Ranked: World’s Best Countries for Retirement, 2025

CEOWORLD magazine has recently released its comprehensive list of the best countries for retirement in 2025, providing valuable insights for retirees considering their ideal destinations. Topping the list is New Zealand, celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes, high quality of life, and welcoming communities. This country offers retirees a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and tranquility.

In a close second, Luxembourg stands out for its robust economy, excellent healthcare system, and multilingual culture. It’s an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful and secure environment. Following closely in third place is Switzerland, renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, exceptional quality of life, and unparalleled public services, making it a top choice for retirees looking for luxury and comfort.

Ranking fourth is Canada, praised for its inclusive society, diverse cities, and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a perfect fit for retirees who value a blend of urban amenities and outdoor activities. Australia, in fifth place, offers retirees a vibrant lifestyle, sunny climates, and friendly communities, along with rich cultural experiences.

The rankings continue with Spain in sixth place, famous for its warm climate, rich history, and relaxed lifestyle, making it a top destination for those seeking a slower-paced life. Portugal follows closely in seventh, known for its affordable living costs, beautiful coastlines, and hospitable people, making it increasingly popular among retirees. Completing the top ten list are Malta in eighth place, with its rich history and Mediterranean climate; France in ninth, offering a blend of culture, gastronomy, and picturesque landscapes; and Thailand in tenth, recognized for its affordable living, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, making it an enticing option for retirees looking for adventure abroad. Overall, these rankings highlight the diverse range of options available for retirees seeking to enjoy a fulfilling and enriching retirement experience in various parts of the world.

World’s Best Countries For Retirement

Detailed findings & methodology: CEOWORLD magazine researchers have compiled, analyzed, and compared 80 countries across 11 key categories to determine the rankings. These categories include expat community, English-speaking, health care, cost of living, affordability, tax-friendliness, pleasant climate, ease of buying and owning property, visa and residency requirements, government stability, and ease of assimilation. Each category was given a score out of 100 based on relevant research and reports that followed strict requirements to gather and analyze their data to build their rankings.

The CEOWORLD magazine conducted a global survey in January and March 2025 with 126,000 participants. After balancing the data, the study evaluated 11 key categories and assigned a final overall score out of 100 to each country. The editorial team decided on the list of countries. All data presented is for the most recent period available. The margin of sampling error for the full sample of 126,000 respondents is plus or minus 1.2 percentage points. It’s essential to remember that survey research may have possible sources of error, such as coverage, nonresponse, and measurement error, which could affect the results.

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