Published by  Hannah Walsh - Updated on

Top 10 best countries to retire in 2026: The complete expat guide

Retiring abroad in 2026 has never been more appealing - or more achievable. From sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts to tropical Central American highlands, a new generation of retirees is choosing lifestyle, affordability, and adventure over staying close to home. 

Summary
retirement abroad

Key Takeaways

  • Greece tops the 2026 Global Retirement Index for its 7% flat tax on foreign income, affordable Mediterranean lifestyle, and Golden Visa program starting at €250,000 in real estate investment. 

  • Whether in Europe, Latin America, or Southeast Asia, retirees can live comfortably abroad on budgets ranging from $1,500/month (Thailand, Colombia) to $3,500/month (Uruguay, Spain), making international retirement more accessible than ever.  

  • Health insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for obtaining a retirement visa in most top destinations - including Portugal, Spain, Greece, Thailand, and Costa Rica - making it essential to secure comprehensive international coverage before you move. 

This guide, produced by April International's expat health experts, walks you through the top 10 retirement destinations for 2026 - covering visas, healthcare, cost of living, and why having the right international health insurance makes all the difference.

The Top 10 retirement destinations 

1. Greece - #1 for 2026 

Greece has claimed the top spot in International Living's 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index - a historic first. Its combination of affordable Mediterranean living, EU membership benefits, and a uniquely attractive tax deal has set it apart from long-standing favorites like Portugal and Spain. 

Why retire in Greece: 

  • Flat 7% tax rate on all foreign-source income for up to 15 years  

  • Golden Visa residency for real estate investment from €250,000  

  • Comfortable budget: $2,000-$2,700/month for a couple 

  • World-class private healthcare in Athens and Thessaloniki 

April International tip: Public healthcare on smaller Greek islands can be limited. Comprehensive international health insurance ensures access to English-speaking specialists and mainland hospitals without waiting. 

2. Panama - Modern hub with unbeatable retiree perks 

Panama ranks #2 thanks to its dollarized economy, first-world infrastructure, and the legendary Pensionado Visa - widely considered one of the world's most generous retiree programs.  

Why retire in Panama: 

  • Pensionado Visa from just $1,000/month pension income 

  • Territorial taxation: foreign income (pensions, Social Security) is not taxed 

  • Comfortable budget: $2,000-$3,000/month for a couple 

  • Panama City hospitals affiliated with major US medical institutions 

April International tip: While top-tier care is available in Panama City, retirees living in Boquete or Coronado should maintain international coverage to ensure access to specialists in the capital.

3. Costa Rica - Pura Vida and peace of mind 

Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" philosophy isn't just a saying - it reflects a country ranked among the world's happiest, most biodiverse, and safest in Central America. Its Pensionado Visa is one of the easiest to obtain globally.  

Why retire in Costa Rica: 

  • Pensionado Visa requires just $1,000/month in lifetime pension income 

  • Access to public CAJA healthcare system for legal residents 

  • Comfortable budget: $2,000-$3,000/month for a couple 

  • Strong expat communities in the Central Valley and Southern Zone 

April International tip: International health insurance is often required during the residency process and covers you while you wait to enroll in the CAJA system - a gap that can last several months. 

4. Portugal - Europe's most welcoming retirement destination 

Portugal has long been a European retirement benchmark, and for good reason. Its D7 Passive Income Visa, universal healthcare system, and geographic diversity - from Lisbon's historic streets to the Algarve's golden beaches - make it a perennial top-10 choice.   

Why retire in Portugal: 

  • D7 Visa requires just €820/month in passive income 

  • Universal SNS healthcare accessible to all legal residents 

  • Comfortable budget: $2,200-$2,800/month for a couple 

  • New NHR tax regime offers a 20% flat rate for eligible pensioners 

April International tip: The D7 Visa application requires proof of private health insurance. April International offers tailor-made expat plans that satisfy Portuguese consulate requirements. 

5. Mexico - North America's most accessible retirement 

Mexico combines proximity to the US and Canada with a dramatically lower cost of living - and a lifestyle that ranges from Caribbean beach towns to cool colonial highlands.  

Why retire in Mexico: 

  • No visa required for the first 180 days  

  • Temporary Resident Visa from approx. $2,700/month income 

  • Comfortable budget: $2,000-$2,800/month for a couple 

  • World-class private hospitals in major cities and expat hubs 

April International tip: Many expats in Mexico pay out-of-pocket for routine care, but an international health plan provides essential protection for major medical events and medical evacuation. 

6. Italy - La Dolce Vita at a realistic price 

Italy climbs to #6 in 2026, offering unmatched culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty at a surprisingly accessible price - especially in the south. Its Elective Residency Visa (ERV) provides a clear path for income-independent retirees.  

Why retire in Italy: 

  • ERV requires $31,000/year in passive income for singles  

  • One-bedroom apartments from €400-€800/month in smaller towns  

  • Access to Italy's national healthcare after paying ~$2,300/year into the system  

  • Southern regions like Sicily offer exceptional value and a Mediterranean climate  

April International tip: Healthcare quality varies significantly between northern and southern Italy. International coverage bridges the gap wherever you choose to settle. 

