Here’s a summary of the legal requirements for U.S. citizens to retire in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria, including visa types, income requirements, and residency pathways. If you would prefer to stay in the Americas, read the article on Redency Requirements in 13 Different Countries
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1. Tunisia.Visa Requirement.
U.S. citizens can enter Tunisia visa-free for up to 90 days.
Retirement Residency Process:
To stay longer than 90 days, retirees must apply for a Carte de Séjour (residency permit) through a local police station after arrival. This permit is renewable annually.
Documents Typically Required.
- Passport and passport-sized photos
- Proof of income or pension (bank statements or social security letter)
- Rental agreement or proof of housing
- Police clearance (sometimes required)
- Local health insurance (recommended)
Financial Requirements:
There is no official income threshold, but retirees should show they can support themselves—typically about $1,000/month or more.
2. Morocco – Popular with European Retirees
Visa Requirements:
U.S. citizens can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days.
Retirement Residency Process:
To remain longer, retirees can apply for a one-year residency card (Carte de Séjour) through the nearest police precinct (Préfecture de Police).
Documents Typically Required:
- Valid passport and photos
- Proof of income (e.g., pension, social security, or investments)
- Local lease agreement or home purchase deed
- Criminal background check from the U.S.
- Medical certificate from a local doctor
- Local bank account (sometimes required)
Financial Requirements:
Applicants must prove sufficient income—about $1,500/month or more is recommended.
3. Egypt – Straightforward but Bureaucratic
Visa Requirements:
U.S. citizens can enter Egypt on a renewable 30-day tourist visa, available on arrival or online. This visa can be extended up to 5 years with renewals.
Retirement Residency Process:
Egypt does not offer a specific “retirement visa,” but retirees can apply for long-term residency by requesting repeated tourist visa extensions through the Mogamma (government building) in Cairo or local immigration offices.
Documents Typically Required:
- Valid passport and visa
- Proof of income or foreign bank transfers
- Lease or property ownership in Egypt
- Local police clearance (after arrival)
- Health insurance (not always enforced)
Financial Requirements:
You should be able to show about $1,000–$1,200/month in income. There is no hard rule, but ability to sustain oneself is key.
4. Algeria – Strict but Doable for Determined Retirees
Be sure to check with the U.S. State Department on safety concerns for Algeria.
Visa Requirements:
U.S. citizens must apply for a visa in advance from the Algerian embassy. There is no visa on arrival.
Retirement Residency Process:
Algeria does not have a designated retirement visa. However, retirees can apply for a temporary residence permit tied to property ownership, family connection, or personal income.
Documents Typically Required:
- Visa application before arrival
- Proof of housing (purchase deed or long-term lease)
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Criminal background check
- Medical certificate
- Local sponsor (sometimes required)
Financial Requirements:
No fixed income requirement, but a stable pension or retirement savings of at least $1,000/month is advisable.
Note: French or Arabic language skills are helpful for navigating the bureaucracy.
Summary Table
CountryVisa-Free StayResidency Permit TypeProof of Income NeededEstimated Monthly Income
Tunisia 90 days Carte de Séjour (annual) Yes ~$1,000+
Morocco 90 days Carte de Séjour (annual) Yes ~$1,500+
Egypt 30 days Tourist Visa Extensions Yes ~$1,200+
Algeria None (visa required) Temporary Residence Permit Yes~$1,000+
