Thailand has been named the world's fourth best retirement destination in a new index comparing all 192 UN member states. Malaysia, Panama and Portugal took the top three places in RUMAVI's inaugural Global Relocation Index, published in July 2026.

The ranking adds to two other retirement surveys released this year which placed Thailand close to the top internationally. The Expatriate Group's Retirement Abroad Index put Thailand second among 20 countries, while International Living ranked it ninth worldwide and first in Asia in its 24-country Global Retirement Index.

Each survey uses different countries and scoring systems. RUMAVI's result stands out because it applied the same 24 measures across the largest pool, assessing every UN member state.

How the retiree ranking was assessed

RUMAVI uses its 24 measures for six types of mover: retirees, digital nomads, families, entrepreneurs, general movers and tax-focused movers. For retirees, it gave the greatest emphasis to healthcare quality and value, affordability, climate comfort and whether long-stay visas can realistically be obtained.

The index gives a flat visa-access bonus where countries have dedicated retirement routes that are genuinely accessible, rather than simply existing on paper. Thailand benefited from its Non-Immigrant visa framework.

RUMAVI said it receives no commission from governments or programmes and has no commercial relationship with property developers or citizenship-by-investment schemes. Its methodology and source labels for all 24 measures are published in its Global Relocation Index for retirees.

Thailand among the top 10

Thailand was fourth, cited for lifestyle, value and its established retirement visa framework. The complete top 10 was Malaysia, Panama, Portugal, Thailand, Costa Rica, St Kitts and Nevis, Cambodia, the Philippines, Georgia and Mexico.

Malaysia's MM2H long-stay visa, healthcare value and living costs helped it take first place. Panama was recognised for its climate, costs and dedicated retirement visa, while Portugal was third for climate, costs and the D7 retirement visa route.

Costa Rica was noted for its pensionado visa, while the Philippines was recognised for its SRRV retirement visa. Cambodia's affordability and long-stay ease, Georgia's low costs, flat tax and ease of stay, and Mexico's expat infrastructure also featured in the ranking.

"The countries that top it, Malaysia, Panama, Portugal and Thailand, are not the wealthiest," said RUMAVI founder Alexander Linton. "They are the ones that combine low cost, good climate and a visa that actually lets you stay. Wealth is not what decides this board. Access is."

What the result means for foreign retirees

For foreigners considering retirement in Thailand, the result reflects practical issues rather than lifestyle alone: access to private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, lower living costs than Western Europe and North America, and available long-stay visa routes.

The survey also illustrates why visa eligibility remains central. A retirement visa framework does not remove the need to meet the relevant financial, insurance and other requirements when applying or extending permission to stay.

In contrast, RUMAVI placed Germany 88th, the UK 108th, France 123rd and the United States 152nd. It said the US score was affected by healthcare costs and its taxation of citizens' worldwide income regardless of residency.

Join the discussion?

6 August 2026

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Thailand is a good country to retire, however if you count the huge income tax on incomes, the draconian labour laws that prevent that retirees can do something, as for everything a work permit is needed, and it is impossible to get a work permit on a visa for retirement, the skyhigh prices for imported products due to import taxes, the dangerous roads, airpollution, just to mention some issues I don't think Thailand will be on the 4th place.

If Malaysia is ranked in the top 3, I don’t attach much importance to this ranking, it’s a 90 per cent Muslim country, so perhaps it’s the top choice for people from the Middle East and surrounding regions, but not for Westerners.

Can you just picture yourself in a bikini on the beach there…

As for Thailand, let’s not even go there, given how difficult it’s become just to open a bank account.

3 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

If Malaysia is ranked in the top 3, I don’t attach much importance to this ranking, it’s a 90 per cent Muslim country, so perhaps it’s the top choice for people from the Middle East and surrounding regions, but not for Westerners.

Can you just picture yourself in a bikini on the beach there…

As for Thailand, let’s not even go there, given how difficult it’s become just to open a bank account.

well your first complaint - I can't picture myself ever wearing a bikini anywhere! but I also have lived in Muslim countries and would thus because of my experiences not choose to live there again ever.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The complete top 10 was Malaysia, Panama, Portugal, Thailand, Costa Rica, St Kitts and Nevis, Cambodia, the Philippines, Georgia and Mexico.

Whoever did that list must have been abusing alcohol for a week, mixing with valium and cannabis!

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Thailand was fourth, cited for lifestyle, value and its established retirement visa framework. (my italics)

Thailand fails in comparison to Mexico in one aspect (if not others).

