Spain is not just a vacation destination: it has established itself as one of Europe’s leading destinations for those who want to enjoy their retirement in a pleasant climate, with quality services and a balanced lifestyle. In international rankings, it occupies prominent positions among the best destinations for retirement in Europe.
Spain in the rankings: actual position and recognition
Although many general publications place Spain “in the top 5” of preferred countries for retirement, the truth is that in 2025 Spain has reached third place in the Global Retirement Index, standing out for its good results in health, quality of life, and financial stability.
There are even rankings that go further, placing Spain as the ideal destination for retirement internationally, thanks to its excellent combination of services, cost of living, and connectivity.
This leadership is no coincidence: it is based on structural strengths and the great territorial diversity that the country offers.
Cities and communities: magnets for retirees
The most attractive cities
In Spain, certain destinations attract the attention of those planning to retire there:
Malaga: Established as the great capital of the Andalusian Mediterranean, with an attractive coastline and a sizeable community of foreign residents. International connections and a vibrant cultural environment.
Marbella: A symbol of elegance on the Costa del Sol, it remains synonymous with luxury, well-being, and high-end leisure. Premium infrastructure and a community of residents with high purchasing power.
Canary Islands: With a spring-like climate all year round, an enviable quality of life, and a first-class healthcare system, this Spanish archipelago has become one of the favorite destinations for those seeking tranquility, security, and well-being in their new stage of life.
Valencia: A balance between modernity and tradition, offering an accessible and dynamic Mediterranean lifestyle. Good transport links, relatively affordable cost of living, and fully developed urban services.
Alicante / Costa Blanca: Combining extensive beaches, a competitive cost of living, and well-established international communities. Linked to the foreign public, with good accessibility.
Palma de Mallorca: Offers exclusivity, unique natural landscapes, and a distinctly cosmopolitan character. With 29.2% of the population born abroad in 2024, it shows how all the advantages of the island attract European retirees.
There are internal rankings, such as Moving to Spain, which compare more than 30 municipalities and highlight quieter towns, not just large cities, as ideal options for an active but peaceful retirement.
Communities of retired foreigners
Spain not only welcomes individuals, but several areas already have established communities of international retirees:
- On the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and islands such as Mallorca and Tenerife, it is common to find gatherings, local associations, and exchange networks among those who have migrated.
- Cities such as Torrevieja have historically been “gathering points” for British and Nordic communities.
- The Canary Islands also stand out for their permanent climate and attractions for retirees, which has strengthened these communities.
These groups not only offer social support, but also channels for recommending professional services—a favorable environment for real estate agents who collaborate with retirees.
Who comes to retire in Spain? Nationalities and motivations
International profile: which countries stand out
Although there are no exact official statistics on the percentage of immigrants who are retirees by nationality, clear trends can be identified:
- Among foreign residents in Spain, citizens from European Union countries stand out, especially those from the north: the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.
- In coastal or island locations, foreign resident communities often come from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden.
- For example, in Alicante, the foreign population represents about 27% of the total municipality, with a significant proportion of Northern Europeans.
- In Palma de Mallorca, 29.2% of the population is of foreign origin.
- Global Citizen Solutions estimates that Spain receives a constant flow of older people interested in retiring, thanks to its position in international rankings and reputation as a quality destination.
Main reasons and benefits for retiring in Spain
- Climate and lifestyle: sunshine, mild temperatures, access to the sea or inland nature, and cultural customs focused on well-being.
- High-quality public healthcare system: Spain has one of the most highly rated healthcare systems in Europe, which is also accessible to foreign residents with adequate coverage.
- Competitive cost of living: in many areas, living in Spain costs considerably less than in northern European countries, both in terms of housing and food and leisure.
- Quality of culture and services: good air connectivity, cultural offerings, well-established public transport.
- Security and institutional stability: low levels of serious crime and stable political environments.
- Legal and tax advantages: although pensions are taxed in Spain according to tax residence, there are international agreements that prevent double taxation and offer opportunities for optimization depending on the source of income.
All this makes Spain a highly attractive option for an active, comfortable, and high-quality retirement.
The fact that Spain regularly ranks among the best countries in Europe to retire to—and, in 2025, already occupies third place in the global rankings—is no coincidence, but rather a reflection of a country capable of offering a balance between well-being, services, and a pleasant lifestyle.
From the Canary Islands to Mallorca, via Malaga, Valencia, and Marbella, there are established areas for those who wish to retire surrounded by an international community and nature, without sacrificing culture and good healthcare.
For a real estate network such as ERA, this reality opens up a strategic avenue: collaboration between offices to attract and accompany those international clients who wish to plan their retirement in Spain from anywhere in Europe.
If you want to offer this unique value, we invite you to connect with the ERA network in Spain. We can share specialized training, referral data, or even integrate your inquiries into the referral program. If you already have a client or referral who is considering retiring in Spain, contact us and let’s work together through our website or by contacting us.
Visit our website, where we explain the Referral Program in more detail.