Veterans in 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.
Europe side by side
| Country | Key fact | Long stay | Monthly cost (single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Schengen 90/180 | Landstuhl / Wiesbaden | USD 1,800–2,000/mo |
| Italy | Schengen 90/180 | Elective Residence | USD 1,650–1,800/mo |
| Spain | Schengen 90/180 | Non-Lucrative | USD 1,600–1,850/mo |
| Portugal | Schengen 90/180 | D7 | USD 1,600–1,850/mo |
| United Kingdom | Up to 6 months | None | USD 2,200–2,500/mo |
| Poland | Schengen 90/180 | None | USD 1,350–1,500/mo |
| Greece | Schengen 90/180 | FIP permit | USD 1,500–2,000/mo |
| Ireland | 90 days | Stamp 0 | USD 2,500–3,200/mo |
| France | Schengen 90/180 | VLS-TS visiteur | USD 1,800–2,400/mo |
| Czechia | Schengen 90/180 | Long-term visa | USD 1,500–1,900/mo |
| Croatia | Schengen 90/180 | Temporary stay | USD 1,400–1,900/mo |
| Turkey | 90 days in 180 | Residence permit | USD 1,100–1,600/mo |
| Netherlands | Schengen 90/180 | None | USD 2,500–3,200/mo |
Living in Europe?
Every country here has its own group in the community. Find vets near you.
Explore Europe
Germany
The largest American community outside the U.S. around Kaiserslautern, plus VA staff at Landstuhl and Wiesbaden.
Read the guide →
Italy
Base communities in Vicenza, Aviano and Naples, the Elective Residence visa, and a 7% flat-tax option in some southern towns.
Read the guide →
Spain
The Non-Lucrative Visa, the Navy community at Rota, and a big English-speaking expat base on the Costa del Sol.
Read the guide →
Portugal
The D7 passive-income visa, Lajes Field in the Azores, and the Algarve's mild climate. The old NHR tax break is gone.
Read the guide →
United Kingdom
No retirement visa, but strong base communities around RAF Lakenheath and Mildenhall.
Read the guide →
Poland
A growing U.S. Army presence, low costs, and a Social Security office in Kraków and Warsaw.
Read the guide →
Greece
Island living, a Navy community at Souda Bay on Crete, a passive-income residence permit, and a Social Security office in Athens.
Read the guide →
Ireland
English-speaking, a short flight home, and a strict but clear Stamp 0 route for retirees with solid income.
Read the guide →
France
The long-stay visitor visa, a Social Security office in Paris, and the home of the American Legion's Department of France.
Read the guide →
Czechia
Prague's beauty at Central European prices, with a long-term visa route that works for people living on their own income.
Read the guide →
Croatia
The Adriatic coast, Schengen since 2023, the euro, and a temporary stay permit for people with their own income.
Read the guide →
Turkey
Incirlik Air Base, Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, low costs, and a residence permit you can apply for after arriving.
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Netherlands
Cycling cities, English everywhere, a NATO presence, and a special treaty route for American entrepreneurs.
Read the guide →
Living in Europe, or planning to?
Each of these 13 countries has its own group in the free community. Ask the vets who already live there.
- 13 country groups in Europe
- Meetups where vets actually live
- Free for every branch and era
