Portugal Emerges as Top Destination for Retirees Worldwide While U.S. Struggles to Draw Them In

Looking ahead to 2025, an increasing number of American retirees are searching for improved lifestyles overseas. A recent global ranking spotlights Portugal, Mauritius, and Spain as the premier retirement destinations. The 2025 Retirement Report by Global Citizen Solutions assessed 44 nations based on 20 different criteria, which were grouped into six main categories: visa accessibility, citizenship opportunities and travel freedom, economic stability, tax policies, quality of life, and security as well as community integration. The United States failed to reach the top 10, partly due to the absence of a dedicated retirement

program.

The study points out that retiring abroad is about much more than simply gaining entry—it’s about supporting retirees in establishing sustainable, fulfilling lives. Portugal, which leads the list, is praised for its straightforward healthcare enrollment, language assistance, and a clear route to citizenship after five years. Its D7 Visa, which caters to those with reliable passive income, has a minimum requirement of €870 per month. After five years living in Portugal, applicants become eligible for permanent citizenship. The country’s territorial tax system, which provides advantages for foreign-sourced income, further boosts its popularity among retirees.

Coming in second, Mauritius grants a retirement visa to those earning at least $1,500 per month. The country offers a six-year pathway to citizenship, allows dual citizenship, and features tax perks such as no inheritance tax. Spain, ranked third, has a Non-Lucrative Visa that asks for a minimum monthly income of €2,400 and includes access to the Schengen Area. Spain’s normal citizenship process takes 10 years, though this period shortens to two years for qualifying Latin American nationals.

Other standout countries in the top 10 include Uruguay, recognized for its supportive policies for families and modest income thresholds, and Austria, known for its efficient application procedures and tax-related incentives. All leading countries offer affordable living, excellent healthcare, and robust integration initiatives for newcomers.

Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, attributes these countries’ appeal to their stable institutions and enduring reliability, providing retirees with security about their future. She recommends that prospective migrants thoroughly investigate the healthcare system, political environment, and infrastructure before making a move.

The growing interest in retiring overseas is largely fueled by the rising costs of living and medical care in the U.S. Destinations like Portugal enable retirees to enjoy a high quality of life at much lower prices. For example, a single person’s average monthly expenses in Portugal typically fall between €800 and €1,200, a small fraction of the cost of living in American cities like New York or San Francisco.

With more options for international relocation, retirees are putting greater emphasis on places that offer not only affordability, but also rich culture, safety, and lasting support systems. Portugal, with its blend of financial benefits, vibrant culture, and strong social programs, stands out as a model for countries aiming to become attractive retirement hubs.