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Retirement · 13 Countries · 2026

Where to Retire in Europe

13 European countries have a residence route for people living on a pension or savings. Here they are side by side — the visa, the income it asks for and what life costs in the capital — with a full retirement guide for each country.

In short

Thirteen countries we cover have a residence route for retirees or people living on passive income. The lowest income bars are in Portugal (€920 a month), Latvia (€1,231 pension) and France (about €1,478); Spain asks €2,400, Austria about €2,617 with limited places, Greece €3,500 and Ireland €50,000 a year. Belgium, Bulgaria and Cyprus assess your means without a fixed figure. These routes are for people who do not need a local job — Spain, Italy, Greece, Belgium and Ireland rule out work explicitly, and Spain and Italy remote work too. Luxembourg only counts EU or Schengen income, so US Social Security does not qualify. Social Security keeps paying in Europe, but Medicare usually does not — budget for health insurance.

€920
Portugal D7 — lowest income bar, per month
13
Countries with a retirement route
€1,390
Riga — lowest capital-city cost among them
$0
Medicare cover in Europe (usually)
Retiring in Europe: key factsLast verified 27 September 2026
D7 passive income visaPassive income of at least €920 a month in 2026 (+50% for a spouse, +30% per child); consulates usually expect about 12 months of that (€11,040) in a Portuguese bank Source: What Portugal's 2026 Minimum Wage Rise Means for Visas: Portugalist · Portugalist: D7 visa requirements 2026
Pensioner permit: minimum pension€1,231/month personal, regular pension (from 1 Apr 2026) Source: PMLP: Necessary means of subsistence (from 1 Apr 2026)
Visitor visa (visiteur)For people living on their own means who will not work in France; income at least the net SMIC — €1,477.93 a month (from June 2026) Source: Service-Public: temporary residence card "visiteur" · Service-Public: SMIC (minimum wage)
Non-lucrative visaPassive income or savings of 400% of IPREM — €2,400 a month or €28,800 a year in 2026 — plus €600 a month (€7,200 a year) per dependant; no work of any kind, including remote work Source: Consulate General of Spain in New York – Non-Working Residence Visa · Consulate General of Spain in Chicago – Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
Private reasons (retirees)Since May 2023 only income from work in the EU/Schengen or an EU/Schengen state pension counts — US Social Security, 401(k)/IRA and investment income do not; benchmark €2,771 a month Source: Guichet.lu: residence for private reasons · Lexgo: new restrictions on residence for private reasons (2023)
Medicare abroadMedicare usually does not cover health care outside the US — plan for local or private insurance in Europe Source: Travel outside the U.S. (Medicare.gov)

How to Choose

Five Questions Before You Choose

  • Does your income count?

    Most countries accept pensions, Social Security and investment income — but Since May 2023 only income from work in the EU/Schengen or an EU/Schengen state pension counts — US Social Security, 401(k)/IRA and investment income do not; benchmark €2,771 a month.

  • Is there a cap on places?

    Austria: Yes — limited places per province each year (385 nationwide under the 2025 regulation).

  • Can you work at all?

    Usually not locally — check each guide. Spain: Passive income or savings of 400% of IPREM — €2,400 a month or €28,800 a year in 2026 — plus €600 a month (€7,200 a year) per dependant; no work of any kind, including remote work.

  • How will you pay for healthcare?

    Medicare usually does not cover health care outside the US — plan for local or private insurance in Europe. See healthcare in Europe.

  • How will your pension be taxed?

    Tax regimes for pensioners differ a lot — compare them in our retirement visa guide.

The Rules

Retirement Visas Explained

How retirement visas work

Income rules, pension tax regimes, Social Security and Medicare abroad — the general guide.

Retirement visas in Europe →Healthcare in Europe →Cost of living in Europe →

Head to Head

Retirement Comparisons

Two countries side by side

Detailed comparisons for retirees.

Portugal vs Spain →Cyprus vs Portugal →France vs Italy →Greece vs Italy →Spain vs Greece →Latvia vs Portugal →Latvia vs Italy →All retirement comparisons →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which European country is easiest for Americans to retire in?

By income, Portugal (€920 a month for the D7), Latvia (€1,231 pension) and France (about €1,478) have the lowest bars. By living costs, Riga, Sofia, Athens and Nicosia are among the cheapest capitals.

Can I retire in Europe on Social Security alone?

In several countries, yes, if it meets the income bar — Portugal, Latvia and France have the lowest. Luxembourg is the exception: it only counts EU or Schengen income, so US Social Security does not qualify.

Can I work on a retirement visa?

Usually not. Spain, Italy, Greece, Belgium and Ireland rule out local work on their retirement routes, and Spain and Italy remote work too; check each country guide. For remote work, look at a digital nomad visa instead.

Will Medicare cover me in Europe?

Usually not. Plan for local public cover where your permit allows it, or private health insurance.

Across Europe

Every guide and comparison

Written by US GO EU TeamResearched from official sources in each country · How we research and update

✓ Facts verified 27 September 2026

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