10 Best Places to Retire in Europe: Global Retirement Report 2026

Retiring abroad can be an exciting prospect, and for many Americans, Europe offers the perfect combination of affordability, lifestyle, and cultural richness.

With so many destinations to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to narrow down the best places to retire in Europe. Each country has its own standout features, from Mediterranean climates and affordable cost of living to low crime rates, large expat communities, quality healthcare, and easy integration.

According to insights from the Global Retirement Report 2025 by Global Citizen Solutions, Europe consistently ranks among the top regions worldwide for retirees, offering strong healthcare systems, accessible residency visas, and some of the world’s safest and most welcoming countries.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider before retiring in Europe, compare the main retirement visa options available for Americans, and highlight the most attractive destinations, from Portugal’s Algarve to Malta’s English-speaking islands.

Whether your priority is healthcare access, tax incentives, or finding a welcoming community, this article will help you identify the best European retirement destinations for 2026.

• Retiring in Europe: Insights from the Global Retirement Report 2025
• 10 Best Places to Retire in Europe
• European Retirement Comparison 2026
• Frequently Asked Questions

Retiring in Europe: Insights from the Global Retirement Report 2025

With 44 countries to choose from, deciding where to retire in Europe can feel overwhelming. To help with this decision, we rely on the Global Retirement Report 2025.

It is published by Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Intelligence Unit (GIU) which is an independent research hub dedicated to producing data-driven analysis on mobility, residency, and citizenship.

Unlike other, more generic ranking lists, the Global Retirement Report is updated annually to match a constantly changing world. It is built on verifiable datasets covering affordability, healthcare, safety, quality of life, and integration.

It is widely cited by expats, advisors, and international media as the most comprehensive retirement ranking of its kind in
2026. According to Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, “Our Global Retirement Report is designed to cut through the noise, offering retirees a clear, data-backed picture of where they can truly thrive in their golden years.”

The report breaks retirement considerations into key indices, helping prospective retirees weigh the trade-offs in each destination:

Affordability index

Budgets matter most for those on a fixed retirement income like a pension. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Greece score highly here, offering some of the lowest housing and daily costs in Western Europe while maintaining strong infrastructure.

Healthcare index

Access to quality medical care is a non-negotiable in your golden years. France, Spain, and Portugal consistently rank among the top countries with the best healthcare for expats, as they combine world-class healthcare systems with private insurance options that are affordable for retirees.

Safety and integration index

Personal security and ease of settling in are crucial for retirees. Austria, Slovenia, and Portugal excel in this area, ranking among the safest countries worldwide on the Global Peace Index while hosting strong, welcoming expat communities.

Climate and lifestyle index

From the Mediterranean sun to Alpine mountains, climate shapes lifestyle. Southern Europe leads the pack here, with Portugal’s Algarve, Spain’s Costa del Sol, and Malta topping the list for those who love sunny, outdoor-friendly living.

Residency and visa accessibility index

Retirement abroad isn’t possible without having legal residency. The report evaluates visa pathways like Portugal’s D7 Visa, Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, and Malta’s Retirement Programme, as well as Golden Visa options for those with the means to pursue investment-led migration.

10 Best Places to Retire in Europe

1. Portugal

Portugal consistently ranks as the best place to retire in Europe, thanks to its combination of affordability, climate, safety, and residency accessibility.

Portugal offers one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. Retirees can live comfortably on €1,500 to €2,000 per month when located outside Lisbon or Porto.

The Algarve region, with more than 300 days of sunshine annually, is especially popular among American and British retirees for its Mediterranean climate, scenic coastline, and English-speaking communities.

Portugal also provides accessible residency options for non-EU retirees. The Portugal D7 Visa is a favorite among Americans and other third-country nationals, requiring proof of sufficient passive income such as pensions, dividends, or rental income. For those interested in investment-led migration, the Portugal Golden Visa remains available through regulated investment funds, offering a pathway to residency and eventual citizenship.

Healthcare is another highlight: Portugal’s public Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) system is affordable, and private health insurance averages €40 to €120 per month. Safety is a major draw as well, with Portugal ranked as the 7th safest country worldwide on the Global Peace Index.

