World Leads as Preferred Retirement Haven: Estonia Tops Global Rankings
Estonia Tops List as Best Country to Retire, Offering Quality of Life and Affordability
Estonia has been ranked as the best country in the world to retire by Everly Life, a retirement advisory firm. The small European nation, known for its advanced digital infrastructure and strong health care standards, has emerged as a "sweet spot" for retirees seeking a comfortable and cost-effective retirement destination.
Estonia's appeal lies in its balanced performance across key indicators. It scores high on affordability, with a cost index of 55.9, making it a cost-effective choice compared to pricier Northern European countries. The nation's health care is rated at 77.7, aligning with Northern European standards but without the high expenses. Safety levels are also strong, with a safety index of 76.5.
Moreover, Estonia boasts a retirement-friendly demographic and society. With over 20% of its population being elderly, it offers good social support and accommodation for retirees. The country's digital infrastructure is among the best in Europe, facilitating modern conveniences and integration for expats. Programs like E-Residency further support administrative ease for retirees relocating to Estonia.
The towns of Tartu and Pärnu, in particular, offer quiet parks, clean public transport, and efficient and accessible health-care facilities. The digital infrastructure in Estonia is a real draw for globally mobile retirees who want to maintain connectivity without sacrificing quality of life.
Estonia outperforms countries like Norway, Portugal, and Australia, scoring a total of 79.4. Other top retirement destinations include Spain and Canada, with scores of 74.49 and 71.51 respectively. Hungary, Malta, and Italy are also among the top ten, with scores of 70.90, 70.81, and 70.80 respectively.
The ranking was based on an analysis of 137 nations across six core indicators: cost of living, quality of health care, safety, air quality, elderly population share, and retirement visa accessibility. English is widely spoken in Estonia, and EU residency makes the transition easier for many Europeans.
Mariah Bliss, a spokesperson for Everly Life, stated that Estonia represents the "sweet spot" many retirees are seeking, offering Northern European health-care standards and safety without the high costs of countries like Switzerland or Denmark. As retirement is no longer just about sun and savings, health infrastructure, political stability, and digital services are becoming increasingly important factors. Southern Europe and the Anglosphere continue to appeal for retirees, but digital transformation and relative affordability are shifting attention to less traditional locales.
In conclusion, Estonia's unique combination of quality of life, safety, health care, and affordability makes it an attractive destination for retirees globally. Its digital governance, including an e-residency program, seamless online public services, and a praised simple tax system, further enhance its appeal. For those seeking a comfortable and cost-effective retirement, Estonia may just be the perfect choice.
References:
[1] Everly Life (2023). Best Countries to Retire in 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.everlylife.com/best-countries-to-retire/
[2] World Health Organization (2023). Air Quality and Health. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/air-quality-and-health
[3] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2023). World Population Ageing 2022. [online] Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/Publications/Files/WPA2022_Trends.pdf
[4] European Commission (2023). e-Residency. [online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/eResidency
[5] Government of Estonia (2023). Tax and Customs Board. [online] Available at: https://www.emta.ee/en/emta/home
- The people moving to Estonia for retirement appreciate the lifestyle, as the tiny European nation offers Northern European health-care standards and safety without the high costs, making it an ideal home-and-garden for global retirees seeking affordability.
- In Tallinn, Estonia's capital city, one can find quiet parks, clean public transport, and efficient healthcare facilities, all contributing to a high quality of life that is reasonably priced, making it a perfect retreat for the elderly.
- Estonia's demographic composition and societal structure cater well to retirees, providing good social support and reasonable accommodation, making it an attractive home-and-garden choice for those looking for a comfortable retirement in Europe.
