These Are the Top 10 Countries To Retire in According to a Recent Study
6 min readIf you’re thinking about retiring abroad, visions of exotic locales with a low cost of living are probably on your mind. But figuring out where to settle down and how to stretch your retirement dollars takes some work.
To help you narrow your choices, Global Citizen Solutions released its Global Retirement Report 2025, which ranks countries worldwide using extensive data-backed criteria. The authors studied international retirement migration (IRM) and its motivations, such as a better climate, improved lifestyle, and lower living costs, among retirees living on passive income, including Social Security benefits, savings, and investments.
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How the rankings were made
To create the rankings, researchers analyzed 44 countries that offer passive income or retirement visa options. The evaluation is based on 20 indicators in six main groups:
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Procedure Index: Time it takes to get a visa and renewal, and whether family members can be included.
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Citizenship and Mobility Index: The ease of obtaining citizenship, dual citizenship, or permanent residency, and passport mobility (number of countries easily accessed).
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Economics Index: Cost of living, visa application fees, and income requirements.
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Tax Optimization Index: Tax rates, retiree tax benefits, and whether a country taxes foreign income.
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Quality of Life Index: Climate, environmental quality, and health care quality.
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Safety and Integration Index: Personal safety, English proficiency, and how welcoming the country is to foreigners.
Each country received an overall score based on category rankings to help retirees make informed decisions about where to relocate. Here are the top 10.
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10. Chile
Overall score: 86.44
With hundreds of beaches, the world’s driest desert, and the highest active volcano, Chile offers incredible geographic variety. It scores especially high on the Quality of Life Index, and the monthly income requirement is low at $1,350.
The visa process is relatively easy. Plus, you’ll find modern cities, excellent health care, and a strong expat community. Whether you prefer beach towns or mountain views, Chile is worth considering for retirement.
9. Latvia
Overall score: 86.97
Latvia might not be on your radar, but it should be. Ranked ninth overall, it scores high in safety and integration, and offers solid health care and affordable living. The income requirement is around $1,742, and the visa process and residence permit regulations are straightforward.
If you want to settle in its medieval capital, Riga, enjoy peaceful forests, or relax at Baltic beaches, Latvia is a great pick for a European lifestyle.
8. Malta
Overall score: 87
If you dream of retiring with 300 days of sunshine a year, Malta might be your match. This Mediterranean island scores high in citizenship and mobility, safety, and tax optimization.
The monthly income requirement is low, $2,324, and retirees can socialize with English-speaking locals, get top-notch health care, and enjoy EU residency perks. Put Malta on your list if you like the idea of exploring ancient ruins or strolling along the seaside.
7. Slovenia
Overall score: 87.3
Slovenia shares borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, and is one of Europe’s little-known treasures. Its strong scores in quality of life and safety, plus a clear path to long-term residency, make it a top contender for retirement.
The income requirement is low at $720, and retirees have access to affordable, high-quality health care. With its lovely beaches along the Adriatic Sea and mountain lakes, Slovenia has a lot to offer.
6. Italy
Overall score: 87.42
Italy brings la dolce vita to retirement with its art-filled cities, coastal villages, and famous food. This country shines in the Citizenship and Mobility Index and boasts solid health care and social infrastructure.
The income requirement is $2,556, much higher than some, but you get an excellent quality of life in return. If you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in Rome or walking through olive groves in Umbria, Italy might be on your list.
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5. Austria
Overall score: 87.92
Looking for incredible views of the Alps and world-class health care? Austria is a beautiful country that scores high for quality of life, thanks to clean cities, reliable infrastructure, and a strong public health system.
It ranks 1st in the Safety and Integration Index, and although the monthly income requirement is high at $2,579, the perks are solid. You’ll enjoy history and natural wonders after a relatively short visa processing time. Have a craving for authentic Wiener Schnitzel? Austria’s calling.
4. Uruguay
Overall score: 88.05
Uruguay might not be on many retirement wish lists, but this fascinating South American country deserves a serious look. It’s ranked high in the Quality of Life Index and offers the shortest visa processing time, which is only one month.
You’ll benefit from political stability, a welcoming culture, and a territorial tax system with no taxes on foreign income. Whether you’re drawn to Montevideo’s urban charm and beaches or the country’s quiet coastal towns, Uruguay offers a surprisingly affordable lifestyle.
3. Spain
Overall score: 88.52
It’s no surprise that Spain ranks third overall, with its fabulous cities, white-sand beaches, and world-famous cuisine. It shines in the Citizenship and Mobility Index and scores high for Safety and Integration, which means you can feel safe and welcome.
The income requirement is on the high side, at $2,788, but the country’s top-tier health care is first in the Quality of Life Index and can add to your sense of peace.
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2. Mauritius
Overall score: 89.24
If you love tropical islands, you’ll be happy to know that this Indian Ocean paradise ranks second overall, thanks to an easy visa process and perks like no tax on foreign income.
The safety and integration score is stellar, too, making adjustment easier for expats. With a monthly income requirement of just $1,500 and family inclusion allowed, Mauritius offers both beauty and practicality, plus beaches that look like a postcard.
1. Portugal
Overall score: 92.61
Portugal earns the top spot in the Global Retirement Report for good reason. It ranks second in both quality of life and safety/integration, and scores high for citizenship and mobility. The income requirement for a retirement visa is just $1,011, and applicants can include family members.
Its sunny weather and beautiful Atlantic beaches make it a top choice for expats, too. Its rich history, from Roman ruins to charming tile-covered villages, is yet another plus.
Bottom line
If you’re dreaming of a stress-free retirement overseas, you have a lot to consider beyond what you might know as a tourist. The Global Retirement Report gets down to the facts. With so many variables to consider, a side-by-side comparison of countries can make planning easier.
Even if you’re not ready to pack your bags yet, now’s a great time to start exploring.
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