Global retirement trends show shifting rankings and inheritance spending habits

A new Global Citizen Solutions ranking of 46 retirement programs highlights shifting trends for retirees and those with passive income. Uruguay holds the top position, followed by Mauritius and Spain. While European countries offer high quality of life and mobility, they face disadvantages regarding taxation. Spain ranked third globally due to its quality of life and citizenship procedures, though it ranked lowest among the 46 programs for tax attractiveness because residents pay tax on worldwide income.

Portugal has seen a decline in its ranking following changes to citizenship rules, specifically the extension of the required residency period for non-EU applicants from five to ten years. However, it maintains a competitive advantage through a relatively low income threshold for its programs.

Separately, a social trend known as SKI (“Spending the Kids’ Inheritance”) is gaining attention in the United Kingdom and the United States. This phenomenon involves retirees choosing to prioritize their own lifestyle and well-being by spending accumulated assets rather than preserving them for the next generation. Research indicates a pragmatic shift in priorities, with many retirees seeking a balance between maintaining a comfortable standard of living and leaving some inheritance behind.