Discover the best expat retirement countries for 2026. Explore affordable destinations with great healthcare, low taxes and vibrant cultures to enjoy your golden years.
October 28, 2026
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
Retirement is the right time to rethink where you live. Even if you are nowhere near your 60s, it pays to plan your golden years now.
Most people like the comforts of home, so they typically stay in one place. However, there’s no rule that says you have to do the same.
You can start a new chapter in your life by moving abroad, which can spark new adventures. Not to mention, you can enjoy more of your financial assets too.
So where are the best expat retirement countries to relocate to? We’ll show you a comprehensive list below.
What Changed in 2026
- Portugal: The minimum wage rose to €920 per month on January 1, 2026, which raises the D7 visa income requirement.
- Italy: The flat tax for wealthy new residents rose to €300,000 per year for people who move to Italy after December 31, 2025.
- Thailand: Tax on foreign income remitted to Thailand still applies. A proposal to exempt income remitted in the year earned or the following year remained a draft as of October 2026.
- Malaysia: Foreign-sourced income received by resident individuals stays tax-exempt until December 31, 2036.
Best Places To Retire In The World
Panama
This may come as a shock to many since it’s not usually on people’s radars, but Panama is probably the best country to retire to from the USA. It’s relatively close to the US, so if you’re originally from there, you won’t have to move halfway across the world.
Panama has a warm climate, making it a welcome change if you’re from a colder place. It also has a modern infrastructure and is very expat-friendly.
This nation has a low to moderate cost of living too. In most areas, $1,500 to $2,500 a month is sufficient for a comfortable life.
Here, foreign-sourced income is not taxed, so nothing is deducted from your pension. Plus, it is easy to qualify for the pensioner visa: you need a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 a month (plus $250 per month per dependent), or $750 a month if you buy Panamanian property worth at least $100,000. The visa grants permanent residency at approval, and pensioners get legally mandated discounts on healthcare, travel and dining under Panama’s Law 6 of 1987.
If you’re worried about healthcare, don’t be. There’s excellent private healthcare and it’s affordable, especially when compared to the US.
Mexico
Even closer to the US is Mexico, which is also one of the best places to retire in the world. On top of its close proximity to the US, Mexico offers various climates (from beaches and forests to semi-arid areas) and rich culture. You can also get dual citizenship in this country.
Mexico’s just across the border but has a low cost of living. Anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 a month will cover comfortable living in popular expat areas.
Once you live in Mexico and become a tax resident, Mexico taxes your worldwide income, but the US-Mexico tax treaty prevents double taxation of pensions. There is no inheritance tax, and property taxes are low if you want to own a home in Mexico.
As for healthcare, both public (IMSS) and private healthcare is affordable.
Costa Rica
Head south, and you’ll find Costa Rica, which offers a haven of peace and tropical weather. It’s perfect for those seeking eco-friendly living.
The cost of living is moderate here, and you will need $2,000 to $3,000 a month for a comfortable life. The upside is that Costa Rica does not tax foreign income and has simple residency programs for retirees. The pensionado visa, for example, requires a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 a month, the same base amount as Panama’s.
There’s universal healthcare available in Costa Rica, which everyone pays into. If you need private healthcare, then rest easy knowing that it’s affordable.
Thailand
Go on an exciting adventure in Asia by retiring in Thailand. This nation makes our list thanks to not only its vibrant expat communities (full of digital nomads), but also its warm weather and diverse culture.
One of the best things about Thailand is its very low cost of living: you can live well on $1,500 a month. Retirees aged 50 and older qualify for a retirement visa with 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or a monthly income of 65,000 baht. On taxes, note that since January 1, 2024, Thailand taxes foreign income that tax residents bring into the country, in the year it is remitted. Income earned before 2024 stays exempt.
You’ll find excellent private hospitals in Thailand. Expect low-cost treatments too.
Malaysia
Another Asian country to consider is Malaysia, where you’ll find a tropical climate, cultural diversity, and modern amenities.
The cost of living is a little higher than in Thailand, but it’s still low to moderate. You can enjoy luxury living with just $1,500 to $2,500 a month. And like most (if not all) countries on this list, you’ll benefit from top-notch healthcare at a fraction of US costs.
Malaysia does not tax foreign-sourced income received by resident individuals until at least December 31, 2036. For long-term visas, look at the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, which requires a fixed deposit of $150,000 (Silver), $500,000 (Gold) or $1 million (Platinum) and the purchase of a residential property.
