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.
NEXT PAGE: Rest of the Top Places
Rest of the Top 5
No. 2: Panama: Last year’s No. 1, Panama, never seems to stray far from the top spot in IL’s annual Global Retirement Index, and such is the case for 2026 as it came in at No. 2 with an overall ranking average of 89.3.
“If you’re from the U.S. or Canada, you can live here for six months and give it a whirl—no visa needed. Panama has top-notch internet, uses the U.S. dollar, and is home to one of the world’s most stable international banking centers. It’s known as the Hub of the Americas, thanks to its award-winning international airport,” writes IL Panama correspondent Jessica Ramesch.
She adds that Panama’s real claim to fame is its renowned Pensionado Program. “Retiree residents in Panama get specific, government-mandated discounts that cover nearly every major aspect of life. Imagine 25% off your power bill, 50% off movie and show tickets, 20% off medical consultations, and much more,” Ramesch writes. “The basic requirement is simple: your pension must be at least $1,000 a month (or $1,250 pooled between you and your spouse). Acceptance rates are high, wait times are low (as little as three months)… and once you’re in, you’re in.”
No. 3: Costa Rica: Another perennial top five country in the IL Global Retirement Index, Costa Rica remains in the No. 3 spot in the 2026 rankings with a score of 87.6.
U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days visa-free, with proof of onward travel, reports IL Costa Rica correspondent Bekah Bottone. Residency is easy to obtain but takes time—typically six to 18 months. Pensionado applicants need $1,000/month in pension income.
No. 4: Portugal: After claiming the No. 2 spot in both the 2024 and 2025 indexes, Portugal lands at No. 4 in the 2026 Global Retirement Index with a score of 87.4.
No. 5: Mexico: Mexico drops one spot from No. 4 in 2025 to No. 5 in 2026 with a score of 87.3.
NEXT PAGE: Interest in Retiring Abroad on Rise
Interest in retiring abroad rising
According to a 2025 Harris Poll, 44% of Americans say they have seriously considered retiring abroad, with 14% reporting that they’re actively planning or contemplating a move overseas within the next two years.
The poll found about half of Americans considering retirement abroad cite wanting to have a lower cost of living as their top reason. Political dissatisfaction and desire for better healthcare are other major factors driving Americans to retire overseas.
The number of Americans retiring outside the United States has continued to grow in recent years. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports 760,000 retirees outside of the United States receive Social Security benefits each year. That total is up from 431,000 in 2019.
Many of these retirees (38%) relocated to Europe. Among top retirement locations in Europe, 25,000 beneficiaries were living in the United Kingdom, more than 23,000 in Germany, 19,000 in Poland, about 16,000 in Italy, 13,000 in Greece, nearly 12,000 in France, and 10,000 in Portugal.
In addition, more than 55,000 retirees were living in Japan, another 71,000 in Canada, 33,000 in Mexico, and nearly 19,000 across Central America and the Caribbean.
Balance a key to Global Retirement Index
Now in its 35th year, International Living’s Global Retirement Index remains a benchmark for those exploring life abroad.
“The Index isn’t about naming the cheapest place in the world,” Stevens said. “It’s about balance. Greece takes the top spot this year because it offers that rare mix of attainable comfort, rich culture, and everyday ease. It’s a place where your money stretches, and your days feel full.”
Overall, European destinations made a strong showing in 2026, with Greece, Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain all ranking in the Top 10—a sign that Europe remains an increasingly attractive option for value-conscious retirees.
The complete 2026 InternationalLiving.com Annual Global Retirement Index, including more information on the winner and the other nine countries that made it into the top 10, as well as the individual rankings in all seven categories for all 24 countries included, can be found at: The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2026.
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