Thailand does not offer Permanent Residency.

Mexico offers a Permanent Resident visa for expats who want to live in the country indefinitely.

You can qualify directly if you are a retiree with high pension income, have large investments, or through family ties. Most other expats start with temporary residency somewhat like Thailand's Long Term Resident visa and transition to permanent status after four years.

Note that Mexico's Permanent Residency is not a visa but a permanent resident card which gives you indefinite legal status that would be similar to Thailand's citizen ID card. This might mean no periodic immigration reports of residency, dual pricing, passport entry, exit and re-entry stamps.

It would be nice if whoever was responsible for entering into this “contest” would have to add the pros And the cons. The cons always seem to be wiped under the rug, but of course they are trying to make Thailand look great for retirees, even though they don’t care about us at all.

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Portugal was third for climate, costs and the D7 retirement visa route.

I thought I read recently that the D7 route in Portugal had been closed. Wasn't that where they capped income tax on foreign retirees at 10 or 15%?

29 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

I thought I read recently that the D7 route in Portugal had been closed. Wasn't that where they capped income tax on foreign retirees at 10 or 15%?

Not closed.

What stopped was the tax break for retirement income.

A deal breaker for many.

3 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

If Malaysia is ranked in the top 3, I don’t attach much importance to this ranking, it’s a 90 per cent Muslim country, so perhaps it’s the top choice for people from the Middle East and surrounding regions, but not for Westerners.

Can you just picture yourself in a bikini on the beach there…

As for Thailand, let’s not even go there, given how difficult it’s become just to open a bank account.

This clamping down on opening bank accounts is a relatively new scourge. Twenty years ago I was able to open accounts on a tourist visa and no other Thai accounts in my name and am glad I did, still having all now but one. Today, it seems you have to show multiple id's, multiple billing accounts in your name (which you CAN'T get without a bank account - Doh!), submit blood and urine samples, etc.

I've been to half the countries named in this index and Thailand seems right up there for me. Affordable living expenses, best infrastructure of the places I've visited, great health care.

I remember the shower of the "hotel" I stayed at in Costa Rica. Open 220 volt wires hand twisted just above the shower head for the water heater. THAT was a sphincter puckering experience and long, luxurious showers were not an option. And does St. Kitts even HAVE a hospital?

Edited August 6Aug 6 by HappyExpat57
speling [sic]

20 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

And does St. Kitts even HAVE a hospital?

I'm lucky to have been there. Yeah they do, I remember passing it. I think it's pretty basic though, and anything complex might need an evacuation. Thailand certainly wins on healthcare, but I guess if someone lives well away from a major city then evacuation to, say, Bangkok might still be needed?

Just now, Watawattana said:

I'm lucky to have been there. Yeah they do, I remember passing it. I think it's pretty basic though, and anything complex might need an evacuation. Thailand certainly wins on healthcare, but I guess if someone lives well away from a major city then evacuation to, say, Bangkok might still be needed?

I was surprised when I visited Bangkok Hospital Chanthaburi to get a prednisolone refill that I was originally given by Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Chanthaburi looked very modern and when I asked my usual Pattaya doctor about emergency services in Chanthaburi, she spoke quite highly of them.

33 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

This clamping down on opening bank accounts is a relatively new scourge. Twenty years ago I was able to open accounts on a tourist visa and no other Thai accounts in my name and am glad I did,

Which other countries allow you to open bank accounts on a tourist visa?

So criminals should be allowed to open bank accounts and funnel illicit funds then, by your logic.

11 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Which other countries allow you to open bank accounts on a tourist visa?

So criminals should be allowed to open bank accounts and funnel illicit funds then, by your logic.

But not all tourists are criminals.. that is what the problem is in Thailand.. Every foreigner is seen as a criminal.. 90 days report, address notifications, a drawn map of your house were you stay, TDAC, not able to open an bankaccount, even registering as living in Thailand in your amphur is a problem, and everything you do needs many copies of all possible paperwork. etc..

2 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

But not all tourists are criminals.. that is what the problem is in Thailand.. Every foreigner is seen as a criminal..

It's too much hassle to check millions of people individually, so they need to make broad laws for everyone.

24 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Which other countries allow you to open bank accounts on a tourist visa?

So criminals should be allowed to open bank accounts and funnel illicit funds then, by your logic.

You misunderstand what I am saying there (intentionally?). Of course those days were loose and free and now Thailand is closing that "Wild, Wild West" approach, but as they almost always do, they have overreacted.

