What are Retirement Visas and Economic Solvency Programs?
Retirement and economic solvency programs offer appealing opportunities for people looking to expand their financial security while living a quiet and secure life abroad. To qualify for these programs, applicants must demonstrate a stable income sufficient to cover their living expenses, ensuring they can support themselves without becoming a financial burden on the host country. Several nations have created specific visa initiatives to draw in retirees and self-sufficient individuals by providing strategic advantages.
If you are looking to obtain a permanent residency visa via a pension or any other financial solvency, then these residency options are made for you!
What countries offer Retirement Visas or Economic Solvency Programs?
At least 13 countries offer a retirement or passive-income visa: Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy and Malta in Europe, and Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama in Latin America. The lowest income thresholds are Portugal (€920 a month), Panama and Peru (US$1,000) and Costa Rica (US$1,000 pension); the fastest routes to citizenship are Argentina and Peru (2 years). The table compares them as of October 2026.
| Country | Visa | Minimum income | Minimum stay | Permanent residence / citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | D7 Passive Income Visa | €920 | Max. 6 months in a row abroad | PR 5 yrs · citizenship 10 yrs (7 EU/CPLP) |
| Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa | €2,400 | 183+ days a year | PR 5 yrs · citizenship 10 yrs |
| Greece | Financially Independent Person (FIP) | €3,500 | 183 days a year | PR 5 yrs · citizenship 7 yrs |
| Italy | Elective Residence Visa | ~€2,600 (€31,000 a year) | Main residence in Italy | PR 5 yrs · citizenship 10 yrs |
| Malta | Malta Retirement Programme | Pension ≥ 75% of income; €7,500 minimum tax | 90 days a year (average) | Tax status, no citizenship route |
| Argentina | Rentista | ARS 1,994,000 from Nov. 2026 (~US$1,300) | None | Citizenship 2 yrs |
| Brazil | Retirement Visa (VITEM XIV) | US$2,000 | None | Citizenship 4 yrs |
| Mexico | Temporary Residence (economic solvency) | ~US$4,400, or ~US$74,000 savings | None | PR 4 yrs · citizenship 5 yrs |
| Costa Rica | Pensionado / Rentista | US$1,000 / US$2,500 | Not published | Citizenship 7 yrs |
| Peru | Rentista | US$1,000 | Max. 6 months abroad a year | Citizenship 2 yrs |
| El Salvador | Pensionado / Rentista | US$1,226 / US$1,635 | 90 days a year | PR 1 yr · citizenship 5 yrs |
| Nicaragua | Temporary residence (retirees) | ~US$1,200 (no official floor) | 6 months a year | Temporary only, renewed yearly |
| Panama | Pensionado | US$1,000 (US$750 with property) | None | PR on approval · citizenship 5 yrs |
PR = permanent residence. Figures change with minimum wages, IPREM and UMA each year; confirm before applying.
Retirement Visas Benefits
Increase Visa-Free Travel.
Relocate to your dream retirement destination.
Reduce Your Tax Burden
The opportunity to legally reduce taxes by becoming a tax resident in a low taxation jurisdiction.
Economic & Political Insurance
Escape economic or political turmoil in your home country.
A Second Home
Acquire a second home overseas.
Greater Financial & Investment Options
Open yourself up to a whole new world of financial and investment options that include banking, real estate and business opportunities.
Healthcare Benefits
Acquiring residency can provide you with access to world-class hospitals, clinics, and medical centres that may not have been available in your home country.
Not sure how this fits your strategy?
A focused consultation to assess your objectives and shortlist the right options.
LGP European Retirement Visas
Lincoln Global Partners is an international immigration consultancy firm specializing in European retirement visas and economic means programs. We provide expert assistance for various European retirement visa programs and can guide our clients through the entire application process, ensuring a smooth transition to their new life in Europe.
Apply NowD7 Visa
Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to reside in Portugal and have a stable passive income. The D7 Visa offers a pathway to a high quality of life in Portugal, with its great weather, safety, and vibrant culture. Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
€920 a month (the 2026 Portuguese minimum wage) for the main applicant, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% for each dependent child.
Minimum stay in the country:
No fixed minimum, but you may not be absent for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months in a year.
Processing time:
Around 2 months for the consular visa, then 6 to 12 months for the residence card in Portugal.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Permanent residence after 5 years; citizenship after ten years of legal residence (seven for EU and CPLP nationals), subject to a Portuguese language test.
Spain NLV Visa
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Thinking about getting a retirement visa in Spain? Look no further, the non-lucrative visa was created for foreigners to be able to reside in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activities. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and any accompanying family members, typically calculated based on Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). The visa is valid for 90 days, during which the holder must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card in Spain.Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
€2,400 a month (€28,800 a year), which is 400% of the 2026 IPREM, plus €600 a month for each family member.
Minimum stay in the country:
More than 183 days a year in Spain to renew the permit.
Processing time:
Around 1 to 3 months from filing at the consulate.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence and citizenship after 10 years, subject to the Spanish language and culture tests.
