The Ten Best Countries to Retire to from the UK

Retiring abroad has always been popular with UK citizens, offering a chance to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle and escape the rainy UK weather for sunnier, warmer climates. However, Brexit has made it a bit more challenging to choose retirement spots within the EU.

Despite these changes, many still seek the best countries to retire to from the UK, and there are visa options available to British retirees. This list has the top ten destinations for British pensioners. The list considers the cost of living, quality of life, healthcare, safety, ease of immigration, and typical weather in each location to help you make an informed choice.

The Ten Best Countries for UK Citizens to Retire to

1. Portugal

Portugal is one of the best places to retire in Europe, offering a mix of warm weather, a lively culture, and a lower cost of living than the UK, all while being close to home. Monthly expenses average around £870 to £1,130, making it a budget-friendly choice. Additionally, rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in popular cities like Lisbon or Porto range from £610 to £870 per month, which is more affordable than many cities in the UK.

With favorable taxes for retirees, British pensioners can enjoy the country’s beautiful landscapes, coastline, and delicious cuisine for an extremely low cost compared to neighboring countries in Europe, which is perfect for British citizens looking to budget their state pension. These are some of the reasons Portugal has become the most popular retirement destination for British nationals who retire abroad.

For UK retirees who want to live in the country, the Portugal Golden Visa program allows British citizens to make a qualifying investment starting from €250,000 in the economy in exchange for a renewable residence permit. Another reason Portugal is a top choice for retirees is the variety of visa options available. In addition to the Golden Visa, many senior Brits contemplating retirement in Portugal will find that they qualify for the Portugal D7 Visa, which is designed for non-EU citizens with passive income from pensions, savings, or rental income.

2. Spain

Spain is one of the most popular choices for Brits moving abroad to retire. Areas like the Costa del Sol, Marbella, and the Canary Islands are well-loved by British retirees looking for sunny places to enjoy their golden years.

It’s no wonder Spain has been one of the most desirable countries for retirees for decades because UK citizens living in Spain love the country’s friendly locals, lower cost of living, rich culture, and relaxed lifestyle.

You can get by in Spain with a monthly budget of about £1,040 to £1,300. Rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in cities like Valencia or Málaga range from £520 to £700. Plus, there are plenty of affordable flights to and from the UK.

While English isn’t widely spoken throughout the country, many of the top destinations retirees choose to live in offer English-speaking communities and services, making it easier for newcomers to integrate and communicate effectively.

Similarly, there is the Spain Golden Visa program, and the entry bar is relatively high, at a minimum investment of €500,000. Nevertheless, the program permits the purchase of real estate as a qualifying investment, so if you have enough for a lucrative investment, then this is an option to consider.

Apart from the Golden Visa, retirees can also apply for the Spain Non-lucrative Visa to obtain legal residency. This visa is ideal for UK retirees who want to live in Spain without working. To qualify, you must show proof of a monthly income of €2,400 or an annual income of €28,800.

3. Australia

Australia is not just a popular retirement destination for UK expats, but it’s also common for many to have relatives already residing there. While it’s located on the other side of the world, it is an English-speaking country and shares cultural similarities with the UK, which eases the adjustment for UK pensioners and creates a sense of familiarity in their new surroundings.

Australia has made the list of the best places to retire in the world and ranks fifth in the Global Retirement Index. It is no shock; the country has a high standard of living, a modern healthcare system, and beautiful scenery. It also has other benefits like a well-developed infrastructure, plenty of recreational activities and green spaces, and various urban areas, beach towns, and remote hideouts.

While Australia is one of the happiest and safest countries in the world, it is also among the most expensive. This aspect might not align with the budgetary needs of UK citizens seeking an affordable cost of living. For instance, monthly expenses in Australia can cost about £1,490, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around £1,320.

Although Australia remains an attractive destination for retirees worldwide, the Australian government decided to close its retirement visa program in 2023.

4. Canada

Similar to Australia, Canada is a well-developed English-speaking country with one of the best standards of living in the world. It’s one of the world’s top countries foreigners choose to migrate to, as unlike Australia, Canada’s immigration policy is significantly more lenient, with a variety of options to gain residency.

