The United States has historically been a top destination for international migration, hosting nearly one-fifth of the world's total migrants. These individuals come from every corner of the globe, enriching the nation's cultural and social diversity. But what about Americans who want to move to other countries?
Moving abroad is a prudent choice that people make after careful consideration. Not everyone has the right to move to any dot on the globe, but those who are granted that privilege can leverage it to secure a safer and more stable environment for themselves and their families.
The ones who have come to a decision to open up the doors of a new country for the rest of their lives need to do thorough research, taking into consideration many factors, which include possible ways to move there, quality of life, tax implications, public services, and more.
This article will provide information on factors to consider when moving abroad, a list of the easiest countries for Americans to move to from the USA, and another list of countries where English is widely spoken.
- The number of American expats worldwide continues to increase due to several factors, including new career opportunities, the desire to retire abroad, seeking new adventures, and managing the heavy tax burden.
- Our list of the best and easiest countries to move to from the USA includes diverse options from various regions, catering to different tastes and needs.
- Citizenship through investment programs is often the fastest and most effective option for those who wish to relocate permanently. Mirabello Consultancy can assist with any questions related to investment programs
Why Do Americans Relocate?
Before jumping to our main topic, let’s first understand why Americans don’t stick to the shores of the American dream and set sail in search of a better life. Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels, a leading authority on the American diaspora, and Helen B. Marrow of Tufts University have conducted research to understand the reason behind American emigration. They’ve found out that the majority of Americans leave the USA for adventure, new work opportunities, and the desire to retire abroad. These motivations are coupled with newer factors such as increased real estate prices and high tax rates. Let’s break down some main reasons that drive Americans to move from the US to other countries.
The desire to leave the U.S. is especially strong in cities on the East and West coasts, with 47% of people in Los Angeles and 35% in New York considering a move overseas. The report also shows that younger Americans, especially those aged 16 to 24, are most likely to want to leave—40% of people in this age group are thinking about moving, compared to just 14% of those 55 and older.
Americans relocate for various reasons, from seeking a better quality of life to exploring new job opportunities or simply chasing adventure. Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Lower Cost of Living:
Many Americans move to countries where their dollar stretches further, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
2. Work Opportunities:
Some move for international career opportunities, remote-friendly environments, or better work-life balance.
3. Retirement:
Retirees often look for peaceful destinations with good weather, affordable healthcare, and a laid-back vibe.
4. Adventure and Lifestyle:
Others relocate to experience new cultures, try new foods, or enjoy a slower pace of life in beautiful surroundings.
5. Healthcare:
Access to affordable and quality healthcare can be a big motivator, especially for those tired of high medical costs in the U.S.
6. Family or Personal Connections:
Some Americans relocate to be closer to loved ones or because of marriage or long-term partnerships abroad.
Factors to Consider When Moving Abroad
Once the decision to relocate has been finalized, the next step is researching and gathering data on the pertinent factors that warrant consideration. One really useful resource is the Expat Insider survey, conducted annually by Internations. It’s an expat community of 5,2 million members from 420 cities worldwide. Another resource is Expatica which offers a range of information for expats.
Here is our humble list of key things to consider when moving abroad from the USA.
- Destination research: A thorough research of potential destinations should be conducted considering factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and public services.
- Hassle-free travel: The 2024 Latitude World Passport Index ranks the United States passport as the 8th most powerful globally, allowing U.S. citizens visa-free access to 174 countries. With 195 officially recognized countries worldwide, according to the United Nations, the idea that a U.S. passport opens every door is almost true. You can still travel to and settle in many amazing destinations. Unless your dream destination is one of the 24 countries requiring a visa. Let’s leave this topic to politicians. Countries like Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Japan, and Brazil, allow US citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. Countries such as China, Turkey, India, and Russia require Americans to obtain a visa before entry. The ease of obtaining a visa depends on factors like having a job offer, sufficient funds, or qualifying for a specific program in a destination country.
- Cost of living: A comparison of living costs in the destination country versus the USA, including housing, food, utilities, and other expenses, should be made.
