Greece Tops 2026 Global Retirement Index for First Time
Affordable living, strong healthcare, easy visas, and a Mediterranean lifestyle push Greece past longtime leaders like Portugal and Panama and Costa Rica in International Living’s new rankings
For the first time in the 35-year history of International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index rankings, Greece has been named the best place in the world to retire, making a remarkable jump from the seventh spot in last year’s index to the top spot for 2026.
“Greece’s rise to No. 1 marks a shift in Europe’s retirement landscape.”
International Living‘s Jennifer Stevens
The long-respected guide evaluates the world’s top destinations for retirees across a variety of key categories, including cost of living, healthcare, housing, visas, climate, and ease of integration.
Sun-soaked, safe, and surprisingly attainable—Greece claims the top spot in the brand-new 2026 index, released Dec. 1, emerging as the new value leader for retirees seeking culture, comfort, community, and easy access to Europe. It earned the ranking (average of 90.1) for its affordable lifestyle, excellent private healthcare, accessible visa options, and enviable Mediterranean climate.
“Greece’s rise to No. 1 marks a shift in Europe’s retirement landscape,” said Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living. “For years, Portugal and Spain led the way, but recent visa changes and rising costs have retirees looking elsewhere. Greece now offers what many are seeking—a beautiful, welcoming, and affordable European base with accessible residency options and a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense.”
Greece scored particularly high in Climate, Healthcare, and Housing—categories that reflect not only its natural beauty and quality of care, but also the welcoming culture that helps newcomers feel at home. Residency options are another factor that set Greece apart this year. The country’s Golden Visa program, which grants residency through property investment, remains one of Europe’s most accessible, particularly now that Portugal has tightened its rules.
“All in all, when it comes to Golden Visa options, I’d say Greece is more than the new Portugal… it may be even better,” said International Living’s Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann.
With more than 8,000 miles of coastline, hundreds of islands, and over 300 days of sunshine a year, IL says Greece offers retirees a high quality of life at a surprisingly modest cost.
“Greece quietly transforms the way you live,” says International Living’s Greece correspondent Leena Horner, who retired to Corfu four years ago. “It’s not just one thing; it’s the climate, the siga siga attitude of taking life slowly, the vibrant community, and the daily connection with nature.”
Horner said she and her husband live comfortably on the equivalent of about $3,400 per month and pay less than $300 per month for private health insurance covering both of them while paying out-of-pocket for routine care that has never topped $1,200 in a year.
Obtaining residency is quite straightforward. Retirees often apply for the Financially Independent Person permit, while property buyers typically seek the Golden Visa. Remote workers have the option of a Digital Nomad Visa. It is not necessary to own a home in order to live in Greece, but many choose to do so because the Golden Visa process is relatively uncomplicated and comes with many benefits, including visa-free access to most of Europe.
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