7. France - Universal healthcare and Joie de Vivre 

France's world-famous healthcare system - with no age limits or pre-existing condition exclusions - is a major draw for retirees from around the world. The Long Stay Visa process is transparent, and rural regions offer surprisingly affordable living.  

Why retire in France: 

  • Long Stay Visa requires €1,400/month income proof  

  • Public healthcare access after 3 months for North Americans  

  • Doctor visits from just €9, specialist appointments from €17  

  • Comfortable budget: €2,100-€3,200/month for a couple  

April International tip: You'll need one year of valid Schengen health insurance for your Long Stay Visa application. April International's plans are fully compliant with French consulate requirements. 

8. Spain - Mediterranean lifestyle with World-Class Public Healthcare 

Spain's Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) consistently ranks among the world's best, making it a top choice for health-conscious retirees. Its Non-Lucrative Visa, vibrant expat communities, and 300+ days of sunshine per year seal the deal.  

Why retire in Spain: 

  • Non-Lucrative Visa requires €28,800/year in passive income 

  • Access to the SNS after residency, with monthly contribution from €60 (under 65)  

  • Comfortable budget: $2,300-$3,000/month for a couple 

  • Diverse regions: Madrid, Valencia, Andalusia, the Balearics 

April International tip: Private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the Non-Lucrative Visa application and covers you until SNS enrollment - typically required after one year of residency. 

9. Thailand - The World's best value retirement 

For budget-conscious retirees who want high-quality living at a fraction of Western costs, Thailand is in a league of its own. Its Retirement (O-A) Visa is straightforward, and its private hospitals are internationally recognized centers of medical excellence.  

Why retire in Thailand: 

  • O-A Visa from age 50+, requires 800,000 THB (~$22,000) in a Thai bank 

  • Healthcare costs roughly one-third of US prices  

  • Comfortable budget: $1,500-$2,500/month for a couple 

  • Vibrant expat hubs: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket  

April International tip: Comprehensive international health insurance covering at least 3,000,000 THB is mandatory for the O-A Visa. April International offers compliant plans with cashless access at Thailand's leading hospitals. 

10. Malaysia - Asia's hidden gem for retirees 

Malaysia rounds out the top 10, offering a rare blend of modern infrastructure, English-speaking culture, world-class food, and an exceptionally low cost of living. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program provides a clear residency path.  

Why retire in Malaysia: 

  • Zero tax on foreign passive income  

  • Modern private hospitals, doctors often trained in the UK or Australia  

  • Comfortable budget: ~$2,200/month for a couple in Penang  

  • English widely spoken; large international expat community  

April International tip: While healthcare is remarkably affordable, international health insurance ensures full access to Malaysia's best private hospitals and covers medical evacuation if needed. 

Why international health insurance is non-negotiable 

Regardless of your dream destination, one thing is universal: you cannot retire abroad without proper health coverage. Most retirement visas - including those for Portugal, Spain, Greece, Costa Rica, and Thailand - require proof of comprehensive private health insurance as a condition of application. 

Even in countries with excellent public systems like France or Spain, new residents often face a waiting period before becoming eligible, leaving a critical gap that only private international insurance can fill.  

What to look for in an expat health plan 

  • Compliance with your destination country's visa requirements 

  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions (where applicable) 

  • Access to private hospitals and English-speaking doctors 

  • Emergency medical evacuation 

  • 24/7 multilingual assistance hotline 

At April International, we specialize in international health insurance for expats and retirees. We help you find the plan that protects your health, satisfies immigration requirements, and fits your retirement budget - wherever in the world you choose to live. 

Frequently Asked

Questions (FAQ)

Do I need private health insurance to retire abroad, even if my destination country has public healthcare? 

Yes - in most cases, private international health insurance is a legal requirement for obtaining a retirement visa, even in countries with strong public systems like France, Spain, and Portugal. Public healthcare eligibility for new residents often kicks in only after a waiting period of several months to a year, making private coverage essential from day one. At April International, we offer expat health plans specifically designed to meet the requirements of each destination country's immigration authorities. 

Which country offers the best tax advantages for retirees in 2026? 

Greece and Panama stand out for their fiscal generosity: Greece offers a flat 7% tax on all foreign-source income for up to 15 years, while Panama's territorial tax system means foreign income - including pensions and Social Security - is simply not taxed at all. Malaysia also offers zero tax on passive foreign income, making it a strong option for retirees with investment or pension income. Always consult a tax advisor to understand your home country's obligations as well.  

How much money do I realistically need to retire comfortably abroad in 2026? 

The amount varies widely by destination: retirees in Thailand or Colombia can live comfortably on as little as $1,500/month, while European destinations like France or Spain typically require $2,500-$3,700/month for a couple. Beyond day-to-day expenses, factor in one-time visa and relocation costs, and the recurring cost of a comprehensive international health insurance plan - which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per month depending on your age and coverage level. 

International health insurance expert

Hannah Walsh

Guiding your international journey with clear, accessible, and expert health insurance insights.

Nos guides thématiques