This year, Global Citizen Solutions released its Global Resignation Report in 2025.
The report examined 44 passive income and retirement visa programs. 20 target indicators were examined and grouped into six sub-indexes: procedure, citizenship and mobility, economics, tax optimization, quality of life, safety and integration. Countries were given a score out of 100.
The US was not included in the list simply because it lacked an official retirement visa program. The report found that many of the top 10 countries are located in the US and Europe.
“The United States dominates digital nomadic retirement visas and availability in Europe. They have a very high quality of life above average,” says Dr. Laura Madrid Saltolett, research leader at GCS’s Global Intelligence Unit, CNBC tells Make.
“That’s not a coincidence, because one of the motivations people have when they decide to move abroad is because they are looking for a place with high quality of life.”
Portugal
Gabriel Mello | Moment | Getty Images
Portugal is the top European country on the list, with an overall score of 92.61.
Dr. Madrid Saltolett says Portugal’s retirement visa program has been the flagship for the past decade.
“The country has begun investing in attracting investors, retirees and digital nomads. Portugal is a country that has a very good quality of life today,” she says. “Portugal is the safest country in Europe when looking at the World Peace Index. It is one of the most popular countries in Europe.
European countries provide D7 visas to non-EU citizens. This allows people with stable passive income, such as pensions and rental income, to retire.
To apply for that visa, you will need a minimum income requirement of 870 euros. You are eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship after you have lived in Portugal for at least five years.
The Portuguese government offers a global tax system. That is, it includes foreign income. Portugal also has no wealth or inheritance tax for close families. There is a 10% stamp duty applied to others.
Portugal is also famous for its Golden Visa Program. This allows non-EU citizens to acquire national citizenship or residence through investments other than real estate.
According to Forbes, the Portuguese government has seen a 72% increase in Golden Visa approvals, with Americans making up the majority. Portugal’s Golden Visa Program has raised over $7.2 billion since its introduction in 2012.
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