Can You Still Receive Social Security After Moving to Europe in 2025?
Relocating to Europe in retirement is a dream for many Americans—and increasingly, it’s a reality. But with that dream comes a practical question: Can you still receive Social Security after moving to Europe in 2025?
The short answer is: yes, in most cases—but there are critical conditions, reporting requirements, and tax consequences to understand before you pack your bags.
What Happens to U.S. Social Security If You Retire Abroad?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to pay monthly benefits to eligible retirees living overseas, including across most of Europe. However, there are exceptions and special rules based on citizenship, country of residence, and benefit type.
As of 2025:
- Over 150 countries are approved for direct Social Security payments.
- All EU countries are included (except very limited sanctions-related restrictions).
- Payments are made in U.S. dollars, typically via international direct deposit or mailed checks.
| Eligibility Factor | Rule (2025) |
|---|---|
| U.S. citizenship | Social Security continues anywhere (except North Korea, Cuba) |
| Lawful permanent resident | Benefits continue in most countries if criteria met |
| Dependent benefits | May be suspended based on relationship/country |
| SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Not payable if living outside U.S. for 30+ days |
Countries Where Social Security Cannot Be Sent (2025)
| Country | Payment Status |
|---|---|
| North Korea | Blocked |
| Cuba | Blocked (limited exceptions) |
| Belarus | Suspended for some non-citizens |
| Russia | Temporarily restricted due to sanctions |
| Iran | Restricted by U.S. law |
| Afghanistan | Delivery not possible under SSA system |
You may still accrue benefits while abroad, but payments are withheld until you relocate to an eligible country or return to the U.S.
What About Dual Citizens or European Nationals?
If you are a dual citizen (e.g., U.S. and German), your eligibility generally remains intact. However, payments could be delayed or subject to additional verification, especially in countries with high fraud risk or unstable banking infrastructure.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, and you’re receiving survivor, dependent, or spousal benefits, then country-specific agreements and “residency tests” may apply.
U.S. Social Security Totalization Agreements with Europe
The U.S. has signed Totalization Agreements with 30+ countries—including most of Europe—to avoid dual taxation and to coordinate retirement benefits.
Major European Totalization Partners (2025):
| Country | Agreement Since | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1979 | Combine U.S. + DE credits for eligibility |
| France | 1987 | Avoid double payroll tax |
| Italy | 1978 | Protects expats and dual workers |
| UK | 1984 (still honored post-Brexit) | Coordinate pension eligibility |
| Spain | 1988 | Allows portability of benefits |
| Switzerland | 1980 | Full SSA cooperation |
If you’ve worked in both the U.S. and a European country with an agreement, you may be able to combine work credits to qualify for a partial pension under both systems.
Will You Be Taxed on Social Security in Europe?
U.S. Tax Status:
If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident alien, you’re generally still subject to U.S. income tax on your worldwide income—including Social Security—even while living abroad. However:
- You may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)
- Social Security benefits are partially taxable based on total income thresholds
Local European Taxation:
Some countries do not tax U.S. Social Security, while others partially or fully tax it based on residency status.
| Country | Local Tax on U.S. Social Security (2025) |
|---|---|
| Portugal | No tax (under NHR regime) |
| France | Not taxed (per bilateral treaty) |
| Germany | Partially taxed |
| Spain | Taxed if resident |
| Italy | Depends on regional law & total income |
| Netherlands | Taxed unless specific exemption applies |
Check both the IRS treaty table and the host country’s tax treaty with the U.S. for current rates and exemptions.
How Will You Receive Payments While Living in Europe?
SSA supports direct deposit in over 70 countries, including nearly all EU member states.
To set up international payments:
- Submit Form SSA-21 (Supplemental Foreign Questionnaire)
- Provide international banking details (SWIFT/BIC, IBAN)
- Confirm local address and country residency
- Reconfirm identity annually if living in certain high-risk countries
Tip: SSA prefers you use a U.S. bank with international wire support, as this ensures fewer currency conversion fees and delays.
Will Medicare Work If You Move to Europe?
No. Medicare coverage does not extend outside the United States, with very limited exceptions near U.S. borders.
If you’re moving permanently to Europe:
- Consider local public health insurance (sometimes required for residency)
- Consider private expat health insurance or travel insurance for initial coverage
- Some retirees keep Medicare Part A (free) and drop Part B/D to avoid premiums
Pros & Cons of Retiring in Europe with U.S. Social Security
| Factor | Advantage | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | Lower in many parts of Eastern/Southern EU | Can vary widely by country |
| Healthcare | Universal in most EU countries | Must qualify as resident |
| Currency risk | Payments in USD; favorable FX may help | Can lose value vs. Euro in weak dollar years |
| Legal/visa status | Special retirement visas in Spain, Portugal | U.S. embassy assistance varies |
| Banking & compliance | International direct deposit works | FBAR/FATCA reporting still required |
FAQ: Receiving Social Security After Moving to Europe in 2025
Q1: Do I lose my Social Security if I leave the U.S.?
A1: No. Most U.S. citizens can receive full Social Security benefits abroad, including in Europe, if eligible.
Q2: Can I apply for Social Security from outside the U.S.?
A2: Yes. You can apply online or through a U.S. embassy/consulate’s Federal Benefits Unit (FBU).
Q3: Will my spouse still get spousal or survivor benefits in Europe?
A3: Yes—if they meet residency and citizenship requirements, and if your destination country allows it under SSA rules.
Q4: What happens to SSI if I move abroad?
A4: SSI is suspended after 30 days abroad and is not payable until you return to the U.S. for 30+ consecutive days.
Q5: What’s the best way to avoid payment disruption while living in Europe?
A5: Keep your address up to date, complete annual SSA forms promptly, and verify your bank routing regularly.
Free Resources & Tools
- SSA Payments Abroad Lookup Tool
- IRS Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens Abroad
- FBAR Filing Requirements – FinCEN
Next steps if you’re considering retiring in Europe:
- Review your benefit statement via SSA.gov
- Talk to a cross-border tax advisor
- Research visa & residency requirements in your target EU country
- Ensure your bank can receive USD international deposits
Relocating to Europe doesn’t mean giving up your Social Security. With the right planning, you can live your European dream—with your pension intact.
