Portugal has been ranked the world’s best retirement destination for 2025 by Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Retirement Report. The country scored 92.61 out of 100, with a strong focus on quality of life, healthcare access, and safety.
The report highlights Portugal’s excellent climate, mild weather, and rich cultural calendar in cities like Lisbon and Porto. Retirees can enjoy low living costs compared to Western European standards, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between everyday quality of life and practicality.
For UK and US retirees, Portugal offers clear residency pathways and a predictable route to settle. The D7 “passive income” visa is the usual starting point for non-EU citizens, and social security benefits are taxable in Portugal under local rules.
Portugal stands out among other top retirement destinations like Spain, France, and Italy, offering everyday ease with good healthcare access, strong personal safety, and solid value. The best places to retire in Portugal include the Algarve, Cascais/Estoril, Porto & the North, Silver Coast, Madeira, and Setúbal & Sesimbra.
These regions offer a range of lifestyles, from sunny southern coasts to culture-rich city fringes and year-round spring on Madeira. With its growing retiree community, Portugal is an attractive option for those seeking a warm and welcoming destination in 2025.
Source: https://www.idealista.pt/en/news/lifestyle-in-portugal/2025/09/12/71559-portugal-named-world-s-best-retirement-destination-for-2025