2025 Global Retirement Report Reveals Best Countries for Retirement
International retiree migration influenced by passive income and retirement visa programs across 44 countries
This week, Global Citizen Solutions introduced the Global Retirement Report 2025, a comprehensive benchmark study that brings clarity and direction to the evolving landscape of international retirement migration.
The report evaluates 44 passive income and retirement visa programs across the globe, each offering unique possibilities for those ready to embark on their next chapter abroad. The U.S. did not make the list, but the report did find that many of the countries ranked in the top 10 are in the Americas and Europe.
Indeed, the analysis reveals the Americas and Europe together account for more than two-thirds of all programs, but the growing presence of attractive options in Asia and Africa signals a new era of choice and diversity for retirees worldwide. The report says the rise in accessible, well-structured pathways for passive income visa holders is democratizing global retirement, making it an attainable reality not just for the few, but for a broad and varied community of retirees.
Key findings highlight a remarkable emphasis on quality of life, with over 70% of programs delivering above-average scores in healthcare, environmental quality, and overall well-being. And 93% of countries now offer clear paths to citizenship, and nearly all permit dual citizenship, ensuring that retirees can establish new roots while preserving their original identities.
For high-net-worth individuals and those seeking to optimize their global financial strategy, the report confirms that 61% of countries offer tailored tax benefits for retirees. At the same time, 61% of all programs maintain low income requirements, and 68% offer affordable application costs, reinforcing the trend toward broader accessibility. Safety, social integration, and cultural openness are also well represented, with more than 60% of countries excelling in these areas.
What follows is a look at the top five countries in the rankings, along with a closer look at why the top spot goes to a perennial favorite for retirees.
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