The best place to retire abroad is no longer in Europe

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1. 1h ago

   Global Retirement Index Names Top Countries

   Uruguay claims the top spot in the 2026 Global Retirement Index, overtaking last year's leader Portugal. Published by Global Citizen Solutions, the ranking evaluates 46 retirement and passive-income residence programmes by assessing travel freedom, quality of life, pathways to citizenship, application procedures, and taxation. While Europe no longer holds the number one position, the region dominates the upper tier with six countries placed inside the top ten. Mauritius takes second place in the global list, while the Americas secure three total spots among the top ten countries.

   Why it matters

   The Global Citizen Solutions index helps globe-trotting retirees weigh the trade-offs of moving abroad, balancing lifestyle enhancements against taxation policies. European nations traditionally appeal to expatriates for quality of life, but prospective retirees increasingly weigh higher taxes against these lifestyle perks. Uruguay secured the leading rank through strong performance across all five evaluation categories without placing first in any single metric.

   What is confirmed

   • Uruguay took the top spot in the 2026 Global Retirement Index, overtaking last year’s leader Portugal.
   • Global Citizen Solutions’ 2026 retirement index compares 46 retirement and passive-income residence programmes.
   • Europe has six countries in the top ten of the 2026 Global Retirement Index.
   • Mauritius ranks second in the 2026 global retirement ranking.
   • The Americas hold three places in the top ten of the new retirement index.
   • Uruguay leads the ranking because it performs strongly across all five categories without topping any individual category.

   What to watch next

   • Full country-by-country breakdown of the remaining top ten positions in the 2026 Global Retirement Index
   • Future adjustments to European residency and tax policies affecting expatriates
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Euronews.com — The best place to retire abroad is no longer in Europe – but six of the top ten are
   2. Condé Nast Traveler — The Top 10 Countries for Retiring Abroad, According to the 2026 Global Retirement Index
   3. Yahoo Finance — Want To Retire Abroad? This South American Country Just Beat Portugal and Spain
   4. CN Traveller — Thinking about where to retire? The 2026 Global Retirement Index just named the best 10 countries
   5. Financial Post — Posthaste: Canadians mulling retirement abroad might want to consider one of these top ranked countries, says report
   6. www.euronews.com — The best place to retire abroad is no longer in Europe – but six of the top ten are
   7. flipboard.com — The best place to retire abroad is no longer in Europe – but six of the top ten are
   8. article.wn.com — The best place to retire abroad is no longer in Europe – but ...
   9. www.cntraveler.com — The Top 10 Countries for Retiring Abroad, According to the ...
   10. uk-eta.com — Can I Retire in the UK? Visas, Residency, Costs, and Rules - ETA for the United Kingdom
   11. www.bgnes.com — Best Retirement Destination Abroad Is No Longer in Europe
   12. newyorkmetropolitan.com — The Top 10 Countries for Retiring Abroad, According to the ...
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