Cyprus has risen two places to 23rd in the Natixis Investment Managers Global Retirement Index 2026 (GRI), up from 25th in 2025, according to Philenews. The country's overall score increased by two percentage points to 68%, with its tax and financial environment offsetting pressures on the health sector.
How the index is measured
The index does not focus solely on the financial situation of retirees but assesses the overall conditions shaping life after leaving the labour market. It examines four main areas: finances in retirement, material wellbeing, health and quality of life.
Cyprus scored 67% for finances in retirement, 66% for material wellbeing, 80% for health and 61% for quality of life.
For the second consecutive year, Norway ranks first, followed by Ireland in second place.
Finances in retirement
Finances in retirement was the key category behind this year's rise. The sub-index jumped 12 places to 19th, with the score rising to 67%.
Inflation, interest rates and tax
The inflation indicator rose 11 places, as the country largely managed to eliminate strong inflationary pressures.
The interest rates indicator improved by six places to 27th.
On tax pressure, Cyprus improved by three places to eighth worldwide, following a rise of 13 percentage points, strengthening its position as an attractive tax destination for retirees.
Health sub-index
Despite the country's overall rise, the health sub-index declined sharply compared with previous years, which held back an even greater improvement in the overall ranking.
Top performers in Europe
At the top of the index, Norway (83%) holds first place worldwide, followed by Ireland (81%) in second. The Netherlands (79%) rose to third, overtaking Switzerland (79%), which slipped slightly to fourth, mainly due to pressures on material wellbeing.
Denmark ranks fifth and Luxembourg eighth. Iceland, despite a sharp fall linked to the unemployment indicator, remains just inside the top 10 in ninth place.
Cyprus among mid-ranking European countries
Cyprus sits among the European countries ranked between 11th and 25th. Malta, in 11th place, leads Southern Europe. Russia is 14th after rising six places on the back of broader improvements, while Slovakia ranks 16th and Belgium 18th.
The United Kingdom and Italy, in 21st and 22nd place respectively, each rose five places.
According to the report, Cyprus outperforms Luxembourg in certain sub-indices, such as taxation.
Lower-ranked European countries
European countries ranked 26th and below face significant structural challenges, mainly linked to population ageing and pressures on public finances, according to the report. Greece ranks 36th with a score of 52%.
