The Best Countries to Move to for Retirement: 2026 Ranking

Every year, international studies evaluate dozens of countries based on their suitability for foreign retirees—from the cost of living to the quality of healthcare and visa requirements. The results of two authoritative rankings differ significantly from one another, and their conclusions are by no means suitable for everyone. Learn more about the best countries to move to for retirement and what to look for when making your choice

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For many people, retirement is an opportunity to relocate and choose a country with a more comfortable climate and an affordable cost of living. Two authoritative international indices—the Retirement Abroad Index by Expatriate Healthcare and the International Living ranking—have evaluated dozens of countries based on criteria that are particularly important to foreign retirees. The Hungarian publication Pénzcentrum recently analyzed these studies.

Which countries topped the lists, what criteria were used to evaluate them, and why the ranking results should be viewed critically—we’ll cover all of this in the article below.

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How are countries evaluated for retirement migration?

One of the key benchmarks in this area is the Global Retirement Index by Natixis. However, this ranking focuses on the living conditions of local retirees, rather than those planning to move from another country. Therefore, two other studies are more relevant for potential retirees: the Retirement Abroad Index (Expatriate Healthcare) and the International Living ranking.

The Retirement Abroad Index evaluates countries based on the following criteria:

• access to healthcare;
• visa requirements and ease of obtaining a residence permit;
• overall cost of living;
• ease of adaptation for foreigners;
• prevalence of the English language.

International Living, in turn, draws on the long-standing experience of its correspondents and real reviews from expats, and also takes into account housing quality, climate, visa programs, and the country’s overall appeal for relocation.

The best countries and cities for expats in 2026— listed here.

Leaders of the Retirement Abroad Index: the Philippines, Thailand, Colombia

According to the Retirement Abroad Index, the Philippines received the highest score—78 out of 100. The country is noted for its straightforward legalization process, low cost of living, and widespread use of English among the population.

Thailand took second place with 77 points. Private healthcare in the country is of high quality, and the infrastructure is well-developed. However, to obtain a retirement visa, applicants must prove their income level and secure health insurance.

Third place went to Colombia—one of the most popular destinations among foreign retirees in Latin America.

Portugal ranked highest among European countries in this ranking. Its advantages include safety, a high-quality healthcare system, and a high level of English proficiency. Sri Lanka and South Africa tied for fifth place.

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International Living Ranking: Greece in First Place

International Living named Greece the leader. Researchers attribute this ranking to the mild climate, abundance of sunny days, and the characteristic laid-back pace of life known as “siga-siga” (“take it easy”).

Second and third places went to Panama and Costa Rica. Panama attracts retirees with its special Pensionado program, which offers a range of benefits for seniors. Costa Rica is known for its well-developed healthcare system and favorable conditions for nature lovers.

The top ten countries according to International Living also include Portugal, Mexico, Italy, France, Spain, Thailand, and Malaysia.

About the fastest countries to obtain citizenship in 2026 — read more at the link.

Why aren’t international rankings suitable for everyone?

The authors of the Pénzcentrum article point out a significant nuance: both rankings were compiled primarily for residents of the world’s wealthiest countries. The researchers’ conclusions are not always relevant for retirees from Central and Eastern Europe. The cost of living in many of the top-ranked countries may even be higher than in Eastern European nations.

That is why, when choosing a country to retire in, you should focus on your own financial capabilities and the actual costs in that specific country, rather than just on its position in an international ranking or attractive photos.

Planning to move abroad? Consult a specialist!

Moving to another country requires careful preparation: from choosing a visa program to gathering documents and legalizing your stay. A migration lawyer from the Visit World portal will help you understand the requirements of your chosen country, select the best path for your application, and avoid common mistakes.

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Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed 12 countries with special conditions for foreign retirees.

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