What Country Should I Move to From USA?

US citizens actively emigrate to other countries. Officially, the Government does not keep a count of Americans who live outside the country. However, according to the estimates of the US State Department, there are about nine million emigrants from America in the world – these are people who received a residence permit or citizenship in other countries of the world.

According to statistics, about 200 US citizens renounce their US citizenship every month. Also, over the past five years, almost 1,500 citizens whose fortunes are estimated to be at least $2,000,000 have left America.

Having moved abroad, you can maintain the usual high quality of life and even find more favorable conditions – a pleasant climate, a measured lifestyle, tax benefits, etc.

What Motivates Americans to Move Abroad?

Undoubtedly, the most popular reasons for changing one’s place of residence are finding a new job, career prospects, getting married, or reuniting with one’s family. However, many US citizens are also looking for a better life. The main reasons for moving to Americans include the:

• Rising US home prices – US home prices will increase by 18.7% in 2022.
• Affordability of the European market – The sharp fall in the euro has made European real estate more affordable for Americans and has also lowered the cost of living in the region.
• High taxes in the US – citizens have to pay taxes on income, property, capital gains, dividends, imports, gifts, etc. Even Americans living abroad must pay taxes. Therefore, according to statistics, 1 in 4 expats plans to renounce American citizenship.
• Safety issues – The US has a very high rate of gun deaths.
• Climate features – According to recent surveys, 64% of Americans travel to other countries to live in more favorable weather conditions.

Read in this article for details on why more and more Americans are thinking about moving abroad.

Which Country Should I Move to From the USA? The 10 Leading States Are Next

Caribbean Countries

Many Americans choose to move to the Caribbean countries because of their close location to the US, tropical climate, warm ocean, and developed infrastructure. English and the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar, are also widely used in the region: 2.70 ECD = 1$.

● How to Move From the USA to the Caribbean?

US citizens can stay in most Caribbean countries without a visa for up to 180 days. For permanent residence, you can get a residence permit or citizenship. The most convenient and fastest way is to obtain citizenship by investment, which is offered by five Caribbean countries – Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.

The minimum contribution is $100,000 to the National Fund of one of the countries. The most popular way to invest is to purchase real estate worth $200,000 or more (or $175,000 in St. Kitts and Nevis). Contributions to the National Funds are non-refundable, but the property can be used for profit or sold after five years.

● Advantages of Moving to the Caribbean

In addition to a change of residence, Caribbean citizenship has the following benefits for US citizens:

• Optimization of taxes – There is no tax on capital gains or inheritance in the states. Three countries, except St. Lucia, do not tax interest, dividends, and royalties. St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda have no income tax.
• Passive income – real estate can be rented out with an average yield of 3.5% per year.

Portugal

Portugal is a wonderful European country that more and more Americans are choosing to move to. Apartments in Lisbon Portugal are conveniently located near great attractions like Belém Tower, the Gulbenkian Museum, and Jeronimos Monastery, making them ideal for travelers looking to explore the city.

● Advantages of Moving to Portugal:

• The state is the sixth safest country in the world (according to the global peace rating).
• Taxes lower than in the US – new residents are granted NHR status, according to which qualified professionals working in Portuguese companies or self-employed expats must pay an income tax of 20% and a pension tax of 10%.
• The cost of living in Portugal is 35% lower than in other Western European countries.
• It is one of the “greenest” countries in Europe; 63% of electricity is obtained from alternative sources.
• 27% of Portuguese speak English.
• Mild climate – the country has a large number of sunny days and wonderful beaches.
• Rich culture and delicious cuisine.
• High quality of education – diplomas of Portuguese universities are recognized all over the world.

● How to Move From the USA to Portugal?

1. The Portuguese D7 visa or pensioner visa is available to foreigners who can prove that they have a passive income outside of Portugal of at least €750 per month.
2. Golden investor visa – a foreigner must invest at least €280,000 in the Portuguese economy. Seven investment options are available, including purchasing real estate, starting a business, transferring capital, or contributing to an investment fund. After obtaining the status of a non-resident, the investor does not have to pay tax on income received abroad for 10 years.
3. After 5 years of life, on the basis of a residence permit, you can apply for citizenship of the country.

