Berlin, April 15, 2026 Tool helps Germans find best retirement destinations abroad A new interactive tool developed by Handelsblatt allows Germans to identify the best countries for retirement based on financial, social, and lifestyle factors.
Retirement Abroad: A Growing Trend
Approximately one in eight Germans has considered living abroad, according to recent data. Around four million Germans already reside outside their home country, with Switzerland, Austria, and the United States being the most popular destinations for work-related reasons.
The Handelsblatt’s new tool caters specifically to retirees, offering a data-driven approach to selecting the ideal retirement destination. It evaluates 148 countries, excluding those with travel warnings from the German Foreign Office or insufficient data availability. The tool aims to simplify the decision-making process by analyzing a wide range of factors, from financial stability to cultural compatibility.
Key Criteria for Retirement Destinations
The tool assesses countries based on multiple criteria, including financial aspects such as cost of living and tax policies, as well as amenities like healthcare quality, measured using the Legatum Prosperity Index. Climate factors—such as average temperatures, annual sunshine hours, and proximity to coastlines—are also considered, catering to retirees seeking specific environmental conditions.
Social and cultural factors play a significant role in the evaluation. The size of the German expat community in each country is weighed, alongside local cuisine ratings, to ensure retirees can maintain familiar comforts while adapting to a new environment. Additionally, the tool evaluates freedom rights and protections for queer individuals, relying on assessments from established institutions to gauge societal inclusivity.