15 Best Countries to Retire Abroad in 2025
Retiring abroad is more popular than ever, as retirees seek a slower pace of life, warmer climates, affordable healthcare, and the chance to stretch their savings further. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in Europe, enjoying tropical beaches, or exploring vibrant cities at a lower cost of living, there are plenty of countries offering a welcoming environment for expats over 60.
From easy residency options to top-rated healthcare systems, these destinations are ideal for retirees looking to start a new chapter with comfort, convenience, and adventure.
Here are 10 of the best countries to retire abroad in 2025.
1. Portugal – Europe’s Top Retirement Haven
Portugal continues to top retirement destination lists—and for good reason. The country offers a mild climate, friendly locals, a low cost of living, and excellent healthcare. English is widely spoken in expat-friendly areas like the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto.
Portugal’s D7 visa allows retirees to establish residency with proof of passive income, and the country offers tax incentives for foreign pensioners. With coastal towns, historic charm, and easy access to the rest of Europe, Portugal remains a top choice for retirees seeking lifestyle and affordability.
2. Mexico – Affordable, Accessible, and Diverse
Mexico remains a favorite for North American retirees thanks to its proximity, diverse regions, and well-established expat communities. Cities like Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, and Lake Chapala offer cultural richness, safety, and affordability.
The cost of living is significantly lower than in the U.S., and healthcare—especially in private clinics—is high-quality and inexpensive. Mexico’s temporary resident visa is relatively easy to obtain with proof of pension or savings, making the transition smooth for retirees.
3. Costa Rica – Pura Vida Living in Central America
Costa Rica offers a laid-back lifestyle, lush landscapes, and some of the best healthcare in Latin America. Known for its natural beauty, political stability, and eco-conscious mindset, the country has long been popular among retirees.
The “Pensionado” visa requires a minimum monthly income from a retirement source, such as Social Security. Expats enjoy excellent weather, friendly locals, and access to both beaches and mountains. While not the cheapest option, the quality of life here is hard to beat.
4. Spain – Sunny Shores and Urban Sophistication
With its Mediterranean lifestyle, affordable cities, and top-tier healthcare, Spain is an ideal destination for retirees. Cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Alicante offer a balance of culture, comfort, and coastal beauty.
The non-lucrative visa is designed for retirees with passive income and provides a path to long-term residency. Spain also offers a generous public healthcare system for residents. Whether you’re craving seaside living or vibrant city life, Spain delivers on every front.
5. Thailand – Exotic, Affordable, and Welcoming
Thailand combines tropical scenery with one of the lowest costs of living on this list. Retirees can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in cities like Chiang Mai or Hua Hin, where rent, dining, and healthcare are surprisingly affordable.
The “Retirement Visa” is available for those 50 and older who meet income or savings requirements. Thailand offers a rich cultural experience, excellent private hospitals, and a thriving expat community—all with the bonus of warm weather year-round.
6. Panama – Easy Residency and U.S. Ties
Panama is a smart pick for retirees seeking modern infrastructure and a relaxed lifestyle. It uses the U.S. dollar, offers direct flights from North America, and has a strong expat presence. Cities like Boquete and Panama City are especially popular.
The Pensionado visa is one of the best retirement visas globally, offering discounts on everything from healthcare to travel for those with a qualifying pension. The country is also known for its reliable internet, making it ideal for retirees who stay digitally connected.
7. Italy – History, Healthcare, and Romance
For retirees seeking cultural richness and old-world charm, Italy delivers in spades. While major cities like Rome and Milan can be expensive, many smaller towns—especially in regions like Puglia or Sicily—offer affordable living and picturesque surroundings.
Italy’s elective residency visa is an option for those with sufficient financial means. The public healthcare system is well-regarded and accessible to residents. From food and festivals to scenic countryside, Italy provides a deeply rewarding retirement lifestyle.
8. Ecuador – Low Cost and Natural Diversity
Ecuador is often cited as one of the most affordable retirement destinations in the world. The country boasts diverse climates—from the beaches of Salinas to the mountain town of Cuenca—and a favorable currency, as it also uses the U.S. dollar.
Ecuador offers a retiree visa for those with modest monthly income and provides access to affordable healthcare and real estate. With its scenic landscapes and active expat groups, it’s an ideal destination for budget-conscious retirees who want to live well.
9. Greece – Laid-Back Living in a Historic Setting
Greece combines ancient history with a relaxed pace of life and relatively low living costs compared to much of Western Europe. Islands like Crete and towns like Nafplio are popular among retirees looking for sun, sea, and simplicity.
The country offers a long-stay visa for non-EU retirees with adequate financial means. With delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and access to the Mediterranean, Greece makes a strong case for peaceful and scenic retirement living.
10. Colombia – An Emerging Favorite
Colombia is quickly gaining popularity with expats thanks to its spring-like climate, welcoming culture, and improved safety. Cities like Medellín and Pereira offer high quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S.
Retirees can apply for a retirement visa with proof of a government or private pension. Healthcare is excellent and affordable, and Colombia ranks high for its overall friendliness toward foreigners. For retirees looking to stretch their dollars and explore vibrant culture, Colombia is worth serious consideration.
11. Malaysia – Modern Comfort with Southeast Asian Affordability
Malaysia is an excellent option for retirees looking for a high standard of living at a reasonable cost. With top-notch healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a low cost of living, it’s especially popular among Western expats. English is widely spoken, and Malaysia’s “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) program offers long-term residency for retirees who meet income and asset requirements.
Cities like Penang and Kuala Lumpur offer access to great hospitals, international dining, and robust expat communities. Retirees can enjoy a tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and a blend of cultures without sacrificing convenience.
12. Uruguay – Stable, Safe, and Scenic
Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Uruguay is one of South America’s most stable and peaceful countries. It offers a strong social safety net, political stability, and a relaxed pace of life. The healthcare system is high-quality and affordable, and foreign retirees can access public healthcare after becoming residents.
Montevideo and coastal towns like Punta del Este are popular among retirees for their cultural offerings and beachfront living. The country allows foreign residents to bring in personal goods tax-free and doesn’t tax foreign income, making it attractive for financial planning.
13. Belize – Caribbean Living Close to Home
Belize offers a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle with the added bonus of English as the official language. It’s a top choice for North American retirees who want beachfront living without a language barrier. The country’s Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program is designed specifically for expats over 45 with proof of retirement income.
Belize offers warm weather year-round, a welcoming culture, and access to the world’s second-largest barrier reef for diving and snorkeling. Life is simple, the vibe is relaxed, and costs can be quite manageable outside of the main tourist zones.
14. Georgia – Emerging Gem with a Low Cost of Living
The country of Georgia (in the Caucasus region) is quickly gaining popularity for its welcoming visa policies and incredibly low cost of living. Retirees can stay visa-free for up to a year, and the government is working on new residency options for long-term foreign residents.
Tbilisi, the capital, offers a vibrant café scene, rich history, and excellent wine culture. Healthcare is affordable, and expat communities are growing rapidly. For retirees looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience with Old World charm, Georgia is a hidden gem worth considering.
15. Vietnam – Cultural Richness and Big Savings
Vietnam’s low cost of living, warm climate, and incredible food make it a compelling retirement destination. While there’s no official retirement visa yet, many retirees stay long-term by using business or investor visas or doing regular visa runs.
Cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang offer beach living at a fraction of the cost of other countries, with modern apartments available for a few hundred dollars a month. Healthcare is private but very affordable, and the country’s rich culture and welcoming locals make for an enriching retirement lifestyle.
