Where U.S. veterans live overseas
24 countries in 4 regions. Each guide covers entry rules, long-stay visas, VA and FMP access, healthcare, cities and cost of living.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has the biggest concentration of U.S. veterans living abroad. Low costs, warm weather and established vet communities around the old bases keep people coming. The Philippines is the only country in the world with a VA clinic.
Latin America
Spanish-speaking countries are close to home, share U.S. time zones, and most offer a pensionado visa that a military retirement can qualify for. There are no VA facilities in Latin America, so plan on the Foreign Medical Program and local care.
Europe
Many veterans stay in Europe after a tour, or go back in retirement. Base communities in Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK make it easier, but Europe costs more and residence rules are stricter.
East Asia
Japan and Korea have large U.S. military communities and VA staff on some bases. Neither has a retirement visa, so most long-stay vets are married locally or working.