Turkey Slips to 33rd in Global Retirement Rankings

The landscape of retirement migration is undergoing a seismic shift. The 2025 Global Retirement Report, compiled by Global Citizen Solutions, reveals that retirees are no longer confined to the traditional havens of the West. While America and Europe account for over two-thirds of all retirement and passive income visa programs, an expanding range of attractive options in Asia and Africa is redefining global choices for the aging population.

This evolution reflects a broader demographic transformation: people are not only living longer but also seeking more diverse and affordable ways to spend their later years. According to the United Nations, a baby born in 2021 can expect to live, on average, more than 25 years longer than a baby born in 1950. These gains, spread across regions and income levels, are fueling an unprecedented global demand for retirement-friendly destinations.

Tax Breaks and Quality of Life

The report’s findings highlight that 61% of retirement visa programs offer tax advantages, including exemptions for foreign-sourced pensions and favorable fixed rates. For high-net-worth individuals, half of the participating countries operate either territorial tax regimes or zero-tax systems. The rest offer no wealth or inheritance taxes for new residents — making them ideal for portfolio and estate planning.

But retirement is not just about finances. Over 70% of programs scored above average in healthcare, environmental quality, and overall wellbeing, with Europe leading the rankings, followed closely by the Americas. Asia and Africa, while newer players, are steadily climbing with affordable healthcare, flexible residency terms, and multicultural integration.

Citizenship and Integration Pathways

One of the most striking findings: 93% of countries now provide clear pathways to citizenship, often within five years or less. Nearly all allow dual nationality, enabling retirees to maintain their original identity while establishing new roots.

Family reunification is also strongly supported: 93% of programs allow retirees to bring children, and over a third extend that right to dependent parents — making multigenerational migration a defining feature of this era.

Accessibility Beyond the Elite

Far from being reserved for the wealthy, retirement migration is becoming more inclusive. Over 61% of programs require less than €2,000 per month in income, and 68% keep application costs under €2,000. This opens the door to a much broader range of retirees seeking stability, safety, and cultural enrichment abroad.

Security and integration rank high, too: more than 60% of programs excel in safety, social cohesion, and English-language accessibility. Europe and the Americas dominate in these categories, but African nations such as Mauritius and Asian hubs with flexible entry systems are catching global attention.

Regional Highlights

• Europe: Dominates in healthcare, quality of life, and family inclusion. Southern Europe offers special tax regimes, while Western Europe is unrivaled in medical services.

• Americas: Known for cost efficiency and fast-tracked permanent residency. The Caribbean and Central America stand out for immediate tax benefits and low living costs.

• Asia: Offers warm climates, affordable lifestyles, and flexible entry requirements.

• Africa: Simple tax structures, welcoming cultures, and strong integration make it a rising star.

The Top 5 Retirement Destinations in 2025

After evaluating 44 programs across 44 countries, the report ranks these as the most attractive retirement destinations for 2025:

1. Portugal – High quality of life, affordable cost, and favorable tax regimes.

2. Mauritius – A tropical paradise with simple taxation and strong integration.

3. Spain – Excellent healthcare, vibrant culture, and global connectivity.

4. Uruguay – Political stability, low crime rates, and tax-friendly policies.

5. Austria – Elite healthcare and infrastructure with strong security guarantees.

Retirement Without Borders

The report frames 2025 as a turning point: retirees are no longer bound to just Europe or North America. With 93% of programs offering citizenship pathways and a majority ensuring affordable entry conditions, the world is now open to seniors in ways unimaginable just a generation ago.

For today’s retirees, the question is no longer whether they can relocate — but where they should. From Portugal’s Atlantic shores to Mauritius’ turquoise lagoons, the choices are broader, richer, and more inclusive than ever before.

Turkey

The 2025 Global Retirement Report places Turkey 33rd out of 44 countries — far closer to the bottom than the top. On paper, the country looks like a retiree’s dream: low costs, scenic coastlines, and a Mediterranean lifestyle. Yet, despite being ranked 5th in Economics, Turkey plunges to 42nd in Safety & Integration and a mediocre 28th in Quality of Life.

The report exposes Turkey’s Achilles’ heel: safety, governance, and integration. Ranking nearly at the bottom for security and social inclusion suggests retirees might save on bills but pay in peace of mind. What good is affordability if daily life is undermined by insecurity or poor services?

The 42nd place in Safety & Integration is alarming. Retirees are expected to integrate into society, access services, and feel secure in their communities. This low score implies challenges ranging from crime concerns to bureaucratic uncertainty and limited foreigner protections. For a country that promotes itself as a retirement haven, this is a glaring contradiction.

Despite its natural beauty and rich culture, Turkey ranks only 28th in Quality of Life. This suggests that inconsistent healthcare, strained infrastructure, and uneven public services drag the country down.