However, along the same lines as Australia, Canada does not have a retirement or income visa. As a result, retirees contemplating moving abroad to Canada may face difficulties if they don’t have a family member currently living there or other ties to the country.

That said, if you’re interested in pre-retirement planning and still have some working years left in you, the Canada Startup Visa and several Provincial Nominee Programs allow talented foreign nationals to create businesses in the country. If you and your business idea meet specific eligibility criteria, you can gain a permanent residence permit to retire in Canada.

To get a better picture of the living costs, the average monthly cost of living for a single person in Canada is about £1,530, including rent, utilities, transportation, and food. However, the rental expenses will take up a lot of the budget as a bedroom apartment in the major cities can cost about £1,100, but that can drop to £735 in smaller towns.

5. Greece

Greece is another one of Europe’s gems and among the most popular countries in which to retire abroad. Year-round sun and a healthy Mediterranean diet are key factors in the country’s high life expectancy.

On the other hand, living costs can add up to £1,300 per month, including utility bills, groceries, entertainment, and rent. The rent will not take up much of the budget because a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs up to £350, while outside the city, it can be as cheap as £250.

A Greece Golden Visa program is the best option for retirees looking to live and invest in the country. This investor visa offers a straightforward pathway to legal residency through real estate investment. By purchasing a Greek property for €250,000 or more, retiring Brits will gain a permanent residence permit, renewable every five years, provided they maintain their investment.

6. Thailand

Given the present cost of living crisis, an increasing number of individuals are exploring alternative living arrangements.  Therefore, Thailand is one country to include in your retirement plans because it is one of the best countries to retire on a budget.

With a monthly budget of £600, you can live comfortably in Thailand. Rent is also cheap: An apartment in the city can cost about £300 and £200 outside the city, which is significantly lower than in England, where rental costs can reach up to £1,200.

This well-known Southeast Asian country is loved for its tropical climate, stunning landscapes, and some of the best beaches worldwide. It also has one of the lowest living costs while maintaining world-class healthcare services and facilities, allowing retirees to stretch their funds and still enjoy a high quality of life.

Additionally, the Thai Elite Visa program offers a long-term route to live in the country, accompanied by a range of exclusive privileges and a dedicated support system to make the transition to a country with a relatively difficult language barrier seamless and stress-free. For just THB 1 million (£22,400) for the Elite Superiority Extension membership, retirees gain a 20-year residence permit. Although a retirement visa is an option, the residence permit is valid for only one year and requires reporting to Thai immigration every 90 days.

7. Costa Rica

When conversations turn to dream retirement destinations, Costa Rica is often among the top countries to retire. With its location in the heart of Central America, the country’s tropical climate, lush rainforests, biodiversity, and well-developed ecotourism allow for an adventurous life in retirement.

While many countries in Central and South America have faced political problems and unrest, Costa Rica has been known for its political and economic stability since the 19th century. This reputation makes Costa Rica an attractive choice for retirees who want to feel secure in their decision to move abroad.

Costa Rica is one of the common retirement destinations because it has a retirement program with pension benefits and money-saving incentives for foreign retirees. The Costa Rica Pensionado Visa (Pension Visa) requires a pension income of just $1,000. It provides discounts of up to 50 percent on essential services and goods. Additionally, pension visa holders are exempt from paying tax on their overseas state pension. Therefore, to live comfortably in the country, you can draw up a budget between £1,000 – £1,500.

8. St. Kitts and Nevis

Although not commonly featured on lists of top retirement destinations, we believe St. Kitts and Nevis is a hidden gem that British expats retiring abroad will genuinely appreciate. A retirement in St. Kitts and Nevis offers plenty to UK expats who love exploring and admiring natural wonders.

A significant fact to note is that St. Kitts and Nevis led the way by being the first country to introduce a citizenship by investment program. This makes St. Kitts and Nevis the perfect country for a British retiree seeking more than residency because it allows you to start a new chapter and become an integral part of the community.

