Thinking about retiring abroad? International Living has been a proponent of living better, for less, overseas for decades. Its 31st Annual Global Retirement Index factors housing, benefits, visas/residence, fitting in, development, climate, healthcare, cost of living, and more to determine the best places to retire in the world. In addition to stats, the index is also informed by the expertise of International Living’s contributors based around the globe. From tropical escapes to rural countrysides, here are the top 12 countries to retire in this year, starting with number 12.
12. Ireland
When most people think about retiring on an island, they probably aren’t picturing Ireland, but maybe they should! This enchanting place is full of nature, history, and culture. Its vast and verdant plains have earned it the nickname the Emerald Isle, and the 2,000 miles of scenic ocean just off its west coast draw thousands of visitors every year.
Its storybook landscape boasts castles, cliffs, looking-glass lakes. and green fields hemmed with stone walls. If you want to spend your retirement surrounded by fiddle music at a cozy pub or in a brightly painted seaside house, consider Ireland. Wherever you choose to live, you’ll never be far from a beach, a fishing spot, a golf course, or literary gathering.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Ireland rarely gets too cold. Sure, it gets pretty wet, but as Dolly Parton says, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
- Exploring Ireland’s West Coast By Car: 10 Must-Stop Places
- 18 Incredible Things To Do In Historic Dublin, Ireland
11. Thailand
Tourists and expats alike are drawn to Thailand’s warm climate, inexpensive cost of living, and laidback lifestyle. This Southeast Asian country is home to breathtaking beaches, world-renowned cuisine, and thousands upon thousands of Buddhist temples. From mountainous regions in northern Thailand to the 1,430 islands situated predominantly along the country’s southern coast, there is something for everyone who dreams of retiring in the tropics.
Add inexpensive healthcare and friendly local residents and it’s no surprise that many people choose to live in the “Land of Smiles” full- or part-time. According to International Living, “After spending time in the country, many expats are told by their friends that they look 10 years younger.”
10. Uruguay
A truly safe haven in Latin America, Uruguay lies between Brazil and Argentina. This modern and progressive yet laid back country is politically, economically, and socially stable with a strong infrastructure to boot. In addition to the best road system and most reliable electrical grid in Latin America, you’ll also find the fastest overall internet speeds. Add the low cost of living, high-quality affordable private healthcare, low crime rate, temperate climate free of earthquakes and hurricanes, safe drinking water, and good public transportation and you’ve got yourself a great place to retire!
This small country offers a variety of lifestyles for every type of retiree, all of which are much more slow-paced than the U.S. Its capital city, Montevideo, features beautiful beaches, great historic architecture, and an active cultural scene. Choose from the seaside resort town of Punta del Este or the smaller beach town of La Paloma. Or, skip the beach altogether and opt for a small farm or rural dwelling in the countryside.
9. Spain
If you picture retiring to a sun-drenched, whitewashed house, complete with a courtyard, perched on a cliff, with an olive grove and deep blue sea nearby, then may we recommend Spain? This hugely popular European getaway is home to stunning beaches, mountains, an agreeable climate, and some of the best food and wine around. Its fabulous cities host colorful festivals and its residents lead lively, outgoing, cultured lifestyles. Life here in this laid back country is meant to be enjoyed. Spain also has one of the lowest costs of living in Europe and some of the best healthcare in the world.
- 15 Reasons To Fall In Love With Beautiful Malaga, Spain
- Beautiful Valencia, Spain: The Best Places To Eat, Stay, And Experience
8. Malta
Off the southern coast of Italy and north of Tripoli and the Libyan coast, The Republic of Malta is composed of three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. These beautiful islands provide the idealistic setting for retirees looking to spend their later years diving or relaxing on the beach. At one-tenth the size of Rhode Island, this quaint island nation is especially painless to navigate, yet it still boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Densely populated and extremely welcoming to non-European expats, Malta is an easy place to find fellow retiree friends. Add in the low cost of living and world-class golf courses and it’s hard to find a reason to retire anywhere else but this Mediterranean oasis!
- Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Magnificent Malta
- 12 Fantastic And Fascinating Things To Do In Malta
7. France
Culturally, the French value their leisure time and pleasure more than work, making it the ideal fit for retirees looking to leave their careers behind. Explore a wide variety of landscapes, including beautiful beaches, forests, historical cities and monuments, and even the mighty Alps and Pyrenees mountains, all within a country the size of Texas. France ranks in the top five in the world for its extensive healthcare system and all residents are entitled to national medical coverage. Finally, foodies and wine connoisseurs will never tire of the vast world-renowned French dining offerings.
- 6 Reasons France Is Popular With Retirees Looking To Live Internationally
- Retiring In France? 6 Things To Know About Transportation
6. Colombia
As the gateway to the rest of South America, Colombia is an excellent place to call home just a short flight away from the U.S. Enjoy the world-class beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, venture into the rainforests of the Amazon, and take advantage of the many comforts of the growing cities.
