Best Places to Retire Abroad in 2025
- International Property Alerts
- September 17, 2025
Your insider guide from International Property Alerts: retire smart, live well, and explore the world with confidence.
Retirement today is no longer about slowing down — it’s about starting a new global chapter filled with travel, culture, and opportunity. At IPA, we’ve rounded up the best destinations for retirees in 2025 — with a focus on lifestyle, healthcare, affordability, and residency options.
🇪🇺 Europe: Lifestyle & Healthcare
🇵🇹 Portugal
Safe, sunny, and welcoming, Portugal’s D7 Visa makes it one of Europe’s most accessible retirement options. The Algarve offers coastal comfort and expat communities, while the Silver Coast is more authentic and affordable. Healthcare is excellent and affordable by European standards.
🇪🇸 Spain
Spain remains a retirement favourite thanks to its Mediterranean lifestyle, tapas culture, and world-class healthcare. Non-EU retirees typically need private insurance, though UK pensioners can sometimes access public healthcare via the S1 scheme. In some regions, foreigners may join the Convenio Especial. Popular visas include the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa, while favourite regions include the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and more affordable inland areas like Murcia and Extremadura.
🇨🇾 Cyprus & 🇬🇷 Greece
Both combine sun and affordability. Greece now offers a flat 7% tax on foreign pensions for up to 10 years, alongside a Golden Visa starting at €250,000 (or €500,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki, and top islands). Cyprus is easy for retirees thanks to English being widely spoken, a low crime rate, and the Permanent Residency by Investment scheme from €300,000.
🇲🇹 Malta
Compact, safe, and English-speaking, Malta offers retirees convenience and one of Europe’s most highly regarded healthcare systems. Property is pricier than in Greece or Portugal, but Malta’s EU location and residency/tax programmes make it attractive for those seeking security and stability.
🌎 Latin America: Value & Vibrancy
🇲🇽 Mexico
Affordable living, high-quality private healthcare, and straightforward residency routes make Mexico one of the most popular retirement destinations. Expats thrive in hubs like Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, and the Riviera Nayarit. Temporary and permanent residency visas are available, subject to financial requirements.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
“Pura Vida” sums up Costa Rica’s retirement appeal: eco-friendly living, community, and safety. The Pensionado Visa requires a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000/month, giving retirees an easy path to residency. Popular regions include the Central Valley and the Guanacaste coast.
🇵🇦 Panama
Panama’s Pensionado Programme is one of the best retiree schemes in the world, offering discounts on healthcare, utilities, and even leisure. With the US dollar as legal tender, retirees enjoy financial stability and modern infrastructure. Popular retirement spots include Panama City, Boquete, and Coronado.
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city, has become one of the most popular expat retirement hubs thanks to its mild climate, colonial charm, and very low cost of living. Ecuador’s Pensioner Visa makes it straightforward for retirees to settle long term.
🌏 Asia: Affordability & Community
🇹🇭 Thailand
Thailand remains a retiree hotspot for its affordability, excellent private healthcare, and warm community culture. Retirement visas (Non-Immigrant O-A/O-X) are widely used, and the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa is an option for some. Expats favour Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Phuket.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia’s MM2H programme offers long-stay residency, though requirements have tightened in recent years. The Sarawak S-MM2H track has lighter criteria, making it a popular alternative. Retirees love Penang for its food and culture, and Kuala Lumpur for its infrastructure and connectivity.
🌴 Bali (Indonesia)
Bali is a lifestyle-driven retirement choice, especially for those who value wellness and community. The Retirement KITAS visa is available from age 55+, requiring proof of income and insurance. Private healthcare is essential, but options are improving with the opening of the new Bali International Hospital (2025).
🌟 Beyond: Safety & Luxury
🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE)
Dubai is emerging as a retirement option with its Retirement Visa and Golden Visa (AED 2M+ property investment). There’s no annual property tax or capital gains tax, but buyers should budget for a 4% transfer fee and annual service charges. Dubai offers world-class healthcare, unmatched safety, and an international lifestyle — though at higher costs than Asia or Latin America.
🇲🇪 Montenegro
A true hidden gem, Montenegro offers Adriatic beauty, affordable property, and EU candidate status. Retirees are drawn to its coastal towns, mountain landscapes, and growing expat communities — with the added bonus of a strong long-term growth story.
📝 Key Takeaway
Retirement abroad is about designing your own global life. For some, that means sipping wine in Portugal; for others, exploring ancient Greece, living affordably in Mexico, or enjoying luxury in Dubai. The best place depends on your priorities:
- Low-cost living → Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Ecuador.
- EU healthcare & easy residency → Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Greece.
- Nature & community → Costa Rica, Panama, Bali, Montenegro.
- Luxury & safety → Dubai, Malta.
Wherever you choose, IPA helps you move with clarity and confidence.
📩 Get in Contact
Thinking about retiring abroad? Let’s make it simple.
📧 elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
🌐 www.internationalpropertyalerts.com
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7796 174253
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
Media Contact:
Phone: +4420 3627 0106
📱 WhatsApp: +63927 073 9530
Email: office@internationalpropertyalerts.com
Services
Related Post
- Best Places To Retire
- Hidden Places Destination
- Best Regions To Retire
- Guide To Global Life
- Affordable Places To Retire
- Elly's Insights
- Business Outlook
Discover Prime Global Opportunities
Elle Resort & Beach Club – Your Prime Beachfront Investment
Elle Resort & Beach Club offers a rare chance to own property in one of the most desirable coastal locations. With limited units, strong capital growth potential, and unmatched resort facilities, this is your opportunity to secure a beachfront lifestyle with long-term value.
Smarter Property Investments Start Here
Thinking about buying property abroad? Don’t make the move without the right knowledge. Our Free Buyers Guide gives you essential insights on legal steps, taxes, financing, and the best markets worldwide. Trusted by international buyers and investors.
Your Perfect Home Awaits at Sudara Residences
Wake up to bright, spacious living with stunning views and modern comforts. Whether for family living, retirement, or a stylish retreat, Sudara Residences makes your dream home a reality
Own a Piece of Cambodia’s Thriving Property Market
Discover curated property listings with IPS—residential, commercial, villas, land—and get expert guidance through every step.
BONUS: FREE Cambodia Buyer’s Guide
Grow Your Business - Advertise in a Prime Spot
High visibility. Targeted audience. Maximum exposure. Rent this space and let your brand shine.
Got Properties to Sell?
Get your properties in front of high-intent investors. Showcase your listings to buyers worldwide.
Exchange Without Borders
From pounds to pesos, yen to dollars. ⚡ Quick. Easy. Secure.