A retired couple can settle comfortably in much of the Philippines on roughly £750 to £1,000 a month — a figure the Expatriate Group cited as one of the clearest reasons it placed the country at the head of its newest list of the world’s most retiree-friendly nations. The British insurer, which covers expatriates and pensioners in more than 180 countries, gave the Philippines the top spot in its Retirement Abroad Index 2026.
The country posted a score of 78 out of 100, according to the Philippine News Agency, narrowly ahead of Thailand at 77 and Colombia at 73. Twenty nations were assessed in total, each measured against five equally weighted standards: healthcare quality, ease of obtaining a visa, health insurance requirements, living costs, and how readily newcomers fold into existing expatriate communities.
Affordability and straightforward visa rules were singled out as the country’s strongest suits, with the insurer noting that a well-regarded private healthcare sector adds a layer of confidence for those relocating later in life. The Expatriate Group observed that day-to-day expenses tend to climb in Manila, while coastal towns and smaller cities remain considerably cheaper.
Much of the appeal rests on the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa, a long-standing program run by the Philippine Retirement Authority that lets qualified foreign nationals establish permanent residency. The agency oversees retirement promotion in coordination with the tourism department.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, who also chairs the retirement authority, tied the result to a broader government push under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to broaden the country’s draw across every age bracket. “Beyond our natural attractions, the Philippines offers warm hospitality, affordable living, quality services, and vibrant communities that allow people to live, travel, and thrive,” she said, adding that the government would keep working with the PRA and other partners to sharpen the country’s standing as a retirement and tourism hub.
PRA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Bob Zozobrado framed the ranking as confirmation of a steadily building reputation. “We remain committed to enhancing the retirement experience for foreign nationals and showcasing the many advantages that make the Philippines truly a home away from home,” he said.
This is not the first such distinction. The Philippines was named Best Retirement Destination in Asia at the 2025 TripZilla Excellence Awards, a recognition that preceded its rise to the global top spot.
The latest index left several long-favored European retirement havens behind, with Spain and France finishing well outside the leading positions despite their established reputations among pensioners moving abroad.
