Greece tops International Living 2026 Global Retirement Index

Greece has secured the top position on the International Living 2026 Global Retirement Index, marking the first time in the report’s 35-year history that the Mediterranean nation has reached number one. This shift follows policy changes in other former retirement hubs, such as Portugal and Spain, which saw declines in rankings due to the termination of tax programs and the abolition of Golden Visa paths.

A primary driver for Greece’s rise is its competitive tax policy. Under Article 5B of the Greek Income Tax Code, retirees who transfer their legal tax residency to the country can qualify for a flat 7% tax rate on all foreign-sourced income, including pensions and dividends, for 15 consecutive years.

To qualify for residency, non-EU retirees typically use the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa. This requires a minimum net passive income of €3,500 per month for individuals, or approximately €4,200 per month for couples.