00:00Europe has taken six of the top places in a new global ranking of the best destinations
00:05for people looking to retire abroad. The 2026 index by Global Citizen Solutions
00:11compared 46 retirement and passive income residence programs.
00:16Uruguay took the top spot, overtaking last year's leader Portugal while Mauritius came second.
00:22But Europe remained the most represented region with Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Andorra,
00:27Italy and Greece all making the top ten. Spain ranked third globally and first in Europe.
00:33European destinations performed particularly strong on quality of life, passport strength
00:38and rules to citizenship although higher taxation weighed on their scores.
00:43Portugal, which topped the ranking last year, fell to fifth after increasing the citizenship
00:47requirement for most non-EU applicants from five to ten years. The report says the leading
00:53destinations remain closely matched with fewer than four points separating first and tenth place.
00:59Costs also vary sharply. Portugal requires a monthly income of 920 euros while Greece requires 3,500 euros
01:08and Andorra requires more than 4,500 euros along with a local investment of 1 million euros.
01:15The report stresses that the best choice ultimately depends on each retiree's priorities,
01:20including lifestyle, taxation, affordability and citizenship options.
