Montenegro and Albania have been included in Forbes’ list of the best overseas destinations for retirement in 2026, according to the Experts Club Information and Analytical Centre.
Forbes published its annual review, *The Best Places To Retire Abroad In 2026*, on 31 July, later updating it on 5 August. The publication selected 96 recommended locations across 24 countries on five continents, with half of the countries featured located in Europe.
In compiling the list, Forbes took into account the cost of living, the quality and cost of healthcare, taxes, crime rates and political stability, transport links, the possibility of obtaining long-term residency status, the prevalence of the English language, as well as risks associated with climate change and natural disasters.
However, no specific ranking from first to 24th was compiled – the countries are listed in alphabetical order. Therefore, for example, Albania’s position at the top of the list does not mean that Forbes has recognised it as the best country for pensioners.
The list includes Albania, Argentina, Austria, Belize, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Panama, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Uruguay and Vietnam. Mauritius and Vietnam have been included in the annual list for the first time.
In Montenegro, Forbes highlighted Podgorica, Bar, Perast and Tivat. The publication estimates the cost of living in the country to be less than half the US average, the level of serious crime as low, and the political situation as stable.
Forbes rates the quality of healthcare as adequate, although it notes that foreigners with complex medical conditions often seek treatment from specialists in Italy or Germany.
A particular advantage of Montenegro cited is the possibility of obtaining a residence permit through the purchase of property. According to the conditions set out by Forbes for American pensioners, the path to permanent residence begins with a renewable annual residence permit, for which one must provide proof of a pension income exceeding $19,000 per year.
At the same time, Forbes draws attention to the risks of forest fires, floods and earthquakes — a particularly relevant factor in light of the major fires on the Adriatic coast in the summer of 2026.
In neighbouring Albania, Forbes recommends considering Tirana, Durres, Saranda and Vlora.
According to the magazine’s estimates, the cost of living here is roughly half that in the US. Among the advantages cited are the Mediterranean climate, the coastline, a comparatively low crime rate and a relatively straightforward procedure for obtaining legal residence.
It is particularly convenient for Americans that they can stay in Albania for up to a year as tourists, which allows sufficient time to apply for a longer-term residence status. Forbes points out that, for retirement immigration, a couple will subsequently need to demonstrate an annual income of around $20,000 from abroad.
Among the traditional European destinations, Forbes has retained Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and Greece.
Portugal is described as a country where the cost of living is about a third lower than in the US, with relatively affordable healthcare and a relatively straightforward D7 programme for financially independent foreign residents.
In Spain, according to Forbes’ estimates, living costs are around 30 per cent lower than in the US, whilst healthcare is described as high-quality and affordable. However, the publication draws particular attention to forest fires, extreme heat and flooding. As a result, certain areas have been excluded from this year’s list of recommended locations, including the Costa del Sol, and, in France, Bordeaux.
Vietnam has emerged as one of the most affordable destinations: Forbes estimates the cost of living there to be around a quarter of the US level. However, a significant drawback is the lack of a dedicated retirement visa, meaning that foreigners have to use successive 90-day e-visas.
Mauritius has made the list for the first time thanks to its relatively low cost of living, affordable healthcare and a special permit for foreign pensioners. Forbes estimates the cost of living to be more than 50 per cent lower than in the US, and specifies that a couple must prove an annual pension income of around $18,000.
Consequently, one of the notable outcomes of the ranking for the Balkans was the inclusion of both Albania and Montenegro, whilst Serbia did not feature on the Forbes 2026 list. However, this does not mean that the publication has deemed Serbia less suitable for pensioners: Forbes compiles an editorial selection rather than a comprehensive comparative ranking of all countries worldwide.
The study itself is primarily aimed at US citizens – Forbes compares living costs with US levels, takes into account tax treaties with the US, Social Security rules and eligibility for Medicare. For citizens of other countries, financial, tax and immigration conditions may differ significantly.