Discover the top 10 countries to retire in 2025: Portugal, Spain, Mauritius, Uruguay and more. Learn about visas, cost of living, health insurance and comfortable living abroad

When it’s time to slow down, more and more people dream of a “retirement in the sun” – where the sea is nearby, the cost of living is not high, and healthcare is affordable.

In 2025, Global Citizen Solutions compiled a ranking of the best countries to retire in, and this list reveals not only warm beaches, but also opportunities for a comfortable life with a decent level of services and stability.

We have collected ten countries where retirement can become a new stage of adventure – with practical information on visas, cost of living, climate and healthcare system.

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1st place – Portugal

- The best country for retirees in 2025 – 92.61 points

Portugal ranks first among the most attractive countries for retirement. It combines a high level of comfort, a developed healthcare system and affordable daily expenses. The warm climate, colorful cities and picturesque coasts create ideal conditions for a calm and fulfilling life after the end of your career.

How to move?

The D7 visa is ideal for retirees and people with passive income (minimum ≈ €2,500/month). After 5 years, you can obtain the right to permanent residence or citizenship.

Practical information

- Climate: +16°C in winter, +28°C in summer.

- Apartment rental cost: from €800–1,000 in Lisbon, €600 in Porto.

- Healthcare: high-quality SNS system, affordable insurance from €40/month.

- Tip: After 2024, the NHR tax benefit will be abolished, but the country remains a good place to live.

2nd place – Mauritius

- Tropical paradise for a peaceful life – 89.24.

An island nation with eternal summer, clean beaches and spoken English. Mauritius is suitable for those who dream of a leisurely life by the ocean.

The moving procedure here is fast and transparent, and taxes are low. People who do not want to take any financial risks when moving abroad with their pension choose countries like Mauritius, because there is no international tax system here.

How to move?

In 2025, retirees will have two options for obtaining a residence permit in Mauritius: Retired Residence Permit – for people aged 50+, requires an income of at least $1,500/month or the ability to invest in real estate for long-term residence.

Practical information

- Climate: tropical, year-round temperature +25–30°C.

- Cost of living: $1,200–1,500/month for one person.

- Health: private insurance is mandatory, approximately $100–150/month.

3rd place – Spain

- Sun, culture and a quiet life – 88.52.

Spain is consistently among the top five countries in the world for retirement. Thanks to its warm climate, rich culture, moderate costs and developed healthcare system, this country remains one of the most popular destinations among retirees from around the world.

How to move?

Non-lucrative visa available – for those with a passive income of €2,400/month. After 5 years, you can get permanent residence.

Practical information

- Housing: from €700–900 for an apartment in Andalusia.

- Medicine: one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

- English is widely spoken in tourist regions.

4th place – Uruguay

- Safe haven of South America – 88.05.

Uruguay attracts retirees with a combination of vibrant culture, picturesque beaches and a comfortable subtropical climate. The moderate cost of living and a peaceful atmosphere make this country an ideal choice for those looking for a balance between quality of life and affordability after retirement.

How to move?

Pensionado visa – requires a lifetime pension or a regular income of $1,500/month. After 3 years, you can apply for citizenship.

Practical information

- Cost of living: $1,200–1,800/month

- Climate: moderate, comfortable all year round

- Healthcare: high level, insurance $60–100/month

5th place – Austria

- European comfort and stability – 87.92.

Thanks to the high standard of living, security and developed social security system, Austria is becoming an attractive choice for those planning to settle abroad after retirement.

How to move?

- Residence permit without gainful employment – ​​income ≈ €2,500/month required. Full health insurance required.

Practical information

- Housing: from €1,000/month in Vienna.

- Medicine: one of the best systems in Europe.

- Climate: continental, four seasons.

6th place – Italy

- “La dolce vita” for retirees – 87.42

Italy attracts retirees with its warm climate, exquisite cuisine and high-quality health care system. Those looking for a calm and measured rhythm of life will appreciate less touristy regions, where natural beauty, historical heritage and comfort for everyday life are combined.

How to move?

Elective Residence Visa – for people with passive income (from €3,000/month). After 5 years – permanent residence.

Practical information

- Housing: €600–900 in provincial cities.

- State healthcare is available after registration in the municipality.

- Living expenses – about €1,800/month.

7th place – Slovenia

- Nature, safety and tranquility – 87.30.

According to International Living, Slovenia is a real European pearl. The country combines an affordable standard of living, impressive nature, rich cultural heritage and the hospitality of local residents, allowing you to enjoy everything you need without significant expenses.

How to move?

Residence permit for financially independent individuals (income from €2,000/month).

Practical information

- Housing: from €700 in Ljubljana.

- A country with excellent opportunities for active recreation.

- Medicine: European quality, insurance from €50/month.

8th place - Malta

- Mediterranean comfort - 87.00.

Malta is becoming a popular choice for retirees who are looking for a quiet and comfortable life after many years of work. It combines moderate real estate prices, friendly locals and a mild warm climate, which creates ideal conditions for relaxation and everyday life.

How to move?

Malta Retirement Programme - minimum annual income of €25,000. You can invest in housing or rent it for a minimum of €9,600/year.

Practical information

- Housing: from €1,200/month

- Health insurance is mandatory.

- 300 days of sunshine per year

9th place – Latvia

- Access to Europe close to home – 86.97

Latvia is gaining popularity among retirees due to its moderate cost of living and high-quality healthcare system. The country attracts with its beautiful coastal resorts, historic cities and picturesque natural landscapes, creating comfortable conditions for a peaceful life.

How to move?

Residence permit due to financial independence or real estate investment.

Practical information

- Housing: €500–700 in Riga

- Medicine: EU healthcare system

- Moderate climate, similar to Ukrainian.

10th place – Chile

- Leader of stability in South America –86.90.

Chile impresses with its incredible nature and rich cultural heritage, which makes it an attractive choice for retirees. In addition, the country is considered one of the safest in South America and is noted for its low level of corruption.

How to move?

Retirement and Periodic Income Visa – minimum income $1,500/month. After 5 years – permanent residence.

Practical information

- Cost of living: $1,300–1,700/month.

- The climate is diverse — from deserts to the Andes.

- Medicine is private, but high-quality.

Retirement abroad is not only an opportunity to enjoy comfort, sun and a calm rhythm of life, but also a chance to discover new cultures, make friends from all over the world and lead an active and eventful lifestyle. Each of the countries presented has its own advantages: from the warm beaches of Mauritius and Portugal to the cultural richness of Italy and Spain, from the safety of Austria and Slovenia to the stability of Chile and Uruguay.

When planning a move, it is important to consider not only the climate and cost of living, but also visa requirements, health insurance and opportunities for comfortable living. With the right approach, retirement abroad can become a new stage in life, full of vivid impressions and carefree.

Not sure which visa to choose or how to confirm income?

Use the services of Visit World consultants - experts will help you choose the best way to obtain a retirement visa and prepare documents for moving.

Reminder! New Zealand is introducing a new visa for parents of citizens and residents of the country. We have already talked about the new long-term Parent Boost Visitor Visa in New Zealand: who can apply, what financial and medical requirements apply, how the application process works and what are the conditions for extending your stay up to 10 years.

Photo – Freepik

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