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Exploring Retirement Destinations: Where Should Kontoor Brands Employees Consider Living Abroad?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kontoor Brands: Kontoor Brands does not publicly list a specific healthcare provider as it may depend on various factors including the employees' locations and specific plan options. However, companies of this size typically partner with major national insurance providers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare, which offer a range of employer-sponsored health plans. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Kontoor Brands navigates the healthcare landscape, it faces potential healthcare cost increases projected at 8.5% in 2026. This surge is attributed to several factors, including rising medical expenses, heightened claims activity, and shifts in cost-sharing strategies being implemented by employers. Furthermore, the impending expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies could exacerbate costs for many employees, leading to a significant 75% increase in out-of-pocket premiums for those reliant on marketplace insurance. This scenario highlights the urgent need for companies to reevaluate their health benefits strategies in preparation for the financial implications of these rising costs. Click here to learn more

Kontoor Brands employees who are planning to change their lifestyle and work abroad are advised to start planning early to ensure that their lifestyle and career fit the foreign country,' advises Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group.

Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, explains the legal and tax consequences of leaving the country for Kontoor Brands employees.

In this article we will discuss:

1. Trends and Motivations for Relocation: Examining the reasons behind it Kontoor Brands employees and other Americans are leaving the country for, including political climate and lifestyle issues.

2. Practical Aspects of Immigration: Exploring, Looking at different immigration paths and procedures to different countries like Canada, Mexico, and some countries in Europe and the differences between them.

3. Benefits and Challenges of Living Abroad: Exploring the financial and social implications of moving, the taxes, health care, and society, to help people who want to become expats make the right decision.

The idea of living abroad has always been attractive to many people, including the Kontoor Brands employees who are interested in the changed political systems, better health care, and affordable retirement options that lead to a better quality of life. Jean-Francois Harvey is a Miami-based attorney who notes that more than political reasons, more Americans are considering life abroad. Harvey's experience in immigration is particularly valuable for those who are planning to make some major changes.

Although political events such as Supreme Court hearings and presidential debates can lead to a revision of the quality of life one wishes to lead, the underlying motive is often a desire to live a better life. Harvey says, “The vast majority of people who are interested in changing the game in the United States require a Plan B as elections draw near.” It is not always necessary to have a country nearby as the choice of destination.

While Mexico and Canada are the favorite neighboring nations for the Kontoor Brands employees due to their proximity, some of them also have eyes on European countries like Spain and France due to the linguistic familiarity and easy visa procedures.

The process of moving is different and depends on the country. Using the Express Entry system, Canada has a process in place to quickly move skilled workers through a simplified process that could take as long as two years. This is because family ties in Canada can fast track this process. However, Mexico offers a retirement scheme that is suitable for those who want to spend their latter years in a tropical climate and must show proof of financial stability through their savings or regular income.

Mexico does not allow direct real estate purchases by foreigners but there are legal ways of making such acquisitions through existing entities. Europe presents a variety of immigration options, and laying claim to citizenship through parents or ancestry is still valid in many countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy. Also, the new digital nomad visas are a modern approach for professionals who want to live in Europe and continue working remotely abroad, not only benefiting the applicants but also their families.

Moving is a process that is accompanied by legal and tax consequences that occur when moving to another country and the treaties that prevent the double taxation of the same income when working there. This makes it easier to go back to the U.S. when needed. If you are a Kontoor Brands employee thinking about moving, you must consider the legal, administrative, and living conditions that accompany moving to another country.

Social infrastructure, healthcare, cost of living, and cultural considerations are important to think about in order to ensure that the move will help to meet personal and professional goals. In general, moving abroad is a complex process of assessing one’s lifestyle, career, and life situation. It is crucial to know the immigration laws and advantages of living in different countries. Although it is difficult to get permanent residency, it is worth it for financial and personal growth. A 2021 Expat Insider survey revealed that more than 80% of American expatriates 60 and older are better off financially since moving abroad.

Retirement is especially attractive in countries like Portugal and Mexico due to the low costs of living and the favorable tax treatments for retirees, which make the option of living abroad more appealing for people who want to stretch their retirement budget and quality of life. Leaving the United States for another country is like setting course on a ship. Just as a seasoned navigator picks a destination according to weather, cultural richness, and good ports, so should expatriates pick factors like quality of life and healthcare.

When you know how to avoid the pitfalls when it comes to immigration laws, then your transition to your new life abroad will be as smooth as sailing in calm waters.

