Global retirement destination trends

Retirees are increasingly looking toward international destinations, driven by priorities such as safety, healthcare, tax efficiency, and the rising cost of living.

Initial trends highlight Southern European countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Slovenia as premier destinations due to stable healthcare, low crime rates, and reliable infrastructure. Portugal is specifically noted for its safety and tax-friendly policies like the Non-Habitual Resident program. In Africa, Mauritius is identified as an advantageous location for South Africans due to its Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit and specific tax agreements.

As inflation and living costs rise in Europe, there is a growing shift toward destinations that offer significant expense reductions. Spain’s Costa del Sol, particularly Málaga, is cited as a way to reduce costs by approximately 30% compared to France. Additionally, Sri Lanka has emerged as a top choice for those seeking a high quality of life with affordable daily expenses, allowing for comfortable living in tropical settings at a lower monthly cost.