The beautiful European country that's the 'best' for Brits looking to retire abroad

By Astha Saxena, Features Reporter

The country offers several fantastic retirement destinations for British expats (Image: Getty)

A beautiful European country filled with sun-soaked beaches and golf courses, and a vibrant community has been named the “best” for Brits who are looking to retire abroad. The latest Global Retirement Report by Global Citizen Solutions revealed that three European countries stand out due to the high quality of life, good healthcare and environmental standards.

The countries offering visa schemes were scored out of 100, based on factors like ease of relocation, cost of living, and tax benefits for retirees. According to the report, Southern Europe has emerged as a top choice within the European bloc for individuals seeking an attractive place to live or retire, thanks to its appealing combination of favourable tax regimes and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Portugal has sun-soaked beaches, golf courses, and a large English-speaking expat community. (Image: Getty)

And Portugal has secured the top spot of the most favourable retirement visa schemes across the globe.

Adalberto Pucca, head of global mobility services at Global Citizen Solutions said: "Portugal tops our 2025 Global Retirement Index as the D7 visa is one of Europe's most sought-after passive income visas.

"Its appeal stems from a combination of accessible entry requirements and a clear pathway to Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship.

"Beyond the visa itself, Portugal offers compelling fundamentals that matter most to retirees: a significantly lower cost of living compared to other Western European countries, excellent healthcare infrastructure, credible tax planning... a mild climate with strong environmental scores, one of Europe’s safest societies and an exceptional quality of life."

Portugal tops the overall list of the most favourable retirement visa schemes (Image: Getty)

Portugal’s Golden Visa and D7 residency programmes have been highly successful in attracting foreign direct investment, generating over €7 billion (£6 billion) since they were introduced. These initiatives have drawn interest from international investors and retirees by offering residency in exchange for property purchases or proof of passive income

A significant portion of this investment has flowed into the real estate market, boosting property development and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Spain is ranked as the third-best country for retirees, with Austria coming in fifth worldwide. Many people choose Western European countries because of their excellent public healthcare systems, and places like France, Austria, and Spain are especially known for offering high-quality medical care.