Planning on moving out of the US? Many Americans are considering it.
The U.S., once known for its freedom and opportunities, faces a different reality these days. Every country has its problems, even the 鈥渓and of the free and home of the brave.鈥�
With social unrest and inflation and for some more reasons, it鈥檚 been overwhelming for many Americans.
Some have always dreamed of retiring in Europe, so the thought arose鈥攚hy not start planning for it now?
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What You Will Find in this Article
Why Move Abroad: Goals and Motivations
First and foremost, there鈥檚 the question of motive: Why leave the land of opportunity?
For many, the main attractions of moving out of the US include:
Lower Cost of Living
A More Manageable Work-Life Balance
A Milder Political or Social Climate
Better Safety and Security
Better and Affordable Healthcare Access
Opportunities for Adventure and Travel
Unfortunately, better tax rates were not part of the criteria, as the US is known for requiring all its citizens, regardless of residence, to declare their worldwide income and pay taxes.
It may be an option for those willing to renounce US citizenship, but many are not there yet.
Truths About Leaving the U.S.: Questions Answered
In 2022, the number of Americans relocating to the European Union climbed by 28%, with France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy among the most popular destinations. Smaller countries, such as Portugal, are also drawing attention to their services.
As of the latest data in 2024, the estimation is that 5.4 million U.S. citizens live abroad.
Record numbers of immigrants are streaming into the United States, while many natives are choosing to leave. Here’s why a growing number of Americans are leaving the United States.
Some of the Reasons American Expats are Moving Abroad鈥�
With the rise of remote working and the growing opportunities for worldwide mobility, it is much easier to relocate to a foreign country. Therefore, there are many reasons why U.S. citizens might choose to find a new home abroad based on their personal and professional goals.
Better Healthcare
An enticing and crucial reason to relocate abroad is access to high-quality healthcare. Americans may prefer affordable or higher-quality healthcare, particularly in countries with universal healthcare systems. In general, expats find medical care less expensive and more accessible. They can choose from nations with high-quality healthcare systems, such as Spain, France, and Germany.
Retirement
Retirement is another major cause for Americans to leave their home country. This is for seniors seeking a slower-paced lifestyle, better weather, and cheaper living expenses. Some of the greatest nations for Americans to retire are Mexico and Costa Rica, or some European countries like Portugal and Spain, which offer retirement visas and advantageous tax policies for seniors.
Higher Quality of Life
Americans frequently seek places that provide a superior quality of life, including work-life balance, safety, and overall well-being. Some countries rate higher on happiness or world peace indexes, which might appeal to both families and individuals.
Best Countries to Move to from the U.S.
Moving to Spain from USA
More than 1,500,000 Americans live in Spain, and out of this number, around 40,000 are from the United States. Spain is a good option for many Americans as the country offers a cheaper cost of living as well as easy travel access to other European Union countries. It makes it easy to discover more.
As an American, you can visit Spain and stay less than 90 days without applying for any type of visa. This rule is applicable until the end of 2024. After that, starting in 2025, as a US citizen, you will be required to apply for a visa waiver that is called ETIAS to enter Spain.听
It is not a complicated process, as you will only need to apply for ETIAS at least 72 before your flight. When you get your entrance permit to Spain, your right will be valid for three years.
If you plan to visit Spain for more than 90 days, then you will need to apply for a valid visa. Remember that, in this case, it is not called ETIAS, and you need to choose the visa type depending on your purpose for visiting Spain.
Here are some of the visa types for US citizens moving to Spain:
- Student Visa
- Job Search Visa
- Work Visa
- Golden Visa Spain (Investor Visa)
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Permanent Residency
- Family Reunification Visa
We will go through some of the later in this article.
The cost of living in Spain, compared to the US on average, is 32% cheaper. When it comes to tax, first, you need to understand that when you move to Spain from the USA, you will become a tax resident in Spain even if you are not a dual citizen. So, you are expected to submit a Spanish tax return. However, the US and Spain have a tax treaty, a double tax agreement (DTA). It means that you do not pay tax twice on the same income. The US still requires you to submit an American tax return each year, even if you pay no tax to the IRS. Look for any options you can benefit from and deduct the tax amount you pay.
