Who doesn't want to enjoy their retirement under palm trees? A ranking shows which countries promise pensioners the best life. The winner is in Europe.
Lisbon – In Germany, May is rainy and cool – while in other countries you can already enjoy the sun on the beach. There is a growing longing for a stay in the south. A ranking shows which countries are best suited for retirees.
The "Global Retirement Index 2023" of the US travel magazine International Living has listed ten countries that offer a lot of sun but little cost of living – making them ideal for retirees. A European country even made it to number 1: Portugal
Paradise for pensioners: Portugal in first place
The Western European country is not only a popular tourist destination, but also has a lot to offer to retirees who want to stay here longer: The country on the Iberian Peninsula not only has beautiful beaches, coasts and cities, but also attracts with a mild climate and good health care. In addition, the cost of living in the country is lower than in Germany.
Fantastic beach in the Algarve in Portugal. The country has made it to number one in the "Global Retirement Index 2023". © homydesign/imago
And on top of that, there are even tax benefits for German pensioners: they can apply for a special status if they move to Portugal for the first time and live there for more than six months. Then you pay a flat tax rate of ten percent on your pension from abroad for ten years, reports the Handelsblatt. Other income from abroad, such as income from interest, is exempt from tax.
Which European countries still made it into the top ten
But where else can you spend your retirement? In 2nd and 3rd place in the "Global Retirement Index 2023" are the countries of Mexico and Panama, which are of particular interest to US seniors. Of the European countries, Spain, which is also very popular with German pensioners, made it to 6th place. This is immediately followed by three other countries in Europe: Greece, France and Italy.