FIP Visa
Greece FIP Visa Financially Independent Person
The Greece Financially Independent Persons (FIP) Visa was made for non-EU citizens who can prove financial solvency to support themselves without working in Greece. Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
€3,500 a month, plus 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child.
Minimum stay in the country:
Most applicants need to spend at least 183 days a year in Greece to renew.
Processing time:
From about 10 days to 2 months for the visa, then 1 to 2 months for the residence permit after arrival.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Permanent residence after 5 years; citizenship after 7 years of legal residence, with a Greek language (A2) test.
Italy ER Visa
Italy Elective Residency
The Italy Elective Residence Visa allows individuals to live in Italy without working. Applicants must show proof of sufficient and stable income from sources like pensions, annuities, or investments. Essential documents include a completed application form, a valid passport, financial proof, property lease or deed in Italy, and a statement of intent. The visa also covers dependent family members.Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
Around €31,000 a year (about €2,600 a month) in passive income, per current consular practice; consulates set the exact figure.
Minimum stay in the country:
You are expected to live in Italy; the permit is renewed only if Italy is your main residence.
Processing time:
Around 1 to 3 months, depending on the consulate.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years of legal residence.
Malta Retirement Visa Program
Malta Retirement Visa
The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) is a special tax status for pensioners who move to Malta: foreign income remitted to Malta is taxed at a flat 15%, with a minimum tax of €7,500 a year. Applicants cannot be in employment, though non-executive roles are allowed. Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
A pension that makes up at least 75% of your income, a minimum tax of €7,500 a year, and a property bought for at least €275,000 (€220,000 in Gozo or the south) or rented for at least €9,600 a year (€8,750).
Minimum stay in the country:
At least 90 days a year on average over 5 years, and no more than 183 days in any other country.
Processing time:
Around 3 to 4 months.
Pathway to citizenship:
The programme is a tax status, not a route to citizenship. Long-term residents can apply for naturalisation, which is discretionary.
LGP Latin America Retirement Visas
Lincoln Global Partners is an international immigration consultancy firm specialising in citizenship & residency by investment programs across the globe.
Apply NowRentista Visa
Argentina Rentista Visa
The Argentina Rentista visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to reside in the country by providing a stable passive income or financial means. This visa is often sought by retirees or individuals with income streams, such as investments or pensions. Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
Five times the national minimum wage: ARS 1,956,000 a month in October 2026 (about US$1,300), rising to ARS 1,994,000 from 1 November 2026.
Minimum stay in the country:
No fixed minimum stay for the temporary residence.
Processing time:
Around 2 to 4 months.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Citizenship can be requested from a federal judge after 2 years of continuous legal residence. Once you hold an Argentine passport, you can relocate to any other Mercosur country.
Brazil Retirement Visa
Brazil Retirement Visa
The Retirement visa is normally granted to retired foreign citizens wishing to live in Brazil, provided that they are already receiving their pension and legally allowed to transfer a regular monthly income in a foreign currency, including their pension to Brazil.Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
US$2,000 a month in pension income.
Minimum stay in the country:
No minimum stay at the temporary residence stage.
Processing time:
Around 2 to 3 months.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. A 2-year residence permit, renewable; citizenship after 4 years of legal residence.
Economic Solvency
Mexico Economic Solvency Program
The Mexico Economic Solvency Program was created for those who are retirees or individuals with independent means. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, either through monthly income or substantial savings to support themselves during their stay. Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
Around MXN 79,800 a month (about US$4,400) over the last 6 months, which is 680 days of the 2026 UMA, or around MXN 1.34 million (about US$74,000) in average savings over the last 12 months. Consulates vary.
Minimum stay in the country:
No minimum stay.
Processing time:
From 2 weeks to 4 months for the consular appointment, then 2 weeks to 3 months for the residence card in Mexico.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Permanent residence after 4 years as a temporary resident; citizenship after 5 years of legal residence, subject to a Spanish language and history test.
Costa Rica Rentista and Pensionado Visa
Costa Rica Rentista and Pensionado Visa
The Costa Rica Rentista and Pensionado Visas are designed for individuals looking to retire or reside in Costa Rica. Applicants must provide several documents, including proof of pension or other types of passive income. Family members, including spouses and dependent children, can accompany the visa holder. Rentista VisaPensionado Visa
Minimum income requirement:
US$1,000 a month from a lifetime pension (Pensionado) or US$2,500 a month guaranteed for 2 years (Rentista).
Minimum stay in the country:
No published minimum stay for Pensionado residents; confirm with us before planning long absences.
Processing time:
Around 1 to 2 months to file, but immigration (DGME) backlogs can extend approval.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Citizenship after 7 years of legal residence.
Retirement Visa
Peru Retirement Visa
The Peru Retirement Visa is designed for individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income without the need to work. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of a monthly income of at least USD 1,000 in funds, which can come from investments, pensions, or other steady sources. The program is attractive for retirees who are seeking to enjoy Peru's rich culture, diverse landscapes, and affordable cost of living. Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
At least US$1,000 a month.