- Tax obligations: The US tax system is indeed quite complicated for those citizens who want to move abroad, with various reporting requirements, credits, and obligations that must be navigated. All American citizens living abroad should know they need to pay US taxes on their worldwide income. However, the USA has tax treaties with 66 foreign countries to ease the tax burden. The ones who don’t want dual tax obligations can renounce their US citizenship.
- Employment opportunities: If a US citizen does not have a work invitation from another country, it’s necessary to assess how easy securing employment will be.
- Relocation with family: The best option for US citizens to relocate with their families is to consider citizenship through investment programs. The spouse, children under a certain age, and financially dependent parents can relocate together with the investor. To better prepare their families for a successful relocation, US citizens should consider several factors, such as anticipating potential challenges, maintaining work-life balance, ensuring children's safety, overcoming language barriers, and more.
- Safety: This is paramount, and US citizens should prioritize their and their family's safety in the new destination. The low crime rate, environmental quality, and overall well-being are essential. Iceland, Denmark, and Japan are the safest countries to move to from the USA.
- Language: Language can significantly affect how easily you integrate into a new country and navigate day-to-day life. Those who want a smooth transition without learning a new language can choose English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Expats who want a balance between convenience and experiencing the local vibe can consider the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, and Scandinavian countries. Moving to countries like Spain or France may require learning the local language for easier integration. Even in countries where English is spoken widely, locals appreciate when expats try to learn their language. It’s seen as a sign of respect and can open doors socially and professionally.
- Healthcare: Many countries offer excellent and more affordable healthcare compared to the U.S. The quality, cost, and accessibility of healthcare vary greatly between countries. Understanding the healthcare system of your destination is essential for ensuring your medical needs are met. For example, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy have Universal Healthcare Systems. Healthcare is free or low-cost for residents and has high standards, especially in European countries. However, there may be longer wait times for non-urgent procedures in some countries. Also, public healthcare may require proficiency in the local language to navigate efficiently. Countries like Thailand, Mexico and and Portugal offer affordable private healthcare. It is best for expats who prefer to pay for healthcare services directly or through private insurance. Compared to the U.S, high-quality private care is more affordable in these countries. Other countries like Greece and Portugal (again) require expats to have health insurance, either through their public healthcare system or private providers. This also applies to Golden Visa requirements for Greece and Portugal.
13 Easiest Countries for Americans to Move to from the USA
The US government exercises caution when disclosing the number of its citizens opting to live abroad. However, the results state that in 2018, the Federal Voting Assistance Program estimated a total of 4.8 million American civilians living abroad, including 3.9 million civilians and 1.2 million service members and other government-affiliated Americans. According to the Gallup poll in 2019, 16% of Americans, including 40% of women under 30, would like to leave the United States.
So, let’s now understand where Americans go and what the best countries to move to from the USA are. Our selection is based on expat preferences, investment programs that lead to citizenship, and other factors, including proficiency in English, economic stability, quality of life, and cultural compatibility.
The Caribbean
We’ll open up the list with the countries in close proximity to the USA. The reasons why Americans choose to reside in one of the Caribbean countries are uncountable. From pleasant weather and stunning natural landscapes to a relaxed pace of life and business opportunities. Also, they are not only beautiful but also more affordable than people think. Caribbean islands are more than Instagrammable and touristic shores.
The visa requirements for US citizens moving to Caribbean countries vary depending on the specific country. Generally, US citizens do not need a visa to enter most countries. Additionally, while visas may not be required for short stays in many Caribbean countries, US citizens should ensure they have a valid passport and comply with any entry requirements set by the destination country.
Summing up, there are the main benefits of relocating to the Caribbean.
Tax Benefits: Many Caribbean nations, such as the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, have no income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, making them highly attractive for high-net-worth individuals.
Digital Nomad Visas: Some countries, like Barbados (with its Welcome Stamp program) and Antigua and Barbuda, have introduced digital nomad visas, enabling remote workers to live and work there for up to a year or more.
Growing Expat Communities: Popular islands such as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico have established expat communities, offering a supportive environment for new arrivals.
