October 2, 2026, 2:51 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

A safe environment for oneself and one’s money, family nearby, travel, a sense of belonging–these are the wishes of many retirees. At least, that’s what the consulting firm Global Citizen Solutions, specializing in visa, residency, and immigration issues, explains. They recently released their annual “Global Retirement Index,” a ranking that provides an initial indication of where in the world it is good to live as a retiree.

Methodology

The index compares residency programs for retirees and financially independent individuals in 46 countries and regions worldwide. It is primarily aimed at people who can create a pleasant retirement with pensions, savings, and other passive income, meaning they have enough money to live well in old age. The evaluation considered quality of life, mobility and citizenship opportunities, tax optimization, as well as visa procedures, costs, and necessary investments. Despite all financial considerations, Global Citizen Solutions states that quality of life plays the most significant role in the evaluation. It accounts for 30 percent of the weighting, compared to the others, which range between 15 and 22 percent. The five pillars are divided into various categories, including safety and quality of the environment, the possibility of dual citizenship, taxation of different types of income, and the ability to bring or reunite with one’s family.

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The Five Best Countries for Retirees

In 2026, a compact list of worthwhile retirement destinations emerged. Six of the top ten countries for retirement are in Europe. According to Global Citizen Solutions, they all share balance: “low income thresholds, territorial or otherwise favorable tax regulations (in most cases), generous family integration, and clear paths to citizenship–all embedded in a high standard of living.”

Rank 1: Uruguay

Uruguay ranks first in the Global Retirement Index 2026 with an overall score of 99.9 points. According to Global Citizen Solutions, the South American country scores primarily in terms of mobility and citizenship. Those who wish to live here permanently must prove a minimum income of 1,700 U.S. dollars per month. This includes pensions as well as rental income, dividends, and savings. Citizenship can be obtained in three to five years, depending on relationship status. Bringing one’s family is also possible, as long as it involves spouses or partners, children under 25, and dependent parents or children. In terms of quality of life, the country ranks 13th with 78.4 points. However, Uruguay is not as favorable when it comes to the taxation of foreign income and pensions, ranking 20th in this area.

Rank 2: Mauritius

Mauritius ranks just behind Uruguay with 99.8 points in the 2026 ranking of the best countries for retirees. The East African island nation requires a monthly income of at least 2,000 U.S. dollars and allows citizenship after seven years. In the pillar of costs and necessary investments, the country ranks 30th, but with 91.7 points, it still performs well. However, with 75.9 points, the quality of life in Mauritius is less favorable. According to Global Citizen Solutions, the island nation is “particularly suitable for budget-conscious retirees seeking low entry costs and requirements.”

Rank 3: Spain

Spain is the first and thus, according to this index, the best European country for retirement. The Southern European country received 99.6 points. Spain stands out particularly in terms of mobility and citizenship. However, it struggles with taxes–in this area, Spain ranks 46th for immigrant retirees with only 50.0 points.

Non-working individuals who need a visa for Spain must prove a monthly income of 2,400 euros. Partners and minor children are allowed to accompany them. Due to European freedom of movement, Germans do not need a visa to move to Spain for retirement (or before). The most crucial factor for German retirees might be this: in terms of quality of life, Spain ranks fifth with 94.4 points.

Rank 4: Costa Rica

Costa Rica remains a perennial topic among expatriates, and in this year’s Global Retirement Index by Global Citizen Solutions, the country ranks high. With 99.5 points, the Central American country lands in fourth place. To spend one’s retirement in Costa Rica, an income of just 1,000 euros per month is sufficient, and one can become a citizen after seven years. Costa Rica performs well in terms of costs and investments, as well as mobility and citizenship. However, the country is not as strong in the application process. Costa Rica’s quality of life received 78.0 points and ranks 15th. According to visa advisors, Costa Rica is particularly suitable for “cost-conscious retirees seeking low entry costs and requirements.”

Rank 5: Portugal

The top 5 is rounded off by another European expatriate dream: Portugal ranks fifth in the ranking with 99.3 points.

Also not too relevant for German retirees, the Southwestern European country scores in the area of mobility and citizenship. A minimum income of 920 euros is required for a visa. Portugal’s weakest pillar is its tax conditions, which score only 58.3 points. However, Portugal scores with its quality of life, which ranks sixth with 93.9 points in the ranking–depending on one’s financial situation, possibly the more important point when it comes to retiring abroad.

Following Portugal are a South American and four European countries.

The Best 10 Countries for Retirement at a Glance

1. Uruguay
2. Mauritius
3. Spain
4. Costa Rica
5. Portugal
6. Paraguay
7. Latvia
8. Andorra
9. Italy
10. Greece

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The Countries with the Highest Quality of Life Are in Europe

Quality of life is one of the most important factors for many retirees, as well as other expatriates, when deciding where to settle for retirement. Filtering the index accordingly changes the list dramatically. Nine of the ten best countries for retirees in terms of quality of life are in Europe.

In These 10 Countries, Retirees Can Expect the Best Quality of Life

1. Ireland
2. New Zealand
3. Andorra
4. Austria
5. Spain
6. Portugal
7. Malta
8. Italy
9. Latvia
10. France