Vietnam has secured a spot among the world’s Top 10 countries to retire in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Southeast Asian nation as it gains attention from global retirees seeking affordability, lifestyle quality, and long-term growth potential.
The ranking, released by France-based retirement advisory platform Retraite sans Frontières, highlights Vietnam as an emerging alternative to traditional retirement hubs. The country placed 9th globally, driven by its strong balance between cost of living, improving infrastructure, and diverse lifestyle options — a combination increasingly appealing to retirees from Europe and beyond.
Why Vietnam Is Rising on the Retirement Radar
The report comes amid a growing trend of European retirees relocating abroad to stretch their pensions while improving their quality of life. According to Paul Delahoutre, founder of Retraite sans Frontières, retirees who move overseas can reduce daily expenses by 15% to 50% compared to living in France.
To compile its annual ranking, the organization assessed countries across 12 key criteria, with cost of living carrying the highest weighting at 20%. Other major factors included climate, healthcare quality, safety, accessibility of public services, transportation infrastructure, and tax policies affecting foreign pension income.
Vietnam scored particularly well for its relatively low living costs, vibrant urban and coastal lifestyle choices, and rapidly improving healthcare and infrastructure systems. Cities such as Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi have become increasingly attractive to expatriates due to expanding international services, modern housing developments, and growing connectivity.
Competing With Established Retirement Hotspots
Portugal retained its position as the world’s top retirement destination, benefiting from living costs roughly 15% lower than France, strong infrastructure, and geographic proximity to Western Europe. Spain followed closely, supported by its Mediterranean lifestyle, internationally recognized healthcare system, and cultural familiarity for European retirees.
Elsewhere in the ranking, Southeast Asia continues to strengthen its appeal. Thailand remains a long-standing favorite for affordability and lifestyle convenience, while Indonesia — particularly Bali — continues to attract retirees despite challenges linked to healthcare standards and geographic distance from Europe.
Other destinations in the top 10 include Greece, Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, each offering distinct lifestyle advantages and competitive living costs.
A Long-Term Opportunity for Vietnam
Vietnam’s debut in the top 10 reflects broader structural changes within the country. Continued investment in urban development, transport infrastructure, and international healthcare facilities is reshaping Vietnam into a viable long-term base for foreign retirees and expatriates.
As global retirement patterns evolve and pension sustainability becomes a growing concern in developed economies, Vietnam’s mix of affordability, cultural richness, and economic momentum positions it as a destination to watch in the coming decade.
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