2. Spain

Spain remains one of the most attractive retirement destinations in Europe. The Global Retirement Report 2025 highlights Spain’s balanced lifestyle with 320+ sunny days annually in the Costa del Sol, a world-famous culinary scene, and excellent healthcare.

Popular island destinations such as the Canary Islands and Balearics are loved by retirees for their year-round stability. The consistency in mild weather throughout the year makes both island groups particularly attractive for people considering relocation, providing a comfortable and stable environment conducive to a high quality of life.

Living costs are moderate, ranging between €1,200 and €1,500 per month in coastal cities like Valencia or Málaga, while private healthcare insurance ranges from €50 to €200 monthly. Spain’s healthcare system consistently ranks among Europe’s best, and the country boasts more than 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With vibrant expat hubs in Alicante, Valencia, and along the Costa del Sol, many Americans find it easy to retire in Spain and integrate quickly.

Spain also offers a clear residency route for retirees. The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for non-EU citizens with at least €2,400 per month in passive income, making it a natural choice for retirees living on pensions or savings.

3. Austria

Austria is often described as one of Europe’s most liveable countries, with alpine scenery, safe cities, and some of the continent’s best infrastructure.

Vienna consistently ranks at the top of global quality-of-life surveys, offering excellent healthcare, efficient public transport, and a thriving cultural scene.

Retirees drawn to hiking, skiing, and historic towns like Salzburg or Innsbruck will find Austria a balanced destination with a slower pace of life outside the capital.

For non-EU retirees, Austria’s Settlement Permit (Gainful Employment Excepted) is the main visa pathway. It requires proof of stable passive income (around €2,200 per month), private health insurance, and adequate accommodation. While the quota-based system makes applications competitive, those accepted enjoy access to Austria’s universal healthcare system and a clear route to long-term residence.

4. Italy

Italy combines timeless cultural heritage with diverse retirement options, from bustling cities like Florence and Rome to affordable countryside and coastal towns. While big-city living can be expensive, smaller regions such as Le Marche or Calabria offer excellent value with access to healthcare and authentic Italian life.

The most common retirement route is the Elective Residency Visa (ERV), requiring proof of sufficient passive income (around €31,000 annually for an individual). Retirees often begin with private health insurance but can later register with Italy’s national healthcare system, which provides comprehensive coverage at low cost. Luckily, Italy is part of the five so-called Blue Zones where the lifestyle is such that it encourages health and longevity.

For wealthier retirees or those seeking a quicker investment-led path, the Italy Golden Visa (Investor Visa for Italy) offers residency through qualifying investments in government bonds, Italian companies, or innovation-focused funds. While not tailored exclusively to retirees, it remains a valid option for those with higher budgets looking to combine retirement with investment opportunities.

5. Slovenia

Slovenia blends alpine beauty, wine regions, and a charming Adriatic coast into a compact, safe retirement option.

The capital, Ljubljana, is green and welcoming, while Lake Bled and Piran remain favorite spots for retirees seeking peace and natural beauty.

Living costs are lower than in Austria or Italy, making Slovenia one of Europe’s more affordable EU retirement choices.

Non-EU retirees can apply for Slovenia’s Temporary Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons, which requires proof of around €620 in monthly income.

While Slovenia does not operate a formal Golden Visa program, investment in local businesses or property may still support long-term residency options in combination with financial independence routes.

6. Malta

Malta stands out as one of the most accessible English-speaking retirement destinations in Europe.The country offers over 300 days of sunshine annually, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and established expat communities in Valletta, Sliema, and Gozo.

The Malta Retirement Program (MRP) is tailored specifically for retirees with foreign pensions or passive income. Alternatively, the Malta Global Residence Program (GRP) offers residency through investment in property and annual minimum tax contributions.

Wealthier retirees may also consider the Malta Residency by Investment Program (also known as Malta Permanent Residence Program), an investment route that grants permanent residency and Schengen travel rights through qualifying property investments and contributions.

Malta’s tax system favors retirees, with a 15% flat rate on foreign income remitted to Malta, and no wealth or inheritance taxes. Combined with its official English status, Malta remains one of the best places to retire in Europe for English speakers.