People who choose to retire in Columbia can wake up with a cup of the world’s best coffee and get to bird-watch first thing in the morning. You see, the second-most biodiverse country on the planet is home to 1,889 species of birds — 20 percent of all species on earth. The most populous nation of Spanish-speaking South America, Columbia has been growing in popularity with expats and retirees alike for its wonderful climate, vibrant cities, and low cost of living.
- 9 Reasons Why Colombia Is A Favorite For Retirees
- Retiring In Colombia: 10 Things To Know About Healthcare
5. Ecuador
With a name that means equator in Spanish, Ecuador has surprisingly balmy, moderate weather. Boasting one of the larger middle classes in the country, it has become a hotspot for retirees looking to stretch their post-career dollars.
Situated on northern South America’s west coast, it is bordered by Peru to the south and east, Colombia to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. This incredibly biodiverse area encompasses the Galapagos Islands as well as part of the Andes Mountain range. Ecuador offers a dizzying array of activities as well as a comprehensive healthcare system.
- Retiring In Ecuador: 9 Things To Know About Healthcare
- 8 Reasons Ecuador Is Perfect For Expat Retirees
4. Portugal
Situated along the coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is bordered by Spain. With the average cost of living being half of that in the U.S., you can see why it is so popular with retirees. It is possible to live comfortably on less than $1,500 a month.
Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. There is a non-habitual resident program with no tax on foreign pensions and other retirement incomes. Receive top-notch healthcare via reasonably priced private healthcare insurance. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. It also happens to be one of the safest countries in the world.
Portuguese people are known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor, which makes the transition to this southern European country much easier for expats. Historic and charming yet progressive Portugal is a great place to retire if you want to be surrounded by great food, amiable people, and proud culture.
- Retiring In Portugal? 6 Things To Know About Transportation
- 9 Reasons Portugal Is Perfect For Expat Retirees
3. Mexico
Warm weather coupled with an extremely low cost of living has lured expats south of the border for years, whether for snowbirding purposes or more permanently. In fact, 1.6 million U.S. citizens currently live in Mexico. Its proximity to the U.S. and flavorful cuisine doesn’t hurt either. While national healthcare is provided for residents, out-of-pocket medical expenses are a fraction of the cost in the states.
Louisa Rogers, a TravelAwaits writer who splits her time between Guanajuato, Mexico, and Eureka, California, describes it as a “fascinating, diverse country, with a rich mix of culture, history, architecture, landscape, and geology.” When asked whether it is dangerous, Rogers replies that although “crime is a well-known problem in Mexico, the violence between rival gangs doesn’t generally affect people not connected to the drug industry.”
- 7 Reasons Expats Love Spending Their Retirement Years In Mexico
- 9 Reasons Why We Love Spending Our Retirement Years In Mexico
2. Costa Rica
Gorgeous ocean views, incredible biodiversity, and year-round warm and temperate weather are just a few of the reasons why many Americans flock to Costa Rica every year. While the laid back country offers many reasons to visit, it also has many reasons to stay, like excellent healthcare. Costa Rica provides universal healthcare to all residents, including free emergency care, extremely low-cost medical procedures, and even free (or almost free) prescription medication.
Hassle-free residence programs, safety and security, and stable democracy are a few more reasons to retire to Costa Rica. Locals are welcoming and friendly to new foreign neighbors. Plus, it’s possible to live well on $2,000 a month! Markets are teeming with fresh foods, from tropical produce to seafood. Not to mention the beautiful countryside. In Costa Rica, you can find dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife, towering volcanoes, national parks, long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches, lush green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes and rivers. For all of these reasons, expats and retirees have been discovering the pura vida in Costa Rica for over 3 decades.
- 8 Reasons Costa Rica Is The Best Place To Retire Internationally
- Retiring In Costa Rica? Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Visa
1. Panama
Panama is home to lovely beaches, a warm tropical climate, and of course, its eponymous canal. The tiny isthmus lies at the crossroads between both Central and South America as well as the Caribbean and Pacific oceans. Its unique location at the southwestern edge of the Caribbean keeps it out of the way of most incoming hurricanes from the Atlantic. This tropical country offers plenty to see and do. Lush green rainforests are among its abundant natural attributes.
Numerous retiree benefits include discounts on everything from entertainment and hotels to medical expenses. Overall, the country has a lower cost of living compared to many countries, including the United States. Healthcare is not only excellent but also affordable. Plus, Panamanians are known for their friendly nature and the country is already home to many expats, so retirees will feel immediately welcomed in their new home.
International Living chose Panama as the top place to retire in 2022 for several reasons. “Panama’s cosmopolitan capital, Panama City, is the only true First World city in Central America. The beautifully maintained Pan-American Highway runs the breadth of the country, making travel easy. High-speed internet and cell coverage are remarkable… as are the power, air, and water quality.
“For expats from the U.S., Panama is also convenient because the currency is the U.S. dollar. No matter where you’re from, you’re likely to appreciate the fact that there are many English speakers in Panama, especially among the well-trained medical community. The hub that is Tocumen International Airport makes it easy to fly from Panama to nearly anywhere in the world… often with no layovers.” Sounds like a winner to us!
- Retiring In Panama? Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Visa
- 9 Reasons Panama Is Popular With Retirees Looking To Live Internationally
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