Growing longevity and a rising appetite to spend later life abroad have helped shape a competitive global market for retirees. International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index 2026 ranks countries on cost of living, healthcare, housing, visas, climate and ease of integration — and this year Greece has emerged as the No. 1 destination, marking a notable shift in Europe’s retirement map.
How the index is compiled
International Living’s index draws on recent data and the views of more than 200 in-country experts and expatriates. Scores reflect practical measures that matter to retirees: monthly living costs, access to quality healthcare, housing affordability, residency pathways, climate, cultural fit and how easily newcomers can settle and integrate. Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living, said Greece’s ascent reflects changing visa policies and rising costs in previously favoured destinations such as Portugal and Spain.
Top 10 retirement destinations for 2026
International Living’s headline top ten for 2026 are:
- Greece — 2. Panama — 3. Costa Rica — 4. Portugal — 5. Mexico — 6. Italy — 7. France — 8. Spain — 9. Thailand — 10. Malaysia.
Each nation scored differently across the sub-indices — for example, France led on healthcare while Costa Rica topped climate — but Greece’s combined strengths on residency access, healthcare and housing propelled it to the top.
Why Greece leads
Greece’s Golden Visa, which grants residency to non-EU nationals investing €250,000 in real estate, remains among Europe’s most accessible routes. The country scored highly for climate, healthcare provision and housing affordability, making it attractive to retirees seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle without the extremes of Catalonia or the Algarve price tags. Testimonies from recent arrivals underscore the appeal: modest property prices on islands such as Crete and a village lifestyle that remains close to modern amenities resonated strongly with many American and European retirees.
Panama and Costa Rica: practical and green choices
Panama topped the index for visas and retiree benefits, largely on the strength of its long-standing Pensionado programme that offers discounts on transport, healthcare and leisure — a practical draw for North American retirees. The country also scores well for medical costs and infrastructure.
Costa Rica excelled on climate and environment. With a quarter of its land protected as rainforest and ambitious renewable-energy credentials, Costa Rica also boasts a “blue zone” in the Nicoya Peninsula, where longevity indicators are among the world’s best.
Portugal, Mexico and Italy remain strong contenders
Portugal continues to offer a user-friendly residency route for those with steady passive income, while maintaining strong healthcare rankings. Mexico remains a magnet for North American retirees, combining low living costs with modern infrastructure and straightforward residency pathways. Italy scored high on affinity — ease of integration and cultural welcome — and retains strong healthcare standards, particularly outside major cities where property can be very affordable.
France, Spain, Thailand and Malaysia: varied strengths
France topped the index on universal healthcare quality, though lawmakers are debating tighter rules for foreign pensioners that could affect future arrivals. Spain remains a strong choice for healthcare and lifestyle, though cost pressures in major urban centres have tempered its overall score.
Thailand and Malaysia appeal primarily for cost of living and favourable climates. Malaysia’s MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) programme continues to attract retirees with relatively low financial requirements and comfortable healthcare options in urban hubs such as Penang.
Practical advice for prospective retirees
Experts and expatriates emphasise due diligence. Key steps include: assessing healthcare access and insurance portability; visiting regions in different seasons; evaluating residency rules and tax implications; and testing the local lifestyle and language. International Living’s index provides a comparative starting point, but personal priorities — proximity to family, climate preferences and healthcare needs — should drive final decisions.
A growing cohort choosing life abroad
Longer lifespans and flexible working patterns have altered retirement planning. For many, relocating abroad is not only about lower costs but also about lifestyle, community and wellbeing. As Europe reclaims prominence in this year’s index, retirees seeking a blend of accessible residency, good healthcare and a rich cultural life may find Greece and its Mediterranean neighbours increasingly hard to resist.