American Retirees Flock to This International Destination—and It's Got Great Health Care, Low Taxes, and High Quality of Life

Travel + Leisure

3 hours ago

Approximately 5.5 million Americans live abroad, according to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas. About 700,000 of them are retirees. If you hope to be one of them but are not quite sure where to relocate, Global Citizen Solutions has a few suggestions.
In early June, the company, dedicated to helping Americans invest abroad, released its list of the 10 best countries for Americans to retire in 2025.
"From Portugal to Costa Rica, there is a wide range of destinations, offering the ideal lifestyle for U.S. retirees. But, with so many great options, choosing the right place to retire can be challenging,' the website explained.
So, to help people find the right spots, Global Citizen Solutions analyzed destinations on eight key indicators, including the local cost of living, access to health care, climate, retirement and expat tax benefits, safety, and retiree-friendly recreation. And the winner for 2025 is Spain.
"Spain ranks as the top country for retirement, scoring 100 in the GIU's [Global Intelligence Unit] U.S. retirement trend report," the company explained. "Though petty theft can occur in tourist areas like Barcelona and Madrid, it has low crime rates."
It added that the nation's capital, Madrid, is "one of the best places to work and live for experts, well known for its culture and history." Retirees moving to this European Union country can expect to spend approximately $2,000 to $2,500 per month on living expenses, with estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central areas at $1,322.50 and $968.05 in outer areas, according to the site.
Those planning to relocate to Spain permanently can apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa, which allows foreigners to reside there without the right to work. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must show proof of a monthly income of at least $2,700, along with proof of accommodation and private health insurance, according to Global Citizen Solutions. The country's Golden Visa was suspended earlier in 2025.
Also joining Spain at the top of the list is its Iberian Peninsula neighbor, Portugal, which won high praise thanks to its climate, affordability, and access to excellent healthcare. Unlike Spain, Portugal still has a Golden Visa program, which allows retirees to obtain a visa in exchange for investment; however, the rules have changed slightly on how it works. For example, if you choose to invest in real estate, it has to be in a rural area.
Other top spots on Global Citizen Solutions' list include Costa Rica (third), Uruguay (fourth), and Mexico (fifth), all of which offer similarly stellar climates, tax breaks, and accessible visas.
Check out the full list, along with details on which countries are easiest for obtaining a second passport, at globalcitizensolutions.com.