Benefiting from programs like Beckham Law, it is possible to pay much less tax in Spain for many Americans working and living in Spain.
Moving to Italy from USA
Italy, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is among the countries many Americans consider moving to, with over 15,000 Americans living in Italy. In the ancient ruins of beautiful cities, Americans chose cities to reside mostly, like Rome and Milan, which are significantly bigger cities in Italy.听
Living in Italy as a US citizen requires the right permit. Among two types of residence permits in Italy, you can apply for the right option for yourself and your family.听
Having less than 90 days without a visa, Americans can visit Italy. For longer stays, you can choose the option that is suitable for you.
Here are some types of visas you can apply for to live in Italy as an American:
- Student Visa
- Work Visa
- EU Blue Card
- Italy Golden Visa
- Self-Employed Visa
- Elective Visa
Italy鈥檚 cost of living is 18.6% lower than that of the United States. The rents are around 50% lower compared to the US real estate market.
Moving to France from USA
There are many reasons why people want to move to France from the USA. From its beautiful and diverse scenery to affordable education and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, you can find various motivations for moving to France.
The visa options in France depend on your expectations. For example, as a US citizen, you can apply for a Long-Stay visa, but you cannot work via this visa option. It is mostly for students.
Moreover, about France, let us let you know that between $1700-$3200 a month in places like Dordogne, Limoges, Brittany, or Alsace, you can afford to live in France. However, cities like Lyon or Nice will need you to spend around %20 more.
Moving to Portugal from USA
Portugal’s economy is constantly expanding, attracting a large number of foreign investors, as well as new technology enterprises and startups.
Portugal is often at the top of the list for US people looking to relocate or retire. Americans opt to relocate to Portugal from the United States to live a high-quality life in a European country. According to recent surveys, more than 60,000 expats have chosen to live in Portugal, with 11% of them being US nationals.
Technically, Americans do not require a visa to enter Portugal. Anyone with an American passport is permitted to enter the nation for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. However, if you intend to move to Portugal from the United States, you must obtain an appropriate resident permit.
The Portuguese government issues various types of visas, including a resident visa, a work visa, and a family reunification visa.
If you are an American and intend to stay in Portugal for more than three months, you must obtain a Portuguese residency permit. If you live in Portugal and have a valid residence visa for five years, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
The Visa Process
As an American, you have several alternatives for obtaining the requisite visa or residence permit to move to Portugal permanently. Here are some of the options:
- Portugal Golden Visa
- D7 Visa
- Student Visa
- Tech Visa
- Startup Visa
- Portugal D2 Visa
- Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Both Portugal and the United States of America allow dual citizenship. If you have lived in Portugal for five years, you can petition for citizenship. You will need to demonstrate your ability to speak Portuguese, just as you would for permanent residence.
Becoming a Portuguese citizen automatically qualifies you as a European citizen.听 You can then live, work, study, and make use of the healthcare system in any European country.
Moving to Canada from USA
The number of Americans wishing to relocate to Canada has surged significantly.听
In 2019, more than 10,000 Americans moved to Canada.
Moving to Canada might bring numerous options for you and your family in terms of employment, health care, and education.
Before visiting, studying, or working in Canada, you should be aware of your legal alternatives for entering and remaining in the country.
One of the simplest methods to immigrate to Canada from the United States is through Canada’s Express Entry program.听Express Entry processes the vast majority of Canadian immigration applications for three of the country’s economic immigration categories.听
80% of permanent residency applications submitted through Express Entry are processed within six months. It has become one of the world’s fastest immigration systems.听
There are three federal economic immigration streams.
You can also compare two countries’ conditions by checking our recent article: “Cost of Living in Portugal vs USA“.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Obtaining a Canadian work visa (also known as a work permit in Canada) is typically a necessary step toward working lawfully in Canada on a temporary basis. Depending on your occupation and the job you want to conduct in Canada, you may be able to speed up the procedure.
Moving to Mexico from USA
Mexico is a beautiful and diversified country that has mountains, beaches, cities, and pyramids. The country听has always been regarded as a favorite retirement destination for American citizens.
The cost of living is 50% lower than in Chicago. You can obtain a permanent residence visa in Mexico. The expat population is around 1 million, largely American.
