- More U.S. retirees are heading overseas for a better quality of life, as countries like Portugal, Mauritius, and Spain offer attractive retirement visa programs. Unlike the U.S., these countries provide clear paths to citizenship and strong support for expats. For those seeking sunshine, safety, and affordability, retiring abroad is more appealing than ever.
Baby boomers aren’t just flocking down to sunshine states like Florida to kickstart their retirement careers anymore—they’re booking a one-way ticket overseas for a better quality of life.
While the United States lacks a formal retirement visa, many other countries offer dedicated programs for retirees to have more affordable living and a new laid-back lifestyle, which is why it’s no surprise the U.S. didn’t make the cut in the Global Citizen Solutions’ 2025 retirement report.
For expats ready for cobblestone views and sipping coffee on a sunny terrace, the new report ranks 44 passive income and retirement visa programs. It also evaluated 20 key indicators grouped into six main categories: visa procedures, citizenship and mobility, economic factors, tax benefits, quality of life, and safety and social integration. Each country received a score out of 100.
Many of the top-ranked countries were in Europe and South America. Portugal ranked as the best, followed by Mauritius and Spain.
“The countries dominating our rankings understand that successful retirement migration isn’t just about letting people in, it’s about helping them thrive,” Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, tells Fortune.
Portugal, Mauritius, and Spain top the list, she said, because they truly support new residents with tools to build a life. “They offer language programs, streamlined healthcare registration, and clear pathways from temporary residence to citizenship,” Casaburi explained. “Countries that treat retirees as temporary visitors rather than future citizens consistently underperform.”
The 10 best countries to retire abroad in 2025
- Portugal
- Mauritius
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Austria
- Italy
- Slovenia
- Malta
- Latvia
- Chile
Portugal
Coming in at number one was Portugal, where dual citizenship is allowed. The European country offers citizens a D7 Visa, a type of residency visa designed for people who have a stable passive income—making it a popular option for retirees.
What matters most to new international citizens is feeling secure and being able to build a real life in their new country, and Portugal excels at letting boomers build a new life without losing their roots.
“[Portugal] has institutional frameworks suggesting it will remain stable for the next 20-30 years of your retirement. Before making the move, research the country’s healthcare system rankings, political stability indices, and infrastructure investments. Visit during different seasons and talk to expat communities who’ve been there for 5+ years,” Casaburi added.
A single applicant needs about €870 per month in stable passive income. The processing time takes around 12 months. After the initial residency permit is granted and you’ve lived there for at least 5 years, you can apply to be a permanent citizen. Portugal also taxes its citizens on the income they make inside and outside of the country.
Mauritius
Next at number two was the eastern African country, Mauritius. Retirees can obtain a residence permit by demonstrating a minimum monthly income of $1,500, with processing times typically around three months.
The permit allows the main applicant to include their spouse or legal partner, as well as dependent children, making it a family-friendly option. Retirees benefit from a territorial tax system, meaning foreign-sourced income is not taxed, and there are no wealth or inheritance taxes. After six years of residency, retirees become eligible to apply for citizenship, and dual citizenship is permitted.
Spain
Number three was Spain. The Spanish non-lucrative visa (NLV) is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any work. To qualify, applicants should have a stable income of at least €2,400 per month.
Processing for a visa typically takes around three months. Once approved, residents are subject to Spain’s worldwide tax system and potential inheritance tax. The NLV provides a pathway to Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residence, or just 2 years for citizens of select Latin American and other historically connected countries. Dual citizenship is allowed, depending on the laws of the applicant’s country of origin.
Uruguay
Coming in at number four was the South American country Uruguay, where residents need an income requirement of $2,000 of stable passive income a month. Processing time takes about one month. The main applicant can include spouse or legal partner, minor children and dependent adult children, there are no imposed taxes on foreign-sourced income, and no wealth and inheritance tax. Dual citizenship is allowed and the path to citizenship takes about 5 years.
Austria
Ending the top five was Austria. The country offers an independent residence permit as a pathway for people who can prove they have an income to support themselves while abroad. Processing time takes about 4 months and the main applicant could include a spouse, legal partner and minor children. For tax benefits, they have a worldwide tax system—meaning the country taxes its citizens on all their income, regardless of where it was earned—and no inheritance tax. The path to citizenship is 10 years, with dual citizenship allowed.
Are you looking to retire abroad? Fortune wants to hear from you. Contact Jessica.Coacci@fortune.com
