10 Countries Where Retirees Have the Best Quality of Life in the World

For retirees searching for a new home abroad, quality of life typically is high on the checklist of important factors.

But how does someone measure an attribute that means many things to many people?

Natixis Investment Managers has found one approach. Its latest annual Global Retirement Index analyzes and ranks 44 countries based on an array of attributes, including not only quality of life but also material well-being, health and finances.

To pin down each nation’s quality of life in particular, the Natixis analysts gauged air quality, biodiversity and habitat, environmental factors, happiness, and water and sanitation.

Read on to see Natixis’ top countries where retirees have the highest quality of life.

1. Finland

This country’s rank for quality of life: No. 1

This country’s overall rank: No. 23

Finland’s high ranking is mostly due to its citizens’ satisfaction with the country’s water and sanitation. Air quality was also a top-scoring subcategory for this country.

While Finland holds the No. 1 spot for quality of life, its overall ranking has diminished over the years. In 2025, Finland received a score of 66%, compared to 77% in 2015.

2. Norway

This country’s rank for quality of life: No. 2

This country’s overall rank: No. 1

Norway moved up the ranks in 2025, previously placing fourth for quality of life. It’s also ranked No. 1 overall after placing second in 2024. Residents became happier in areas like health and — most notably — material well-being.

3. Iceland

This country’s rank for quality of life: No. 3

This country’s overall rank: No. 4

Iceland had the most improvement in its scores in air quality and biodiversity and habitat. Air quality went so far as to reach a perfect score, 100%, in 2025.

The country is relatively consistent too, having received a score of 79% in both 2025 and 2015.

See Also:

10 Financial Moves You Must Make When Your Kids Finally Move Out

The rest of the top 10

The following may not have made the top three for the quality of life subcategory, but some ranked even better overall.

• Sweden: No. 4 in quality of life; No. 18 overall
• Denmark: No. 5 in quality of life; No. 5 overall
• Luxembourg: No. 6 in quality of life; No. 9 overall
• Switzerland: No. 7 in quality of life; No. 3 overall
• Ireland: No. 8 in quality of life; No. 2 overall
• Netherlands: No. 9 in quality of life; No. 6 overall
• Germany: No. 10 in quality of life; No. 8 overall