Malta has been ranked the eighth best place to retire in the world, according to a new global study.

Many retirees consider moving somewhere else to enjoy their golden years. Rising life expectancies and improved options to move abroad are pushing this phenomenon called “retirement migration”, with factors like warmer climates, improved lifestyles and lower living costs proving to be hugely influential when considering where to settle. 

According to the 2025 Global Retirement Report, the best countries are Portugal, Mauritius, and Spain, followed by Uruguay and Austria. 

Compiled by Global Citizen Solutions, the report lists 44 destinations, only including those with official retirement visa programmes. 

Each country was scored out of 100, based on factors like ease of relocation, cost of living and tax benefits for retirees. 

Most places featured in the report have implemented several measures to boost the comfort of their citizens, with over 70 per cent of them boasting above-average healthcare, top-level environmental standards, as well as ranking highly for wellbeing. 

The majority, 93 per cent, also offer clear pathways to citizenship, with half of the countries allowing applicants to acquire citizenship in five years or less.

In an effort to attract high-net-worth individuals, nearly two-thirds of the countries, 61 per cent , offer tailored tax benefits for retirees, including Greece, Malta and Cyprus. 

Application costs and safety are also priorities in approximately two-thirds of these programmes, with European countries, including France, Portugal, Spain, and Austria, scoring highly here.

Southern Europe stands out as a popular anchor for these retirees. Malta, ranked 8th, scored high with 87 per cent. A combination of warm climate, Mediterranean life, safety and competitive tax schemes make the island a popular option for international retirees, according to the study.

The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)

The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) allows retirees from both inside and outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to live in Malta with tax benefits. To qualify, applicants must rent or buy property that meets set price limits, have health insurance covering Malta and the EU, and show financial stability. 

Those in the program pay a 15 per cent tax on foreign pension income sent to Malta, with a minimum yearly tax of €7,500, plus €500 a year per dependent. 

To qualify, applicants must buy property worth at least €275,000 in Malta or €220,000 in Gozo,  or rent for at least €9,600 per year (€8,750 in Gozo). 

They must reside in Malta for at least 90 days per year (averaged over five years) and not spend more than 183 days in any other country annually. Employment is not allowed, except for certain directorship roles.

Applicants need health insurance and must not hold Maltese citizenship or long-term residency. The program offers low taxes, Mediterranean living, and a safe, English-speaking environment, making it ideal for retirees

When it comes to retirement visa programmes, more than 36 per cent of all opportunities are available in the Americas and nearly 32 per cent in Europe, according to the report. while some programmes have also started to appear in Asia and Africa. Still, Malta remains one of the most popular places in the world.