The 10 Best European Countries to Retire Abroad - VALMERAND 2026 Study
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, February 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In a context of growing mobility among European retirees, this study by the Valmerand firm offers a comparison of ten destinations, selected and ranked below, based on three criteria: quality of life, level of safety, and tax attractiveness / tax advantages for expatriate retirees.
Key takeaways
Safety is a decisive factor: several European countries rank among the best in the Global Peace Index.
Cost of living varies widely across Europe: Eurostat highlights marked disparities, with a significant gap between high-price and low-price countries.
The clearest “retiree regimes” are those offering either a lump-sum taxation framework or a reduced rate on foreign-source income/pensions, subject to residence requirements and compliance / genuine residence substance.
2026 ranking
Cyprus - Competitive taxation of foreign pensions (5% option), Mediterranean climate, and no taxes on dividends and investment interest under non-dom status (new resident who does not hold Cypriot nationality).
Malta - “Malta Retirement Programme”: 15% on foreign income received in Malta (including pensions and other income), no tax on income not remitted to Malta, English-speaking environment, strong healthcare system.
Andorra - Mountain lifestyle, very low crime, personal income tax capped at 10% and limited wealth taxation (high entry ticket: €1,000,000 investment + €50,000 government contribution).
Italy - Quality of life and healthcare, “pensionati esteri” scheme at 7% (subject to geographic conditions and prior-residence criteria) or a flat-tax regime at €300,000 per year (generally attractive if income exceeds €1,000,000 per year).
Greece - Climate and cost of living, alternative regime at 7% on foreign income for retirees (valid for 15 years) or a flat-tax regime for high incomes (€100,000 per year).
Switzerland - “Premium” safety and infrastructure, cantonal taxation and the possibility of lump-sum taxation (“forfait fiscal”) for certain profiles.
Bulgaria - Low cost of living within the EU, flat personal income tax rate (10%).
Spain - Healthcare system, climate, and high life expectancy, but relatively high taxation (and watchpoints regarding wealth tax / net worth tax).
France - Quality healthcare and infrastructure, but heavy taxation (progressive rates + social contributions on capital income).
Hungary - Competitive costs, flat personal income tax rate (15%), but regional disparities in healthcare quality.
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About Valmerand
Valmerand is a firm specializing in international expatriation, with a team bringing together over 20 years of experience. The firm advises families, private investors, retirees, and entrepreneurs on their international needs related to expatriation.
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Methodology
Quality of life: climate, access to healthcare, cost of living (Eurostat indicators), and overall attractiveness factors.
Safety: Global Peace Index (where available) and alternative indicators (e.g., intentional homicides - World Bank) for certain micro-states not included.
Taxation: official country texts on the taxation of pensions and income (special regimes, nominal rates).
Main sources and references
Institute for Economics & Peace - Global Peace Index (report and summary).
Eurostat - Comparative price levels of consumer goods and services.
Eurostat - Mortality and life expectancy statistics (life expectancy at age 65 and at birth).
Cyprus - Government (foreign pension: 5% above €3,420).
Malta - MTCA, Guidelines “The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)” (15% on foreign income received + minimum tax).
Greece - AADE, Tax Incentives (Articles 5A/5B/5C) and guides (regime 5B at 7% for pensioners).
Italy - Agenzia delle Entrate, “Regime opzionale per i pensionati esteri”.
Switzerland - Federal Department of Finance (FDF), “Lump-sum taxation / Imposition d’après la dépense”.
Bulgaria - Ministry of Finance, Personal income tax (10%).
Spain - Agencia Tributaria, Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio.
France - Tax administration, Social contributions (17.2% on certain capital income, depending on the case).
Hungary - NAV, Personal income taxation (15%).
World Bank - Intentional homicides (Andorra, Malta) where the Global Peace Index is not available.
Arnaud de Marsac
VALMERAND
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