Portugal leads global ranking of best countries for retirement in 2025
The search for countries that offer favorable retirement conditions for Americans has increased in recent years. The Global Retirement Report 2025, prepared by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), evaluated 44 nations based on 20 indicators distributed across six sub-indices:
- Procedure, citizenship and mobility
- Economy
- Tax optimization
- Quality of life
- Safety
- Integration
The survey shows that destinations in Europe and the Americas stand out for offering quality of life, stability, and attractive policies for foreign retirees. Read the full article on here.
Portugal first
Portugal was classified as the best country for Americans to retire in 2025, achieving a score of 92,61. One of the main attractions is the D7 visa, aimed at citizens from outside the European Union with stable passive income, such as pensions or rental income.
To apply for a visa, you must prove a minimum income of 870 euros per monthAfter five years of legal residence, the foreigner can apply for permanent residence or even Portuguese citizenship.
Other points that reinforce the country's attractiveness include:
- No estate and inheritance tax for direct family members;
- Stamp duty of 10% applicable to other beneficiaries;
- International recognition in quality of life and safety, being considered the safest country in Europe according to World Peace Index.
Other featured destinations
The global ranking places the Mauritius second, followed by Spain, Uruguay, Austria and Italy. Also in the top ten: Slovenia, Malta, Latvia and Chile.
The U.S do not appear in this year's top 10.
Portugal as a strategic destination
Portugal's top spot in the rankings reinforces the country's role as a strategic destination not only for retirees but also for families and investors seeking stability and quality of life. The D7 visa, combined with opportunities to obtain citizenship after a few years of residency, makes the country especially attractive for those planning a permanent move.
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