An IMGW News Feature Report
Portugal has emerged as the world’s premier destination for retirees seeking an international lifestyle, according to Global Citizen Solutions’ 2025 Global Retirement Report*. The study, which evaluated 44 countries using 20 indicators across six categories, positions Mauritius and Spain in second and third place, respectively, with Uruguay and Austria completing the top five.
The rankings reflect a broad trend: retirees increasingly favour destinations offering a blend of quality health care, robust legal pathways to citizenship, and attractive tax regimes. Europe dominates, with three countries in the top five, benefiting from high safety scores, strong passports, and world-class living standards.
Portugal, which scored 92.6 overall, excelled in citizenship and mobility (95.3), quality of life (95.03), and safety (95.82). Its retirement visa provides Schengen access and potential citizenship within five years, making it a strategic choice for globally mobile retirees.
Mauritius follows closely with a score of 89.24, leveraging its territorial tax system and exemptions on foreign pensions. High migrant acceptance and competitive application costs make it a strong contender for those prioritising tax optimisation and integration.
Spain, with 88.52 points, leads in healthcare and lifestyle quality, while Uruguay (88.05) appeals with immediate permanent residency and tax efficiency. Austria ranks fifth, benefiting from safety and infrastructure but less competitive on taxation.
Beyond these frontrunners, the report identifies key trends shaping retirement migration:
- Tax Benefits: 61% of programmes provide favourable tax regimes, including pension exemptions and flat tax rates.
- Affordable Entry: Over two-thirds of countries require application fees below $2,350, while 61% set income thresholds at or under $2,350 per month.
- Mobility & Citizenship: 93% of destinations offer clear naturalisation pathways, often within five years, while permitting dual nationality.
- Family Inclusion: Nearly all programmes allow retirees to relocate with children, and one-third extend this right to dependent parents.
Regional differences persist. Europe offers premier quality of life and mobility; the Americas score strongly on affordability and tax efficiency; Asia provides flexibility and climate advantages; and African destinations, like Mauritius, combine simple taxation with cultural openness.
As global retirement shifts from a domestic to an international consideration, these findings underscore a growing appetite for strategic relocation – driven by security, lifestyle, and wealth preservation.
*Source:
The above article draws on the 2025 Global Retirement Report, produced by Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Intelligence Unit. The report ranks 44 countries using 20 indicators across six categories – tax regimes, healthcare quality, safety, mobility, cost of living and citizenship pathways – offering a data-driven guide for retirees planning an international move. Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory firm specialising in residency, citizenship and global mobility solutions for individuals and families worldwide.
