Montenegro and Albania were included in the Forbes list of the best places to retire abroad in 2026, according to the information and analytical center Experts Club.
Forbes published its annual review The Best Places To Retire Abroad In 2026 on July 31, later updating it on August 5. The publication selected 96 recommended destinations in 24 countries on five continents, with half of the countries represented being located in Europe.
When compiling the list, Forbes took into account the cost of living, the quality and cost of health care, taxes, crime and political stability, transportation accessibility, the possibility of obtaining long-term residency status, the prevalence of the English language, as well as risks related to climate change and natural catastrophes.
At the same time, the ranking of places from the first to the 24th was not compiled - the countries are presented in alphabetical order. Therefore, for example, the presence of Albania at the top of the list does not mean that Forbes recognized it as the best country for retirees.
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. For the first time, Mauritius and Vietnam were included in the annual list.
In Montenegro, Forbes singled out Podgorica, Bar, Perast and Tivat. The publication estimates the cost of living in the country to be less than half of the American average, the level of serious crime as low, and the political situation as stable.
Forbes estimates the quality of health care as sufficient, although it notes that foreigners with complex medical problems often turn to specialists in Italy or Germany.
A particular advantage of Montenegro is the ability to obtain a residence permit through the purchase of real estate. According to Forbes conditions for American retirees, the path to permanent residence begins with a renewable annual residence permit, for which it is necessary to confirm a retirement income of more than $19 thousand per year.
At the same time, Forbes draws attention to the risks of forest fires, floods and earthquakes - a particularly relevant factor against the background of large fires on the Adriatic coast in the summer of 2026.
In neighboring Albania, Forbes recommends consider Tirana, Durres, Saranda and Vlora.
According to the publication, the cost of living here is about half of the American level. Among the advantages are the Mediterranean climate, the sea coast, a relatively low crime rate and a relatively simple procedure for legalization of residence.
It is especially convenient for Americans that they can stay in Albania for up to a year as tourists, which gives enough time to apply for a longer-term status. Forbes indicates that for retirement immigration, the couple will need to prove about $20,000 in annual income from abroad in the future.
Among the traditional European destinations, Forbes has kept Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and Greece.
Portugal is rated as a country with a cost of living about a third lower than the US, relatively affordable medicine and a relatively simple D7 program for living financially independent foreigners.
In Spain, according to Forbes, costs are approximately 30% lower than in the United States, and medicine is characterized as high-quality and inexpensive. At the same time, the publication pays special attention to forest fires, extreme heat and floods. As a result, some areas were excluded from this year's list of recommended specific locations, including the Costa del Sol and Bordeaux in France.
One of the most affordable destinations is Vietnam, with Forbes estimating living costs at about a quarter of the American level. However, a significant disadvantage is the lack of a separate pensioner visa, due to which foreigners have to use consecutive 90-day e-visas.
Mauritius made the list for the first time due 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% lower than the American one, and for the couple indicates the requirement to confirm about $18,000 in retirement income per year.
Thus, one of the notable results of the ranking for the Balkans was the presence of Albania and Montenegro at once, while Serbia did not enter the Forbes 2026 list. At the same time, this does not mean that the publication recognized it as less suitable for retirees: Forbes forms an editorial selection, and not a complete comparative rating of all countries of the world.
The study itself is primarily designed for US citizens — Forbes compares costs with the American level, takes into account tax agreements with the US, Social Security rules and the possibility of using Medicare. For citizens of other countries, financial, tax and migration conditions may differ significantly.
