Living abroad after retirement is an increasingly common choice. Aware of this trend, the agency... International living [It] released the 2025 edition of its annual ranking of the 10 best countries for this new stage of life.
The ranking considers factors such as cost of living, climate, quality of the healthcare system, infrastructure, access to housing, and ease of obtaining a visa or residency. The list is compiled based on the experiences of expatriates and local data.
Some countries stand out for their specific policies aimed at foreign retirees. Others offer good conditions even without dedicated programs.
Italy is among the selected countries, recognized as one of the best options for retirees in Europe.
The list ends with Southeast Asia and Spain.
Tenth place went to MalasiaThe city of George Town, for example, offers high-end rentals for up to 735 euros per month. It is also possible to buy properties starting from 210 euros. The healthcare system is considered modern and accessible.
The ninth place went to ThailandThe country offers urban living for less than $1.200 a month. Luxury options reach $4.000 in tourist destinations. Private healthcare is the most widely used, but with relatively low prices.
In eighth position is SpainA couple can live on up to 450 euros per month in general expenses. Italians have access to public healthcare and can establish residency without bureaucracy, as they are citizens of the European Union.
Italy comes in sixth place.
A France It came in seventh place. Despite the higher cost of living, living in rural areas can reduce expenses. The healthcare system is considered to be of a high standard.
Italy is ranked sixth. The agency highlights the low cost of rent and housing in rural areas. Furthermore, the public healthcare system is free even for those coming from outside the European Union, provided they meet the requirements. residency requirements.
In fifth place is MexicoWith a cost of living starting at $1.200 per month, the country offers an affordable alternative. Public healthcare is efficient, but many opt for private services.
Portugal out of the podium after end of tax incentive.
Fourth place was occupied by PortugalThe country maintained tax incentives for foreign retirees for years, but these were recently discontinued. Even so, the cost of living remains affordable, although prices in major cities have risen.
Greece leads the 2025 ranking.
The third best country for retirees is... Costa RicaThe cost of living is considered low, and there are different ways to obtain residency, depending on monthly income or investments.
Second place went to PanamaThe country offers benefits to retirees through the Pensioner Program, which guarantees discounts on medical expenses, electricity, and transportation.
The top of the list goes to GreeceThe country combines a mild climate, a controlled cost of living outside tourist centers, and free access to the healthcare system for citizens of the European Union, such as Italians.
Ranking 2025 — Best countries to retire in
- Malasia
- Greece
- Panama
- Costa Rica
- Portugal
- Mexico
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Thailand
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Luis Flavio Queiroz Borges
December 15, 2025 at 15:17 am
I would like to retire and live in Italy in small, cozy towns. I am a practicing cardiologist.