Portugal Leads Global Retirement Exodus as U.S. Falters in Attracting Retirees

In 2025, as more U.S. retirees seek better living conditions abroad, a new ranking of the world’s top retirement destinations highlights Portugal, Mauritius, and Spain as the most appealing options. The Global Citizen Solutions’ 2025 Retirement Report evaluates 44 countries using 20 indicators grouped into six categories—visa procedures, citizenship and mobility, economic factors, tax benefits, quality of life, and safety and social integration. The U.S. did not feature in the top 10, lacking a dedicated retirement visa program.

The report emphasizes that successful retirement migration is not just about facilitating entry but also about enabling new residents to build sustainable lives. Portugal, the top-ranked nation, excels by providing streamlined healthcare registration, language support, and a clear path to citizenship after five years. The country’s D7 Visa, designed for individuals with stable passive income, requires a minimum of €870 per month. After five years of residency, applicants can apply for permanent citizenship. Portugal also offers tax advantages, including its territorial tax system for foreign-sourced income, which enhances its appeal to retirees.

Mauritius, ranked second, offers a retirement visa requiring a monthly income of $1,500. Its six-year path to citizenship, dual citizenship allowance, and tax benefits such as no inheritance tax make it an attractive option. Spain, placing third, provides the Non-Lucrative Visa, which demands a minimum income of €2,400 per month and access to the Schengen Area. Spain’s pathway to citizenship takes 10 years, though it reduces to two years for citizens of select Latin American countries.

Other notable entries in the top 10 include Uruguay, known for its family-friendly policies and low income requirements, and Austria, offering a streamlined application process and tax benefits. All top countries provide affordable living conditions, quality healthcare, and strong social integration programs.

According to Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, the success of these countries lies in their institutional frameworks and long-term stability, which give retirees confidence in their future. She advises potential migrants to research healthcare systems, political stability, and infrastructure investments before relocating.

The trend of retiring abroad is driven by rising living costs and healthcare expenses in the U.S. Countries like Portugal offer retirees a quality of life with significantly lower costs. For instance, the average monthly living expenses for a single person in Portugal range from €800 to €1,200, a fraction of the costs in cities like New York or San Francisco.

As global mobility options expand, retirees are increasingly prioritizing destinations that offer not just affordability but also cultural richness, safety, and long-term support. Portugal’s blend of economic incentives, cultural appeal, and strong social policies makes it a model for other countries aiming to attract international retirees.