The number of American expats has surged and now counts over 9 million. As political tensions rise and the cost of living skyrockets, digital nomads and seasoned entrepreneurs have discovered that the easiest countries for Americans to move to can offer a superior quality of life than back home.
While your neighbors debate national politics, forward-thinking Americans are quietly securing their Plan B through permanent residency and even a second citizenship in six countries that welcome US talent with open arms. And to many Americans’ surprise, these nations roll out the red carpet with golden visa programs, affordable healthcare, and tax benefits that make the American Dream seem quaint by comparison.
In this guide, we’ll explore why investment return, political stability, rich history, and work-life balance have made Portugal, Spain, Italy, El Salvador, Austria, and Malta top destinations for Americans wanting a better life overseas.
Why American Expats Want to Move Abroad to a New Country
Here’s a sobering statistic: More Americans are renouncing their citizenship than ever before. But, of course, the underlying reasons are far more important than the actual number itself. What is driving US citizens to pursue life in another country?
Political stability, affordable healthcare, and a better work-life balance – These more obvious factors are part of the equation, but they don’t tell the full story. Let’s dive in deeper.
1. Work-Life Balance
For many who prefer a more relaxed approach to their career, the American work culture has become unsustainable. This disparity in work-life balance between Europe and the United States has some calling for political change, as they say an emphasis too great on career affects American families, mental health, and overall quality of life.
While European countries like Denmark champion 35-hour workweeks, mandatory 25 days of vacation, and paid maternity and paternity leave of 24 weeks, many US skilled workers are burning out from constant connectivity and minimal time off. When you compare policies, the appeal of moving abroad becomes crystal clear to many Americans desiring a more relaxed approach to their career.
2. Healthcare System and Costs
In 2022, American families spent an average of more than $12,000 on healthcare annually. Of developed countries, this is the highest total in the world. Healthcare costs are another compelling reason driving Americans to seek temporary residency, permanent residency, or citizenship elsewhere.
Often, what an American pays in healthcare premiums outnumbers what Europeans pay in annual taxes for their healthcare system. Access to high-quality medical services in countries with universal healthcare or affordable private options makes life in the US harder to justify.
3. The Easiest Countries for Americans to Move when Working Remotely
Since the rise of remote work in 2020, Americans are increasingly moving abroad to benefit from their location-independent situation and maintain their US salaries while living in far more affordable countries abroad. This phenomenon has exposed millions to the possibility of a better work-life balance in foreign countries with lower costs of living.
And with more companies embracing remote work, we only see this change accelerating into the future. Several countries, including Spain, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, and Thailand, have benefited from this change in policy and introduced digital nomad visas to attract these laptop-bound workers (and their comparatively high salaries) to their countries.
4. Favourable Tax Laws
The US is the only major developed country in the world that levies a citizenship-based tax on worldwide income. However, many US citizens have discovered that several countries can offer attractive tax programs, double tax prevention agreements, and special tax credits and exclusions specifically designed for expats. So while they move abroad, they may also optimize their tax situation despite the United States’ citizenship-based tax scheme.
From Portugal’s potential revival of its Non-Habitual Resident program and Italy’s Lump Sum tax regime to Malta’s tax benefits on foreign assets, there are legal ways to optimize your tax obligations while building a life abroad. And Lincoln Global Partners can connect you with the right advisors and experts to help.
5. Safety and Political Stability
Perhaps most telling is the Global Peace Index. In this ranking of the world’s safest countries in which to reside, the US has slid to 132nd among the 163 qualifying nations. Safety and political stability have become serious concerns for many Americans, especially families with children and wealthy investors. Gun violence and mass shootings are daily occurrences. Political division among Americans has also reached a fever pitch.
When countries like Austria offer not just physical safety but also political predictability and excellent healthcare, it’s no wonder that US expat communities overseas are growing so rapidly.
6. Cost of Living
With US dollar inflation reaching up to 8% for the first time in more than 40 years a few years ago, the cost of living in the United States has driven many to search for alternatives (e.g. a move abroad). This data isn’t to mention the high cost of living and housing market inflation that those in American urban centers face on a monthly basis: An American worker in major cities like New York or San Francisco typically spends upwards of 50% of their income on basic living costs. Many US citizens have viewed this trend as unsustainable and moved abroad.
