retirement age

The Global Retirement Report has named the best country for pensioners in 2025, with Europe coming first in quality of life and healthcare

New research from The Global Retirement Report has unveiled the top destination for pensioners in 2025. The comprehensive study assessed 44 nations across the globe that provide passive income visas or retirement residence permits, examining key elements including economics, taxation, quality of life, safety and integration.

Whilst European nations dominated in quality of life and healthcare provision, American countries proved strongest for tax efficiency. Meanwhile, Asian destinations earned praise for their warm climates and budget-friendly cost of living.

Patricia Casaburi, CEO at Global Citizen Solutions, commented: “This year’s ranking is led by Portugal, Mauritius, Spain, Uruguay, and Austria, countries that excel across our six sub-indexes and set the gold standard for international retirement migration”, reports the Express.

10. Chile

Chile has incredible natural beauty and an immersive culture, which makes it an attractive option for many pensioners. The country is also considered one of the safest in South America and has low levels of corruption.

9. Latvia

Latvia is an increasingly popular destination for British expats due to its affordable cost of living and healthcare system. The country offers beautiful coastal towns, historic cities and gorgeous natural landscapes.

8. Malta

Retiring in Malta is a popular choice for those looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy their retirement. Malta offers cheap property prices, friendly locals and a warm climate.

7. Slovenia

According to International Living, Slovenia is a hidden gem in Europe. It offers a fantastic balance of affordable living, stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people. The country has “everything an expat could want at a price that won’t break the bank”.

6. Italy

Italy is also a popular country for British expats, with warm weather, delicious food, and excellent healthcare. Pensioners looking for a slower pace of life will find it in some of Italy’s most stunning regions, which offer a relaxed and balanced way of life.

5. Austria

Experts at Expatica explained: “With its high quality of life, low crime rate, and excellent social security system, it’s hardly surprising that nearly a third of expats living in Austria consider staying there for life and spending their retirement there. All in all, for those retiring in Austria, life is pretty sweet.”

4. Uruguay

Uruguay has a wonderful culture, beautiful beaches, an affordable cost of living, and a subtropical climate, making it an attractive destination for thousands of expats who choose to retire there every year.

3. Spain

Spain often ranks among the top five international retirement spots. Experts at Immigrantinvest explained: “Its warm climate, rich culture, affordable cost of living, and high-quality healthcare system make Spain an attractive option for retirees.”

2. Mauritius

According to the Global Retirement Report, Mauritius is the second-best country to retire abroad, with a score of 89.24.

Dr Laura Madrid Sartoretto, Research Lead at GCS’ Global Intelligence Unit, said: “Mauritius has a very reliable procedure. It’s fast, transparent, and one of the countries that has the best options for tax optimisation. People who don’t want to have any fiscal risk when moving abroad with their pensions choose countries like Mauritius because it doesn’t have a worldwide tax system.”

1. Portugal

Portugal has been crowned the most attractive destination in the world for retirees, offering “high standards of living and quality healthcare with relatively low day-to-day expenses”.

Portugal has a pleasant climate, charming cities and idyllic rural and coastal scenery. Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, said: “Portugal is an outstanding destination for retirees and well-deserving of being crowned the world’s top retirement location.”

The annual TV licence fee is set to rise in April 2026

Calls have been made to scrap the BBC TV licence fee and introduce either advertising or a paywall system before the annual price increase in April. A new online petition has urged the Government to make changes to the TV licence system.

The current fee stands at £174.50 and households must pay this if they watch or record live television, or face potential fines. This charge usually increases alongside September’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, which reached 3.8 per cent.

Such a rise would push the licence fee up by £6.65 to £181.15 for the 2026/27 financial year. The Daily Record reports that this isn’t guaranteed and awaits confirmation from the UK Government later this month, typically around the Autumn Budget on November 26.

From April 1, 2024, the UK Government determined the licence fee would increase annually with CPI inflation for the Charter period’s remaining four years. The BBC’s current Charter continues until the end of 2027.

Campaigner David Gilmore contends that “even if you don’t watch the BBC you still have to pay for it”. He continued: “You don’t have to pay for content put on by theatres or cinemas if you don’t watch it so why should you be required to pay the BBC if you don’t watch their content?”

