How does Rest Less make money
We make money through advertising and commission from affiliate links, which enable us to offer Rest Less as a free service to our users. The content on this page may use affiliate links, which track traffic from our website to a third party provider and enable us to receive a commission or payment from any traffic we refer.
* Affiliate links on this page have an * next to them. We place enormous importance on our editorial independence and the integrity of our content which means that we will never change how we write about something as a result of an affiliate link.
Whether you’re dreaming of starting a new chapter in a pretty rural village or on a white sand beach, retiring abroad can be tempting. While there are plenty of lovely places to retire in the UK, moving abroad can sometimes mean better healthcare, a lower cost of living…and, of course, more sunshine.
Of course, Brexit has impacted many aspects of our lives, and retiring in a Schengen country is now undeniably more challenging. But while the process can be complex, it’s far from impossible. Many European countries offer dedicated retirement visas, typically requiring proof of sufficient income or savings, full health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Each country has its own retirement and residence programs, so it’s worth checking these out and seeing what they offer.
But first, if you’re thinking about retiring abroad, how do you choose a location?
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to retire around the world. From European destinations to more exotic retirement spots, here are seven of the best places to retire abroad.
Advertisement
If you’re thinking about retiring abroad and need help turning your dreams into reality, head over to Your Overseas Home, where you can search properties and get expert advice.
1. Portugal
Portugal is one of the most popular places in the world to retire – and no wonder. As one of Western Europe’s most affordable countries, the cost of living is low here, and property is generally cheaper than in the UK.
The crime rate is low here, too – according to World Population Review, Portugal is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world – and the quality of healthcare is excellent. Once you’re registered as a Portuguese resident, you can access the public healthcare system or choose private insurance.
Getting back to the UK is easy, with flights quick and cheap, and the motorway network is among the best in Europe. Unlike other European countries that require expats to take a new driving test, in Portugal, you can swap your UK driver’s licence for a Portuguese one within your first two years of residency.
Plus, the locals are often warm and welcoming, and most speak English, which makes settling in easy.
Then there’s the weather. Portugal enjoys a glorious Mediterranean climate, with the south being particularly warm and sunny. Cities like Porto and Lisbon are packed with cultural hotspots, but if you fancy a slower pace of life, the beaches of the Algarve or the vineyards of the Douro Valley can make the perfect home. Fans of seafood will be spoilt for choice – and the excellent wine is another bonus.
2. Malta
Malta may be the world’s 10th smallest country, but don’t let that fool you. It’s considered by many to be one of the best places to retire – particularly if you’re into history, culture, and fabulous weather.
This small yet spectacular group of islands, located about 50 miles south of Sicily, boasts some of the best features of Italy, North Africa, and even England, and is a wonderfully unique place.
One of the best things Malta has going for it as a retirement destination is that while it has the gorgeous warm climate of the Mediterranean (and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches), English is one of its official languages, alongside Maltese. Around 90% of the population speaks English, and 20% of the residents are expats, so chances are, you’ll find it easy to make friends.
Malta is also known for having one of the world’s best healthcare systems. While you can’t access it until you’re a resident, once you are, you can take advantage of the national healthcare options.
Malta isn’t the cheapest country in Europe, but the cost of living is less than in the UK, and houses are often more affordable, especially if you venture inland.
Most people live in the capital, Valletta, which is a cheap three-hour flight from the UK, although the cities of Victoria, Birgu, Mdina, and Rabat are also lovely places to retire. If you like being outside, there are gorgeous hiking trails, swimming and snorkelling spots, and foodies will love the fresh seafood and aromatic spices. Tea is big here, too, so if you miss home, you can always have a cuppa!
Start your new chapter abroad with this free retirement guide
With Your Overseas Home, you will receive honest guidance, expert advice and a helping hand every step of the way.
Download the free guide to find out how to cut everyday living costs, get tax, pension and visa checklists, and discover top tips from the expat community.
3. Spain
Spain has long been the most popular retirement destination for Brits – and when you look at what it has going for it, it’s no surprise.
With a wonderful climate, mouthwatering food, a welcoming culture, and a relaxed lifestyle, Spain was ranked as the fourth healthiest country in the world in 2024.
Luckily, it’s pretty healthy for your finances, too. While the cost of living generally isn’t as low as Portugal’s, and you need to show higher income levels to qualify for residency, Spain can be surprisingly affordable. Property prices vary based on location – for example, small towns in the Costas are vastly cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona.
Spain also has a great healthcare system, although, for the first five years of residency, you’ll need private health insurance. However, in most cases, after five (uninterrupted) years here, you can qualify for permanent residency and can enter the public system.
Factor in the abundance of English speakers, dependable infrastructure, and cheap flights to the UK, and you have a very desirable retirement destination.
But that’s not all. Its cuisine is fresh, healthy, and delicious, and tapas is a delightfully social affair. It’s also a safe country with plenty of cultural offerings, from authentic flamenco shows in Andalusia to the breathtaking architecture of Barcelona. Society as a whole is open-minded and creative, and it’s a country that places special value on life’s simple pleasures.
If you’re planning to spend your retirement in Spain and would like to brush up on your Spanish and learn more about the culture, why not join our Spanish Club over on Rest Less Events?
4. Italy
Italy is another country that’s known for its slow living and delight in simple pleasures. After all, this is the country that coined the phrase la dolce vita – the sweet life.
Despite being known for pizza and pasta, the Italian lifestyle is pretty healthy, with locals eating plenty of vegetables and olive oil, and leading active lifestyles – factors that mean most people live well into their 80s.
