And Portugal has secured the top spot of the most favourable retirement visa schemes across the globe.
Adalberto Pucca, head of global mobility services at Global Citizen Solutions said: “Portugal tops our 2025 Global Retirement Index as the D7 visa is one of Europe’s most sought-after passive income visas.
“Its appeal stems from a combination of accessible entry requirements and a clear pathway to Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship.
“Beyond the visa itself, Portugal offers compelling fundamentals that matter most to retirees: a significantly lower cost of living compared to other Western European countries, excellent healthcare infrastructure, credible tax planning… a mild climate with strong environmental scores, one of Europe’s safest societies and an exceptional quality of life.”
Portugal’s Golden Visa and D7 residency programmes have been highly successful in attracting foreign direct investment, generating over €7 billion (£6 billion) since they were introduced. These initiatives have drawn interest from international investors and retirees by offering residency in exchange for property purchases or proof of passive income
A significant portion of this investment has flowed into the real estate market, boosting property development and contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Spain is ranked as the third-best country for retirees, with Austria coming in fifth worldwide. Many people choose Western European countries because of their excellent public healthcare systems, and places like France, Austria, and Spain are especially known for offering high-quality medical care.