The petition titled “Scrap the BBC TV licence and replace funding with adverts or paywall” appears on the UK Government’s petitions-parliament website. At the time of reporting, it had over 1,300 signatures.

The petition needs 10,000 signatures to receive a written response and at 100,000 signatures, it would be considered for debate in Parliament. The petition can be viewed online here.

Other calls to change the TV licence

Over 15,200 people have signed a similar petition, urging the UK Government to cover the TV licence fee for all State Pensioners and those who reach the current official retirement age of 66. As per the current rules, only those over the age of 75 who are receiving Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV licence, saving them £174.50 on the annual fee.

Michael Thompson, the creator of the petition, argues that “many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company”.

He further stated: “With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.”

Mr Thompson added: “We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries.”

The “Fund free TV licences for all pensioners” petition can also be seen on the UK Government’s petitions-parliament website.

A recent study has pinpointed the perfect spot to enjoy some sea air and unwind after decades of work

After years of toiling away in bustling towns and cities, it’s no surprise that many retirees crave a more peaceful existence. A recent study has pinpointed the ideal spot to enjoy some sea air and unwind after decades of graft, with a Welsh seaside town being hailed as the best place for a tranquil retirement.

This year’s list, compiled by Taking Care, is topped by the Victorian seaside destination of Llandudno. This charming town, nestled on the North Wales coast, clinched the top spot, outshining Glossop, Tynemouth and Ilfracombe.

The study took into account factors ranging from life expectancy to property prices to average care home costs, should they ever be needed.

Beyond the core statistics, the study also factored in the amount of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage properties and other amenities that contribute to an entertaining lifestyle.

With a population of just 19,700 according to the 2021 census, the town offers ample opportunities for socialising, but also plenty of quiet spots when you need a breather.

The town’s seafront is its heart, boasting a two-mile stretch of Victorian terraces intermingled with grand hotels, reports Wales Online.

There are numerous lovely shops, restaurants, churches, and museums to discover, and the pier boasts a selection of slot machines and a pub with views across the beach – something that residents are delighted to say feels like stepping back through time.

Ray, 80, who moved to Llandudno nearly three decades ago, told The Telegraph: “Living here is like going back 50 years.

“The older ladies still dress nicely. You can go out for walks after dark. There are no rough gangs going around swearing and fighting.”

Adjacent Conwy can also provide a delightful day trip to explore additional retailers and boutiques offering a much wider selection.

Helen Parkes, who relocated to the town with her family, added: “It’s [Llandudno] lacking in terms of retail and culture – Conwy next door has had more spent on it and has more independent shops – but living here, you do realise life’s not all about spending.”

While picturesque North Wales might be the perfect location for retirement, Scotland seems to have surfaced as one of the worst options, particularly its capital.

Amongst all the places evaluated, Edinburgh came last with an average life expectancy of 79 and an overall lifestyle score of 3.8/10, proving that city living can come at a cost.

The capital also proved to be expensive, with annual care costs in the city hitting nearly £40,000 on average, with just one care home for every 778 elderly residents.

The UK offers plentiful options for people looking to relocate, with the possibility to embrace a new lease of life for soon-to-be-retiree

Whilst numerous Britons reach retirement contentedly settled in their ‘forever home’, others may discover they fancy relocating somewhere fresh – whether that’s seizing the chance to downsize, relocate nearer to relatives, or experience a different rhythm of life, reports the Express.

The UK provides abundant choices for those considering a move, with the prospect of different surroundings, the opportunity to release some equity when downsizing, and the capacity to embrace a fresh start all thrilling possibilities for the approaching retiree.

“Identity is a big issue in retirement, and when you move house, you can reinvent yourself,” wrote Celia Dodd, author of Not Fade Away: How to Thrive in Retirement. “People don’t know you as the person who used to go off to work on their bike every day, they don’t have preconceptions of you. Your new surroundings will encourage you to think differently about things.”

So where might the over -60s consider relocating to ‘shake things up’? Have a look at our compiled selection below.

