Retiring to Europe: what has changed lately?
For years, Portugal and Spain sat near the top of the Global Retirement Index published annually by International Living, a US magazine about living abroad. In the 2026 index, however, Greece took first place for the first time in the index's 35-year history, praised for its low cost of living, high-quality private healthcare, accessible visas, and Mediterranean climate. Meanwhile, according to International Living's editor, recent visa changes and rising costs in Portugal and Spain are leading retirees to look at other countries.
International Living's Fast Track Europe Conference is an event where you can hear about these shifts in one place.
Conference overview
| Event | Fast Track Europe Conference 2027 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, March 20 – Monday, March 22, 2027 (upcoming) |
| Venue | Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa, Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal |
| Organizer | International Living (a US publisher covering retirement and relocation abroad) |
| Countries covered | Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Greece |
| Language | English |
| Official site | internationalliving.com |
What does it cover?
The organizer describes the event as a place to "decide whether Europe fits your retirement or relocation plans, and make the move with confidence." At past editions, contributors living in each country gave sessions on living costs, healthcare, finding a home, and visa options, and one attendee reported that an edition at the same venue quickly sold out its roughly 300 seats. The detailed 2027 program has not been published yet.
What to look for, country by country
- Greece: No. 1 in the 2026 retirement index, scoring highly for cost of living, climate, and visa accessibility.
- Portugal and Spain: Still popular retirement destinations, but worth weighing alongside recent visa changes and rising costs.
- Italy and France: Sessions usually focus on lowering living costs in smaller towns and on using the healthcare system.
How to attend
Registration and fees are on the official site, with discounted prices for paid International Living members. The nearest airport is Faro in the Algarve; from outside Europe, travelers usually connect via a hub such as Lisbon or Paris.
Before you go
Things to know before attending
- Held in English: All talks and consultations are in English, and no interpretation into other languages has been announced.
- Information geared to Americans: The organizer mainly serves US readers, so most of the visa, tax, and pension information assumes US citizenship. If you hold another nationality, check the visa conditions that apply to you with the country's embassy or immigration authority.
- A private, paid event: It is a paid event run by a private publishing and education company, not a government agency. If you are shown real estate or investment products on site, don't sign anything there and then.
- Long-haul travel: Flights can be long, with a big time difference. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before you go, and bring travel insurance and plenty of your regular medication.
Please keep in mind
- This article is based on information checked as of the date shown at the top. New research or changes in official guidelines may change the details, so please use it as a reference rather than taking it as definitive.
- Details such as schedules, rules, and costs can change, so confirm them with the organizers or the relevant agencies before you decide. For any health-related decision, please see a doctor in person.