Ireland has been named one of the best places in the world for UK residents to retire to, sharing the top spot with Cyprus in a new international study.
The research, published by Hoxton Wealth in partnership with students from University of Warwick, assessed a wide range of global destinations using consistent criteria. These included visa access and residency pathways, cost of living, healthcare quality, economic and political stability, as well as climate, lifestyle and overall safety.
Both Cyprus and Ireland scored 86 points, placing them joint first in the rankings.
Cyprus performed particularly well thanks to its flexible pension tax system, which includes no wealth or inheritance tax — a major draw for retirees looking to maximise their savings. Ireland, meanwhile, was praised for its clear and straightforward tax system, along with strong healthcare access, stability and quality of life — factors that continue to make it attractive, particularly for UK citizens seeking a familiar culture and English-speaking environment.
The study highlights a broader trend of UK retirees looking beyond traditional hotspots, weighing up not just sunshine, but also long-term financial security and access to services.
Other European destinations also performed strongly. Malta and Portugal ranked highly due to their warm climates, accessible healthcare systems and relatively low crime rates, while Spain continues to remain a popular and reliable choice.
Further afield, countries like Panama and Mauritius were recognised for their favourable tax systems and lower living costs, while Malaysia stood out despite recent visa changes, offering affordability and beneficial treatment of foreign income in many cases.
The report ultimately reflects a shift in priorities for retirees — balancing lifestyle ambitions with financial practicality in an increasingly uncertain global economy.
Best Overseas Retirement Destinations for UK Residents:
As more UK residents look ahead to retirement, studies like this suggest Ireland is not just a convenient option — but one of the most competitive globally.
