Portugal best place to retire

 In News, Relocating, Retiring in Portugal

Portugal was recognised as the best place in the world to retire in 2023 according to the International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index.

Portugal got an average of 87.43 in the index which took into account housing, cost of living, visas/tax benefits, friendliness, development/governance, and climate and health, coming ahead of Mexico in second place, and Panama in third.
Spain was in sixth place, followed by Greece, France, and Italy. Some of the areas where Portugal scored high were health (92), development/governance (94), and visas/tax benefits (90).
Terry Coles, writing for International Living says: “Despite its small size, the country offers something for everyone” and points to the different landscapes and choices from the coast to inland and from the countryside to the city; the traditional to the contemporary.
The fact that so many Portuguese speak English was also highlighted in the ranking: “The Portuguese people are among the most friendly and genuine in the world, and welcome foreigners with open arms and kisses on both cheeks. Since English is taught in schools, many locals, particularly young people, have a good command of English”.
Portugal’s security record, which comes in sixth place in the Global Peace Index, and the high level of both public and private healthcare is highlighted in the report, alongside quality drinking water, excellent electricity and high-speed internet connections, excellent and easy-to-navigate motorways, and a large expatriate community of around €500,000 people.