Opinion · Retirement · 2026
The cheapest retirement visas in Europe — ranked
If you want to retire in Europe on a fixed income, the entry bar swings 4.5× — from €784/mo in Latvia to €3,500/mo in Greece. Here's the honest ranking, cheapest first, with the catch on each — income figures taken from the issuing government's own page (see the source ledger at the end).
Our verdict
Best value: Portugal's D7 (€920/mo) — the only sub-€1,000 option paired with a well-known residence-to-citizenship ladder. Absolute cheapest: Latvia (€784/mo) if you qualify on nationality. Avoid if you need to work: the Spanish and Italian passive-income routes forbid local employment. The numbers are facts; the ranking call is ours — verify each on the official source before you act.
Frequently asked
What's the cheapest retirement visa in Europe?
On published income thresholds, Latvia is the lowest at €784/mo, closely followed by Portugal's D7 at €920/mo.
Can I work on a European retirement / passive-income visa?
Usually no — routes like Spain's Non-Lucrative and Italy's Residenza Elettiva are passive-income only and bar local employment. Always confirm on the official source linked above.
Do these lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Several do over time — Portugal's D7 is the best-known residence-to-citizenship path. Check each programme's guide for its specific ladder.
Sources & verification
Income figures above are drawn from the issuing government's official page and dated. Figures change — confirm on the linked source before acting.
“the required subsistence is 784 euros per month. If family members come with you, the required subsistence is 500 euros per month for an adult and 150 euros per”
“O valor referencia e o da retribuicao minima mensal garantida ... o salario minimo fixado para 2025 e de 870 euros [FX EUR/EUR 1.0 @ 2026-06-22 = EUR 870]”
“The minimum annual required amount equals 400% of Spain's Public Income Indicator for Multiple Effects (IPREM) ... 400% = 28.800 EUR (=2.400/mes) [FX EUR/EUR 1.”
“each applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, typically around EUR 31,000 per person (per year) [FX EUR/EUR 1.0 @ 2026-06-22 = EUR 2583.33]”
“kat' elachiston treisimisi chiliades (3.500) euro miniaios [3.500 EUR/mes, KYA 225679/2024] [FX EUR/EUR 1.0 @ 2026-06-22 = EUR 3500]”
Find your own cheapest route
Get a free, source-backed verdict on every retirement route you're eligible for — in 3 minutes.
Get Your Free Verdict →