If you’re an American considering retiring in Europe, you are likely under the impression that Europe is more uptight and has more rules, laws, and regulations. This is certainly true in some areas. I remember walking in Paris and seeing the “pollution police.” They had radar gun looking things that were not checking speed, but rather targeting the exhaust coming out of cars. If you want to get the ire up of local officials, you can neglect sorting your garbage and recyclables properly. However, beyond the old-world charm, culture, and relaxed pace, Europe also has an array of laws and customs that might surprise you. From relaxed rules on public drinking to generous parental leave, Europeans enjoy certain freedoms and protections that stand in stark contrast to laws in the United States. Here’s a look at some surprising things that are legal in Europe but restricted or even outright illegal in the U.S.

1. Public Consumption of Alcohol
In many European countries, enjoying a glass of wine in a public park, a cold beer on the beach, or even strolling with a drink in hand is perfectly legal and culturally accepted. Countries like Germany, France, and Spain allow adults to drink in public spaces without issue. In the U.S., however, strict “open container” laws are in place in many cities, where public drinking can result in hefty fines or even arrest. This relaxed attitude is just one of the ways Europeans incorporate leisure into daily life.

2. Drinking for Minors Under Parental Supervision
For Americans retiring in Europe with families, it might be a surprise to find that many European countries allow minors to drink in private settings under parental supervision. This doesn’t mean underage drinking is a free-for-all; each country has its own age restrictions and guidelines. However, in countries like Germany and Austria, teenagers as young as 16 can legally consume beer and wine. This approach often fosters a culture of responsible drinking—something distinctly different from the U.S., where the legal drinking age is 21.

3. Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

While you may not need this benefit yourself, Europe’s approach to parental leave is something to admire, especially for family members visiting or relocating with you. European countries are known for their robust paid parental leave policies. New parents in many European countries receive weeks or even months of paid leave, unlike in the U.S., where federal law doesn’t guarantee any paid time off. In places like Sweden, for instance, parents get up to 480 days of shared leave, and this generous approach extends to nearly every European nation, helping families balance work and family life.

4. Prostitution is Legal and Regulated
In parts of Europe, prostitution is not only legal but regulated for safety and public health. Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, among others, have legalized prostitution, creating environments where the industry is licensed and taxed, with health regulations in place to protect workers as well as customers. In the U.S., prostitution is illegal almost everywhere except for certain counties in Nevada, where it remains strictly regulated. This may not be relevant to most retirees but represents the European approach to creating legal frameworks that manage rather than prohibit.

5. Assisted Dying and Euthanasia
Europe is also progressive in the realm of medical ethics. Assisted dying, under specific conditions, is legal in countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. This contrasts sharply with the U.S., where assisted suicide is only legal in a handful of states, and euthanasia is illegal across the country. For some retirees facing health challenges, the option of dignified, medically assisted end-of-life care can be an important consideration, and Europe’s approach allows this possibility for those who meet the criteria.

6. Cannabis Use and Possession
If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you may find Europe’s laws surprisingly lenient. Countries like the Netherlands and Portugal decriminalize cannabis for personal use, and Malta recently became the first European country to allow possession and personal cultivation. While cannabis legality in the U.S. varies widely by state, federal law still prohibits it, and crossing state lines with cannabis can lead to legal trouble. In Europe, though, you’ll find a more uniform tolerance, especially in designated areas or cities.

7. Privacy Laws and Data Protection
As a retiree in Europe, you’ll likely notice the robust privacy protections, thanks to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation enforces strict rules on how companies collect and handle personal data, and it grants EU residents (including U.S. retirees) the right to control their information, including the “right to be forgotten.” The U.S. lacks a federal equivalent, and personal data privacy is often at the mercy of state laws and corporate policies. In Europe, you can rest assured that your personal data is better safeguarded.

8. Public Nudity
Europe’s approach to public nudity is another cultural difference that can be surprising to Americans. Many countries, including Germany, France, and Spain, designate areas for public nudity, often on beaches or specific parks. In Germany, the concept of Freikörperkultur (free body culture) is well respected and embraced. In the U.S., public nudity is largely prohibited outside of certain private or designated venues and breaking this rule can carry legal consequences. In Europe, you’ll find a more relaxed and accepting attitude toward nudity in appropriate settings.

9. Cycling Without a Helmet
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation across Europe, and surprisingly, there are no helmet mandates for adults in several countries. In places like the Netherlands and Denmark, where bike paths and cycling infrastructure are exceptional, cyclists rarely wear helmets, and it’s culturally acceptable. U.S. cities, by contrast, often require helmets for minors and encourage them for adults, as urban cycling infrastructure isn’t as developed or safe.

10. Owning Antique Firearms
While the U.S. has a reputation for gun culture, Europe has certain allowances that might surprise you, particularly regarding antique firearms. Many European countries have relaxed rules around the possession of antique or historical firearms, allowing collectors or history enthusiasts to legally own specific decommissioned or antique guns. By contrast, in the U.S., federal and state laws on firearms are more restrictive and often prohibit certain historical firearms outright. Sounds backwards, right?

Embracing New Freedoms and Cultural Norms
Retiring in Europe doesn’t just mean exploring new countries and tasting different cuisines; it’s about immersing yourself in a unique culture with a legal framework that might allow you freedoms you didn’t expect. Many of these legal distinctions reflect a European emphasis on personal choice, privacy, and social responsibility. So, if you’re planning your retirement in Europe, be prepared to say, “That’s legal?!” a few times over—and enjoy the surprises along the way.