The beautiful European country that’s the ‘best’ for Brits looking to retire abroad | World | News

And Portugal took the top spot among the most affordable retirement visa programs worldwide.

Adalberto Pucca, head of global mobility services at Global Citizen Solutions, said: “Portugal ranks first in the 2025 Global Retirement Index because the D7 visa is one of the most sought-after passive income visas in Europe.

“Its appeal lies in the combination of accessible entry requirements and a clear pathway to Portuguese permanent residence and citizenship.

“Beyond the visa, Portugal offers the key features that matter most to retirees: a significantly lower cost of living compared to other Western European countries, excellent healthcare infrastructure, reliable tax planning… a temperate climate with strong environmental scores, one of the safest societies in Europe and an outstanding quality of life.”

Portugal’s Golden Visa and D7 residency programs have been highly successful in attracting foreign direct investment, generating over €7bn (£6bn) since their introduction. These initiatives have attracted international investors and retirees by offering residence permits in exchange for property purchases or proof of passive income.

A significant part of this investment flowed into the real estate market, accelerating real estate development and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The third best country for retirees is Spain, while Austria ranks fifth globally. Many people choose Western European countries for their excellent public healthcare systems, and places like France, Austria and Spain are particularly known for offering high-quality medical care.