7. Latvia

Latvia is an appealing retirement option for those seeking affordability inside the EU. Riga, with its Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant cultural scene, provides the conveniences of a modern capital, while seaside towns like Jūrmala offer a quieter lifestyle close to nature.

Living costs are significantly lower than in Western Europe, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable standard of living on a modest pension.

Non-EU retirees can apply for Latvia’s Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for Financially Independent Persons, which requires proof of at least €1,500 in monthly income. Processing is relatively fast, often just one to two months, and permits family inclusion.

In addition, you have the Latvia Golden Visa program that grants residence through investment. Options include purchasing property with a minimum value of €250,000, making a €280,000 bank deposit, acquiring €250,000 in government bonds, or investing €50,000 to €100,000 in local business. These routes provide five-year residency with Schengen travel access and the possibility of permanent residence later on.

Latvia’s tax system is straightforward, with no wealth tax and minimal inheritance tax (0% for close family, 3% for others). English proficiency is high in urban areas, and with its mix of affordability, EU residency access, and cultural depth, Latvia is an increasingly attractive choice for retirees looking to balance cost with European living standards.

8. Greece

Greece has long been a favorite for retirees drawn to its Mediterranean lifestyle, warm climate, and slower pace of life.

From bustling Athens to charming islands like Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes, retirees can enjoy a balance of cultural heritage and seaside living. The cost of living is lower than much of Western Europe, making it a practical option for those on a fixed income, and healthcare in major cities is of high quality.

The most common pathway for retirees is the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa, which requires proof of at least €2,000 in monthly income. You also have the option of the Greece Golden Visa (if you have more disposable income) that grants residency through real estate or other qualifying investments.

Retirees can also benefit from a highly beneficial tax structure, with a 7% flat tax on foreign pension income for up to 15 years available to new tax residents. With very high English proficiency in urban areas and established expat communities across the islands, Greece offers both accessibility and lifestyle appeal for long-term retirement.

9. Cyprus

Cyprus combines Mediterranean living, warm weather, and English accessibility in one of the most retiree-friendly EU destinations.

With more than 320 days of sunshine a year, sandy beaches, and a relaxed pace of life, the island has long been popular among British and American retirees.

Cities such as Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca offer strong expat networks, while the Troodos Mountains provide a cooler retreat in summer. The cost of living is moderate compared to Western Europe, and healthcare is available through both the public and private systems, with English widely spoken among medical professionals.

Retirees can apply for the Cyprus Category F Residence Permit, designed for those with secure annual income from pensions or passive sources. The usual requirement is around €10,000 to €15,000 annually per applicant, plus additional funds for dependents.

This country also offers the Cyprus Golden Visa program, granting permanent residency through a qualifying property purchase of at least €300,000. Both routes allow long-term residence, with the Golden Visa providing a more direct and flexible pathway to settlement.

Taxes are another attraction: Cyprus does not tax foreign pension income below €3,420 per year, and retirees can choose a flat 5% rate on amounts above that threshold, making it one of Europe’s most favorable tax regimes for retirees. Combined with its climate, English-friendly environment, and strong expat presence, Cyprus remains one of the best places to retire in Southern Europe.

10. Albania

Albania is quickly gaining recognition as a budget-friendly retirement destination in Europe. Its Adriatic and Ionian coastlines offer stunning beaches that rival those of neighboring Greece and Italy but at a fraction of the cost.

Coastal towns such as Saranda and Vlorë are increasingly popular with foreign retirees, while Tirana provides modern services and a lively cultural scene. The overall cost of living is among the lowest in Europe, making it attractive for retirees with modest pensions.

Retirees can apply for Albania’s Retirement Residence Permit, which requires proof of a stable pension income and accommodation. While Albania does not yet offer a formal Golden Visa program, foreigners can purchase property without restrictions, and low real estate prices make it an accessible investment option.

The country also has a favorable tax environment, with low rates and no wealth or inheritance taxes. Combined with Mediterranean weather, developing infrastructure, and growing expat communities, Albania is an emerging option for retirees looking for affordability and future growth potential.

European Retirement Comparison 2026