🌍 Europe
European Destinations
European countries have become the top draw for Americans seeking safety, quality healthcare, and a slower pace of life. Several offer pathways to EU citizenship within 5 years.
Portugal
The #1 destination for American expats seeking European residency, with a gentle path to EU citizenship in 5 years and one of the lowest income thresholds in Europe.
Read full guide →Spain
Sun, tapas, fiesta — and some of the most accessible visa programs in Europe. The Digital Nomad Visa even lets you pay taxes at a flat 24% rate.
Read full guide →Italy
La dolce vita isn't just a saying. Italy's Digital Nomad Visa and low flat-rate tax options (7% in some regions) are making it a serious contender.
Read full guide →Germany
No job offer required with the Opportunity Card. Europe's largest economy lets skilled workers move first and job hunt from inside the country.
Read full guide →Ireland
English-speaking, culturally familiar, and home to the European HQs of Apple, Google, and Meta. More than 10,000 Americans moved here in 2025 alone.
Read full guide →🌎 The Americas
Latin American Destinations
Proximity to the US, warm climates, affordable living, and surprisingly accessible residency programs make Latin America the most popular region for Americans moving abroad.
Mexico
1.2 million Americans already call it home — and for good reason. Short flights, incredible food, diverse landscapes, and a clear residency pathway.
Read full guide →Costa Rica
"Pura Vida" is the philosophy — and it shows. Stunning biodiversity, stable democracy, and the Pensionado visa requires just $1,000/month in pension income.
Read full guide →Panama
Uses the US dollar, world-class infrastructure, and the Pensionado program is one of the most generous retirement programs on the planet.
Read full guide →🌏 Asia & Pacific
Asia-Pacific Destinations
For those drawn to the exotic, the affordable, or the ultra-modern — Asia offers some of the world's most interesting and cost-effective expat experiences.
Getting Started
Before You Book the Flight
Moving countries isn't like changing apartments. Here's the general roadmap every expat should know before they start filling out applications.
Are you retiring? Working remotely? Looking for better healthcare? Your reason for moving determines which visa you qualify for. Don't fall in love with a country before checking if you can legally live there long-term.
Every residency program has income or savings thresholds. In 2026, these range from $1,000/month (Costa Rica Pensionado) to $7,400/month (Mexico Permanent Residency). Calculate income from all sources.
As a US citizen, you're taxed on worldwide income regardless of where you live. You'll still file US taxes every year. Consult a US expat tax specialist like Greenback or Bright!Tax before you go.
Almost every visa program requires an FBI background check with an Apostille stamp, birth certificate, proof of income, and health insurance. Background checks can take 3–4 months. Start early.
Most long-term visas must be applied for at your home country's embassy or consulate — you can't just show up and convert a tourist visa. Book appointments early; wait times can stretch 2–4 months.
Once you have your visa and arrive, most countries require you to register at a local immigration office within 8–30 days and apply for a physical residency card. Once you have your card, you're legal. Congratulations.
Most residency visas require private health insurance initially. Private insurance abroad is typically much cheaper than US rates — often $100–$400/month for comprehensive coverage depending on age and country.