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Sources:

Expat.com. 'Retirement Abroad: Trends and Top Destinations in 2025.' Expat.com, 2025. In this article, the role of retirees is seen as balancing lifestyle adjustments with financial needs through part-time work, consulting or business ownership while moving abroad, with the focus being on the semi-retirement lifestyle.
PlanWell Financial Planners. 'Expat Retiring Abroad? Rules on Taxes, Social Security, and Benefits.' PlanWell Financial Planners, 2024. The source outlines tax obligations, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), and potential tax pitfalls of retiring abroad, which are crucial for retirees' financial planning.
van Sambeck, Becca. 'The Pros and Cons of Retiring Abroad.' Kiplinger, 22 Oct. 2023. According to Kiplinger, the advantages of retiring abroad include lower living costs and new cultural experiences; however, challenges such as cultural adaptation and complicated taxation affect U.S. retirees living abroad.
TrueNorth Wealth. 'Retiring Abroad: Pros, Cons, and Considerations.' TrueNorth Wealth, 2024. TrueNorth Wealth offers advice on financial, legal, and personal planning for retiring abroad, with a focus on how complex international tax laws, healthcare, and social environments affect retirees.
International Living. '2025's Best Countries to Retire.' International Living, 2025. In this article, the best retirement destinations are evaluated based on cost of living, healthcare, and overall quality of life, which can help retirees determine where they can best stretch their retirement dollars and enjoy a better standard of living.

What type of retirement savings plan does Kontoor Brands offer to its employees?

Kontoor Brands offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

How can employees of Kontoor Brands enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Kontoor Brands match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kontoor Brands provides a matching contribution to employee contributions, helping to enhance retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Kontoor Brands?

The vesting schedule for the Kontoor Brands 401(k) match typically follows a standard schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents provided by the HR department.

Can employees of Kontoor Brands change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

The Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a loan option available through the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kontoor Brands allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Kontoor Brands?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan’s online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kontoor Brands?

If an employee leaves Kontoor Brands, they have several options for their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Kontoor Brands plan if eligible.

Are there any fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on investment choices.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

For Kontoor Brands, the company offers a 401(k) Savings Plan as part of its employee retirement benefits. In 2022 and 2023, the plan was structured to allow employees to make elective deferrals from their salaries, which are matched by the company under a safe harbor provision. Employees can also participate in hardship withdrawals and loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to IRS rules. Participants may access their accounts at retirement, disability, death, or termination of employment. Vesting is immediate for all employee contributions and the company's matching contributions (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). The company's pension-related benefits have changed over time, with a move away from traditional defined benefit plans to more flexible, employee-directed investment plans such as the 401(k). Kontoor Brands reported pension assets in their financial statements, noting a median total pension plan asset of $9.25 million from fiscal years ending 2019 through 2023 (finbox). Although specific defined benefit pension plans were not emphasized in recent years, restructuring efforts resulted in gains from pension curtailments during fiscal events such as in 2022

News: In 2023, Kontoor Brands initiated workforce reductions as part of its global restructuring efforts. The company announced layoffs across several regions, including the U.S. and Europe, to streamline its operations under the "Project Jeanius Global Transformation" initiative. This restructuring also included the relocation of Kontoor's European headquarters, resulting in severance payments and other employee-related costs, while attempting to globalize its operating model (Business Wire) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Additionally, Kontoor overhauled its 401(k) plan by updating its investment options lineup, providing employees with better financial planning resources for retirement (Business Wire).

Stock Options: Kontoor Brands provides eligible employees with stock options, allowing them to purchase shares at a predetermined exercise price. The vesting schedules for stock options at Kontoor Brands typically span over three to four years. As of 2022 and continuing into 2023 and 2024, these stock options were available to mid-to-senior-level employees, primarily in management roles (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). RSUs: Kontoor Brands also grants RSUs, which vest over a set period, typically three years. RSUs do not require employees to purchase shares, but rather, once vested, they convert into actual shares of Kontoor Brands stock. This feature ensures that employees benefit directly from the company's stock price performance. The availability of RSUs in 2022, 2023, and 2024 extended to a broader group of employees, including executives and high-performing individuals within various business units

Kontoor Brands, a global lifestyle apparel company, provides a comprehensive health and wellness program to support its employees' physical and financial well-being. Their benefits include competitive healthcare plans designed to offer flexibility, security, and choice to meet the needs of employees and their families. Key health benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with access to wellness programs like an onsite gym, company cafeteria, and a community garden (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Employee health is further supported by Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and affinity networks, which focus on fostering diversity, inclusion, and a sense of community. Additionally, Kontoor offers paid time off for volunteering, promoting community engagement through activities like planting pollinator gardens and installing denim insulation in homes

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Kontoor Brands at , ; or by calling them at .

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