In this article, we take a look at the 10 best countries for a comfortable retirement. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the aging demographics and the resulting economic shifts, go directly to the 25 Best Countries For A Comfortable Retirement.
10. Czech Republic
Global Retirement Index Score: 73%
The Czech Republic fares better than countries like Germany, Finland and Sweden in several Global Retirement Index indicators, including old-age dependency, retirement finances and tax pressures.
9. Denmark
Global Retirement Index Score: 74%
Denmark has a free public healthcare system, and it is one of the best countries for business and foreign investment. One of the reasons is that Copenhagen is one of the most important links in the Nordic value chain.
8. Netherlands
Global Retirement Index Score: 75%
The Netherlands is one of the best countries for a comfortable retirement, owing to a high standard of living, a welcoming population and a huge expat community.
7. Luxembourg
Global Retirement Index Score: 75%
Luxembourg is one of the best countries in Europe when it comes to retirement finances. Apart from that, it has a high standard of living and a welcoming community.
6. New Zealand
Global Retirement Index Score: 75%
New Zealand is one of the richest countries in Oceania. It is one of the best countries to retire in, since it is widely regarded as having the capacity to withstand extreme global economic collapse, should there be one, owing to its strategic location, agricultural abundance and economic self-sufficiency. Apart from that, the country has a generous social safety net.
5. Australia
Global Retirement Index Score: 75%
Australia is the largest economy in Oceania, and is one of the most economically prosperous countries in the world, with a sizable expat community.
4. Ireland
Global Retirement Index Score: 76%
Ireland has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the world, at 12.5%, and is one of the top recipients of foreign investment. It is also one of the easiest countries to immigrate to.
Tax benefits for retirees include no wealth tax, possible tax exemptions on income generated outside of Ireland, and options to reduce or altogether avoid capital acquisitions tax.
3. Iceland
Global Retirement Index Score: 79%
Iceland is one of the best countries for a comfortable retirement, due to a high standard of living, a strong social welfare system. Healthcare is high quality but cheap in the country, with many healthcare costs covered by the state, and patient contributions capped each month.
2. Switzerland
Global Retirement Index Score: 80%
Switzerland has a high cost and standard of living, but the taxes in the country are among the lowest in the world, and it has an excellent healthcare system.
1. Norway
Global Retirement Index Score: 81%
Norway is the best country for a comfortable retirement, as per the Global Retirement Index of 2022, with highest scores in metrics like retirement finances, material well-being, old-age dependency and governance.
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