Compare this to vibrant European capitals like Madrid or Lisbon where that same professional might spend 30-40% of their same US salary on basic costs while enjoying universal healthcare and better public services.
For many Americans wanting a better quality of life, the choice to obtain a temporary resident visa, permanent residency, or citizenship abroad is partly about accessing better public services and goods with a reduced cost of living.
The Easiest Countries for Americans to Move to in 2025:
These powerful factors combine to encourage millions of American expats to choose a new country every year. Where are they going? Here are the 6 easiest countries for Americans to move to:
Portugal – Life at the Edge of Europe
While your friends debate another contentious election cycle, thousands of American expats are sipping espresso in Lisbon’s historic cafes, enjoying a glass of Portuguese wine, and paying zero tax on their crypto gains. Welcome to Portugal, where digital nomads have discovered that the easiest countries to move to can offer the sweetest rewards.
Portugal’s rise as a magnet for Americans (up 239% since 2017) is not for its stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites or Atlantic beaches. The country in Western Europe offers an innovative suite of visa options that make temporary and permanent residency remarkably accessible. They’ll even reward residents on the Golden Visa program citizenship after five years (may soon change to 10) if they maintain their €500,000 investment and visit the country seven days a year, the lowest physical presence requirements of European countries’ golden visas.
This unique flexibility for golden visa holders is ideal for American investors and entrepreneurs who want to maintain business ties in the United States as they only need to spend seven days annually in Portugal to maintain the residence permit.
Moreover, Portugal’s D7 visa for retirees requires just €10,000 in annual income (more if applying with dependents) to qualify – no investment needed. After living in the country for more than 6 months a year for five years, these temporary residents can either obtain permanent residency or even apply for citizenship, opening doors to one of the most powerful passports in the world.
Retirees earning steady pension income from abroad find the D7’s low financial threshold and low-barrier path to permanent residency and citizenship particularly attractive. Meanwhile, the D8 digital nomad visa caters specifically to remote workers with a €3,000-monthly income requirement, making it one of the most accessible digital nomad programs in Europe.
For those seeking additional tax benefits, Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident program was recently eliminated. However, the Portuguese parliament has proposed a revival of the popular program. Under the new scheme, new residents of Portugal could benefit from zero capital gains tax on cryptocurrency held for more than a year and zero tax on dividends and royalties from worldwide income abroad.
Imagine paying zero tax on your foreign-sourced income while living in a country with a robust American community, a cost of living 50% lower than major US cities, and a path to citizenship in just five years.
Why would a US citizen want dual citizenship in a European country? If the country in which you hold citizenship is a member state of the European Union, you have the right to live, work, study, access healthcare, and travel visa-free in all 27 member states. So instead of having just a second passport, it’s like having 27 passports in your backpocket.
Spain – The Mediterranean Powerhouse
While other countries rely on Golden Visas to attract foreign investors and residents, Spain has terminated its residency by investment program. But many have already figured out that Spain’s remaining visa options may offer better opportunities for those seeking quality of life and a low cost of living. Here’s why Spain is one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to:
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa has become a go-to choice among retired American expats, requiring a modest monthly income of €2,400 for individuals and slightly more for those applying with dependents. This is a simple residency route for US citizen retirees with passive income. After five years of living in Spanish territory, a temporary resident can apply for a permanent residence permit.
For online entrepreneurs the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is an attractive option with a minimum income requirement in line with the Non-Lucrative Visa. Via the Beckham Law, digital nomads in Spain can access tax benefits, including a 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000. Remote workers can maintain their US-based employment and salary while enjoying Spain’s enviable work-life balance and healthcare system, which consistently ranks among the world’s best in accessibility and quality.
Major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia offer large American expat communities, which make Spain one of the best countries for US citizens abroad. A comfortable lifestyle in these Spanish cultural hubs typically requires just 50-60% of what you’d spend in major American cities. Real estate investment, while no longer tied to residency benefits, remains attractive due to Spain’s stable property market and growing rental demand from both locals, EU citizens, and foreign nationals.
