Top 5 European Countries for Retirees in 2025

Top 5 European Countries for Retirees in 2025

You’ve worked hard, saved up, and now you’re 
ready for the fun part—retirement. But what if you could spend it in Europe, sipping wine 
in Tuscany, walking the beaches of Portugal, or exploring historic cities in Spain? In this 
video, I’m sharing the Top 5 countries in Europe where U.S. and Canadian retirees are moving 
to in 2025—and I’ll give you a peek at the types of visas that make it possible.
Hi, I’m Danielle from Expat Livin. My family and I made the leap from the 
U.S. to Spain over four years ago, and now I help others do the same. If you’re 
planning retirement abroad—or just daydreaming about it—make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss 
future tips on visas, healthcare, and expat life. So let’s get started with the fun stuff – where 
to go. Well, my #5 pick for retirees is France. France is perfect if you love culture, food, and 
those postcard-worthy villages. While Paris might drain your retirement account, smaller regions 
like Provence, Brittany, and Occitanie are surprisingly affordable and very popular with 
retirees. You’ll get excellent healthcare, charming communities, and a slower pace 
of life that’s ideal for retirement. As for visas, many retirees use the 
long-stay visitor visa, which requires proof of sufficient income, typically €1,800 per 
month, proof of retirement (pension or savings), proof of accommodation, and proof of private 
health insurance. It’s renewed annually and can eventually lead to permanent residency.
At number four is Greece—sunshine, beautiful islands, and a cost of living that’s much easier 
on the wallet than most of Western Europe. Retirees are drawn to Athens for its culture 
and Crete or Rhodes for a more relaxed island lifestyle. On top of that, Greece has introduced 
favorable tax programs for foreign retirees, making it even more attractive financially.
Visa-wise, the most common option is the residence permit for financially independent 
persons—basically showing proof you can support yourself without working – Minimum monthly income: 
€3,500 (or €84,000 in savings) for an individual and another 20% for a spouse. Some retirees also 
explore the Golden Visa by investing in property. You will need to show proof of income, housing, 
private healthcare and other things, but your visa is typically good for 2 years and is renewable.
Third on the list is Italy—the land of history, art, pasta, and rolling countryside. 
Retirees love Tuscany for its vineyards, Sicily for affordability, and Rome or Florence 
for culture and city life. While Italy can be pricier in the big cities, smaller towns offer 
excellent value and a high quality of life. Visa options include the Elective Residency Visa, 
which is designed for retirees or those with passive income. You’ll need to prove sufficient 
funds (Minimum annual income: €31,000 for a single applicant, €38,000 for a couple), housing, and 
health insurance, and a few others requirements, and your Visa will be valid for up to one year 
and is renewable. For those with Italian roots, dual citizenship is also a possibility.
Number two is Spain—and this one’s personal, because it’s where my family lives. Spain 
has it all: a Mediterranean climate, excellent healthcare, affordable living compared 
to the U.S., and welcoming expat communities. Popular retirement hubs include the Costa del Sol, 
Valencia, and Barcelona, while Madrid is perfect for retirees who still want big-city energy.
The most common retirement pathway is the Non-Lucrative Visa, which allows you to live 
in Spain as long as you can show sufficient savings or retirement income (about €30,000 
for a single applicant, plus more for each dependent. The good news is that it’s renewable 
and can lead to long-term residency. Spain also now has a Digital Nomad Visa, though it’s aimed 
more at remote workers and has other requirements. And finally, our number one pick: Portugal. 
This country is basically the superstar of European retirements right now. Why? Because 
it checks all the boxes: low cost of living, high safety ratings, friendly locals, 
affordable healthcare, and some of the best weather in Europe. Popular spots include 
the Algarve for beaches, Lisbon for city life, and Porto for its culture and wine.
The go-to retirement route is the D7 visa, perfect for retirees with pensions or passive 
income – with as little as €10,440 per year (about €870 per month); plus 50% more for a 
spouse, it makes it a very affordable option. Portugal also offers the Golden Visa program for 
those who invest in property or other qualifying assets. Both provide a clear path to residency—and 
eventually citizenship if you stick around. So there you have it—the Top 5 countries 
in Europe for American retirees in 2025: France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. 
Each country offers something unique, but all of them provide better healthcare, culture, 
and lifestyle than many people find back home.” If you’re thinking about retiring abroad, 
come join my free Expat Livin community for more tips on moving abroad, or join one of 
our courses, where we break down step-by-step how to plan your move, compare visa options, and 
connect with people already living the dream. The link is in the description. And don’t forget to 
subscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming videos. And don’t forget to share – I want to know—which 
of these five countries would YOU most like to retire in? Drop your choice in the comments, 
and let’s see which one comes out on top!

Considering where to spend your golden years? This video highlights the best places to retire in europe, focusing on countries offering an affordable retirement abroad and a rich expat life. Danielle shares insights on moving to europe and the joys of retire abroad, offering a glimpse into the benefits of living in europe.

✨ If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping wine in Italy, walking the beaches of Spain, or enjoying a slower pace of life in France—you’ll love this guide.

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⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters
0:00 Intro – Why retirees are moving to Europe in 2025
0:50 #5 France – Lifestyle, affordability & long-stay visas
1:30 #4 Greece – Islands, affordability & retirement permits
2:25 #3 Italy – Culture, cuisine & Elective Residency Visa
3:10 #2 Spain – Healthcare, expat hubs & Non-Lucrative Visa
4:02 #1 Portugal – Safety, low costs & D7 Visa explained
4:50 Final thoughts + how to plan your retirement abroad

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