These 10 majestic countries with beautiful landscapes have been named the best places to retire – but you should visit before!
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MONDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2025|IMOGEN GREEN
READ TIME: 4min
© Shutterstock/Lasse Johansson
WHETHER YOU’RE PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT OR SIMPLY SEEKING A BETTER PACE OF LIVING, WHERE YOU LIVE MATTERS – AND THE GLOBAL RETIREMENT INDEX (GRI) HIGHLIGHTS JUST HOW MUCH QUALITY OF LIFE CAN VARY FROM PLACE TO PLACE. THESE TOP 10 DESTINATIONS OFFER AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD’S BEST PLACES TO RETIRE.
The Natixis Global Retirement Index (GRI) is an in-depth research report that provides a comparative assessment of retirement and quality of life across 44 developed countries worldwide.
Since its debut in 2012, this index has become a benchmark for measuring national quality of life. Drawing on 18 indicators across four weighted sub-indices (Finances in Retirement, Material Wellbeing, Health, and Quality of Life), it captures the full spectrum of factors that shape how people live.
From economic stability and life expectancy to environmental conditions, the rankings reward not just individual strengths but the balance and consistency a country maintains across all areas, offering a clear, multi-dimensional portrait of quality of life around the world.
The top 10 best places to retire, according to the Global Retirement Index for 2025
- Norway
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Denmark
- The Netherlands
- Australia
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- Slovenia
How each country secured a spot on the list
1. Norway
Norway reclaimed the top global ranking, thanks to outstanding scores in Health and Material Well-being, reflected in its remarkable life expectancy. Retirees are drawn to a landscape of dramatic glacial fjords and mountains that cover two-thirds of the country. While coastal cities like Oslo and the historic port of Bergen (the ‘City of Seven Mountains’) offer streets that open directly onto sweeping, verdant landscapes, putting nature and urban life effortlessly within reach.
2. Ireland
Ireland soared to its highest-ever ranking, landing at an impressive second place, driven by its strong economic backdrop. The ‘Emerald Isle’ captivates with dramatic sea cliffs, including the iconic Cliffs of Moher, alongside major cities such as Dublin, the historic ‘Rebel City’ of Cork, and the vibrant cultural hub of Galway.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland remained a top-ranked nation, performing strongly across all four sub-indices. Dominated by the towering Alps, the sweeping Swiss Plateau is where most of its population lives, and it’s easy to see why. Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and the capital, Bern, perch gracefully on the plateau, framed by lakes and rolling hills, offering a rare combination: the dynamism of city life without ever feeling too far from nature.
4. Iceland
Iceland excelled as a compact nation, demonstrating remarkable top rankings in economic stability, health, and environmental quality categories. Its dramatic landscape, which is vastly shaped by geothermal and volcanic activity, boasts vast lava fields, steaming hot springs, and even Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, anchors the country’s cultural and economic life, while smaller towns like Akureyri and Vík offer a serene yet remote charm.
5. Denmark
Denmark rose to fifth place, supported by its long-established and resilient social welfare system. From the vibrant capital, Copenhagen, to Århus and Aalborg in Jutland, Denmark’s cities are celebrated for their modern design, rich maritime heritage, and outstanding quality of life.
6. Netherlands
The Netherlands maintained a consistently high ranking thanks to strong performance in the Material Wellbeing category and a globally recognised, resilient pension system. Famous for its flat, low-lying landscape sculpted by canals, dikes, and vibrant tulip fields, the country offers more than just its capital, Amsterdam. Cities like Rotterdam, renowned for its cutting-edge architecture, and The Hague, the political heart of the nation, showcase a dynamic blend of cultural, historical, and governmental significance.
7. Australia
Australia maintained its spot in the top ten, standing out for its mandatory superannuation scheme, which secured its top-tier ranking in the Finances in Retirement sub-index. The country spans a vast and varied landscape—from the ancient rock formations of the Outback, including Uluru, to the biodiverse wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and its sweeping coastline. Most of the population lives along the coast, with major cities like Sydney, Melbourne (the cultural heart), and Brisbane offering cosmopolitan living alongside immediate access to beautiful beaches nearby.
8. Germany
As the only large developed economy to break into the top ten, Germany excelled in the Health and Quality of Life sub-indexes. Its diverse landscape stretches from the flat North German Plain to the rolling Central Uplands, culminating in the majestic Bavarian Alps. Culturally rich cities such as Berlin, the historic capital; Frankfurt, the financial hub; and Munich, the vibrant cultural centre, offer a seamless mix of history, dense forests like the Black Forest, and modern infrastructure.
9. Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s top-tier ranking was anchored by its exceptional performance, particularly its continued #1 spot in the Health sub-index, despite its small size. The country’s landscape is split between the hilly Éislek region in the north, part of the Ardennes plateau, and the flatter, fertile Gutland in the south. At the heart of it all, Luxembourg City serves as the main hub, renowned for its financial sector and historic city centre perched dramatically atop deep gorges and vast ravines.
10. Slovenia
Slovenia made a landmark entry into the top ten, driven by a standout performance in the Material Wellbeing sub-index. This geographically diverse nation encompasses the Julian Alps, the Karstic Dinaric Alps, and a sliver of Mediterranean coastline. At its heart lies Ljubljana, the charming capital famed for its scenic riverfront and hilltop castle, where retirees can easily explore natural treasures like the fairytale waters of Lake Bled and the vast cave networks of the Karst region.
https://www.en-vols.com/en/getaways/travel/best-places-to-retire
