Forbes’ Best Places to Retire Abroad in 2026: 5 Countries to Consider

Almost everyone starting their retirement lives, seek stress-free and secure destinations worldwide. What makes a country one of the best places to retire today is not just sunshine, beaches, or beautiful locations. It also significantly depends on cost of living, healthcare access, long-term security, and stability. 

Forbes featured 96 locations in 24 countries as the top places to retire abroad in 2026. These countries include Portugal, Malta, Italy, Greece, and Canada. As per 2026 demographic statistics of Europe, on January 1 2025 around 99 million people in the European Union were aged 65 or more, representing 22% of the total EU population. This shows a growing focus of people on international retirement planning.

Five Top Places to Retire in 2026

Among all of the best retirement destinations by Forbes, the five countries include:

Portugal

Portugal, a beautiful southwestern European country, is one of the best destinations for you to spend your retirement life peacefully. The country ranks as the top European retirement destination and 4th globally in the 35th Annual Global Retirement Index 2026. 

A large number of Americans are moving to Portugal due to its low cost of living which is around one-third lower than in the United States. Moreover, Portugal offers excellent healthcare which is also affordable, providing a sense of relief to retirees in this era of inflation. 

The crime rate is also very low in Portugal which is why it ranks 7th globally in the Global Peace Index, whereas countries like the United States is placed at position as low as 134th. The warm climate, increasing international communities, high quality of life, and visa-free Schengen access through Portugal golden visa makes it an ideal destination for people.

The Portugal residency by investment program offers diverse investment routes to people including qualifying funds, scientific research, cultural support, and job creation. The program allows people to live, work, and retire in Portugal after gaining the country’s residency permit by making a qualifying investment. 

Malta

Malta, a sunny Mediterranean island country is also an ultimate destination to spend the best days of your retirement life. The stunning beaches all around in the country provide picturesque views and a sense of calm to its residents. 

English being its official language allows international communities to live in this country without facing any language barrier. Malta’s cost of living is 25% less than the average cost of living in the United States, making it easy for American retirees to live here. 

The risk rate of natural hazards in Malta is also low which means you can live in Malta stress-free during the era of uncertainty. The country offers affordable healthcare, mediterranean climate, and overall the best quality of life. 

For individuals seeking ways to live in this top place for retirees abroad, Malta permanent residence program (MPRP) offers a direct route to permanent residency.  The investment options of the program include renting or leasing a property in Malta. 

As per recent statistics, Malta’s population reached 588,254 in 2025 which shows an increase of 2.4% than in the previous year. The latest data also shows that 31% of Malta’s population are the foreign residents. Forbes' strong focus on Malta alongside other leading destinations for retirement makes it the ideal island country to spend your retirement life in 2026. 

Italy

Italy, a Southern European country, with the alps mountain ranges on its northern borders attracts a large number of people worldwide. Forbes listed it among the top places to retire in 2026 due to its lower cost of living than the US, political stability, and seriously low crime rate. 

The retirees from the United States usually apply through the Elective residency visa of Italy to spend their retirement life in Italy. The very popular como lake of Italy has become a home to one of the most luxurious villas of the country. 

Moreover, individuals who want connectivity to the US can also choose Italy as there are numerous non-stop flights back to the retirement areas of the US from Italy. 

Greece

Greece, a popular tourist destination located in Southeastern Europe, was also listed by Forbes among the best countries to retire globally. The country offers a Mediterranean lifestyle and consists of 6000 beautiful islands. 

Retirees can experience the rich culture of Greece and benefit from its low cost of living especially in areas away from Athens where the living cost is third or more lesser than the average cost in the US. Moreover, the low crime rate and affordable healthcare also provide a peaceful environment and significant benefit to its residents. 

Retirees seeking ways to move to Greece can consider the Greece golden visa program which allows them to live, work, and retire in the country through its residency permit. The residency or golden visa program offers unique real estate investment thresholds to investors from which they can choose whatever route they find feasible for them. 

Canada

Canada is among one of the best places to retire for individuals preferring multicultural communities and affordable medicare options. In July 2025, around 8.1 million people in Canada were aged 65 or above which represents 19.5% of total population.

Canada offers a lower cost of living than the US and the taxes in Canada are higher than the US. But double taxation can be prevented through a tax treaty. Crime rates are also low in Canada making it one of the best retirement destinations in 2026 by Forbes. 

How to Select the Right Retirement Destination

Compare Residency Programs

Individuals apart from focusing on attractive benefits of a country should also understand the residency programs of countries. After comparing and finding out which program aligns best with your goals, you should choose a country for your retirement life.

Review Healthcare and Living Costs

Healthcare access and low cost of living are very important for living a peaceful and worry-less retirement life. So applicants should review these factors before choosing a country for themselves. 

Plan for the Whole Family

A large number of individuals prefer living with their loved ones. Many programs allow family inclusion which means applicants should understand which program offers them opportunities to include their dependent children, spouse, and elderly parents in the application. 

Conclusion

Portugal, Malta, Italy, Greece, and Canada are among the top places for retirees to live a peaceful and high-quality life. These countries offer lower cost of living, good healthcare, and many more significant benefits for people. Before choosing any country or making a decision for their retirement life, individuals should still understand the features and eligibility of the residency programs these countries offer.