Decision 3 · Week 3 · Wed Nov 18
Which countries have retirement visas, and how much income do they require?
SHORT ANSWERMany countries offer a residence visa for retirees with a steady pension. The income bar varies widely: about $1,000 a month in Panama and Costa Rica, and over $4,000 in Mexico.
Approximate monthly minimums verified by Sovereo in 2026: Panama and Costa Rica $1,000 (fixed in dollars), Portugal's D7 about $1,060, Ecuador about $1,450, Uruguay about $1,500, Colombia about $1,640, Spain's non-lucrative visa about $2,770, and Mexico's temporary residency about $4,400. The Philippines asks for $800 a month plus a $15,000 deposit.
Many of these figures are tied to a local minimum wage or index and change every January, and the dollar amount moves with the exchange rate.
Rules and documents change, so confirm the current requirement with the country's consulate before you apply.
Try it with your numbers: Social Security residency threshold tracker
Week 3 runs your own income against the countries on your list.
Sources
- How Many Countries Can the Average Social Security Check Get You Into? · Sovereo Intelligence Research
Written and reviewed by Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence
Facts checked Oct 6, 2026 · Next review by Jan 31, 2027
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