Americans can generally obtain the FM3 visa, which allows them to stay in Mexico for periods of more than six months, although it is not regarded as a permanent residence permit. For that, you’ll require an FM2 (immigrant visa).
Moving to Costa Rica from USA
Costa Rica’s immigrant population is 9%, the highest in Latin America. The general cost of living in Costa Rica is significantly lower than in the United States. A single individual can survive on $1,400 to $1,700 per month, but many retired couples live well on $2,000 per month and even better on $2,500 to $3,000.
American and Canadian nationals do not require a visa to visit Costa Rica as tourists. They will, however, need confirmation of a plan to leave Costa Rica within 90 days (such as a return plane ticket).
Those seeking to live in Costa Rica for the long term have many visa choices, including the Pensionado Program (pensioner) and the Rentista Program. The popular Pensionado Program requires entrants to provide proof that they receive at least $1,000 per month from a pension source.
Moving to New Zealand from USA
US citizens may work in New Zealand, but they must have the necessary work visa. The most prevalent alternatives are the Essential talents Work Visa for those having a job offer from a New Zealand business, the Skilled Migrant Category Visa for people with in-demand talents, and the Working Holiday Visa for young candidates (years 18-30) who want to work and travel in New Zealand. Each visa category has unique requirements; therefore, it’s critical to have a job offer that matches the eligibility conditions before applying.
Family visas make it easier to reunite with or bring family members to New Zealand, allowing you to enjoy the country’s natural beauty and unique culture together. The type of visa necessary for family reunification depends on your relationship with the individual living in New Zealand.
Investment visas are designed for rich persons who want to remain in New Zealand permanently after investing in the country.听
Retirement visas are ideal for people who want to retire in New Zealand but do not have dependent children. To be eligible, you must be at least 66 years old and have enough money to maintain yourself throughout your stay.
Moving to Ireland from USA
Marriage, naturalization, and family can all lead to citizenship in Ireland. Ireland Irish citizenship is a difficult process that requires you to have lived in Ireland for at least five years. In most cases, the five-year period excludes time spent studying or working. If your parents or grandparents were born in Ireland, you are exempt from the visa application. However, you may apply for Irish citizenship directly.
For an American citizen, the best place to begin is at the Irish Embassy. The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) establishes the requirements for immigration. You must have a passport before moving to Ireland, and the INIS is in charge of screening applicants. Fortunately, US residents do not require a visa when visiting Ireland for 90 days for business or pleasure.
The D-visa category has one entry and is long-term. The visa allows you to study, work, and live there permanently. You can settle with family members who are citizens.
Ireland has fairly tight immigration policies, and you must demonstrate your intention to go. You must also have proof of funding for relocation and settling.
If you intend to stay longer than three months, the first step is to notify immigration officials. Next, obtain approval based on the specific program for migrating to Ireland. If you intend to stay longer, there are three primary alternatives or plans. These are for studying, working, or retiring there. Beyond these systems, you can now apply for citizenship.
Moving to Malta from USA
Malta is a gleaming jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, nestled between Sicily and Tunisia.听
Suppose you are thinking about moving to Malta, particularly through citizenship by investment. In that instance, understanding the cost of living is critical. The Mediterranean island offers a more economical lifestyle than the United States. Malta’s cost of living is approximately 42% lower on average.
However, the typical after-tax pay in Malta only covers 1.1 months of living expenditures, compared to two months in the United States. This shows that as the cost of living falls, so does the local income level.
Moving to Greece from USA
Greece has become one of the most popular places for American people looking to relocate to another country.
Greece has one of the most convenient terms for obtaining a resident permit in the EU. It allows you and your family to stay in the nation beyond the 90-day visa-free period, with free access to select schools, clinics, and public money, and with few restrictions on the number of days spent.
Unless you are of Greek descent, married to a Greek citizen, or have family in the country, there are four most effective ways to obtain a Greek residency permit.
Best Residency by Investment Options for Americans
Portugal Golden Visa
Investment Options
Real estate investments are no longer accepted. However, you can still qualify through:
- Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds: Invest a minimum of 鈧�500,000 in a fund that focuses on Portuguese companies.
- Other investment options, like donation through cultural investment worth 鈧�250,000 or business creation investment worth 鈧�500,000, are also available.
Benefits
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area (most of Europe).
