The Philippines has been named the best country for retirement abroad in 2026, according to the Retirement Abroad Index published by Expatriate Group. The Southeast Asian nation secured the top spot by excelling in visa accessibility, affordability, and expat integration.
Expatriate Group, a specialist in international health insurance, evaluated 20 countries based on healthcare quality, visa accessibility, health insurance requirements, cost of living, and expat community and integration. Lee Gerry, director of Expatriate Group, stated that the index aims to provide a clear, data-driven overview of retirement opportunities worldwide.
The Philippines' Special Resident Retiree's Visa is noted for its accessibility, requiring a fixed deposit of approximately £11,000 for pension holders. The country's tropical climate, known for its sunny shores and beaches, also contributes to its appeal.
Thailand secured the second position, sharing the highest healthcare score with Spain and France. It offers internationally recognized private hospital networks in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Thailand's visa programs often include mandatory health insurance, with the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa requiring coverage of at least $100,000 per policy annually.
Colombia ranked third, driven by an accessible retirement visa pathway and a strong cost of living score. The country is noted for its mild climate and vibrant culture, with a retired couple reportedly able to live comfortably on £1,000 to £1,500 per month in Medellín.
Portugal emerged as the highest-ranked European destination at fourth place, supported by its D7 Passive Income Visa and a robust private healthcare sector. Favorable climate, healthcare access, and low crime rates are cited as key factors in its high ranking.
Joint fifth place was awarded to Sri Lanka and South Africa. Sri Lanka, a popular tourist spot, offers a Retirement Guest Visa for those over 55, with a low cost of living making it attractive. A three-course meal for two in Sri Lanka is estimated at £14.35, with rent for a one-bedroom property around £253 per month.
South Africa, home to approximately 40,000 Britons, is praised for its scenery, beaches, and vineyards. Cape Town and Johannesburg are popular cities, offering a relaxed lifestyle and proximity to winelands, or a bustling business environment, respectively. The lower cost of living is also a significant draw.
Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tied for sixth place. Malaysia offers lower costs than the UK and favorable treatment of foreign income in many cases, along with the common use of English. The UAE, particularly Dubai, is noted for its year-round sun, luxury amenities, and strong healthcare system, though its popularity has seen a recent decline due to regional conflicts.
Mexico, ranked seventh, is recognized as both the happiest and most affordable country for expatriates, with estimated monthly living costs of £1,081. It boasts significant sunshine hours annually, particularly in Mexico City.
Spain and Indonesia shared the eighth position. Spain, known for its beaches and relaxed lifestyle, received a high healthcare score but was impacted by living costs and visa complexity. Indonesia scored well on visa accessibility and cost of living, with Bali being a well-known expat hub.
Panama secured ninth place, highlighted by its 'Pensionado' programme, which offers significant discounts on various services for retirees. The visa requires proof of $1,000 monthly income, and qualifying retirees receive discounts on entertainment, travel, utilities, and more.
Qatar rounded out the top ten, ranking highly for healthcare quality and its expat community. The country is recognized for its security, modern infrastructure, and family-friendly attractions.