1. Spain
Imagine sipping sangria at a local tapas bar while chatting with your neighbors until sunset — that's just an average evening in Spain. Beyond the Mediterranean climate and world-class healthcare, Spain offers retirees something uniquely special: a culture that celebrates aging. Here, being a "jubilado" (retiree) means you're respected and included in community life. The country's famous “sobremesa” tradition — lingering after meals for conversation — makes it easy to build lasting friendships with both locals and fellow expats.For those drawn to the sunny Andalusian coast, exploring places to live near Marbella offers a perfect blend of luxury and charm. From quaint seaside villages to vibrant towns with lively markets, this region caters to retirees seeking both relaxation and community.
2. Malaysia
Where else can you wake up to the call of exotic birds, spend your morning exploring a modern city and your afternoon relaxing in the sand in front of your beach house? Malaysia stands out as one of the best countries to retire in for its unique mix of Eastern hospitality and Western amenities. Retirees particularly appreciate the country's "silver hair" privileges — many businesses offer special discounts to seniors, from travel to dining. Plus, the country's strategic location makes it perfect for exploring Southeast Asia during your golden years.
3. Portugal
While other European destinations might strain your retirement savings, Portugal offers an enviable lifestyle at a surprisingly gentle price point. What sets it apart is the country's deeply rooted café culture, where you can spend hours people-watching over a pastel de nata and coffee for just a few euros. The Portuguese concept of "saudade" — a loving longing for life's beautiful moments — resonates particularly well with retirees seeking meaning in their next chapter. This quality of life makes it an appealing place to buy your dream home.
4. Belgium
Forget the obvious retirement haunts — Belgium offers a sophisticated twist on European living. You can start your day with the world's finest chocolates, spend afternoons exploring UNESCO-listed medieval towns and end your evenings sampling over 1,500 unique beer varieties. Retirees particularly value the country's central location, making it the perfect home base for European adventures. The Belgian commune system ensures every neighborhood has its own distinct identity and community center, helping you quickly become part of the local fabric.
5. New Zealand
If your idea of retirement includes staying active while surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, New Zealand beckons. The country's unique SuperGold Card system gives seniors free off-peak public transport and discounts at thousands of businesses. What truly sets New Zealand apart is its tramping (hiking) culture. You can join a local seniors' walking group and discover hidden trails while forming lasting friendships with fellow nature enthusiasts. Add New Zealand's high safety ranking and you've got one of the best foreign countries to retire in.
6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
If you think retirement means slowing down, the UAE proves otherwise. As one of the best foreign countries to retire in, this ultra-modern nation offers retirees a unique proposition: tax-free living in a country where tradition meets tomorrow. The recent retirement visa program includes perks like zero property maintenance fees and exclusive access to members-only clubs, making buying a second home even more appealing. Senior residents particularly appreciate the "Smart Government" services, where most administrative tasks can be completed from the comfort of your air-conditioned home.
7. Mexico
Forget everything you think you know about retiring in Mexico. This vibrant country ranks among the easiest countries to retire to from the USA, and for good reason. Just a short flight from major U.S. cities, places like Cabo San Lucas offer a perfect blend of familiar comforts and exotic charm. In this sun-drenched paradise at the tip of Baja California, retirees enjoy world-class sport fishing, whale watching and year-round golf on championship courses. The high number of English speakers, acceptance of U.S. dollars and ability to use your Medicare Advantage plan at certain facilities make the transition remarkably smooth.The country's unique "tercera edad" (third age) benefits sweeten the deal with significant discounts on everything from grocery shopping to airline tickets. In Cabo's thriving expat community, for example, you'll find countless organized activities — from sunset yacht cruises to desert adventure clubs. Many U.S. banks and businesses operate here, and you can even keep your U.S. phone number, making it feel like you've discovered a slice of paradise without leaving your comfort zone.