Italy is also famous for its historical and cultural treasures, sunny climate, and fabulous food and wine.
The main drawback of retiring in Italy is its higher cost of living compared to other countries on this list, and the visa income requirements are also higher. Property is more expensive, too – but like anywhere, prices vary considerably based on location. For example, places like Abruzzo and Sicily in the south are often cheaper than properties in the north.
Italy also has an excellent train and bus network, and older adults usually get discounts. Plus, flights to the UK are cheap and take just over two hours.
In most cases, after three months of living here with a permanent visa, you can access Italy’s public health system. Many towns and provinces use financial rewards to attract new residents, so if you pick the right place, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.
5. France
France is another retirement destination beloved by Brits, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not only just a train ride away from London, but also well-connected to the rest of Europe, making it an ideal base for people looking to travel in their golden years.
A big perk of living in France is that you can access its healthcare system, which most residents can use after three months of living here, and many costs are fixed and can’t be increased.
French culture prioritises your wellbeing, whether that’s taking two-hour lunch breaks or appreciating good food and wine.
France’s food scene is globally renowned, and foodies can lose themselves in the country’s culinary magic. Like Italians, the French pride themselves on taking joy in life’s little pleasures, and the concept of art de vivre – the art of living – is entrenched in society. Sharing gourmet meals and wine with friends is part of French life, so if that appeals to you, you’re in the right place.
The focus on decadence means that many people think the cost of living is high, but this isn’t necessarily true. While Paris and the glitzy beach towns of the Côte d’Azur can be expensive, other parts of France are far cheaper. With its affordable housing, hilltop towns, and sunflower fields, the Dordogne region has long been a haven for British expats, so settling here is especially easy.
6. Mexico
If you’re happy to retire somewhere further away, you might wish to think about Mexico. Long a popular choice with American and Canadian retirees, Mexico has much to offer Brits, too – and with a huge expat community across the country, chances are, you won’t find it difficult to meet new people.
Mexico is big and diverse, and you can live in laid-back beach towns, colonial cities, or sleepy villages – though places like San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and Mérida are particularly popular with expats, and considered relatively safe.
Many retirees are drawn to Mexico thanks to the low cost of living; the pound goes much further here than it does in Europe. Almost everything is cheaper in Mexico – from property prices and rent to healthcare and food. Residents over 60 can also get discounts on transport, healthcare, utilities, taxes, and more, so your retirement budget will stretch further.
Healthcare is of high quality, and retirees can enrol in the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social healthcare system. The cost of living varies with the destination and lifestyle you lead, but single people who are happy to live simply can often get by on under £1,000 a month – this includes rent, bills, and food.
Talking of food, another perk of retiring here is the delicious cuisine. The landscape and cultural heritage are worth mentioning, too – Mexico has 36 sites on the World Heritage List.
The transport system is also decent, and while flights to the UK take around nine hours and can be expensive, the allure of Mexico means you might not be short of visitors.
7. Albania
Albania is fast becoming a popular option for UK retirees seeking an affordable, relaxed, and culturally rich lifestyle. The cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK, and you can rent an apartment in the capital, Tirana, for as little as €400–€600 per month. Apartments in beach towns like Sarande can be even more affordable, with sea-view properties available for $400–$500 per month.
The country is renowned for its slower pace of life, warm hospitality, and strong community ties– all qualities that make for a peaceful and rewarding retirement. Albania also boasts stunning coastlines along the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, and charming towns like Gjirokastër and Vlorë, which are increasingly popular among retirees.
A major advantage for UK nationals is that Albania offers a dedicated retirement visa with straightforward requirements, usually involving proof of income and health insurance. Plus, many EU citizens find that their pensions are tax-free in Albania, which offers a significant financial benefit.
That said, Albania’s public healthcare system is still developing, and it may not meet the standards many Brits expect. Most expats opt for private health insurance, which is generally affordable. Some rural areas also have limited infrastructure, so it’s important to select a location that suits your lifestyle and comfort level.
Final thoughts…
While you may have always assumed you’d retire in the UK, moving abroad has many benefits. Not only is the cost of living usually lower and the weather sunnier, but it can also be the perfect way to mark a new chapter in your life.
Retirement is a new beginning; it’s a chance to do what you’ve always wanted, whether that’s pursuing new hobbies, enjoying plenty of rest and relaxation, or even starting a new business. And moving to an exciting new country can be the ideal way to change gears.
Whether you’re dreaming of retiring in a French village, Portuguese beach town, or Spanish city, we hope this article has inspired you to think about your retirement possibilities.
While many people are understandably apprehensive about moving away from friends and family, the countries listed in this article have strong expat communities where it’s easy to meet new people and get involved in the local community.
Plus, the beautiful landscapes and gorgeous weather mean you hopefully won’t have to work too hard to persuade your loved ones to visit!
Even if you’re sure you’d like to stay in the UK when you retire, you might still like to consider moving somewhere new. For more ideas and inspiration, have a read of our article: 15 of the best places to retire in the UK.
Are you thinking of moving abroad when you retire – or have you done so already? Perhaps you have your own suggestions for the best retirement spots around the world? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
Start your new chapter abroad with this free retirement guide
With Your Overseas Home, you will receive honest guidance, expert advice and a helping hand every step of the way.
Download the free guide to find out how to cut everyday living costs, get tax, pension and visa checklists, and discover top tips from the expat community.
Join the discussion
Read our full commenting terms and guidelines