The ranking of the best countries in the world to live in after retirement – World Retirement Index – places Portugal at the top of the list, ahead of Mexico, Panama or Spain.
The Portuguese do not have the tradition of changing countries after the reform; on the contrary, most of national emigrants intend to return to their home country after retiring (Portuguese emigrants return to their home country for good). However, it is common practice for some nationalities to enjoy this period in which their work obligations are over, across borders.
And what is the best country in the world to enjoy retirement? Portugal! The data are indicated by the 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index, a ranking published by the International Living portal, which includes the 16 best countries in the world and for the most diverse reasons, to live in this phase of life.
This study – the World Retirement Index – combines variables such as cost of living, climate, access to healthcare, security, lifestyle, culture and traditions and the highest score went to Portugal. Furthermore, data collection is also based on the opinion of foreigners who live in the chosen countries and who detail details such as the prices of goods or services, among others, contributing to arrive at the average value of the cost of living.
The countries that follow Portugal are outside Europe, neighboring Spain managing to reach 6th place in this table that elects 16 countries in the world.
2023 Annual Global Retirement Index:
- Portugal
- Mexico
- Panama
- Ecuador
- Costa Rica
- Spain
- Greece
- France
- Italy
- Thailand
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- Malta
- Ireland
- Roatán (Honduras)
The 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index from the International Living portal placed Portugal at the top of the list, identifying some benefits for all those who, on the one hand, have already decided to move to another country during retirement, on the other hand, are undecided about their destination.
What are the reasons for choosing Portugal?
(According to the collaborators of this study)
- The country’s historical and cultural richness
- The gastronomy
- The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean
- The weather
- The hospitality of the Portuguese
- The language – in Portugal almost everyone speaks English (they also emphasize that all students are obliged to learn English, so it is easy to communicate with the population, in particular the younger ones)
- Accessible Health Care – mention that in Portugal it is possible to access the National Health Service and also the Private Service and that in both cases, they can communicate in English
- Security
- The Road System – they praise the bus networks from one city to another and refer that it is “one of the best in Europe”.
- The ease of creating new social relationships – they state that the fact that so many foreigners live in Portugal enhances new friendships both with Portuguese people and with other nationalities
In addition to this data, the employees of the World Retirement Index refer to the ease of traveling to any part of the world through the possible connections in the three airports that exist in the country: Porto, Lisbon, Faro. And they point out some peculiarities that are important for foreigners, namely the fact that they can drink potable water from the tap or that there is high-speed internet.
What is the cost of living in Portugal?
The 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index, by International Living, is prepared in the United States of America and despite being aimed at all those who want detailed information on destinations where they can live after retirement, it is based primarily on the North American market and Canadian. According to this ranking, it is reported that it is possible for a couple to live in Portugal with around $2,500 to $3,000 (American dollars) per month, which is equivalent to values that vary between €2,300 and €2,900 euros per month, depending on the style way of life they adopt and the area where they decide to live. However, they warn that if the choice is Lisbon, Porto or Algarve, these average values skyrocket.
