Uruguay named top country for retirement in 2026 index

Uruguay has taken the top spot in the 2026 Global Retirement Index, surpassing former leader Portugal. The ranking, published by Global Citizen Solutions, evaluates 46 residency programs for retirees and individuals with passive income based on five key factors: quality of life, mobility and citizenship, taxation, application procedures, and cost of living.

While Uruguay does not lead in any single category, it achieved high scores across all dimensions. It is particularly noted for its relatively fast path to citizenship, which takes approximately three years. Mauritius ranks second, followed by Spain in third place.

Despite Uruguay's rise, Europe remains a dominant region in the top 10, with six countries represented, including Portugal, which dropped to fifth place. Portugal's decline is attributed in part to increased requirements for citizenship for non-European applicants. Other top-ten destinations include Latvia, Andorra, Italy, and Greece. The index highlights that the choice of destination often depends on individual priorities, such as tax optimization versus quality of life.