Brits looking to retire abroad have been given a list of countries worth considering. Malta has earned a spot on Forbes’ list of the Best Places to Retire Abroad in 2026. Financial advice website Unbiased has also highlighted the Mediterranean island in its 2026 retirement guide, pointing to its warm climate, English-speaking population and lifestyle.
For pensioners hoping to leave the British weather behind, Malta could be an appealing option. Winters are mild and the island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. Malta consistently ranks high for safety, low crime rates, and reliable, high-quality healthcare. English is one of its official languages, which may also make settling in easier.
But anyone thinking about moving there will need to check a few things before making the decision. Unbiased says retirees should consider how much it costs to live in their chosen country, what healthcare is available and how their pension income could be taxed. There are also residency rules to think about.
Since Brexit, British citizens can no longer simply move to Malta and settle there automatically. Those planning to stay long-term will need to find out which residence arrangements they qualify for.
The guide mentions the Malta Retirement Programme as one possible option, although applicants must meet certain requirements.
Healthcare is another important consideration. Pensioners should check whether they qualify for publicly funded treatment or need to arrange private health insurance.
Those receiving the UK State Pension will also want to know what happens to their payments after moving abroad. The Government says eligible pensioners living in Malta can continue to receive annual increases to their State Pension.
Unbiased also looks at several other European destinations, including Cyprus, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Spain. For Brits considering somewhere further away, the guide also discusses countries such as Panama, Mexico and Thailand.
However, the amount needed for a comfortable retirement will vary depending on where someone chooses to live. Rent, household bills, healthcare and tax can all make a difference to how far a pension will stretch.
Unbiased advises people to work out their likely expenses and check the rules around their income before committing to a move.
While Malta appears first in the guide, Unbiased has not published a scoring system showing that it is the best country overall. The decision will ultimately come down to a person’s finances and what they want from retirement.