Philippines named best country for retirement

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has been ranked as the best country to retire in due to its compelling overall retirement packages, according to the Retirement Abroad Index 2026.

Garnering 78 points out of 100, the United Kingdom-based international insurance provider Expatriate Group cited the Philippines for its low living costs and exceptional visa accessibility.

“A retired couple can typically live comfortably on around £750 to £1,000 per month, although costs are generally higher in Manila than in the smaller cities and coastal communities,” the group said.

The index also described the country’s Special Resident Retiree’s Visa as among the most accessible retirement programs assessed.

However, health care standards showed a significant gap between urban and rural areas.

“The key is to ensure your health insurance is robust enough to bridge the gap between excellent urban health care and more limited provision elsewhere,” said Expatriate Group.

Welcoming the recognition, the Department of Tourism said this further affirms the country’s appeal among retirees seeking comfort, affordability and quality of life.

“We remain committed to enhancing the retirement experience for foreign nationals and showcasing the many advantages that make the Philippines truly a home away from home,” Bob Zozobrado, general manager of the Philippine Retirement Authority, said.

The Philippines is joined by Thailand, Colombia, Portugal, South Africa and Sri Lanka in the top five of the list.

The Retirement Abroad Index evaluates countries by their health care quality, visa accessibility, health insurance requirements, cost of living and expat community and integration.