USA → Europe · Retirement
US Social Security when you live in Europe: payments, taxes and Medicare
Moving to Europe does not cost you your US Social Security. Retirement, disability and survivor benefits can be paid to you in every EU country, the UK, Switzerland and most of the rest of Europe. Two things need planning: who taxes the benefit, and health cover, because Medicare generally does not pay for care outside the United States.
Getting paid in Europe
- US citizens can receive benefits in almost every country. The only full bans are Cuba and North Korea; in Europe, Belarus has extra restrictions.
- Payments can go to a US bank account, or through the SSA’s international direct deposit to a bank in many European countries, in local currency.
- Answer the SSA’s questionnaires from abroad when they arrive, or payments can be suspended.
Who taxes your benefit
- Without a treaty rule, the US taxes up to 85% of your benefit under its usual formula, and your new country may tax it too. The foreign tax credit reduces double tax.
- Several treaties change this. The treaties with Germany, Ireland, Italy, Romania and the UK contain rules under which US Social Security paid to residents of those countries is taxed differently, often only where you live.
- For US citizens, a treaty “saving clause” can keep US taxing rights, so check the exact article for your country with a cross-border adviser.
Totalization agreements
The US has social security agreements with about 30 countries, including most of Western Europe. They stop you paying into two systems for the same work, and let you add up work years in both countries to qualify for a pension in each. In 2026 one US work credit needs $1,890 of earnings, up to four credits a year.
Good news: WEP and GPO are gone
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed on 5 January 2025, repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. A European pension from your work abroad no longer reduces your US Social Security, for benefits payable from January 2024.
Medicare and health care
- Medicare generally does not cover care abroad. You will need the local public system or private insurance.
- Most European countries let legal residents join their public health system, sometimes after a waiting period or with a contribution.
- If you skip Medicare Part B while abroad and later return to the US, you may pay a late enrollment penalty for life. Decide before you turn 65 whether to keep Part B.
Retiring in Europe on Social Security
Pension income counts towards retirement visas such as Spain’s non-lucrative visa (€2,400 a month for one person in 2026) and Portugal’s D7 (€920 a month). See the best countries for Americans.
Compare US and European take-home pay →
Sources
This guide is general information based on the tax rules we could verify for 2026, not tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal situations differ, so check with the tax authority or a qualified adviser before you act. Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected].