The best place to retire abroad is no longer in Europe

Current reporting indicates a shift in the global landscape for retirees seeking to live abroad. According to the 2026 Global Retirement Index, the top-ranked destinations for retirement no longer reside exclusively within Europe. Specifically, coverage from Yahoo Finance notes that a South American country has now surpassed previous top contenders such as Portugal and Spain in the rankings. This change suggests a migration of preference away from European borders toward other regions of the world for those planning their later years. Several major publications are highlighting these findings.

Condé Nast Traveler and CN Traveller have both published lists identifying the top 10 countries for retiring abroad based on the index. The Financial Post has specifically addressed Canadians who are considering retirement overseas, suggesting they look toward these newly top-ranked nations. Additionally, Euronews.com has emphasized the broader trend that the most desirable location for retirement is no longer situated in Europe, signaling a significant change in the global index. The context for this trend centers on the 2026 Global Retirement Index, which provides the data driving these reports. For years, countries like Portugal and Spain were viewed as premier options for expats, but the latest data suggests that a South American nation has now beaten these European staples.

This shift is relevant to international retirees who prioritize specific rankings when choosing where to relocate. The coverage underscores a changing hierarchy of desirability that impacts how retirees from countries like Canada assess their options. Future developments to monitor include the specific criteria used by the 2026 Global Retirement Index to determine these rankings. While the reports mention a top 10 list, the detailed metrics that allowed a South American country to beat Spain and Portugal remain a point of interest. Observers will likely watch for updated guidance for Canadians and other nationalities as they react to the top 10 list provided by CN Traveller and Condé Nast Traveler to see if actual migration patterns shift toward South America.