8. Thailand
Consistently ranked among the best places to retire abroad, Thailand's appeal goes far beyond its tropical climate and affordable living. The country's unique retirement visa, known as the "Long-Stay O-A," includes features like expedited hospital services and annual health check-ups. In cities like Chiang Mai, retirees can join early morning tai chi groups in public parks, learn traditional crafts from local artisans or even become part-time English conversation partners at local schools — all while enjoying the country's legendary hospitality.
9. Ireland
The Emerald Isle, one of the best places for Americans to retire, offers more than just stunning landscapes — it provides a retirement filled with "craic" (fun and entertainment). Its unique Age Friendly Ireland program ensures communities are designed with seniors in mind, from accessible public spaces to social clubs. Retirees often find themselves drawn into the local storytelling tradition, whether joining a writing group or simply sharing tales at the neighborhood pub. The country's Active Retirement network organizes everything from dance classes to mystery tours.
10. Switzerland
While Switzerland's price tag might raise eyebrows, its unique benefits make it one of the best places to retire in the world for those seeking a premium quality of life. As one of the safest places to live in the world, Switzerland provides retirees with unmatched peace of mind. The country also offers retirement visa options for U.S. expats, allowing those who meet financial requirements to enjoy their golden years. The Swiss SeniorCard opens doors to discounted cultural events and transportation across all 26 cantons, making it easy to explore this beautiful country. Retirees particularly value Switzerland’s commitment to lifelong learning, with many universities offering free courses to seniors. The country’s renowned punctuality extends to healthcare, where waiting times are among the world’s shortest and house calls from doctors remain a common practice.
11. Italy
Living "la dolce vita" takes on new meaning when you retire in Italy, consistently rated among the best places to retire outside the U.S. Each region offers its own unique flavor of things to do after retirement — from joining olive harvesting communities in Tuscany to taking part in Sicily's multigenerational evening passeggiata (social stroll). The country's senior social centers provide spaces for everything from chess tournaments to cooking classes. Plus, Italy's new "pensionati" visa includes tax benefits that make living in this cultural paradise surprisingly affordable.
12. United Kingdom
Beyond the charm of afternoon tea and historic villages, living in the U.K. offers retirees unique opportunities to stay engaged. The absence of a language barrier makes the transition seamless, allowing retirees to connect with their new communities and navigate daily life with ease. The University of the Third Age (U3A) movement is particularly strong here, offering free courses ranging from archaeology to zoology. In addition, Britain’s National Trust membership provides seniors with unlimited access to hundreds of historic properties and gardens. The U.K.’s healthcare system, the NHS, adds another layer of appeal, offering comprehensive care that often comes at a lower cost than in the U.S. This combination of financial and health security further enhances the U.K.'s appeal for retirees, ensuring both peace of mind and quality of life. Meanwhile, the country’s extensive volunteer network helps retirees find meaningful ways to contribute to their communities.
13. Morocco
Morocco offers a retirement experience unlike any other, where ancient traditions enhance modern living. The country's Living Like a Local program connects retirees with Moroccan families for cultural exchange and language practice. In cities like Fez, join a traditional craft guild to learn centuries-old artisan skills or participate in community hammam (bathhouse) days — a social tradition that spans generations. The country's recent retiree residency program includes benefits like dedicated healthcare liaisons and cultural orientation services.
14. France
France elevates retirement to an art form, offering more than just wine and cheese (though those are excellent perks!). The country’s public healthcare system is renowned as one of the best in the world. Retirees can enroll in the Assurance Maladie, which provides universal coverage to all French residents, granting access to a wide range of healthcare services, including doctor visits. This ensures health concerns won’t disrupt your golden years.The unique "senior solidarity" program ensures retirees never feel isolated, with regular community events and social clubs. Many regions also offer culture passes for seniors, giving free or discounted access to museums, theaters and concerts. Whether you're exploring picturesque villages or searching for the best place to live in Paris, you'll find an active social scene where joining a local pétanque club can quickly make you part of the neighborhood's fabric.