British citizens can qualify for St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment with a contribution of $250,000 to the country’s Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC). Investing in real estate to gain St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship and a second passport is another option to help you settle abroad.

9. Malta

With English as an official language, Malta is a top choice for UK citizens retiring abroad. The island offers a warm Mediterranean climate, a rich history, and a significantly lower cost of living than the UK. It also provides high-quality healthcare and is considered cheaper than the UK.

Everyday expenses, from groceries to dining out, are generally more affordable in Malta, which helps retirees stretch their budgets further. For instance, rental prices in Malta are significantly lower, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $900–$1,200 per month compared to $1,500–$2,200 in the UK. When it comes to the monthly living costs, one would need a budget of about  $1,600–$2,000, which includes groceries, utilities, transportation, and dining out.

Regarding gaining residency, Malta offers citizenship and residency through investment for non-EU citizens. Malta’s Citizenship by Investment requires a minimum real estate investment of at least €600,000 with a residency period of 36 months and €750,000 if you have proof of residency of 12 months. On the other hand, the Malta Residency by Investment program requires a real estate investment of at least €300,000.

10. Italy

Italy provides a mix of rich history, art, and natural beauty, along with a slower, relaxed lifestyle. The cost of living can be affordable, especially in regions like Abruzzo and Puglia, where monthly expenses average around €1,500, which is lower than in the UK. Rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas can range from €400 to €600 per month. Italy’s healthcare system is strong, offering excellent services, which adds to its appeal. Many UK retirees are drawn to Italy’s scenic countryside, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals.

Additionally, an Italy Golden Visa program allows investors to gain residency through a minimum investment requirement of €250,000 in innovative start-ups or €500,000 in corporate shares. This program is attractive for those looking to retire abroad while enjoying the benefits of living in Italy.

Living Expenses and Residency Options Comparison for UK Retirees

Vital Considerations When Planning to Retire Abroad

Retiring abroad is a big step for many retirees, and considering important factors before deciding where to go will determine their quality of life abroad in retirement.

Cost of living

The cost of living is very important when considering retiring abroad because it affects your finances and quality of life. It includes expenses like housing, healthcare, groceries, transportation, and leisure activities. Knowing these costs helps ensure that your retirement savings and pension can support a comfortable lifestyle. Low living costs in another country can make your money last longer, leading to a more enjoyable retirement.

However, underestimating how much money you’ll need can cause financial stress later. It’s crucial to research and budget for the expenses in your chosen country before making a decision to retire abroad.

Climate

Many UK retirees prefer a warm climate for retirement, especially after spending years in rainy weather. A sunny, pleasant climate can greatly improve the retirement experience, allowing for outdoor activities and a more active lifestyle.

Weather also impacts health and well-being, as some climates suit specific health needs better. A nice climate can boost mood and quality of life. However, extreme weather can make things uncomfortable and limit activities. Thinking about your climate preferences, whether you like warmer or cooler weather, is important for enjoying retirement.

Language and culture

Relationships and communication are important for UK retirees looking for a happy life abroad. As social beings, fitting into a new place greatly affects how much they enjoy their new life.

Language barriers and cultural differences can make it harder to adjust. Even in popular countries with great scenery and good healthcare, knowing the local language is crucial for talking to people, building friendships, and getting services. Understanding local customs and traditions also makes living in a new country more enjoyable.

Healthcare

As you enter retirement, health concerns often become more prominent, making a good healthcare system essential. Key components include:

• High-quality healthcare
• Easy access to services
• Affordable or free public healthcare

Access to quality care ensures retirees receive necessary medical attention and ongoing treatments. Understanding the healthcare infrastructure of a potential retirement destination is also important for financial planning, as different countries have varying costs, insurance requirements, and policies that can impact your financial security.

Safety and security

While finances and a relatively low cost of living significantly contribute to overall well-being and peace of mind, safety, and security are equally vital in ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Without a safe environment, constant worry and anxiety can overshadow even the most idyllic financial situation. This can include personal safety, property security, and a stable social and political environment.

