The International Living report reveals top retirement destination for 2026 based on visa rules, healthcare access, climate and cost of living factors.
Panama is one of the best destinations for people to retire to(Image: Getty)
If you’ve ever contemplated retiring abroad, there are numerous factors to bear in mind when making such a big life change.
Fortunately, International Living’s annual destination report encompasses the most crucial factors, from living costs to ease of transition and health care considerations.
Primary considerations taken into account include visa regulations, access to healthcare, and the country’s climate.
The Index can be viewed as a “decision-making framework” to whittle down the 195 countries (as recognised by the United Nations) into the top 10 retirement destinations.
With many keen to relocate from the UK, do any of the following pique your interest?
10. Malaysia
Batu Caves temple near Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia(Image: Getty)
CultureMalaysia is considered to have a slower pace of life, especially in Penang, where people stop to ask one another how they really are. English is widely spoken in the area and there’s a mixture of locals and expats who mingle together to play sports, volunteer, and chat at the markets.
FinancesRenting a four-bed apartment in Tanjung Bungah, a suburb of George Town in Penang, goes for 4,500 ringgit (around £820) – although property ownership is possible if the house is around the one million ringgit mark (approximately £182,124). Plus, eating out is hugely affordable – costing as little as 10 ringgit (circa £1.82) per meal.
HealthHealthcare is also “reliable and affordable” with doctors available who have been trained in the UK or Australia.
9. Thailand
Thailand is one of the top 10 places for Brits to retire to(Image: Getty)
CultureThe Land of the Free is mostly a cashless society that is high-tech, diverse and multifaceted. Mountainous views and waterfalls are to the north, while the south is the place for beaches and coconut trees.FinancesDepending on where you stay, you could get a studio in Chiang Mai for around £222 per month, to a beachside two-bedroom bungalow in Hua Hin for around £2,812.HealthPrivate health insurance is needed, but the facilities are described as “world-class”.
8. Spain
Spain has over 300 days of sunshine per year (Image: Getty)
CultureSlow mornings, a long-established expat community – especially in coastal towns – and over 300 days of sunshine per year put Spain in the top 10 destinations to retire to.
FinancesA modern one-bedroom near the beach in Malaga would set you back around £1,135 per month, but for a comfortable lifestyle, you will need about £2,009 per person per month. Foreigners can buy property freely, but the prices can be steep, ranging from around £3,500 to £5,000 per square meter.
HealthSpain’s healthcare system ranks among the world’s best, with many individuals taking advantage of both public and private healthcare options.
7. France
The South of France is a popular place for a second home(Image: Getty)
CultureIf you can see yourself enjoying coffees and croissants alongside cobblestoned roads and a picturesque medieval backdrop, the South of France is the place for you. Speaking French will be an asset, but you can get by with speaking English.
FinancesRental prices can vary from a furnished two-bedroom apartment in the north going for around £900 while a similar abode in the south could cost twice as much, if not more. Buying property is considered straightforward, but mortgages can be harder to obtain for those over the age of 60. If you are planning to live in the south of France, expect cosmopolitan prices when it comes to eating out.
HealthAs for healthcare, Doctolib is an online portal where you can filter for English-speaking doctors.
6. Italy
Italy is known for exceptional food(Image: Getty)
CultureWith tropical weather in the south, such as in Sicily, some expats wake up to a warm sea breeze while sipping coffee on their bedroom balcony. Expect delicious foods, exceptional wines, sunny days, and a vibrant expat community.
FinancesA one-bedroom apartment in Politeama, Sicily, costs under £700 per month, but small villages and towns can offer apartments for under £400 per month.
HealthNorthern hospitals are said to be better managed than those in the south, and be prepared to pay a small fee.
5. Mexico
Mexico is a welcoming place to retire to (Image: Getty)
CulturePostcard-perfect beaches, stunning architecture and a welcoming atmosphere place Mexico in the top five best places for retirees to relocate to in 2026.
FinancesThere’s a lower cost of living, with many people living comfortably on about £ 1,200 per month, including rent and bills.
HealthAppointments are typically available within 24 hours, making it a quick service with English-speaking doctors, dentists, and specialists commonly found in expat hubs.
4. Portugal
Enjoy year-round warmth in Portugal (Image: Getty)
CultureThe Algarve, in the south, is warm year-round, but it’s the warmth of the people that stands out.
FinancesRents in cities like Lisbon and Porto cost around £1,310 for a one-bedroom apartment. Meanwhile, mortgages are available if you can pay them off by age 75.
HealthExpect to pay just over £100 per month for private healthcare, but public healthcare is also available.
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is great for nature lovers(Image: Getty)
CultureA nature lover’s paradise, a slow pace of life, and many evenings on the beach watching the sunset.
FinancesEat inexpensively by choosing local foods instead of opting for imported goods. As for living expenses, between £1,500 to £2,000 per month, per person, is to be expected.
HealthThere’s a public healthcare system, but non-emergency appointments can be lengthy; private healthcare is available.
2. Panama
Panama is a great destination to retire to (Image: Getty)
CultureFast friends, an active expat community, and bright surroundings, Panama offers a lot to those who move there.
FinancesIf you get a pension of at least £745 per month, the Pensionado programme entitles retiree citizens to discounts on their power bills and medical insurance.
HealthThere’s the option of public or private healthcare, with the latter offering modern amenities and English-speaking staff.
1. Greece
Greece is the number one place for people to retire to (Image: Getty)
CultureA vibrant community, leisurely days, and buzzy evenings is commonplace across Greece.
FinancesRenting a three-bedroom home with sea views could cost as little as £900 per month, but buying a home has steadily become more expensive.
HealthYou can pay around £220 per month for private healthcare (for two people) to receive “consistently good” care.