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Recently, as retiring abroad has become a trend, International Living magazine published the Global Retirement Index 2026, evaluating top destinations based on rigorous criteria ranging from cost of living to healthcare.
The average human lifespan is now 20 years longer than in 1950, and more and more people are choosing to spend their later years abroad. Selling a home and leaving friends and family behind to start a new life in another country is a major decision that requires careful consideration.
Choosing where to live in later life is a momentous decision, requiring careful consideration of many important factors. According to CNN, an increasing number of people around the world, especially Americans and Canadians, are seeking a new life abroad, where the cost of living is more affordable and the quality of life is improved.
The annual Global Retirement Index ranking by International Living has become a reliable benchmark. This index assesses countries based on a range of key criteria, including: cost of living, quality and cost of healthcare, housing prices, visa policies, climate, and ease of integration into the community.
Greece
In the 2026 rankings, Greece was named the world's most ideal retirement destination. This achievement is considered a significant milestone, marking a major shift in the European retirement landscape.
Greece's Golden Visa program grants residence permits to foreigners who invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate.
Jennifer Stevens, Editor of International Living, commented: “Rising to number one, Greece marks a shift in the landscape of retirement destinations in Europe.” She explained that for many years, countries like Portugal and Spain had topped the rankings. However, recent changes in visa policies and rising living costs in these countries have led retirees to seek newer and more accessible options.
Greece is highly rated in many important aspects. Located in Southern Europe with thousands of picturesque islands and a rich history, the country is not only a tourist hotspot but also possesses all the elements necessary for a long vacation.
One of the biggest advantages is the Golden Visa program. International Living considers this Greek program, which grants residence permits to foreigners who invest a minimum of €250,000 (approximately $290,000) in real estate, to be one of the most accessible in Europe. In addition, Greece scores highly for its mild climate, quality of healthcare (on par with Italy, scoring 89/100), and reasonable housing costs.
The clearest example is the story of Patricia Mahan and Dan Matarazzo from the United States. They bought a two-bedroom house in Kritsa, a village on the island of Crete, for just $150,000 in 2023. “We wanted to move to a place near the sea. In an affordable place,” Mahan shared on CNN. Their priority was finding a place that offered a “village feel” but was still “close to amenities like modern medical facilities, a nearby airport, a weekly farmers' market, supermarkets, and all kinds of shops.” Greece perfectly met those requirements.
Panama
Panama is a leader in visa/retirement benefits. Its Pensionado program offers impressive perks for retirees, including 50% off entertainment, 30% off transportation, 25% off airfare, and discounts on medical, utility, and food bills. The report also emphasizes: "Panama's healthcare system is on par with the US in quality, without the added cost."
Costa Rica
While Greece scores highly in terms of visa requirements and cost, Costa Rica holds an absolute lead in the climate and environment category. This Central American nation is globally renowned for its "Pura Vida" (Pure Life) philosophy, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to nature conservation. With a vision for sustainable development, Costa Rica has dedicated 25% of its land area to protecting tropical rainforests, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem home to over 10,000 plant species and 850 bird species.
Even more remarkable is the commitment to clean energy: 99% of the country's electricity comes from renewable sources. For retirees who want to live in a clean environment, surrounded by nature and minimizing their carbon footprint, Costa Rica is an ideal choice, and is even one of the few countries that has successfully reversed deforestation.
Portugal
Despite being overtaken by Greece in the overall rankings, Portugal maintains its position as one of the leading retirement destinations. The country continues to score highly for its warm climate, developed infrastructure, and especially its quality of healthcare, ranking only behind France.
Although the Portuguese government has ended the Golden Visa program for residential real estate development—a factor contributing to rising living costs—they still maintain other easy residency pathways. For the majority of retirees wishing to move here, the standard D7 visa is a perfect solution. The requirement to demonstrate stable passive income (just $1,011 per month) instead of making a large investment makes Portugal an attractive destination, especially for those prioritizing quality healthcare and European stability.
Mexico
Mexico stands out as home to the largest diaspora community on Earth, estimated at one million Americans and Canadians. This popularity is no accident. Mexico scores highly in categories such as easy retirement visas, development, and stable governance. International Living praises the country for its excellent highway network, high-speed internet access, and modern urban infrastructure.
Furthermore, Mexico offers a rare combination of significantly low living costs, top-quality healthcare, and relatively easy immigration opportunities. Its geographical and cultural proximity to North America makes the transition and integration process even more convenient.
France
France scored the highest among the countries surveyed (97 points) for its healthcare system. International Living praised France's "renowned universal healthcare system." In addition, the perfect combination of climate, cuisine, and rich culture makes France an irresistible destination for retirees.
Spain
Achieving excellent results in healthcare quality (94 points) and especially in friendliness (90 points), demonstrates the ease of integration into the community and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle. Although the cost of living is slightly higher (75 points), the assurance of healthcare and cultural comfort remains a significant advantage.
Italy
This country scored highest in the category of friendliness and ease of integration. International Living emphasizes that choosing Italy is often a decision "involving both heart and mind," where the allure of culture, art, and cuisine blends with reliable healthcare quality (89/100 points).
Thailand
Ranked among the highest-scoring destinations for cost of living, behind only Vietnam and Sri Lanka, Thailand, with its warm tropical climate, developed tourism infrastructure, and friendly visa system, is an attractive option for retirees seeking a fulfilling life on a low budget.
Malaysia
Distinguished by its extremely low cost of living (94 points) and unique blend of modern infrastructure and cultural diversity, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is specifically designed to attract expats to settle permanently. Combined with its warm tropical climate, this makes Malaysia increasingly popular.