Amersham and Chesham

Legal and General this year named verdant Amersham and Chesham as the premier destination for retirement, drawing on information concerning six ‘pillars’ of contented living, encompassing accommodation, wellbeing, social connections and community, financial circumstances, countryside and facilities. The Buckinghamshire area topped the list in a study by a financial services group, scoring an impressive 93 out of 100 for health.

This reflects the high number of over-65s in good physical and mental health, as well as excellent access to GPs. All other ‘pillars’ scored over 60, making this constituency a well-rounded environment for later life.

Tucked away in the picturesque Chiltern Hills, these towns offer a mix of rural charm and city convenience. The market town of Beaconsfield and Surrey Hills towns Dorking and Horley took 2nd and 3rd place in the rankings, respectively.

Llandudno

For those seeking a peaceful seaside retirement, the Welsh coastal town of Llandudno came out on top in a study conducted by personal alarm supplier Taking Care this year.

The research considered various factors, from life expectancy and property prices to the average cost of care homes if needed. In addition to these key statistics, the study also looked at the amount of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage properties and other leisure facilities.

This Victorian resort features a delightful promenade overlooking a breath-taking peninsula between the Great and Little Orme headlands. Other locations that made the cut were Glossop, Tynemouth and Ilfracombe.

Exeter

The Telegraph – alongside estate agents Savills – compiled a ranking this year of the top 10 retirement destinations, taking into account various crucial elements such as ‘the number of hospitals, GPs and dentists per 10,000 people and the availability of shops and green spaces nearby’.

Leading their rankings was the south coast gem Exeter. ‘Compact and convenient’, yet brimming with natural splendour, the historic city offers heritage at its doorstep, boutique retailers and independent coffee houses, plus a lively social atmosphere.

Regularly hailed as amongst the finest places to reside, work, and learn in the UK, there’s abundant choice for pensioners seeking to embrace a fresh chapter in life. Runner-up in the survey was Merton, South West London, whilst nearby Richmond-upon-Thames claimed third spot.

Wimborne

Analysis by retirement community developer McCarthy Stone reveals growing appetite for developments in more obscure towns, with Wimborne, Dorset leading their rankings.

Chrissy Fice, Marketing Director at McCarthy Stone, commented: “With access to local amenities being named as the top ‘must-have’ by three quarters of over 65s, other things people are looking for include good transport links, handy supermarkets, a central location within a 15-minute walk, and either a coast or country backdrop.”

Market town Wimborne fulfils those criteria – and beyond – offering waterside serenity, cultural attractions, independent retailers and dining establishments, plus a thriving retired population. Other hidden treasures that made the list by McCarthy Stone include the verdant Sutton Coldfield, the historic Stratford-upon-Avon and the medieval Waltham Abbey.

There’s a lot to think about when you’re moving for retirement, like healthcare access, chances to make new friends, being close to nature, local facilities and financial stability.

For those considering a move, Rangeford Villages, a retirement village firm, offers the following advice:

• Research and visit prospective areas – chat to locals already living there to get a well-balanced picture of a place
• Review your budget – if necessary, consult a financial advisor to ensure fiscal planning is thorough
• Assess your desired lifestyle – does the area you’re looking at provide the opportunities you need?
• Location evaluation – consider proximity to family and friends, healthcare, shopping and nature.

If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here

The experts at International Living have included one town on France’s Cote d’Azur on their list of the top eight best European towns for “adventurous expats”.

If you are considering a move to the EU to either save money or escape the city crowds, this little-known spot in France might be your best bet.

International Living has published its Hidden Places Initiative report which reveals eight of Europe’s best towns for adventurous expats, including one on the French Riviera. “Everybody talks about places like Barcelona, Lisbon and Florence. But the best overseas destinations aren’t always the ones you’ve heard of,” says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living. Enter Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a stunning town located between Nice and Monaco on France’s Cote d’Azur. The town offers expats a quieter perspective on the glitzy French Riviera and International Living calls it “a mash-up of wildly elegant, flower-flowing villas and earthy, burnt-pastel homes stacked haphazardly along the Mediterranean”.

