10 Best Countries to Retire Abroad In 2026

Retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s the perfect time to launch a new business or pursue a long-held passion; for others, it’s about finally living the dream of life relocating in another country. If you are imagining your days filled with sunshine, rich culture, and new midlife adventures, retiring abroad can offer all that and more: a chance to blend lifestyle, financial advantages, and personal growth into the next chapter of your life.

But choosing the right country isn’t just about beautiful beaches or charming streets. Cost of living, healthcare, visas, and ease of relocation all play a role in creating a retirement that feels effortless rather than overwhelming.

To navigate this exciting transition, we spoke with Federica Grazi, founder of Mitos Relocation Solutions, who shares expert insights on how to retire abroad successfully and find the destination that’s truly right for you.

Retiring Abroad, The Allure of a New Chapter

Retiring abroad offers more than just a change of scenery. Many mature women over 60 are often drawn to warmer climates, slower lifestyles, and the chance to immerse themselves in a different culture, however, as Federica Grazi explains: “it works best when approached as a structured, strategic decision rather than a leap based purely on lifestyle appeal.”

Beyond lifestyle perks, there are often financial and tax benefits that can make your retirement savings stretch further, also moving abroad for retirement requires careful planning around immigration, taxation, healthcare, and community integration.

“Careful preparation is essential. More often than not, the cost of not preparing properly is higher , whether through tax misunderstandings, reporting failures, rushed and overpriced last-minute advice, or scams – says Grazi- I also recommend taking a gradual approach where possible. Spend a month in the destination before committing. Before buying property, live there for a year. Build contingency plans, not only because they are useful in practice, but because they provide peace of mind”.

Of course, every country has its pros and cons. What is often overlooked is the adjustment period: even with strong enthusiasm and thorough preparation, adapting to a different culture takes time.

“This includes practical aspects that are easy to underestimate: shop opening hours, availability of certain foods, internet reliability, administrative processes, and general openness to difference. Even with the best planning, flexibility and an open mind are essential for a successful retirement abroad”, Grazi explains to CrunchyTales.

Top Countries to Retire Abroad Right Now

If you’re wondering where to retire abroad in 2026, some destinations are rising above the rest for their irresistible mix of lifestyle, financial incentives, and ease of relocation. From sun-drenched shores to vibrant cities and tranquil towns, these countries offer more than just a change of scenery, they promise a new way of life.

Imagine a slower pace, lower living costs, excellent healthcare, and the freedom to explore your passions without the constraints of home. Whether you’re drawn to bustling urban hubs or peaceful retreats, these top picks make retiring abroad feel less like a leap into the unknown and more like stepping into your next great adventure.

Greece: A Rising Star

Greece was voted ‘Best Place to Retire Globally in 2026’ by International Living. Its appeal goes beyond stunning coastlines and historic cities.

“While the environment, coastline, and history are obvious draws, the real strength is structural rather than just lifestyle-driven – Grazi shares-. Greece offers a very generous tax incentive: a flat 7% tax on global income for up to 15 years, which can result in substantial savings for retirees with pensions, investments, or other passive income”.

In addition, the country offers attractive immigration options, such as a conventional retirement-oriented residence permit (the Financially Independent Person Visa) and a Golden Visa tied to property investment. The healthcare system is high quality and affordable in both the public and private sectors, levels of personal safety are strong, and newcomers generally find it easy to settle in due to the well-known openness of the local population.

“Another important point is that Greece has not yet experienced the same scale of inbound migration as other long-established retirement destinations – continues Grazi-. That means it still retains a strong sense of authenticity, while at the same time already having established expat networks for those who want community and support”.

Mediterranean Alternatives to Retire Abroad

Other Mediterranean countries that stand out for similar reasons are Cyprus and Southern Italy. They both combine a high quality of life with tax breaks, manageable immigration paths, good healthcare, and a slower pace of life.

By contrast, Spain and Portugal have long been among the most popular destinations for foreign retirees and remain highly attractive today. That sustained popularity, however, has also brought notable trade-offs.

“Cost of living , especially real estate – explains Grazi- has increased dramatically, and governments are overall becoming less open. Many of the incentives that originally made these countries attractive have been reduced or removed. As a result, while they are still popular, they are no longer the obvious or automatic choices they once were”.

