Retirement 2026: 10 destinations abroad to settle in for a more comfortable life than in France

What if you were to prepare for your future elsewhere, without haste or preconceived ideas? Experts have highlighted destinations where you can live better in retirement. The milestone of 2026 serves as a benchmark for thinking, comparing, planning and deciding.

2026, a milestone for reinventing retirement

According to a recent summary, 10 countries tick a number of key criteria for relocation. The cost of living, health and safety are all important factors in the equation. What’s more, the quality of housing and a solid French-speaking community provide lasting reassurance.

In Asia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia have been attracting retirees for years. Chiang Mai, Da Nang or Siem Reap, for example, offer a gentle pace, private pampering and simple daily life. These Asian destinations boast a warm climate, lively markets and affordable cuisine.

Closer to home, Morocco and Bulgaria are attractive for their prices, flights and proximity. Casablanca, Agadir, Varna or Plovdiv are also within easy reach, with familiar cultural landmarks. Portugal stands out for its infrastructure, beaches and efficient administrative support.

“Leaving doesn’t mean giving up your landmarks, it means creating new ones.

Cost of living, quality of care and everyday surroundings

Across the Atlantic, Mexico and Colombia are changing the perspective on expatriation for retirement. For example, Mérida, Puerto Vallarta and Medellín combine a relaxed lifestyle, urban dynamism and day-to-day services. However, these Latin American destinations require a detailed understanding of the local security environment.

In the Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey often offer reasonable rents and moderate costs. As a result, Athens, Thessaloniki, Antalya or Izmir are well suited to controlled, cautious budgets. What’s more, access to private clinics is reassuring in the event of a health problem or follow-up.

• Define your priorities: health, budget, climate, language and accessibility.
• Check visas, insurance, proof of income and administrative deadlines.
• Compare neighborhoods, transportation, hospitals, shopping and Internet quality.
• Test on site in low and high season before any commitment.
• Prepare a plan B: temporary return, emergency fund, local contacts.

Rankings may be alluring, but they’re no substitute for patient, methodical local scouting. Spend several weeks testing the seasons, neighborhoods, transportation and local consumer habits. Also, talk to local residents to qualify promises, posted rates and over-flattering speeches.

Panorama by region: Asia, Europe, Americas

In Thailand, many choose Chiang Mai for its pace, hospitals and lush green parks. In Vietnam, Da Nang and Nha Trang offer seaside, fast-food and friendly cafés everywhere. These assets make them destinations where daily life remains simple, efficient and relatively predictable.

In Portugal, the Algarve and Lisbon appeal for their climate, urban walking and cultural diversity. In Bulgaria, Varna offers access to the Black Sea and lively markets. In Greece, Crete is seductive for its sea, villages and gastronomy.

In Turkey, Antalya attracts visitors for its coastline, busy airport and competitive medical care. Also, Izmir offers a larger, more airy city, well connected to beaches and footpaths. In Morocco, Rabat and Casablanca offer quality care, support networks and reassuring French-speaking landmarks.

In Mexico, Mérida is reassuring for its local stability and expatriate-recognized hospitals. In Colombia, Medellín benefits from an almost permanent mild climate and a reliable, clean metro system. As a result, these destinations remain connected to France thanks to regular flights and easy connections.

Day-to-day procedures, taxation and safety

Before you leave, check the visa, duration, renewal and financial requirements. Prepare proof of stable income and robust, ongoing health insurance. What’s more, a sworn translator can make the whole process easier, especially for the initial steps.

Taxation varies according to your host country, your income and your residency status. Therefore, find out about bilateral agreements to avoid undesirable double taxation. Certain special regimes are now evolving in Portugal, which calls for increased vigilance.

To be on the safe side, consult local sources, compare neighborhoods and ask for direct feedback. Adapt your habits according to your chosen destinations, time of day and events. Also, use secure means of payment and keep digital copies of documents.

Preparing your project before you leave

Set a realistic budget: accommodation, health, transport, telecoms, leisure, contingencies and return tickets. Anticipate bank charges, insurance, currency exchange and possible medical reimbursement delays. These precautions apply to all destinations to consider in 2026, so you can move forward with peace of mind.

Look for furnished accommodation at first, so you can be flexible and observe what’s going on. Then visit several neighborhoods, test the noise, and talk at length with landlords. On the other hand, avoid hasty payments without a clear contract, inventory of fixtures and detailed inventory.

When it comes to health, map out hospitals, clinics, specialists, on-call pharmacies and emergency transport. In addition, join clubs, associations or courses to quickly build up a network of friends. These destinations offer valuable social anchorage from the very first months of settlement.

Broadband and 4G become allies for procedures, payments and local news. They also maintain the video link with family and friends back home. As a result, you gain the peace of mind you need to build a sustainable, active and balanced retirement.

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