However, many Americans with sufficient funds prefer to move to one of the Caribbean countries that offer citizenship through investment programs. Why? Because it’s the easiest and quickest way to obtain citizenship. Let’s dive deep into each island’s life and investment opportunities.
Citizenship by investment program is offered in five Caribbean countries, including:
1. St. Lucia
A lovely small country which is known for its pristine waters and sun-kissed beaches. So, it’s a small heaven on earth attracting more and more expats from the USA. The country especially draws the attention of retirees and investors who can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with access to diverse activities, including hiking and golfing. You can also enjoy music, festivals, and Creole cuisine. An affordable cost of living, favorable tax policies, and a private healthcare system are other advantages.
There are three main investment opportunities in St. Lucia and those are:
Real Estate: The island has a growing real estate market, with options ranging from beachfront properties to luxury villas. These are particularly attractive to retirees and second-home buyers.
Tourism: Tourism is a major industry in St. Lucia, with opportunities to invest in hotels, eco-tourism ventures, and related services.
Agriculture: St. Lucia's fertile soil supports agriculture, especially in banana and cocoa production, offering potential for investment in agribusiness.
St. Lucia launched its citizenship through an investment program in 2015 to attract more expats and is one of the most sought-after programs in the Caribbean. It continues to establish its Citizenship by Investment Program as a global industry leader, recognized for its thorough due diligence processes. Strengthened by partnerships with other CBI programs within the OECS and collaboration with international entities such as governments, the European Union, the U.S. State Department, and other regulatory authorities, the program has earned recognition for its dedication to transparency and good governance.
A minimum of USD 240,000 should be donated to the National Economic Fund. The process of applying for citizenship through an investment program is very straightforward, providing benefits such as enhanced global mobility and favorable tax conditions.
Key Benefits of the St. Lucia CBI Program:
- Visa-Free Travel:some text
- Citizenship grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
- Tax Advantages:some text
- No income tax on worldwide income, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, and no capital gains tax for residents and citizens.
- No Residency Requirements:some text
- Applicants are not required to reside in St. Lucia before or after obtaining citizenship.
- Fast Processing Time:some text
- Citizenship can typically be obtained within 3–6 months, making it one of the fastest programs globally.
- Dual Citizenship Allowed:some text
- St. Lucia permits dual citizenship, allowing applicants to retain their original nationality.
- Dependents Included:some text
- The program allows the inclusion of dependents, such as spouses, children under 25, and parents over 65, making it family-friendly.
St. Lucia’s program is competitive due to its affordability, streamlined process, and diverse investment options. It is particularly appealing for high-net-worth individuals seeking global mobility, business expansion, or a second home in a tropical paradise. For more detailed information, you can check our St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program service.
The decision to move abroad is a significant one, often made after careful consideration. While many people don’t have the freedom to move freely, those who do can find a safer and more stable life for themselves and their families. Researching and understanding the key factors before moving to another country is essential. This article has explored some of those factors and provided a list of the easiest countries for Americans to move to from the USA based on factors such as expat preferences, investment options, and proficiency in English.
From the scenic Caribbean islands to diverse European countries, American expats choose their destinations based on their individual needs and preferences. Whether it is the warmth of the locals, affordability, or the prospect of new job opportunities. So, after careful planning and consideration, many Americans decide to continue their lives in one of the easiest countries to move to from the USA.
FAQ
Although the US government doesn’t share specific details or numbers, most Americans tend to move to Mexico, Canada, and Portugal. The reasons are the proximity, favorable environment for retirement, and affordability.
US citizens can visit 169 countries without a visa. If they need to stay longer than the designated days, they should follow the requirements of the country they are staying in. Due to a Compact of Free Association with the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Micronesia, US citizens can reside there for an indefinite period of time without a visa.
The easiest countries for US citizens to move to from the USA are the Caribbean countries, Malta, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Canada.
Malta ranks high in many factors compared to the USA, including healthcare. Spain and Portugal are considered popular expat destinations thanks to their high standards of life and affordability.
