Top Countries for Retirement

5. Austria

In the Global Retirement Report 2025, Austria ranked 5^th overall, thanks primarily to strong scores in “Safety and Integration” (1^st) and “Quality of Life” (4^th). Austria ranked 18^th in “Tax Optimization,” 19^th in “Citizenship and Mobility,” 29^th in “Procedure” and 41^st in “Economics.”

Why it’s a great place to retire: Austria has a well-regarded public healthcare system that covers all residents, including retirees. It is consistently praised for low crime rates and public safety, making it a reassuring choice for retirees. Political and social stability adds to its appeal.

4. Uruguay

Uruguay ranked fourth overall thanks to ranking 1^st in Procedure, 3^rd in Tax Optimization and 6^th in Quality of Life. Uruguay ranked 11^th in Safety and Integration, 12^th in Citizenship and Mobility, and 33^rd in Economics.

Why it’s a great place to retire: Uruguay is widely considered one of the safest, most politically stable countries in South America. A moderate climate, clean environment, and relatively low crime rates add to retirees’ peace of mind. Real estate ownership, foreign income, and other factors often come with favorable terms for retirees compared to many countries. And of course it’s also very affordable, with many ex-pat retirees reporting living comfortably on $1,500-$2,500 per month.

3. Spain

Spain ranked third overall after scoring 1^st for Quality of Life and 2^nd for Procedure. It also had top-10 scores for Safety and Integration (5^th) and Citizenship and Mobility (6^th). Spain ranked 21^st for tax optimization and 38^th for Economics.

Why it’s a great place to retire: Spain’s warmth, lots of sunshine (especially in Mediterranean zones), mild winters, and beautiful landscapes are big draws. Rich cultural life, great food, music, art, festivals, walkable towns, and social life all those combine to make Spain attractive to retirees. Overall scores in “best places to retire” rankings often consider healthcare, climate, safety, affordability, and lifestyle—and Spain tends to do well on all these fronts. For many retirees, the trade-offs are favorable: moderate taxes/paperwork but big gains in lifestyle, well-being, and cost-for-value.

2. Mauritius

Mauritius, a volcanic island nation in the southwest Indian Ocean, ranked second thanks to finishing 2^nd in Tax Optimization, 3^rd in Procedure and 4^th in Safety and Integration. It ranked 23^rd for Citizenship and Mobility and 24^th in both Quality of Life and Economics.

Why it’s a great place to retire: Known for its diverse population and stable economy driven by tourism, financial services, and textiles, retirees can live comfortably—and for many, quite modestly—in Mauritius. Retirees aged 50+ may qualify for a “Retired Permit,” which offers long-term residence. English is an official language and most people are multilingual (including French and Creole), which makes integration easier for many retirees.

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