Portugal
Portugal’s perhaps the best country to retire in Europe. You’ll bask in the Mediterranean climate while feeling safe. Plus, there’s a lively culture in this nation that’ll give you plenty to do.
The cost of living is moderate in Portugal. While €1,500 to €2,500 a month will give you luxury in some countries, it’s just enough to have a comfortable lifestyle here. The upside is that there’s high-quality, affordable public and private healthcare systems in this nation.
One drawback is tax on foreign pensions. Portugal closed its non-habitual resident (NHR) regime to new applicants in 2024, so the old 10% flat rate on foreign pensions is gone. Its replacement, IFICI, covers qualifying research and innovation jobs and does not exempt pensions, so new retirees pay Portugal’s progressive income tax rates on foreign pension income.
However, it is relatively easy to move to Portugal. With the D7 visa, your pension only has to equal 100% of the minimum wage, which is €920 per month (€11,040 per year) as of January 1, 2026.
Greece
Those who love the Mediterranean climate can put Greece on the list too. This nation will have you sighing in bliss with its laid-back living, and you’ll never tire of its historic sites.
Its moderate cost of living means that for €1,500 to €2,500 a month, you’ll be fine. And you’ll have accessible, affordable healthcare, both public and private. You do have to pay a monthly fee for the former, but it’s a very small amount taken monthly.
If you were not a Greek tax resident in five of the previous six years and move from a country that has a tax cooperation agreement with Greece, you can pay a 7% flat tax on all foreign-source income, including pensions, for up to 15 years. You can move here through the Greece Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa program, or through the golden visa if you want to own property.
France
For milder weather in Europe, look northwest to France. You’ll still have Mediterranean beaches, but the diverse landscapes in this country mean that you’ll also get the countryside and even the Alps. You’ll have a blast in your golden years having exceptional food, wine, and cultural experiences.
The major caveat of living in France is that it has a moderate to high cost of living. Of course, larger cities like Paris or Nice are expensive, but rural areas (like the Dordogne or Brittany) are more affordable; you’ll likely need €2,000 to €3,500 a month to live there.
France taxes residents on worldwide income, including pensions. Its double taxation treaties, including the US-France treaty, ensure you are not taxed twice on the same income.
This nation’s strongest point for retirees is that its universal healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale) is considered one of the best in the world. Expats can access it through the PUMA system or private health insurance.
Italy
Geographically speaking, Italy lies between Greece and France. It has a Mediterranean lifestyle, which means a slower pace of life. Residents can enjoy beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
In general, Italy has a moderate cost of living. You’ll pay more if you want to live in cities like Rome or Milan, but in smaller towns or rural areas, you’ll need around €1,800 to €2,800 a month to live comfortably.
Southern Italy deserves a look: retirees who move to a town of no more than 20,000 inhabitants in Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise or Puglia can pay a 7% flat tax on all foreign income for 10 years. Wealthier movers can instead use the flat tax regime for new residents, which costs €300,000 per year on foreign income for people who move to Italy after December 31, 2025.
Italy also has a universal healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), which is affordable and high-quality. You can opt for private healthcare if you wish though.
Malta
One more European nation to think about in regard to expat retirement is Malta. It also has a Mediterranean climate, and the culture is unique to the islands. The official languages are Maltese and English, so you won’t struggle with the language there.
In recent years, the cost of living has increased, meaning it’s moderate to high. To cover most of your needs, you’ll have to spend €2,000 to €3,000 a month.
The upside is a highly ranked healthcare system. Under the Malta Retirement Programme, foreign income remitted to Malta is taxed at a flat 15%, with a minimum annual tax of €7,500 (plus €500 per dependent). Your pension must make up at least 75% of your chargeable income, and you need comprehensive health insurance covering you and your dependents across the EU.
Consider the Best Expat Retirement Countries for 2026
This is but a starting point for the best expat retirement countries. We’ve given you the basic highlights, but it’s up to you to research the full residency requirements and any double taxation agreements between your home country and the destination.
If you don’t do your due diligence, then you may be disappointed when you relocate. Don’t forget to factor in healthcare quality, cost of living, and overall lifestyle preferences before moving.
Get in touch with us today if you’re wondering about asset structuring while living overseas. Global Wealth Protection can help protect you from litigation and excessive taxes.