”she said.
>> Listen to the first episode of retirement without border: when seniors our interview dedicated to international mobility of seniors:
« 250611_Episode 1_Audio Export ». Released: 2025.
The testimonies of Swiss who decided to expatriate to retirement for financial reasons multiplied during the vote on the 13e AVS rent. accepted by a majority of the people and the cantons in March 2024.
While the polls predicted a large acceptance of the initiative within the Swiss diaspora. part of the conservative right and certain editorialists had accused them of wanting to offer a golden retreat abroad on the back of the active population in Switzerland, which had aroused a lively controversy during the campaign.
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“Of course, there are always some people trying to take advantage of the system. But this is not the case for the vast majority of retirees abroad. The latter generally cost Switzerland. since they are not entitled to additional AVS benefits and are no longer responsible for the Swiss health system, “said Nicole Töpperwien.
In Poland. Thailand, health establishments have for example been created for people of German -speaking language with dementia who can no longer be treated in Switzerland for financial reasons, says Livia Tomas.
“This emigration should not aim to relocate our problems. Switzerland must assume its social responsibility. allow all the elders who wish to be able to retirement without border: when seniors live there in good conditions, ”pleads the researcher.
Retirement without border: when seniors
Sometimes difficult integration
When it is not forced. expatriation at retirement age is often synonymous with joy and discovery. But this departure can also be accompanied by special challenges. If the many video messaging applications facilitate the maintenance of a link with family. friends who have remained in the country, adaptation to a new environment can be delicate a certain age.
“Integration is often quite difficult, especially when you do not master the language of the host country. The retirees that I interviewed in the context of my research had a fairly limited social circle, “says Livia Tomas.
>> Listen to the second episode of our interview dedicated to international mobility of seniors:
« 250617_Episode 2_Audio Export_new ». Released: 2025. retirement without border: when seniors
Many countriesExternal linklike Portugal. Costa Rica, are now trying to attract Swiss or European retirees, for example by offering them particular tax advantages. With bilateral agreements. it has also become easy to settle in a country of the European Union, while benefiting from services quite comparable to those of Switzerland.
Certain administrative aspects should not, however, be underestimated. “Health insurance, taxes, ad domiciliation, bank accounts, etc.: There are a lot of things to think about. It is also often difficult to find personalized and current information, ”underlines Nicole Töpperwien.
Make a dream come true
In the event of problems. money or health in particular, people with a Swiss passport always have the opportunity to return to Switzerland. However. this is not the case of foreign nationals and nationals who no longer have a residence permit within the Confederation.
For the retirement without border: when seniors latter, bi-logalization-that is to live part of the year in Switzerland and a part abroad-can be a solution. “This double domiciliation. which is mainly motivated by relational and climatic reasons, however requires a certain level of income, nuance Livia Tomas. Only a minority of retirees can afford it financially ”.
Bi-package can also be interesting for Swiss citizens. It allows in particular to keep Swiss health insurance when we live a part of the year outside the EU/AELE. underlines Nicole Töpperwien.
In any case, the director of Soliswiss encourages people who can take the plunge: “Many retirees are still very active. If the dream of expatriation has been present for several years. we have good planning, then why not try the adventure? ”
>> To review: our debate filmed before the vote on the 13th AVS rent (February 2024):
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“It is a shame that. Swiss retirees must count every penny”
Text reread and verified by Pauline Turban
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