Visa and residency requirements

Retiring abroad requires a residency permit to live permanently in your chosen country. Your visa determines your legal status, and how long you can stay, so it’s crucial to understand and meet the requirements to avoid legal issues, fines, or deportation. Visa and residency status also affect access to essential services like healthcare and banking. Many countries offer retirement visas or residency programs with benefits such as tax incentives and healthcare coverage for retirees.

At Global Citizen Solutions, we’ve assisted numerous expats in realizing their retirement dreams abroad through investment visas. Our dedicated team of migration specialists is available to guide you through the residency or citizenship application process, ensuring your transition to life abroad is seamless and hassle-free.

Explore Global Citizenship: Key Insights and Options

Navigating the complexities of citizenship, passport acquisition, and immigration can be a daunting task. Whether you're considering a move for business, personal, or security reasons, understanding your options is crucial. At Global Citizen Solutions, we specialize in providing clear, comprehensive guidance in these areas. Our expertly crafted articles offer deep insights and comparisons to help you make informed decisions.

• Exploring Citizenship by Investment: For those interested in acquiring citizenship through investment, our guide on citizenship through investment breaks down the process, benefits, and key considerations, helping you understand how this path might suit your personal and financial goals.

• Comparing Citizenship by Investment Programs: Choosing the right program is vital. Our comprehensive comparison of CBI programs worldwide provides a clear, side-by-side look at what each country offers, aiding you in finding the perfect match for your needs.

• Top Citizenship by Investment Programs: To further assist your decision-making, we've curated a list of the best citizenship by investment programs available. This resource is invaluable for anyone looking to understand which programs offer the most value, security, and benefits.

At Global Citizen Solutions, we're committed to helping you navigate the path to a new citizenship with ease and confidence. Explore our resources to gain a clearer understanding of your options and embark on your journey towards global citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Retirement Countries for UK Citizens

Where is the easiest place to retire to from the UK?

Portugal is among the easiest places to retire from the UK due to its options to obtain residency. UK expats can invest at least €250,000 to qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa or produce a sufficient pension income to be eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa.

Furthermore, several regions in Portugal, such as the Algarve, have established communities of British expats, providing a solid support network and facilitating a smoother transition for new retirees from the UK.

Which countries offer favorable tax benefits for UK retirees?

For UK retirees seeking favorable tax benefits, Spain is a top choice due to its double taxation agreements, which help minimize taxes on pensions. Italy offers a flat tax regime for expatriates, allowing retirees to pay a fixed rate on foreign income, making it attractive for those looking to retire there. Greece has introduced a non-domicile tax regime that can exempt certain foreign income from taxation for up to 15 years, appealing to retirees. Additionally, Malta provides tax advantages with exemptions on certain pension income,

Can I bring my pets with me when I retire abroad from the UK?

Yes, you can bring your pets with you when retiring abroad from the UK, but the rules vary by country. Most EU countries allow pets to enter with a pet passport, which includes proof of vaccinations and microchipping. However, some countries may have additional requirements or restrictions, so it’s essential to check specific regulations for your destination.

How can I stay connected with family and friends back in the UK while living abroad as a retiree?

To stay connected with family and friends in the UK while living abroad as a retiree, consider using video calling apps like Zoom or Skype for face-to-face conversations. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp can help you share updates and photos easily. Additionally, sending regular emails or creating a blog to document your experiences can keep your loved ones involved in your new life. Be sure to check your internet connectivity to ensure smooth communication.

What are the best countries to retire to from the UK?

These countries are favored for their warm climates, rich cultures, and favorable living conditions. The best countries for UK retirees often include:

1. Spain
2. Portugal
3. Australia
4. Canada
5. Greece
6. Thailand
7. Costa. Rica
8. St. Kitts and Nevis
9. Malta
10. Italy

Where can UK pensioners retire with the best healthcare?

UK pensioners seeking the best healthcare when retiring abroad may consider the following countries:

1. Spain 
2. Portugal
3. France 
4. Italy
5. Malta