Veterans in Germany
The largest American community outside the U.S. around Kaiserslautern, plus VA staff at Landstuhl and Wiesbaden.
Entering Germany
Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 without a visa. The EU Entry/Exit System is running. ETIAS pre-travel authorization has not started yet and no firm date has been set. U.S. citizens can apply for a residence permit inside Germany after visa-free entry.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- No dedicated retirement visa. Retirees apply for a residence permit showing pension income and German-standard health insurance.
- Spouses of German citizens or residents use family reunification.
- Active duty, civilian component and dependents hold SOFA status. Retirees do not.
VA care and benefits in Germany
No VA medical facility. A VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge office at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center serves transitioning service members. An Overseas Military Services Coordinator is based in Wiesbaden (omsceurope.vbaco@va.gov). FMP toll-free in Germany: 0800-1800-011. A Social Security Federal Benefits Unit is in Frankfurt.
Healthcare
Excellent. Statutory insurance is generally closed to newcomers aged 55+, so most retirees need private German insurance. TRICARE Overseas (Eurasia-Africa) for military retirees.
Where veterans live
- Kaiserslautern: Ramstein and Landstuhl. The biggest American community abroad.
- Stuttgart: EUCOM and AFRICOM headquarters.
- Wiesbaden: U.S. Army Europe headquarters, VA coordinator.
- Vilseck / Grafenwöhr: Lower cost, near the training area.
Cost of living
Roughly USD 1,800–2,000 a month, plus health insurance. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle. Health insurance is not included.
Money, language and time
Euro (EUR) · German · UTC+1 (summer UTC+2)
Buying property
No restrictions on foreign ownership.
Watch out for
Retiree base and commissary access requires a German customs "Pink Card" and covers non-rationed items only. DoD civilian retirees lost installation access in 2023.
Veteran organizations
VFW Department of Europe posts (Ansbach, Vilseck, Kaiserslautern area and more). American Legion posts in Germany under the Department of France. See veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
Can military retirees use the commissary in Germany?
Yes, with a retiree ID and a German customs Pink Card, for non-rationed items. Rules come from the host-nation agreement.
Is there a VA office in Germany?
There's no VA clinic. VA staff are at Landstuhl (Benefits Delivery at Discharge) and an Overseas Military Services Coordinator is based in Wiesbaden.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.