Relocation or Retirement?

When relocating, one needs to research the steps required to acquire a work vista. There are also decisions if you want to make this a permanent move. Do you plan on applying for citizenship? You also could have some tax related issues if you are still working in your home country but now relocated to a different country. Making the leap of relocating while active in the workplace requires a lot of research and planning on the laws of the current and future to make sure everything is covered. Also keep in mind your medical coverage. You may not be covered or need to get supplemental insurance in your new location.
Retirement is an easier transition as you have less to plan. The biggest part of this transition will be acquiring the home and then making sure you have medical coverage. Many retirees who move away do not realize that the quality of medical care in foreign countries do not equal what they had at home. It is important to research the quality of medical care in addition to the tax laws to see how you will be impacted as you live off your retirement funds.