22/06/2026
🌍 The Best Countries to Retire in 2026
According to the Retirement Abroad Index 2026 by Expatriate Group, these are the world’s top destinations for retirees based on overall quality of life and accessibility.
To identify the world’s most retiree-friendly destinations, Expatriate Group developed the Retirement Abroad Index 2026, evaluating 20 countries across five key factors:
✔️ Healthcare quality
✔️ Visa accessibility
✔️ Health insurance requirements
✔️ Cost of living
✔️ Expat community and ease of integration
🏆 Retirement Abroad Index 2026 Rankings
1. 🇵🇭 Philippines
2. 🇹🇭 Thailand
3. 🇨🇴 Colombia
4. 🇵🇹 Portugal
5. 🇿🇦 South Africa
6. 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
7. 🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE)
8. 🇲🇾 Malaysia
9. 🇲🇽 Mexico
10. 🇮🇩 Indonesia
11. 🇪🇸 Spain
12. 🇵🇦 Panama
13. 🇶🇦 Qatar
14. 🇫🇷 France
15. 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
16. 🇳🇿 New Zealand
17. 🇬🇷 Greece
18. 🇨🇾 Cyprus
19. 🇮🇹 Italy
20. 🇲🇹 Malta
Retirement priorities vary from person to person, but affordable living, quality healthcare, straightforward residency options, and welcoming expatriate communities remain some of the most important considerations when choosing a destination abroad.
📊 Source: Expatriate Group – Retirement Abroad Index 2026