15. Chile
Chile's beautiful landscapes are matched by its innovative approach to retirement living, making it one of the top countries to retire in. The country's Better Aging initiative provides seniors with free technology training and equipment to stay connected with family worldwide. Retirees often find themselves drawn to the country's unique "closed communities" — residential areas designed specifically for active seniors, complete with on-site activities and social programs. The growing digital nomad retiree community makes it easy to connect with like-minded expatriates while exploring everything from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia.Let Pacaso help you retire in style
Choosing the best country to retire in the world is just the first step of your journey. Pacaso can help you with the heavy lifting and guide you through the details of your new home overseas. From maintenance and billing to no-stress financing, Pacaso can turn the process of buying property abroad into an enjoyable one. Connect with Pacaso today and set yourself up for the adventure of a lifetime.Our methodology
To determine the rankings for the 15 best countries for retirement, we developed a comprehensive scoring system based on seven key factors. Each factor was carefully selected to reflect the priorities and concerns of retirees looking for a safe, affordable, comfortable and fulfilling retirement experience. The rankings were calculated using these factors and weights, with data pulled from various reputable sources.Cost of living (25%)
Cost of living carried the highest weight in our rankings, as affordability is a top priority for retirees. The metric used for each country was the cost of living index sourced from Numbeo. The index considers average monthly living costs like groceries, utilities and transportation. Rent and mortgage was not included in Numbeo's cost of living index.Healthcare (20%)
Access to quality healthcare is especially important for retirees, so it was assigned the second-highest weight. We sourced the healthcare index from Numbeo, which estimates the overall quality of each country's healthcare system. Numbeo's healthcare methodology evaluated factors such as healthcare professionals, equipment, staff, doctors and costs and provided an assessment of the healthcare infrastructure, services and resources available.Safety (20%)
Living in a safe place makes retiring a more comfortable experience. Our rankings pulled from the comprehensive 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI), which examines how peaceful each country is through multiple lenses. Rather than just looking at crime statistics, the GPI digs deeper, considering everything from local community relations to international diplomatic ties.The index breaks down safety into three key components:- How well different groups within the country coexist
- The nation's relationship with its neighbors and the global community
- Internal stability and law enforcement effectiveness
Average home price (15%)
Housing is a major expense for retirees, and affordability can significantly impact their overall quality of life. To gauge housing accessibility, we sourced the average percentage of income spent on home prices in each location from Numbeo.Taxes (10%)
Tax policies can significantly impact retirees’ budgets. We factored in tax benefits for retirees, such as Social Security tax exemptions and sales tax for each country. We found the average of these taxes and applied 15% weight to each ranking.Climate (5%)
A comfortable climate plays an important role in retirees' lifestyles and well-being. We used a climate index that ranked 190 world cities based on temperature and weather patterns.Retirement visa (5%)
Countries that offer a retirement visa and make the process easy can be an important factor for retirees. The results were binary, logging countries that include retirement visas and those that do not.Best countries to retire in FAQ
01: How can I obtain a retirement visa?
Most countries offer retirement visas or residency programs tailored for retirees. Requirements typically include meeting a minimum age, demonstrating stable income (like a pension or Social Security benefits) and having health insurance. You may also need to provide financial proof, such as bank statements, and occasionally renew your visa. Always consult official government resources or an immigration expert for specific guidance.
02: What are the tax implications of retiring abroad?
Retiring abroad can affect your taxes both in your home country and your new country of residence. Some countries have tax treaties that prevent double taxation, but you may still need to file taxes in your home country. Many destinations offer tax incentives for retirees, but it’s essential to understand how your retirement income will be taxed locally. Consulting an international tax professional can help you stay compliant and optimize your finances.
03: Do other countries tax Social Security benefits?
Whether Social Security benefits are taxed abroad depends on your host country’s tax treaty with your home country. Countries with tax treaties often ensure Social Security is only taxed once, typically in your home country. Without such agreements, you might face local taxes on these benefits. Research the relevant tax treaty or consult an international tax advisor to understand your obligations.
