In short
Thirteen of the 29 countries we cover have a residence route for people living on a pension or savings, and each sets its own income bar, health-insurance rule and limits on work. Our retirement guides are built on the same checked facts, so you can move from the overview to the country comparison to the full country guide without the numbers changing. Two things apply everywhere. US citizens can keep receiving Social Security payments while living in European countries (payments cannot be sent to a few countries such as Belarus). Medicare usually does not cover health care outside the US — plan for local or private insurance in Europe.
- 13
- Countries with a retirement or passive-income route
- €920
- Portugal D7 — lowest income bar, per month
- €1,390
- Riga — lowest capital-city cost among them
- $0
- Medicare cover in Europe (usually)
Retirement guides
Where Do You Want to Start?
Every guide below uses the same verified data — open the one that answers your first question.
Showing of 9 guides
Choose a country 3 guides
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Where to Retire
The 13 countries with a retirement route — visa, income and capital-city cost, with a guide for each
See all 13 countries
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Retirement Countries Compared
Income bar, healthcare and pensioner tax regimes side by side, with shortlists
Compare the countries
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Head-to-Head Comparisons
Two countries at a time — Portugal vs Spain, Greece vs Italy, Latvia vs Portugal and more
Open the comparisons
Visas and money 3 guides
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Retirement Visas Explained
How retirement and passive-income visas work, what counts as income and what you may not do
Read the visa guide
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Cost of Living Ranked
All 29 countries ranked by monthly cost in the capital — rent and everyday costs
See the ranking
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Golden Visas
Residence through investment — for retirees with capital rather than a pension
Read the golden visa guide
Daily life 3 guides
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Best Cities for Retirees
Capitals of the countries with a retirement route, with monthly costs and visa routes
Find a city
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Healthcare in Europe
Public systems, private insurance and what Americans need before they move
Read the healthcare guide
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Citizenship by Descent
European parents or grandparents? A passport by descent can skip the visa altogether
Check your ancestry route
No country matches this search.
Retiring in Europe: key factsLast verified 2 October 2026
| D7 passive income visa | Passive 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 |
|---|---|
| Social Security abroad | US citizens can keep receiving Social Security payments while living in European countries (payments cannot be sent to a few countries such as Belarus) Source: Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States (SSA) |
| Medicare abroad | Medicare 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) |
Country by country
Retirement Guides for Each Country
One guide per country with a retirement route: the visa, the income it asks for, healthcare, taxes on US pensions and the steps to apply.
Before you choose
Five Questions to Answer First
Is there a visa for you?
Most retirement routes are for people who do not need a local job, and some rule out remote work too. Check what the route allows before you look at anything else.
Does your income count?
Each country sets its own figure and decides which income counts — a pension, savings, rent or investments. Luxembourg, for example, only counts EU or Schengen income.
How will you be insured?
Some countries let legal residents into the public system, others require private insurance for years. Budget for it from day one.
How will your US income be taxed?
Social Security, 401(k), IRA and Roth withdrawals are treated differently in each country and under each US tax treaty. Some countries have special regimes for pensioners.
Where does it lead?
Check how long until permanent residence and citizenship, what language test applies and whether you may keep your US passport.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which European countries have a retirement visa for Americans?
Thirteen of the 29 countries we cover have a retirement or passive-income route — see "Where to Retire" for the full list, the income each asks for and a guide for each country.
Can I keep receiving Social Security in Europe?
US citizens can keep receiving Social Security payments while living in European countries (payments cannot be sent to a few countries such as Belarus).
Does Medicare cover me in Europe?
Medicare usually does not cover health care outside the US — plan for local or private insurance in Europe.
Can you help me plan my retirement move?
Yes. Book a free consultation — we look at your income, health cover and plans and tell you honestly which country and visa fit.
Across Europe
Every guide and comparison
- OverviewMove to Europe
- CountriesAll 29 Countries
- LivingExpat Guides
- RetirementRetire by Country
- CitiesBest Cities to Live In
- BusinessCompany Formation
- FoundersStartup Visas
- InvestorsGolden Visas
- Remote workDigital Nomad Visas
- RetirementRetirement Visas
- CitizenshipCitizenship by Descent
- CostsCost of Living
- HealthHealthcare
- TaxTax Residency
- PetsMoving with Pets
- DrivingUS Driver's License
- PropertyBuying Property
- EducationStudy in Europe
- SafetySafety & Stability
- WorkWork-Life Balance
- TravelTravel & Schengen
- LifestyleLifestyle
Plan Your Retirement in Europe
Book a free consultation. We compare the retirement routes that fit your income and tell you what the move will really cost.