Manila: The Philippines was named as the world's No. 1 retirement destination for 2026 by the Expatriate Group, an addition to its list of accolades affirming its appeal as a destination for expats. The country ranked first as the best country to retire to in 2026, scoring 78 out of 100, in the group's latest Retirement Abroad Index.

According to Philippines News Agency, the index ranks the world's 'most retiree-friendly' countries based on healthcare quality, visa accessibility, health insurance requirements, cost of living, and expat community and integration. The Expatriate Group said the Philippines performed strongly for affordability and visa accessibility, which was further elevated by its 'strong private healthcare sector' that 'offers reassurance for retirees.'

'Affordability remains one of the country's biggest strengths. A retired couple can typically live comfortably on around £750 - £1,000 per month, although costs are generally higher in Manila than in the smaller cities and coastal communities,' it said. 'Combined with a well-established expat population across Manila, Cebu, and popular island destinations, this makes the transition to life overseas much easier than in many competing retirement destinations.'

Thailand followed in second place with a score of 77, driven by the joint-highest healthcare score in the index. Colombia took third place with a score of 73, combining low living costs with one of the most accessible retirement visa pathways. The Philippines' new recognition follows its recent citation as the Best Retirement Destination in Asia at the 2025 TripZilla Excellence Awards.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday welcomed the ranking and vowed to continue strengthening the country's Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV), the flagship initiative of the Philippine Retirement Agency (PRA) for qualified foreign nationals looking to retire in the Philippines. 'Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to continuously improve the quality of tourism services and position the Philippines as a premier destination for visitors across all age segments, this recognition affirms the progress we are making in creating a more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable experience for travelers and retirees alike,' Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said.

'Beyond our natural attractions, the Philippines offers warm hospitality, affordable living, quality services, and vibrant communities that allow people to live, travel, and thrive. We will continue working with the Philippine Retirement Authority and our stakeholders to further strengthen the country's competitiveness as a world-class retirement and tourism destination.' PRA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Bob Zozobrado, meanwhile, described the recognition as a reaffirmation of the country's 'growing reputation as a premier choice for retirees seeking a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle abroad.'

'We remain committed to enhancing the retirement experience for foreign nationals and showcasing the many advantages that make the Philippines truly a home away from home,' he said. The Expatriate Group is a leading provider of international health insurance serving expatriates and retirees across more than 180 countries.