- Path to Portuguese citizenship after five years (meeting minimum stay requirements and other criteria).
- Only requires an average of seven days stay in Portugal per year.
- Portugal offers a high quality of life, good healthcare, and a pleasant climate.
Greece Golden Visa
Investment Options
- Real estate investment options include purchasing a property in Greece worth 鈧�250,000, 鈧�400,000 or more, depending on the conditions.
- Strategic investments: Contribute at least 鈧�500,000 to Greek businesses or funds.
Benefits
- Low investment threshold.
- Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area
- Requires little physical presence in Greece.
- Greece has stunning landscapes, a rich history, and a laid-back culture.
Spain Golden Visa
Investment Options
- Real estate: Buy a property worth 鈧�500,000 or more.
- Capital investment: Invest 鈧�1 million or more in Spanish businesses.
- Purchase 鈧�2 million or more of Spanish government bonds.
Benefits
- Access to the Schengen area.
- After ten years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship (if you meet the minimum stay requirements and other criteria).
- Spain has a rich culture, stunning beaches, and wonderful cuisine.
Italy Golden Visa
Investment Options
- Purchase 鈧�2 million or more of Italian government bonds.
- Firm investment: Put 鈧�500,000 or more into an Italian firm.
- Startup investment: Contribute 鈧�250,000 or more to an Italian startup.
- Philanthropic investment: Contribute 鈧�1 million or more to Italian cultural heritage institutions.
Benefits
- Access to the Schengen area.
- After ten years, you can apply for Italian citizenship (if you meet the minimum stay requirements and other prerequisites).
- Italy has a rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine.
Malta Residency by Investment
Investment Options
- Purchase a home valued at least 鈧�300,000 in the south of Malta/Gozo, or 鈧�350,000 elsewhere in Malta.
- Rental investment: Lease a property for at least five years at an annual rate of 鈧�12,000.
- Contribute 鈧�58,000 to the government.
Benefits
- Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area.
- High-quality education and healthcare systems.
- An English-speaking country with a strong economy.
The minimum investment for each program varies. Here are some aspects to consider when deciding between these programs:
- Path to Citizenship
- Certain programs provide a faster path to citizenship than others.
- Visa-free Travel
- All programs offer visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Family Inclusion
- All programs allow you to include your family members in your application.
Best Citizenship by Investment Options for American Expats
Malta Citizenship by Investment
Malta’s citizenship by investment program has a high-net-worth individual program with a variety of investment opportunities:
- Minimum investment: 鈧�690,000
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Antigua and Barbuda provides a clear CBI scheme with two primary investment options:
Donate a minimum of $230,000 to the Economic Development Fund (EDF).
Real Estate Investment: Purchase a property worth $400,000 or more.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Vanuatu’s CBI program is among the most cheap in the world. You can get citizenship by donating to the Development Support Program.
Single applicant: $130,000.
Family of four: $165,000.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment
Dominica’s citizenship by investment option provides two investment possibilities for its CBI program.
Donate a minimum of $200,000 to the Economic Development Fund (EDF).
Real estate investment: Purchase a property worth $200,000 or more.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Grenada’s CBI program provides three investment choices.
Economic Development Fund (EDF) Contribution: Make a minimum donation of $230,000 to the EDF.
Real Estate Investment: Purchase a property worth $220,000 or more.
The University of the West Indies Investment Fund requires a $200,000 investment.
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
St. Kitts and Nevis has one of the oldest and most well-established CBI programs. You can get citizenship through:
Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) Contribution: Make a minimum donation of $150,000 to the SGF.
Real Estate Investment: Purchase a property worth $400,000 or more.
Other Ways to Move Abroad for American Digital Nomads
Here are some of the best visa options for American digital nomads:
Europe
Portugal Digital Nomad (D8) Visa
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is intended for remote workers who derive a considerable amount of their income from foreign sources. It’s an excellent choice for digital nomads looking to enjoy Portugal’s stunning scenery and low cost of living.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for one year (renewable for up to five years) as long as their income meets the minimal criterion.听听
Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Italy Digital Nomad Visa is intended for highly trained professionals who can operate remotely with digital tools. It provides for a one-year stay with the option of renewing.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Greece Digital Nomad Visa enables non-EU and non-EEA citizens to lawfully reside and work in Greece for up to 12 months.