Beyond Europe: Panama, Mexico, Thailand, and Mauritius

Beyond Europe, a number of countries have established themselves as appealing retirement destinations, combining lower living costs with warm climates and retiree-friendly policies. Panama, Mexico, and Thailand have long attracted retirees thanks to their affordable lifestyles, good healthcare options, and well-developed expat communities, which make settling in easier for newcomers. These countries also tend to offer flexible residency arrangements and everyday conveniences tailored to foreign residents.

At the same time, newer destinations are actively positioning themselves to capture this market. Mauritius is a notable example, promoting itself as a stable, high-quality option with a pleasant climate, solid infrastructure, and straightforward residency pathways designed specifically for retirees and internationally mobile individuals. Together, these destinations illustrate a growing shift beyond Europe, as retirees look further afield for value, lifestyle, and long-term security.

How To Retire Abroad: What to Consider Beyond The Cost of Living

Cost of living is usually the starting point, but as Grazi emphasizes it is rarely the decisive factor.

Immigration is often the first make-or-break issue. “Eligibility needs to be checked early, ideally before people emotionally commit to a destination – she says-. Beyond simply obtaining a visa, it is important to understand long-term rights, such as access to permanent residency and citizenship, particularly for those planning to buy property”.

Taxation is another critical area and it usually matters more than day-to-day expenses. “For example, assuming an annual pension income of €100,000, someone retiring in Greece could pay around €7,000 in tax under the special regime, whereas someone retiring in Portugal could pay more than €35,000. It’s clear that that difference far outweighs small variations in grocery or utility costs“.

Healthcare is an obvious priority, but it is not just about price. Access matters. “A common example I use is islands: it may sound romantic to retire to an Ionian island, but it is important to ask practical questions such as whether you can reliably find a doctor during the low tourist season”, she explains.

Regarding the sense of Community, this is highly personal. According to Grazi, some people actively seek out expat communities; others want full immersion in local culture; others still want a period of solitude. Spending time in a place before committing is often the only way to understand what daily life actually feels like.

In practice, many more factors come into play. “When helping clients decide, I typically look at more than 30 variables – continues Grazi-, including currency stability, inheritance law, the real-estate market, flight availability, infrastructure, climate (including climate-change risks), political stability, and safety”.

Countries with the Easiest Retirement Visas

Most retirement-friendly countries offer visa routes that are broadly compatible with retirees, usually requiring proof of a minimum level of passive income. However, the practical path can differ significantly.

“Some countries allow people to apply after arrival, such as Cyprus – explains Grazi-. Others require visas to be secured before moving, even for citizens who normally benefit from visa-free travel”.

Within that group, there are also meaningful differences.

“In Greece, it is often possible to secure an appointment a few months in advance. In Italy, on the other hand, finding a consular appointment can be challenging, which means starting earlier is essential.”

Golden Visas can still be appealing, as they often grant permanent residency from the start as long as the investment is maintained. However, the landscape is changing rapidly: “Spain has fully removed its programme. Portugal has removed its real-estate route and now focuses on fund investments, which are generally less appealing to retirees. Italy limits its programme to financial assets or business investments. Greece has increased its real estate thresholds but still offers an accessible option. Cyprus also has a strong alternative (under a different name), with lower thresholds and while it does not offer Schengen freedom (yet), this is less relevant for British or American retirees who already have visa-free access.”.

Best Expert Advice for First-Time Retirees Abroad

Retiring abroad can be a deeply rewarding experience when approached with a clear strategy and realistic expectations. Success often depends on careful planning, a willingness to adapt, and choosing a destination that aligns with your lifestyle, health needs, and long-term priorities.

For first-time retirees considering a move overseas, the following tips can help turn an exciting idea into a sustainable and fulfilling reality:

1. Do thorough research: “Reading online is a great start, but careful preparation is essential to avoid costly mistakes.”
2. Try before you commit: “Spend a month or even a year in your potential destination before buying property. It helps you see daily life clearly.”
3. Plan for contingencies: “Contingency plans aren’t just practical—they provide peace of mind.”
4. Be flexible: “Adjusting to a new culture takes time. Patience and curiosity are key.”

Taken together, these steps help ensure that retiring abroad is not just an exciting change of scenery, but a well-considered move that supports your comfort, security, and enjoyment in the years ahead.

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