Americans interested in Spain’s potential as a European business hub can also consider the Spanish Start Up Visa. The latter option has no minimum investment requirement. However, applications are reviewed on a case by case basis taking into account the viability of the business plan.
Like Portugal is Spain’s cultural heritage, with more World Heritage sites than almost any other country. US citizens often find that life in Spain balances far lower living costs with a higher quality of life. Expat life in Spain is well-documented as one of the most popular choices for American expats.
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Italy – The Italian Dream!
While everyone talks about Italian red tape and slow bureaucracy, quality of life here doesn’t differ much from Portugal and Spain. Italy has quietly become one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to, thanks to recent visa reforms and special tax regimes. In fact, Italy now offers one of Western Europe’s most attractive packages for foreign nationals seeking a better work-life balance.
The Italian Investor Visa program has emerged as a standout option for high-net-worth individuals considering life in a new country. Requiring a minimum investment of €250,000 in innovative Italian startups, applicants of the program may also invest up to €500,000 into a limited company with exposure to real estate or blue chip Italian stocks. While processing is relatively fast and the Investor Visa does offer permanent residence in just five years, successful applicants of the program must live in the country for ten years to qualify for Italian dual citizenship. What makes the Italian Golden Visa particularly appealing is that, unlike other countries’ programs, you don’t need to make the Italy Golden Visa investment until after your visa is approved.
If a US citizen has ancestors from Italy, they may also consider the Italian citizenship by descent program, which is far quicker and more affordable than residency by investment or naturalization paths.
For remote workers, Italy’s new digital nomad visa allows those with an annual income of at least €30,000, which is notably lower than other European countries’ programs. This temporary resident visa allows American expats to work from anywhere in Italy while enjoying the country’s legendary quality of life. The visa can be renewed annually and count toward permanent residence status.
The elective residence visa remains popular among retirees and passive income earners, requiring proof of at least €31,000 in annual income. What many don’t realize is that Italy’s excellent healthcare system, ranked among the world’s best, is accessible to residence permit holders as well as Italian citizens.
To add onto its already low cost of living, Italy offers a special tax scheme with a lump sum tax of €200,000 every year for 15 years on foreign worldwide income. Combined with the country’s established expat communities and major cities like Milan, Naples, Venice, and Rome, all these benefits make Italy a compelling case for one of the best and easiest countries for Americans abroad.
El Salvador’s Crypto Paradise
For American expats who are worried about their dollars losing value to inflation, El Salvador may hold the solution. A growing community of crypto-savvy expats has discovered this unexpected haven that’s embraced Bitcoin as legal tender. This tiny nation nestled between North and South America has transformed from a dangerous country into one of the safest and one of the easiest countries to move to for American’s, especially for Bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts.
Under President Bukele’s leadership, El Salvador has achieved what skeptics said were impossible: becoming one of the safest countries in Central America in a matter of years (El Salvador rose 21 spots in the Global Peace Index last year) – all while pioneering cryptocurrency adoption for the whole world. The nation’s political stability improvements have been remarkable, with crime rates plummeting and foreign direct investment soaring. This transformation has made El Salvador an increasingly attractive destination for American expats seeking both innovation and affordability.
The Freedom Passport program offers direct citizenship and a second passport in exchange for a $1 million investment in Bitcoin or USDT. While this is the easiest, most direct route to obtain citizenship in El Salvador, the country also offers several routes via temporary and permanent residency.
El Salvador’s digital nomad visa, with a minimum monthly income requirement of $1,500, provides temporary residency to successful applicants. Valid for two years, the digital nomad visa also offers a path to citizenship in the country after five years. With a monthly passive income requirement of just requirement just over $1,000, El Salvador’s retirement residence permit visa allows American retirees to move abroad to the country. Additionally, President Bukele has introduced a business immigration program and visa option for those who’d consider moving their business to the tax-friendly Central American country.
This slew of visas and direct citizenship by investment programs combine to make El Salvador one of the easiest countries in the world for Americans to move to.
With some of the lowest living costs (second lowest cost of living in North America) in the Americas, US citizen nomads, investors, and entrepreneurs can maintain their US income while enjoying a high quality of life.