Asia
Japan Digital Nomad Visa
Japan Digital Nomad Visa permits tourists to work remotely from Japan for up to six months legally. However, it demands a high annual income of at least 10 million yen.
The Wrap-Up: How to Move out of the US
Moving out of the United States and starting a new life abroad can be a life-changing decision. Whether you’re seeking to pay fewer taxes, have a different lifestyle, or simply have a new adventure, there are many countries that welcome US citizens.听
To begin your international move, you will need to research various countries and their immigration policies. Many countries offer residency by investment or citizenship by investment programs that allow you to obtain permanent residency in exchange for a significant investment. Some popular destinations include countries in the EU, Central America, and other regions.
Once you’ve chosen a destination country, you will need to apply for a visa. This could be a tourist visa for initial exploration or a residency visa through an investment program.
After obtaining the necessary visas and permits, you can start planning your international move. This includes selling your belongings, transferring your bank account to foreign banks, and arranging for the shipment of your personal belongings.听
Starting a new life abroad, be it a city life in a European country or a more silent place, it can be both exciting and challenging in most countries. Be prepared to face language barriers and cultural differences, but also embrace the opportunity to experience new cultures, cities, and ways of life. With careful planning and a positive mindset, you can navigate the transition and create a fulfilling life in your new country.
What鈥檚 more to say about moving abroad is that you actually do not need to leave the United States permanently. You can make a plan B investment for yourself and your family and have an overseas investment with a second residency abroad and, in some cases, citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I permanently move out of the US?
Moving permanently out of the United States has numerous steps:
- Research: Learn about your intended destination country’s immigration regulations, visa requirements, and cost of living.
- Visa Application: Based on your circumstances, apply for the appropriate visa or residency permit (for example, job, study, or family).
- Financial planning: Make sure you have enough money to pay your initial expenses, such as visa fees, travel charges, and living expenses.
- Legal and tax considerations: Speak with a legal and tax expert to better understand your obligations and any tax consequences.
- Logistical Planning: Plan for the relocation of your belongings, sell or store your stuff, and notify the appropriate authorities.
Which country is easiest to move to from the USA?
The easiest country to relocate to depends on your specific circumstances, such as your talents, qualifications, and financial condition. However, several nations with very uncomplicated immigration processes for US citizens are:
Canada offers a variety of immigration programs, including skilled worker programs and family sponsorship.
Australia is known for its points-based immigration system, which rewards talents and experience.
New Zealand provides a number of immigration options, including work and resident visas.
European countries like Portugal and Greece offer residency by investment programs that are appealing to American citizens.
What is the best country to leave the US for?
Factors to consider are:
- Cost of living: Some countries have lower costs of living than the United States.
- Consider healthcare, education, and social facilities when determining your quality of life.
- Climate: Select a country with a climate that matches your tastes.
- Consider how comfortable you are with the local culture and language.
- Job market: If you intend to work, examine the job market and available opportunities.
How much does it cost to move out of US?
The cost of relocating out of the United States depends on a number of factors, including your destination country, the amount of belongings you’re transporting, and the mode of transportation you choose. Costs may include:
Visa fees are the fees associated with applying for a visa or residency permit.
Transportation fees include shipping and moving your things.
Initial living expenses include rent, utilities, and food.
Legal and tax fees include consulting with professionals for advice and help.
Can US citizens live abroad permanently?
Yes, US citizens may live abroad permanently. However, you should be aware of your continued tax obligations to the US government. Even if you live abroad, you may still be required to file a US tax return.
What countries allow US citizens to move there?
Many nations enable US residents to relocate however the specific requirements and visa choices differ. Some prominent destinations are:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Several European countries, including Germany, Ireland, and Portugal
Can a US citizen move to Canada?
Yes, US citizens may move to Canada under certain conditions. Canada provides a variety of immigration programs, including:
- Express Entry is a point-based system for skilled workers.
- Provincial Nominee Programs: These are programs that recognize individuals nominated by Canadian provinces or territories.
- Family Sponsorship: This is for supporting family members’ immigration to Canada.
How can I legally move out of the US?
To lawfully leave the United States, you must follow precise procedures and receive the proper papers for your chosen destination country.
