Albania among best countries for retirees by Forbes

The prestigious business magazine Forbes has ranked Albania among the best countries to retire in 2025, CE Report quotes ATA.

“In search of lower costs, a different lifestyle, and less toxic politics, more and more Americans are considering moving abroad,” writes William P. Barrett for Forbes.

“The recommended countries are based on costs, amenities, healthcare, language, crime, climate risk, and whether American retirees are welcome or not,” he adds.

“While most Americans remain in the U.S. for their golden years, there is a growing interest in retiring overseas.

A record 712,000 Americans living abroad were receiving Social Security benefits at the end of 2024, a 21% increase over a dozen years.

Traffic on Forbes’ 2024 list of foreign retirement destinations increased sevenfold within three days of Donald J. Trump’s re-election in November 2024.

Some surveys suggest that nearly one-fifth of those at or near retirement age would at least consider moving abroad.

However, actually doing this requires extensive research. To help you get started, Forbes offers a list of the best countries, which includes Albania.

Albania

Long past its communist isolationist background, Albania is a NATO member located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, across from the “heel” of Italy.

It offers a Mediterranean climate, picturesque beaches and mountains, and a cost of living about half the U.S. average.

The government is stable and serious crime is low.

Healthcare is adequate and improving.

Private health insurance is necessary.

English is spoken, but not everywhere.

There is no tax treaty with the U.S. to prevent double taxation, but Albania does not tax foreign pension income.

A long-term D residence visa that leads to a retirement visa requires showing around $17,500 in annual pension income.

Popular destinations for foreign retirees include Tirana, the coastal cities of Durrës and Vlorë, as well as the mountainous city of Shkodër.