That said, Villefranche-sur-Mer still maintains the iconic Riviera glamour of its neighbours like Nice. In fact, part of the James Bond classic Never Say Never Gain was filmed nearby.

READ MORE: ‘I ditched London to live in underrated UK seaside town just one hour away’

The hilly landscape allows for heightened views of the bay below, while stairs take residents up to the steeper parts of the town, including its historic centre. Describing Villefranche, International Living says: “It’s as if Positano and Florence, Italy, did an 1800s collaboration with a palette of muted orange, yellow, and deep turquoise.”

Two of the biggest draws of the town are its horseshoe-shaped bay and its impressive architecture – including a smattering of pastel-coloured French villas and cafes and medieval alleyways. But those picture-perfect villas and apartment buildings don’t come cheap.

According to International Living: “A couple can expect to spend at least £2,233 a month, with rent starting around £2,527”. Thus, Villefranche is not for every budget, but it is ideal for expats with a love of French art and culture.

As confirmed by International Living “music is a big deal in town, as is art”. Villefranche residents enjoy open-air cinemas throughout the summer and impressive art shows at the town’s Citadel. Other favourite events including classic car races, the Naval Flower Battle, jazz concerts, and open-air plays performed in the historic centre.

If you want to improve your French while living in town, you can also take lessons at the Institut de Français. The school offers courses ranging from two weeks to one month and also organises excursions and homestays.

Given the higher cost of living compared to other European destinations, Villefranche-sur-Mer is best-suited for digital nomads and retirees craving serenity, cultural enrichment and a touch of glam.

Full list of International Living’s Hidden Places destinations

• Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
• Toulon, France
• Litochoro, Greece
• Kavala, Greece
• Ioannina, Greece
• Esposende, Portugal
• Rayong, Thailand
• Guimarães, Portugal
• San Pancho, Mexico
• Cádiz, Spain
• Palermo, Italy
• Amed, Bali
• Ascoli Piceno, Italy
• Isla Holbox, Mexico

The couple knew they didn’t want to live in the UK when they eventually retire, but never realised they would buy a village for less than a house in the UK

With house prices skyrocketing and UK salaries not keeping up, this British couple decided to ditch the rat race and follow their dream of moving to France. But they didn’t just find a house – they bought a whole village.

Ben Pearson, 39 and his husband Nathan, 31 had been craving simpler life for a while. And when Ben’s mum, Karen Pearson, 62 moved to France 10 years ago, the idea became more real. On a visit to see her seven years ago, they stumbled across an abandoned farm – one they can now call home.

The farm comes with five outbuildings and two hectares of land, dating back to the 1600s. Eventually, they hope to turn some of the outbuildings into Airbnb’s and guest houses – but for now, the focus is making the house liveable.

The property has no heating or even a toilet, but Ben has plans to transform it into a three bed home, all by himself. “It’s getting out of the 9 to 5 rat race in England,” said Ben, an RAF aircraft engineer. “There’s no way we could afford something like that in the UK.”

They started searching for a retirement home three years ago, but nothing felt right. It wasn’t until two years ago, the same farmhouse came back on the market. After two years of paperwork, they finally got the keys in December 2024. “You can barely buy a flat for £80k,” Ben added “it’s a nicer way of life – there’s no running around,” Ben added.

The property is the oldest in its little commune. The main house dates back to the early 1800s, and the farmhouse 1600s. Right now, the only source of heat is an open fire. It needs a new roof, septic tank and modern heating but the couple hope to have a liveable room within six months. Until then, they will be living in a caravan.

Inside, the house still holds traces of the past – old pots, pans, and mason jars left behind on the shelves. They plan to preserve as much of the history as they can while restoring it. “We want to keep the grandeur of it all,” Nathan added.

They sold everything in the UK and are making the big move in July to start working on their retirement home. “When we dreamed of a simpler life, we somehow ended up buying a small village – we wouldn’t change it for the world,” Nathan said

But the couple can’t wait to move and get out of the UK, while some believe French people can be ‘snobbish’, the couple has had a very different experience. “Even when you go to the nearest town the people are friendly and welcoming,” Nathan said. “This is the sort of thing we’d been looking for.”

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