Cyprus has made Forbes’ 2026 list of the best places for American citizens to retire abroad. The article highlights lower living costs, widely spoken English, accessible quality public healthcare for permanent residents, and long-term residency options as part of the country’s appeal.
Forbes selected 96 retirement locations across 24 countries and five continents. Twelve of the countries are European, with Cyprus appearing alongside Albania, Austria, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram
The four recommended locations in Cyprus are Limassol, Paphos, Pyrgos Village and Larnaca.
The list comes as more Americans consider retiring outside the United States. At the end of 2024, 712,000 Americans were receiving Social Security benefits abroad, according to the latest official count quoted by Forbes. That number had increased by 20% over 13 years.
Forbes points to lower costs, a different lifestyle, and the prospect of a friendlier political environment as reasons Americans are considering the move.
Why Forbes selected Cyprus
Forbes describes Cyprus as a “sunny Mediterranean island nation where English is widely spoken.” It estimates that living costs are approximately one-third below the U.S. average and highlights the country’s beaches, Greek culture and history of attracting expatriate retirees.
The publication also describes Cyprus as politically stable and reports a low crime rate. Language forms part of the assessment because Forbes considers the risk of social isolation when English is not widely spoken. In this measure, Cyprus performs well.
Limassol, Paphos, Pyrgos Village and Larnaca appear as locations to consider, although Forbes provides no separate assessment of their individual advantages.
Healthcare, Residency And Taxes
Forbes rates healthcare in Cyprus as “good,” and states permanent residents qualify for the public healthcare system. It places the contribution at 2.65% of pension and Social Security income but excludes investment income from the calculation. According to Forbes, expatriate retirees often supplement public coverage with private insurance.
The article describes securing the right to remain in Cyprus as “moderately easy.” Forbes says retirees commonly begin by applying for a Category F residency permit, which it describes as a Pink Slip. The article places the annual retirement income requirement at approximately $35,000 for two people.
Forbes adds that the purchase of property costing a minimum of $350,000 is another potential residency route.
Cyprus also has a tax treaty with the United States that prevents double taxation. Forbes refers to further tax advantages for expatriate retirees, although the article provides no additional details.
The Potential Drawbacks
However, it’s not all sandy beaches and tanning under the sun. Forbes flags flooding and wildfires among the more frequent natural hazards associated with Cyprus. Flight connectivity presents another limitation. Travelling to the United States requires at least one connection, which may affect retirees expecting to return regularly to visit relatives.
These concerns are included in the methodology of the ranking. Forbes considered living costs, taxes, healthcare quality and cost, crime, political stability, social isolation, residency requirements and the ease of travelling back to the United States. The assessment also covered climate change and exposure to natural hazards.
Environmental risk affected several previous recommendations. Forbes removed Bordeaux and several Spanish locations, including the Costa del Sol, due to concerns about heat and wildfires. Natural hazard exposure was the main reason for excluding the Philippines and Indonesia. Mauritius and Vietnam only entered the list for the first time in 2026.
Forbes’ assessment presents Cyprus as an accessible retirement option for Americans who prioritise cost, English accessibility and residency rights. Flight connectivity, wildfires and flooding, however, are highlighted as the main limitations.
Discover the Best Places To Retire Abroad In 2026.
