The search for a more affordable and higher-quality life after retirement is leading more and more Americans to move outside the United States, with Forbes ranking Cyprus among the best countries to emigrate to in 2026.
Specifically, it highlights four destinations on the island: Limassol, Paphos, the community of Pyrgos, and Larnaca.
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The American magazine presents 96 destinations across 24 countries and five continents, evaluating not only the cost of living but also the cost of healthcare, taxation, safety, political stability, opportunities for long-term residence, travel to the U.S., language, as well as each country’s exposure to climate change and natural disasters.
Greece is also on this list, with the top destinations being Athens, Corfu, Kalamata, and Thessaloniki.
According to data cited by Forbes, by the end of 2024, approximately 712,000 American retirees were receiving Social Security benefits while living outside the U.S., a figure that has increased by 20% over the course of 13 years.
One of the main reasons is the lower cost of living. In many countries, housing, daily living expenses, and healthcare cost significantly less than in the U.S.
What Forbes Says About Cyprus
Regarding our country, Forbes highlights good healthcare and a cost of living that is “one-third less than the U.S. average.”
At the same time, it notes low crime rates and political stability.
“Located at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers a sunny environment with excellent beaches, Greek culture, and a long history of attracting foreign retirees. The cost of living is about one-third lower than the U.S. average. Crime rates are low, and the country enjoys political stability. English is widely spoken. Healthcare is good, and permanent residents are entitled to access the public healthcare system by paying 2.65% of their income from pensions and social security (but not from investments). Foreign retirees often supplement this with private insurance. The country faces flooding and wildfires. A tax treaty between Cyprus and the U.S. prevents double taxation, and there are other tax benefits for foreign retirees. Retirees typically begin by applying for a Category F residence permit (known as a “Pink Slip”), which requires proof of annual retirement income of approximately $35,000 for a couple. Purchasing a property worth at least $350,000 offers another route. Return flights to the U.S. require a layover somewhere. Attractive locations include the coastal cities of Limassol, Paphos, Pyrgos Village, and Larnaca.”
The 24 countries and regions highlighted by Forbes
The list of the best destinations for retirement abroad in 2026 includes:
-Albania: Tirana, Durres, Saranda, Vlora
-Argentina: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario
-Austria: Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg
-Belize: Ambergris Caye, Corozal, Caye Caulker, Placencia
-Canada: Calgary, Moncton, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Victoria
-Colombia: Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, Pereira
-Costa Rica: San José, Central Valley, Atenas, Santa Cruz
-Cyprus: Limassol, Paphos, Pyrgos, Larnaca
-France: Paris, Lyon, Nice, Poitiers
-Greece: Athens, Corfu, Kalamata, Thessaloniki
-Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Waterford
-Italy: Florence, Bologna, Marche, Lombardy
-Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Ipoh, Melaka
-Malta: Valletta, Gozo, St. Paul’s Bay, Caura
-Mauritius: Port Louis, Grand Baie, Flic-en-Flac, Tamarin
-Mexico: Mérida, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende
-Montenegro: Podgorica, Bar, Perast, Tivat
-Panama: Panama City, Boquete, Coronado, David
-Portugal: Lisbon, Algarve, Cascais, Porto
-Slovenia: Ljubljana, Bled, Piran, Celje
-Spain: Barcelona, Bilbao, Canary Islands, Seville
-Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket
-Uruguay: Montevideo, Atlántida, Colonia, Punta del Este
-Vietnam: Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An
With information from Proto Thema
