5 of the Best Countries in Europe for Retirees

Thinking about relocating for your golden years? If you’re searching for the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and peace of mind, Europe may be the answer. The 2025 Global Retirement Index from the Natixis Center for Investor Insights evaluated 44 countries based on 18 key indicators, in categories such as finances in retirement, material well-being, health, and quality of life. Offering superb health care, stunning scenery, and a relaxed pace of life, these are five of the best European countries to retire to in 2026.

5. Denmark

Over the past decade, Denmark has climbed from 12th place to No. 5 in the Global Retirement Index. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a strong sense of social trust. Additionally, Denmark’s attractive pension system and stable economy make it a safe bet for retirees looking for financial peace of mind. And universal health care, great public services, and well-maintained amenities make people feel they really get their money’s worth from the higher taxes. The transition is also made easier for American retirees by the fact that Denmark ranks as one of the top non-native English-speaking countries in the world.

Denmark’s generally mild weather makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors year-round, though winters can be chilly. Strong biking culture in cities like Copenhagen make staying active easy and fun, but for those who don’t cycle, getting around is still a breeze thanks to reliable trains and buses. And the country’s focus on sustainability — clean streets, green parks, and renewable energy — creates a comfortable new environment for retirees to adapt to. 

4. Iceland

Iceland is known for its epic terrain and otherworldly landscapes, but it’s also one of the best places in the world to retire. Though Iceland also has a notably high cost of living, the Nordic nation stands out for its exceptional health care, safety, and quality of life — clean air, low pollution, and a strong sense of community make day-to-day living feel calm and connected. 

Retirees can enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle, with easy access to geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal scenery. Meanwhile, Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, small by international standards, offers world-class dining, art, and culture without the chaos of a big city. Add in reliable public services, friendly locals, and an appreciation for nature and wellness, and it’s easy to see why so many would choose to retire here. 

3. Switzerland

Switzerland may have lost its No. 1 spot in the Global Retirement Index this year, but it’s still one of the best places in Europe — and the world — to retire. The country offers everything you could want for a peaceful, comfortable retirement — world-class health care, top-notch safety, widely spoken English, and a high quality of life. Retirees can spend their days hiking through the Alps, relaxing by crystal-clear lakes, or enjoying cozy cafés and farmers markets in charming villages. Thanks to its central location in Europe, weekend trips to Italy, France, or Germany are easy, and the country’s highly efficient public transport makes getting around stress-free. 

One of the downsides of Switzerland is its high cost of living, so it tends to attract mostly wealthy retirees, who also benefit from certain tax perks, like low rates in select cantons and special “lump-sum” taxation options that allow foreign retirees to pay taxes based on their living expenses rather than total income.

2. Ireland

Ireland hasn’t always ranked highly in the Global Retirement Index, but since 2016, it has steadily climbed from 16th place to secure the No. 2 in 2025. Ireland’s rise is largely attributed to an economy that supports retirement security. Ireland’s inflation rate has dropped and remained steady in the last three years, and its GDP has increased. Ireland has a particularly strong ranking in the Global Retirement Index’s category of “Finances in Retirement” — meaning retirees can expect relatively stable costs of living, lower risk of financial shocks, and manageable tax burdens. 

Statistics aside, retirees are also drawn to Ireland for its stunning landscapes, from rugged coastlines and rolling green hills to a charming countryside dotted with quaint villages. Add to that a vibrant culture, fascinating history, welcoming communities, and an overall high quality of life, and it’s clear why the Emerald Isle is such an appealing retirement destination.

1. Norway

Over the past decade, Norway has consistently ranked among the top three places to retire in the Global Retirement Index, and in 2025, it reclaimed the No. 1 spot from Switzerland. The country stands out for its exceptional public services, including high-quality universal health care and comprehensive social programs, as well as strong social cohesion and economic stability. Low unemployment and high income equality help create a stable society that retirees can depend on, but those looking to relocate should be aware that it’s also one of the world’s most expensive countries to live in. On the plus side, up to 90% of the population speaks English, which helps with the language barrier.

Beyond these fundamentals, Norway offers an outstanding quality of life, with clean air, a strong sense of community, and some of the highest happiness levels in the world. Norway is also stunningly beautiful, offering plentiful opportunities for active retirees to enjoy the outdoors. The Geirangerfjord area, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its deep blue waters, sky-high cliffs, and the spectacular Seven Sisters waterfalls. Norway’s capital city, Oslo, is equally captivating, with world-class museums, trendy neighborhoods, and easy access to outdoor recreation like biking, swimming, and boating right in the city.