If the thought of swapping grey winters for blue skies and a slower pace sounds tempting, you are far from alone. Every year, thousands of Europeans seriously explore the idea of spending their retirement beyond their home borders – and the latest 2025 “Retirement Paradise” ranking by Retraite Sans Frontières shows exactly where those dreams are taking shape.
Now in its 12th year, the study compares countries using 12 practical lifestyle criteria that matter most to retirees: cost of living, property prices, climate, medical care, gastronomy, safety, infrastructure, accessibility, leisure, environment, cultural life and ease of integration. Public data is combined with reports from retired expats already settled abroad, offering insights grounded in everyday reality rather than glossy brochures.
The result? A blend of European comfort and exotic adventure, with something for every kind of retiree.
Southern Europe still sets the standard
It’s once again Portugal sitting comfortably at the top of the 2025 list. For many retirees, it strikes the golden balance — better spending power than most of Western Europe, while keeping the lifestyle familiar and reassuringly “European”. Safe cities, excellent food, warm winters and a relaxed pace of life all add to the appeal.
Portugal may not offer the ultra-cheap prices found in parts of Asia or North Africa, and its public healthcare system has a reputation for slowness, but overall it continues to deliver what most retirees want: comfort, stability and simplicity.
Spain, in second place, remains an obvious choice for those keen to stay geographically close to family. Although everyday costs are not dramatically lower than in many European countries, regional property bargains still exist, especially outside major cities. Cultural similarities, modern infrastructure and a healthcare system broadly comparable to France or Germany help maintain Spain’s popularity.
The bronze medal goes to Greece, which continues to seduce retirees with its sunshine, island scenery and unhurried Mediterranean lifestyle. Beyond the romantic appeal, Greece also draws interest thanks to a tax advantage offered to private-sector pensioners. However, mastering the Greek language can be a challenge for newcomers, and infrastructure may be limited on smaller islands, particularly when it comes to hospitals and airports.
Chasing the Sun Further Afield
For pensioners ready to venture further, Thailand ranks fourth, offering a very different lifestyle entirely. Known for its tropical beaches, rich cultural traditions and remarkably low living costs, the country attracts retirees keen to make their pensions go much further. That said, health risks such as dengue fever, unpredictable weather events and ongoing political concerns keep Thailand from climbing any higher.
Morocco, in fifth place, ticks many boxes for Europeans: proximity, widespread spoken French, welcoming hospitality, mild winters and a favourable tax system. Combined with its architectural charm and vibrant culture, the country offers strong appeal. The downside remains an under-resourced public healthcare system and a lingering perception shaped by broader regional instability.
Just behind comes Tunisia in sixth. Often described as a “quiet treasure of the Maghreb”, Tunisia continues to attract retirees with its affordable living costs, sunny climate, French-speaking environment and closeness to Europe. Administrative bureaucracy and political uncertainty are the biggest obstacles mentioned by expats.
Island Escapes and Long-Haul Dreams
Mauritius claims seventh place, keeping its reputation as a peaceful island haven with political stability, year-round warmth and postcard beaches. However, investment restrictions for foreigners purchasing property and environmental concerns linked to coastal erosion remain issues of concern.
In eighth position is Senegal, praised for offering an immersive cultural experience far from mass tourism. Retirees are drawn by the gentle lifestyle, preserved traditions and scenic landscapes. Yet limited infrastructure and security worries near certain border areas temper its rise in the rankings.
Bali lands in ninth place, long a favourite for travellers and creative expats alike. The island dazzles with active volcanoes, terraced rice fields and dramatic sunsets. Its low cost of living, lively nightlife and famously friendly local population make it appealing for adventurous retirees. But over-tourism, environmental pollution and volcanic and seismic risks, combined with the sheer distance from Europe, hold Bali back.
Completing the Top 10 is the Dominican Republic. Well known among retirees for areas such as Las Terrenas. it offers easy access to European-style services including clinics, restaurants and retail tailored for residents. However, the absence of a tax agreement with a lot of countries and vulnerability to hurricanes and earthquakes remain significant disadvantages.
No perfect paradise – Just personal choice
The 2025 ranking once again confirms a simple truth: there is no single perfect retirement destination. Some retirees prioritise proximity to family, others chase savings, and many want little more than sunshine and peace of mind.
From the reassuring familiarity of Portugal or Spain to the exotic promise of Thailand and Bali, retirement abroad is ultimately a question of lifestyle fit. What matters is balancing dreams with realities – healthcare access, infrastructure, safety and legal stability all weigh just as heavily as the view from the balcony.
Whether sipping vino verde in the Algarve or watching the sun dip behind a Caribbean horizon, one thing is certain: for Europeans willing to look beyond their borders, retirement has never offered so many possibilities.
