Greece has been selected among the top 10 places to retire in 2025 by International Living, a global network of expert expats.
According to The Global Retirement Index produced annually by International Living, Greece is ranked eighth in the world as a retirement destination.
The organization says the Index draws from the first-hand experiences of our correspondents and contributors who live in these retirement havens. They’re not tourists or casual observers—they’re embedded in the communities they report on. Their insights come from years of on-the-ground experience, helping us build a reliable, insider’s perspective, it adds.
It notes that unlike generic lists or data dumps you might find online, our Index prioritizes real-world insights. Our correspondents are independent. They’re not beholden to tourism boards, real estate agents, or relocation services, it stresses.
According to the Index, the top country in the world to retire in 2025 is Panama, which climbed three places since the 2024 Index. The Latin American country is followed by Portugal and Costa Rica which claimed the top spot last year.
Mexico is at number four followed by France and Spain. Malaysia, Greece, Italy, and Thailand complete the top 10 best retirement destinations.
Why retire in Greece in 2025
Leena Horner, living in Corfu as an expat explained why Greece ranks among the top ten best countries to retire. “I settled in Corfu, where breathtaking landscapes and sparkling turquoise waters seem to leap straight out of a postcard. Life moves at a gentler, more relaxed pace, inviting me to slow down and savor every moment.”
She discovered that community is at the heart of life in Greece. “My neighbors have become friends, and there’s a comforting sense of belonging among the local expat community.”
The expat notes that another significant advantage of living here is the affordable cost of living. Outside of popular tourist spots like Athens and Santorini, places like Corfu make living comfortably on a modest budget entirely possible, she says.
“For example, I spend around €60–€80 at the local market each week, picking up fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and cheeses for wholesome meals. Dining out is equally affordable; a meal at a local taverna with appetizers, a main dish, and wine usually costs around €15–€20. ”
Housing, health care and visa requirements in Greece
Horner praises Greece’s healthcare system, especially for retirees, the affordable housing, and the flexible visa options it offers.
The Greek “Digital Nomad Visa” allows non-EU citizens to live there for up to two years, and the “Golden Visa” provides residency to those who invest in property.
The Retirement Visa is another excellent option for those with social security or pensions, she adds.
“In the end, Greece isn’t just a place to retire; it’s a lifestyle that embraces simplicity, warmth, and a deep connection to nature and history.”
In 2022, Greece launched a campaign aimed at retirees tired of colder weather and the high living costs of their home country. The campaign appealed to such a market through its marketing phrase: “Wanna feel 20 again? With warm winter temperatures up to 20C, Greece is the place to be.”
Related: Greece Aims to Become Florida of Europe by Enticing Foreign Pensioners