Austria – Alpine Elegance and Europe’s Most Exclusive Citizenship
While Portugal and Spain grab headlines for their golden visas and low cost of living, many Americans aim for the Alps. Austria has one of Europe’s only true citizenship by investment programs (together with the next participant on this list of easiest countries to move to), a direct path to one of the world’s strongest passports. Though the investment threshold is substantial (typically €3-10 million in active business investment and knowledge of the widely spoken official language of German), the benefits are substantial.
Additionally, if you have family roots in Austria, you may qualify for citizenship by descent from your ancestors. You’ll need to prove their lineage with documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, military records, and other files.
Even for those not seeking citizenship, Austria’s residence permit options present opportunities for skilled professionals and investors. The country’s Red-White-Red Card system, designed to attract qualified foreign nationals, offers a clear path to permanent residency for those who can demonstrate professional expertise, a valid job offer in the country, and sufficient funds of €1.2 million for a single applicant. This temporary resident visa is valid for only two years and does not provide a path to obtain citizenship.
What truly sets Austria apart is its world-class healthcare system, consistently ranked among the globe’s finest. Residence permit holders gain access to this healthcare network with minimal waiting times and quality medical care. The Austrian banking system adds another layer of appeal, with its reputation for stability, privacy, and sophistication making it a favorite among American expats seeking financial security and job opportunities in a competitive job market.
Although it won’t make any low cost of living rankings, Austria may hold the solution for those who desire cultural richness, robust political stability, a superior quality of life in the safe heart of Europe (3rd on the Global Peace Index), and an immigration route reserved for investors and entrepreneurs of highest caliber, Austria may hold the solution.
Malta – Tax-Friendly Island Life
The fourth Mediterranean nation to make this list is Malta, a quiet island nation in the Sea south of Italy and one of the easiest countries for Americans to access permanent residency. With more millionaires per capita than almost anywhere else in Europe, Malta has mastered the art of attracting foreign nationals through clever immigration programs.
Starting at a government contribution of €80,000-€110,000 and a real estate investment of at least €375,000 or an annual lease worth €14,000, Malta’s Permanent Residence Program is an option for Americans to move to Europe. Maltese permanent residents can travel visa-free around the European Union and access many privileges on the island. But for US citizens seeking an affordable country to invest in, Malta is not the ideal permanent resident path.
Americans seeking European citizenship, on the other hand, could previously find a better solution in Malta’s citizenship by investment program. With the combination of a government contribution of at least €600,000, a local property worth at least €700,000 or a €16,000 annual lease, and €10,000 donation to an approved charity. However this program has come to a standstill after the European Court Of Justice ruled that a member state could not issue a passport unless an applicant had a “genuine link” to the nation.
What truly sets Malta apart is its tax regime for residents with foreign income. Through careful structuring, you can pay little to no capital gains tax or tax on foreign-sourced income while enjoying access to Malta’s excellent healthcare system and all the other perks of having permanent residence or citizenship in the European Union. English is a widely spoken official language of Malta, so American citizens may not have to overcome any language barriers in their move to this attractive destination.
Next Steps
The Global Peace Index safest countries bear no significance on this ranking. However, some of the easiest countries for your move abroad also rank highly on this coveted list. Each of the six countries ranges in cost of living, political stability, job opportunities, quality of life, and tax laws. But where they differ, they all offer US citizens, skilled professionals, and remote workers several paths to permanent residency and/or citizenship.
Each destination offers unique advantages for different types of American expats. Portugal and Spain excel in work-life balance and affordable living, while Italy combines a compelling Golden Visa framework with tempting tax regimes. El Salvador pioneers Bitcoin adoption with remarkably low living costs, Austria provides the highest standard quality of life in the world, and Malta offers the most straightforward path to European citizenship (other than citizenship by descent options).
At Lincoln Global Partners, we’ve guided countless US citizens through these life-changing decisions, helping them navigate everything from golden visa processes to permanent residents’ citizenship applications.
For families considering moving abroad, our expertise ensures you’ll understand not just the visa options, but also practical considerations like language barriers, education quality, and access to quality medical services. Whether you’re drawn to Mediterranean beaches or Alpine excellence, we’ll help you transform your international aspirations into reality.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Lincoln Global Partners for a personalised consultation on your journey to a better life abroad and delve deeper into the easiest countries for Americans to move to.