Minimum stay in the country:
No minimum stay, but you may not be absent for more than 6 cumulative months in a calendar year.
Processing time:
Around 30 to 60 days.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Citizenship after 2 years of legal residence under current law; Law 32421 may raise this to 5 years once its regulation is issued.
El Salvador Rentista and Pensionado Visa
El Salvador Retirement Visa
The El Salvador Retirement Visa allows retirees to relocate to El Salvador based on their monthly passive income. This visa offers an accessible pathway for retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle in Central America. Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
US$1,226 a month for the Pensionado visa (3 minimum wages) and US$1,635 a month for the Rentista visa (4 minimum wages).
Minimum stay in the country:
At least 90 days a year in El Salvador since 31 March 2026.
Processing time:
Around 1 to 3 months.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes. Permanent residence is possible after 1 year; citizenship after 5 years of residence.
Nicaragua Rentista and Pensionado Visas
Nicaragua Rentista and Retirement Visas
Nicaragua offers temporary residence to retirees and people with independent means who can prove a stable foreign income. The old Pensionado and Rentista incentives law (Law 694) was repealed in August 2024, so applications now follow the general migration law, with a one-year residence renewed annually and no duty-free import of household goods. Nicaragua remains attractive for its beaches and low cost of living. Learn MoreRequest Brochure
Minimum income requirement:
Proof of a lifetime pension or stable foreign income. No official minimum has been published since 2024; current applications are assessed at around US$1,200 a month.
Minimum stay in the country:
At least 6 months a year in Nicaragua to keep the residence.
Processing time:
Around 4 to 8 months.
Pathway to citizenship:
Retirees now receive temporary residence, renewed every year. There is no direct permanent residence for this route.
Global Residency Solutions
Panama Pensionado Visa
Panama's Pensionado is the best known retirement programme in the Americas and the most generous. It grants permanent residence immediately, with no temporary stage and no investment, to anyone with a pension guaranteed for life, and it carries a schedule of discounts on travel, healthcare, utilities and professional services written into Panamanian law rather than offered as a courtesy. Full detail in our guide to retiring in Panama on the Pensionado visa.
Minimum income requirement:
USD 1,000 per month for a single applicant, or USD 750 with qualifying Panamanian property. USD 1,250 for a couple, plus USD 250 per dependant.
Minimum stay in the country:
None. A visit roughly once every two years maintains the status.
Processing time:
Permanent residence is granted directly on approval, with no temporary stage and no renewals.
Pathway to citizenship:
Yes, after 5 years of permanent residence.
Global Residency Solutions
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Latin America Residency Specialist
Georgea Rios
Georgea Rios is a Brazilian national, based in Vienna. Georgea is our Latin America Residency Specialist. Georgea assists our clients in acquiring Nomad, Retirement & Economic Solvency Visas throughout the continent.Apply Now
Business Development Manager
Georgea Rios
Georgea Rios, a Brazilian national based in Vienna, is our Business Development Manager. With a background in International Relations from Brazil and International Business Administration from Austria, she is the first point of contact on your journey to becoming a global citizen with us. Apply NowNews from the Investment Migration Industry
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Retirement Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries offer retirement visas?
Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy and Malta in Europe, and Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama in Latin America all have a retirement or passive-income route. Each one asks you to prove a stable income, usually a pension, rental income or investment returns.
Which European countries have retirement visas?
Portugal (D7, from €920 a month), Spain (Non-Lucrative Visa, €2,400 a month), Greece (Financially Independent Person visa, €3,500 a month), Italy (Elective Residence, around €31,000 a year) and Malta (Malta Retirement Programme, a tax status for pensioners).
Which country has the cheapest retirement visa?
By income requirement, Portugal (€920 a month), Panama, Peru and Costa Rica (US$1,000 a month) are the lowest of the 13. Panama also grants permanent residence immediately, and allows US$750 a month if you buy qualifying Panamanian property.
Which retirement visa leads to citizenship fastest?
Argentina and Peru, where citizenship can be requested after 2 years of legal residence. Brazil follows at 4 years, and Mexico, Panama and El Salvador at 5.
Can US citizens get a retirement visa abroad?
Yes. All 13 programmes are open to US citizens. US Social Security, pensions, annuities and investment income are accepted as proof of income, and US citizens remain taxed on worldwide income, so plan the tax side before you move.
What is a passive income visa?
A residence permit for people who live on income they do not work for, such as pensions, rents, dividends or interest. Portugal's D7, Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa and the Rentista visas in Latin America are passive income visas.
Can I bring my family on a retirement visa?
Yes, most programmes include a spouse and dependent children, with an extra income requirement for each one, for example 50% more for a spouse in Portugal and €600 a month per family member in Spain.
Last reviewed 22 October 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Programme terms are set by the relevant government and can change; confirm any figure with the authority, or with us, before acting on it.