Edited August 6Aug 6 by HappyExpat57

I always have a problem with these lists. To me, retirement is retiring, not working.

... "RUMAVI uses its 24 measures for six types of mover: retirees, digital nomads, families, entrepreneurs, general movers and tax-focused movers." ...

If I was going to continue working, generating income, I would have simply stayed in USA, so COL wouldn't be an consideration. Knowing you'll be on a fixed income (usually for most) in retirement, low COL was a good enticement for TH.

6 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

You misunderstand what I am saying there (intentionally?). Of course those days were loose and free and now Thailand is closing that "Wild, Wild West" approach, but as they almost always do, they have overreacted.

Overreacted based on what criteria?

Do you have statistics on how many fake/ criminal bank accounts were opened in the last 20 years? And how many billions of Baht of illegal money were flowing through those bank accounts?

3 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Overreacted based on what criteria?

Do you have statistics on how many fake/ criminal bank accounts were opened in the last 20 years? And how many billions of Baht of illegal money were flowing through those bank accounts?

I recognize an argument looking for a venue when I see one. Not taking the bait.

For an EU citizen retiring with an EU wife, Portugal is a no brainer and the best choice out of Thailand, Malaysia and Panama.

Fresh Mediterranean food, cleaner air, better healthcare and insurance, the right to work, full ownership, safer roads and better general safety. It is also relatively safe for a European if global conflict becomes wider.

If you have a Thai wife, Thailand becomes much easier, but there is still a risk when you invest through your wife for a long-term quality life. If you are willing to take that risk, Thailand is cheaper, but not better.

After being home for a few months now, just going out for a walk in fresh air feels like luxury. You never get that feeling in Thailand. No dogs, no noise, no stress.

1 hour ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Today, it seems you have to show multiple id's, multiple billing accounts in your name (which you CAN'T get without a bank account - Doh!), submit blood and urine samples, etc.

LOL - or even get Big-C discounts...

4 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Note that Mexico's Permanent Residency is not a visa but a permanent resident card which gives you indefinite legal status that would be similar to Thailand's citizen ID card. This might mean no periodic immigration reports of residency, dual pricing, passport entry, exit and re-entry stamps.

Out of curiosity, does Mexico's permanent residence status allow you to pick up a side gig? I'd be curious more to stave off boredom than to make a living. Something like restoring old cars and boats...

Edited August 6Aug 6 by impulse

4 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

I don’t attach much importance to this ranking, it’s a 90 per cent Muslim country,

Nothing wrong with Muslims or Muslim countries.. it's the nutters/extremists like every other world nation have that screws things up

2 minutes ago, impulse said:

Out of curiosity, does Mexico's permanent residence status allow you to pick up a side gig? I'd be curious more to stave off boredom than to make a living. Something like restoring old cars and boats...

Yes legal to work.

You can even work there on temporary residence with a work permit.

We'd all have different opinions, but my list of top 10 (not in any particular order or methodology). The cold countries* I'd only live in during the pleasant months and split time with one of the warmer ones below.

Thailand (already here)

Portugal

Spain

Panama

France

Denmark*

Australia

Canada*

Costa Rica

Uruguay

In my view, these rating systems should weigh residence security (permanent residence) based on retirement status more highly.

Thailand does rate very well in numerous areas, but is a big nothing with residence security.

I also don't think any country that prices out typical middle class people with financial requirements should deserve a high rating. On that, Malaysia fails and so does Australia and New Zealand.

Edited August 6Aug 6 by Jingthing

4 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I also don't think any country that prices out typical middle class people with financial requirements should deserve a high rating.

Wasn't aware of the Aus financial requirements. Even for a basic retirement visa? What are the requirements?

Just now, ronnie50 said:

Wasn't aware of the Aus financial requirements. Even for a basic retirement visa? What are the requirements?

If you have to ask, you can't afford it.

6 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

We'd all have different opinions, but my list of top 10 (not in any particular order or methodology). The cold countries* I'd only live in during the pleasant months and split time with one of the warmer ones below.

Thailand (already here)

Portugal

Spain

Panama

France

Denmark*

Australia

Canada*

Costa Rica

Uruguay

1. Thailand

2. USA

   Hindsight, after 25 yrs, USA would have probably been better, financially. Having a family, beats anything USA had to offer.

   Take away family ... and I would have left TH, after 2 yrs.

   ... #1. USA

3. No other option comes close to USA or TH ... IMHO

USA, 5 living together relationships, and none that I wanted to start a family with.

Edited August 6Aug 6 by KhunLA