TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In the last decade, some of the best places to retire in Europe have gained popularity for several key reasons: affordable living costs, an excellent quality of life, exceptional healthcare systems, and easily accessible long-term residency options.
According to sources like GetGoldenVisa, Forbes, and Travel and Leisure, retirees can enhance their golden years by applying for specific visas tailored to their needs.
Let's take a closer look at some of the most desirable retirement destinations across the continent.
List of Best Places to Retire in Europe
Pensioners planning for a rewarding retirement often turn to the best places to retire in Europe, like Portugal, Spain, and Greece. Beyond these holiday superstars, other countries also draw retirees' attention.
1. Portugal
Consisting of 15% foreign nationals across the country, Portugal evidently becomes the best place to retire in Europe. For foreigners, the flexibility transcends affordable living costs, as there are several visa options to consider. With a budget of €500,000 or a monthly income of €820, pensioners are eligible to apply for the D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa) as well as the Portugal Golden Visa.
2. Spain
With sweeping sea views, iconic cobblestone streets, and energetic festivals, Spain transforms into one of the easiest countries to retire in Europe. In many booming areas like Alicante, Madrid, Seville, Valencia, and Málaga, pensioners thrive with the help of Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa that allows foreign nationals to have long-term residency. Though retirees might need to make a slight dent of €2,400 in their financial planning for this specific visa.
3. Ireland
The world’s second-safest country, Ireland, is also one of the best places to retire in Europe, offering unparalleled peaceful environments. To access Ireland’s extraordinary safety standards, pensioners can consider applying for an Irish Retirement Visa with an annual budget of at least €50,000.
While living costs are a lot pricier than in the previous destinations, Ireland boasts majestic natural beauty and verdant green landscapes in many regions like Cork, Dalkey, Galway, and Killarney.
4. Greece
Retiring in Greece unlocks a wealth of benefits that go far beyond its postcard-perfect blue waters. Compared to the other best places to retire in Europe, Greece shines as a budget-friendly paradise, especially Corfu. This year, pensioners can only earn long-term residency through a FIP Visa, for an income of €2,500 per month, or the Greece Golden Visa that requires at least an investment of €250,000.
5. Cyprus
Nestled in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus beckons for relaxed days surrounded by pristine beaches. Taking island life to the next level, this Mediterranean haven reserves one of the most affordable living costs across European borders, making relocating an easy decision. For starters, many retirees are looking to afford the Cyprus Golden Visa program that allows them to stay more than 90 days by investing €300,000 or more.
6. Italy
Italy’s desirable destinations like Tuscany, Sicily, Lazio, Puglia, Abruzzo, and Lombardy are deemed some of the best places to retire in Europe. As of 2025, there are around 15,000 Americans living in the country. This number clearly demonstrates Italy’s welcoming ambience for foreign nationals. Offering a retirement visa called the Italian Elective Residence Visa, this legendary vacation hotspot is truly a dream come true for pensioners.
7. Malta
Malta is another Mediterranean paradise where retirees can enjoy a warm climate in a predominantly English-speaking country. Aside from showcasing a marvelous safety standard, this Western European nation is also known for its affordability. In many cases, a family of four needs at least €2,820 per month, with rent costing anywhere between €1,640 and more.
8. Hungary
As one of the easiest European countries to retire in, Hungary welcomes expats with its remarkable Hungarian Golden Visa program. Through this application, pensioners can grant a valid residency for 10 years by making a real estate investment of €250,000 or €1 million public trust donation. On the bright side, there are endless hills, lakes, and historical landmarks awaiting in popular areas like Budapest, Heviz, Szeged, and Sporon.
9. Finland
Tampere, Helsinki, Turku, and Kuopio are just some of the best places to retire in Europe, which have a low crime rate and offer a high quality of life. With a strenuous commitment to keeping its exceptional healthcare system, Finland continues to draw foreign nationals despite the soaring living costs.
10. Latvia
Rounding out the list, Latvia has become a known member of the easiest countries to get citizenship. Across the country, its capital, Riga, is a popular expat hub that offers a fairly low cost of living. Foreigners are allowed to get a 5-year Latvia residency with an investment of €250,000. By investing, occupants can also enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Area.
Whether it’s the cultural allure of Italy, the affordable island charm of Cyprus, or the serene safety of Ireland, the best places to retire in Europe present unique benefits that can elevate your golden years.
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