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Which country is best to retire with a UK pension?

1. Portugal. Portugal is a country that covers all the bases for the best European country to retire to from the UK. It has warm weather, a cheaper cost of living than the UK, a vibrant culture, and is close to home.



For 2026, Portugal and Greece remain the top contenders for retiring with a UK pension due to their favorable tax regimes and low cost of living. Portugal’s "D7 Visa" is a popular path for those with passive income, offering a high quality of life and a large expat community. Greece is also highly attractive, offering a flat 7% tax rate on foreign pension income for new residents who spend more than 183 days there. For those looking outside Europe, Thailand offers specialized retirement visas (O-A and O-X) and world-class private healthcare that is far more affordable than in the UK. Spain remains a perennial favorite for its proximity to home and excellent climate, though its wealth tax can be a hurdle for some. When choosing, it’s vital to consider the "Triple S": Sunlight, Social healthcare access, and the Stability of the local currency against the Pound, especially in the post-Brexit landscape where visa requirements have become more formalized for UK citizens.

People Also Ask

Some cons of retiring in Portugal include the slow pace of life, which doesn't suit everyone, bureaucracy and long waiting times, the need to carry cash, no central heating, and relatively low salaries compared to other European countries.

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In Coimbra or Braga a couple could live quite comfortably on that same budget of around $1,600 per month. Living in Lisbon, Porto, or trendy areas of the Algarve is going to cost more, but in other areas you can easily have a nice, cushy life for $2,000—add another $700+ to that for an equivalent Lisbon lifestyle.

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Some of the cheapest places to retire in Europe include Albania. Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia.

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The friendliest countries in Europe: 2022 Readers' Choice Awards
  • Greece.
  • Iceland. ...
  • Finland. ...
  • Turkey. ...
  • Denmark. ...
  • Netherlands. ...
  • Italy. ...
  • Spain. Made up of 50 provinces and 17 autonomous regions, Spain is an impressive melting pot of cultures, traditions, historical architecture and art. ...


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