Oct. 20: BEST FROM THE BLOGOSPHERE 

October 20, 2025

Top retirement countries for Canadians

The True North is, as we all know, Strong and Free, but can be cold in the winter, and expensive to live in.

So the folks at Money Canada have put together a list of the top countries Canadians might want to move to in retirement.

“When determining the top 12 best places to retire in the world, we considered factors like the cost of living, political stability and infrastructure, healthcare quality, safety, things to do and see and proximity to Canada,” the article begins. “We also looked at the ease and requirements involved in getting a retirement visa/long-stay visa. When doing our research, we consulted a variety of governmental sites, as well as local and international websites.”

At the top of the list is Panama.

“Panama is a wonderful place to retire, thanks to its unique combination of modern amenities, affordable cost of living, fascinating culture and tropical beauty. The country is especially attractive to those who prize an active lifestyle thanks to an abundance of outdoor activities ranging from hiking and birdwatching, to surfing and snorkeling along the coast,” reports Money Canada.

Portugal, the article continues, “boasts plenty of sunshine, affordable living costs and incredible cultural assets. The Algarve region, in particular, is popular with retirees for its beautiful beaches, charming towns and laid-back lifestyle.”

In Thailand, “few can resist the destination’s beguiling mix of modern amenities and ancient attractions and traditions.” France, the article enthuses, “has it all: a highly regarded food scene, ancient, atmospheric villages brimming with history, one of the most storied capital cities in the world and a never-ending selection of highly acclaimed museums and galleries to whittle away the hours.”

Mexico offers “proximity to Canada…  (a) temperate climate and (a) lower cost of living. Mexico is a top pick for Canadian citizens of retirement age,” Money Canada reports. Beautiful Malaysia is a country where “the cost of living is very low, healthcare is top notch and housing is affordable.”

Italy “offers an enviable mix of culture, awe-inspiring landscapes and affordability,” and Costa Rica “is well-known for its unparalleled natural beauty that showcases white-sand beaches, verdant rainforests, jaw-dropping volcanoes and acclaimed national parks.”

Rounding out the list are Spain, “with its delightful Mediterranean climate,” Greece, “one of the best places to retire in the world on a budget,” Switzerland, which boasts “one of the highest standards of living in the world,” and Ecuador, which “boasts some of the most singular and breathtaking landscapes in the world, including Galapagos, a world UNESCO site.”

It’s always nice, especially when you are shovelling the walkway in mid-January, to think of tropical weather in faraway lands. But whether you travel in retirement or stay put here at home, you’ll need some savings to live on.

The Saskatchewan Pension Plan is an open, voluntary defined contribution plan that any Canadian with registered retirement savings plan room can join. A feature of SPP is that you can consolidate any other RRSPs you have within SPP. Rather than having bits and pieces of retirement income from multiple sources when you retire, your income will all come from one place.

SPP’s retirement income options include a monthly annuity payment for life or the more flexible Variable Benefit.

Check out SPP today!

Join the Wealthcare Revolution – follow SPP on Facebook!

Money Canada

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