Where Should You Retire? Natixis' 2025 Global Rankings Reveal Top Destinations for Secure Golden Years

Natixis Investment Managers just unveiled their latest 2025 Global Retirement Index, and the findings paint an interesting picture of which nations offer the best retirement prospects. The research analyzed 44 countries using 18 different data points, ultimately organizing them into four critical pillars: healthcare access, quality of life standards, material comfort levels, and retirement financial services.

“What separates winners from the rest isn’t dominance in one category—it’s consistent strength across the board,” notes David Goodsell from Natixis Investment Managers. This insight proves crucial when examining this year’s results, where we see both stability and subtle shifts in retirement destination rankings.

The Four Pillars of Retirement Success

Before diving into specific countries, understanding the evaluation framework matters. Health measures access to quality medical systems and preventive care. Quality of Life examines environmental safety, social infrastructure and community wellbeing. Material Wellbeing evaluates purchasing power and cost-of-living factors. Finances in Retirement assesses pension systems, financial service quality and income preservation mechanisms.

The Top Tier: Where Retirees Thrive

Norway (83%, up from 81%) maintains its throne, combining exceptional healthcare outcomes, minimal income inequality and robust employment markets. The Nordic nation scored perfectly in material comfort categories while placing second in quality of life metrics.

Ireland (82%, climbing 2 positions) has emerged as the retirement finance capital, particularly after taming inflation. Its economic climate now strongly supports long-term retirement security, earning the nation’s top marks for financial services in retirement planning.

Switzerland (81%, slightly down from 82%) remains the premium choice despite its reputation for steep costs. Favorable tax conditions, currency stability and economic resilience continue attracting affluent retirees seeking reliability over affordability.

The Secondary Standouts

The next tier reveals interesting diversity. Iceland (79%) leverages a formidable pension framework and robust social safety systems, complemented by pristine environmental conditions. Denmark (79%, impressive 4-spot climb) showcases world-leading social security infrastructure and consistently ranks among the world’s happiest nations.

The Netherlands (79%, holding steady) boasts what many consider the planet’s most sophisticated pension architecture, bolstered by a universal healthcare system that serves retirees effectively.

Geographic Distribution Widens

Australia (77%) attracts retirees through mandatory superannuation schemes where employers fund retirement accounts, coupled with stellar healthcare delivery. Germany (76%) represents this year’s highest-ranking large economy—significant given that populous nations typically face pension sustainability challenges. Luxembourg (75%) leads in health outcomes and life expectancy, reflecting its exceptional public health investment.

Completing the top 10, Slovenia (75%, rising one spot) offers an unusual combination: affordability paired with safety and community focus, making it attractive for budget-conscious retirees seeking quality living standards.

What the Numbers Tell Us

The 2025 rankings reveal a consolidated pattern: Nordic and Western European nations continue dominating retirement destination lists, driven by institutional stability, healthcare excellence and pension system maturity. Notable movers include Denmark’s four-position jump and Iceland’s decline, reflecting shifting economic conditions and cost-of-living pressures.

For those planning retirement internationally, these rankings suggest that where to retire ultimately depends on your priorities—whether chasing healthcare access, financial security, affordability, or lifestyle quality. The 2025 data indicates that diversified strength across multiple factors beats specialization in any single category.