Region guide
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.
| Country | Key fact | Long stay | Monthly cost (single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Schengen 90/180 | Landstuhl / Wiesbaden | USD 1,800–2,000 a month, plus health insurance. |
| Italy | Schengen 90/180 | Elective Residence | USD 1,650–1,800 a month. |
| Spain | Schengen 90/180 | Non-Lucrative | USD 1,600–1,850 a month. |
| Portugal | Schengen 90/180 | D7 | USD 1,600–1,850 a month. |
| United Kingdom | Up to 6 months | None | USD 2,200–2,500 a month, the highest of our European guides. |
| Poland | Schengen 90/180 | None | USD 1,350–1,500 a month. |
GermanyThe largest American community outside the U.S. around Kaiserslautern, plus VA staff at Landstuhl and Wiesbaden.ItalyBase communities in Vicenza, Aviano and Naples, the Elective Residence visa, and a 7% flat-tax option in some southern towns.SpainThe Non-Lucrative Visa, the Navy community at Rota, and a big English-speaking expat base on the Costa del Sol.PortugalThe D7 passive-income visa, Lajes Field in the Azores, and the Algarve's mild climate. The old NHR tax break is gone.United KingdomNo retirement visa, but strong base communities around RAF Lakenheath and Mildenhall.PolandA growing U.S. Army presence, low costs, and a Social Security office in Kraków and Warsaw.