Try Before You Buy: A European Retirement Sampler

Retiring in Europe is a dream for many Americans, yet the complexities of residency requirements can seem daunting. Fortunately, there's a strategic way to enjoy a year-long European adventure without settling down immediately: by cleverly navigating the Schengen Agreement's rules. This article proposes a sampler itinerary for retirees that maximizes the time allowed under visa-free travel regulations.

Done properly, you will not need to fill out any residency paperwork, negotiate forms in foreign languages, or worry at all about being deported. At the same time, you will spend close to 3 months in different countries determining which ones might be the perfect fit for you. This is just one example. You can customize your own list based on your preferences.

Spring in Italy: Embracing La Dolce Vita

The journey begins in Italy, a member of the Schengen Area, which permits American retirees to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Start your European escapade amidst the Renaissance art of Florence, the historical ruins of Rome, or the tranquil canals of Venice. As spring ushers in mild weather, the Italian countryside offers the perfect setting for the initial leg of your retirement sampling.

How much will it cost? I just searched Airbnb and found numerous condos in Milan, Venice, Rome, and Florence for $1200-1500/month. Yes, Airbnb has monthly rentals – fully furnished. If your budget is higher, you can get a very nice place. Or, if you’d like to stay in a smaller village, you will find even lower prices – many times under $1000.

Summer in England: Enjoying Extended Stay Opportunities

As Italy nears the 90-day limit, moving to England offers a strategic advantage. Since England is not part of the Schengen Area, it allows Americans to stay for up to six months without a visa. Spend your summer exploring the bustling cities like London or the serene landscapes of the Lake District. England’s cultural heritage and extensive historical sites provide a rich backdrop for the middle months of the year.

How much will it cost? London is pricey. Monthly rentals are likely to run $2000 to 3500 depending on your location and/or amenities. The closer to the center, generally the more you will spend. However, if you go to a smaller town/village you can find fully furnished flats for significantly less but be careful – some locations will almost certainly require you to get a car. It’s a good idea to check out any place’s proximity to transportation.

Autumn in Spain: Returning to the Schengen Zone

After a summer in England, return to the Schengen Area with a stay in Spain. The reset clock on the Schengen visa allows another up-to-90-day period of exploration. Autumn is ideal for visiting the vibrant streets of Barcelona or enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of the Costa del Sol. Spain’s diverse regions offer warm temperatures and captivating cultural experiences as the year progresses.

How much will it cost? You will find many places in Barcelona and Costa del Sol between $1500 and $2000/month. All are fully furnished, and many offer great views. You can go higher or lower as your budget allows.

Winter in Montenegro: Concluding with a Non-Schengen Gem

To wrap up the year, head to Montenegro, another non-Schengen country, where U.S. citizens can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Montenegro’s stunning Adriatic coast and its quaint, historic towns offer a peaceful winter retreat. The quiet of the off-season in places like Kotor Bay makes it an ideal spot to reflect on the year’s travels.

How much will it cost? There are multiple places currently listed on Airbnb between $1000 and $1500/month. All are fully furnished, and many with spectacular views.

Navigating Visa Requirements: A Key to Continuous Exploration

Understanding and leveraging the Schengen rules is crucial for this retirement strategy. The Schengen Area’s 90/180 rule can be strategically paired with stays in non-Schengen countries to extend the European experience without requiring residency. Most European countries are in the Schengen zone, so after 90 days in the zone, you will need to spend 90 days out of the zone. This includes day and weekend trips. So if you want to take a weekend trip to Paris (France is in Schengen), you should take your trip while you are already staying in a Schengen country. In this example, you would take the trip while you are staying in Spain or Italy, both of which are in Schengen. You should not take the trip while you are in England or Montenegro.

Conclusion: Exploring Further Afield

For retirees interested in extending their European adventures beyond this itinerary, other non-Schengen countries like Ireland, Georgia, and Albania offer additional opportunities for extended stays without residency requirements. Ireland, for example, permits U.S. citizens to stay for up to three months visa-free, while Albania offers a one-year stay without a visa, providing further flexibility and options for exploration.

This sampler itinerary not only adheres to legal travel limits but also enriches the retirement experience, allowing for a diverse exploration of European culture, history, and landscape over the course of a year. Hopefully, by the end of the year, one of the places you visited might stand out enough to make filing paperwork worth the effort.