Spain

The largest number of Americans who settled in Europe live in Spain.

● Why Should You Move From the USA to Spain?

• Spain has a well-developed business infrastructure and a low level of bureaucracy and corruption.
• It is a safe country; the indicator of the Global Peace Index in Spain is better than in the USA.
• The sphere of social services, banking, and the hospitality industry is well developed in the state.
• The system of education and health care is developed at the European level.
•  Ideal climate – not hot in summer and not cold in winter.

Disadvantages include the fact that English is not widely spoken in Spain; only 12% of the population speak it, but this will not be a big obstacle for an expat.

● How to Move From the USA to Spain?

Spain’s immigration policy offers foreigners many types of long-term visas, but expats who plan to move to the country for permanent residence choose to apply for a permanent residence permit in exchange for investment.

Minimum investment amount of €500,000 when purchasing real estate. You can also invest money in Spanish companies or open a deposit in a local bank, but the amount here is higher — €1,000,000; those who decide to invest in government bonds should prepare €2,000,000.

After 10 years of living in Spain, on the basis of a permit, a foreigner will be able to apply for citizenship of the country.

Greece

Greece is the cradle of European history and culture, which is known throughout the world for its Mediterranean climate and relaxed way of life.

● Advantages of Moving to Greece From the USA

• Greece has one of the lowest costs of living in the entire EU. It is also included in the list of the safest countries in the region.
• Greek education is recognized all over the world. There are many bilingual and international schools in the state. Several prestigious international universities have also been opened in Athens.
• Tax benefits for emigrants and wealthy investors – Wealthy expats receive a benefit in Greece and pay a single tax of €100,000 for 15 years.

● How to Move From the USA to Greece?

The Greek government has developed the “Golden Visa” program, which grants foreigners a permanent residence permit on the condition that they invest €250,000 or more in the country’s economy. The following investment options are available: purchase of real estate, timeshare, construction site, agricultural land, purchase of bonds, opening of a deposit, rental of tourist accommodation, or inheritance of real estate.

You can apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of permanent residence in the country.

Learn more about the life of Americans in Portugal, Greece, and Spain at the link.

Turkey

Located between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a multicultural country with a rich history, excellent climate, and delicious cuisine.

● Advantages of Moving to Turkey From the USA

• The cost of living in Turkey is much lower than in many European countries.
• Developed health care system.
• A wide selection of housing for rent or purchase.
• Free primary and secondary education.

● How to Move From the USA to Turkey?

Turkey entry requirements for US citizens: Americans wishing to visit Turkey can obtain an electronic visa that allows them to stay in the country for up to 90 days. To extend your stay, you must obtain a residence permit.

The program for obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment is one of the most popular in the world. You can become a citizen of the country only 6 months after purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000. Together with the investor, members of his family can get Turkish citizenship.

In general, five types of investments are available in the state: buying real estate, government bonds or shares in investment funds, placing a deposit in Turkish banks, or starting a business.

Malta

Malta is a small island European country that is the only one in the EU that has a naturalization program for investors.

● What Are the Advantages of Living in Malta?

• The healthcare system in Malta is better than in the USA.
• Favorable ecological environment – The country is transitioning to a green economy, and the country’s beaches also receive the “Blue Flag” award every year.
• High level of security: The crime rate here is lower than in Denmark, Ireland, or the Netherlands. Malta is also the second safest country in the world for women.
• Mediterranean climate – the average annual sea temperature here is the highest in Europe; summers are hot, and winters are mild.
• Favorable tax system – VAT in Malta is less than 20%, and there is no tax on property, gifts, and inheritance.
• High level of education – most schools work according to the British curriculum. Diplomas from Maltese universities are recognized in Great Britain and the USA.
• 88% of the population of Malta speak English.

● How to Move From the USA to Malta?

1. Obtain a residence permit – for this, rent or buy real estate in Malta for the amount of €30,000 or more.
2. Naturalization for exceptional contribution to the Maltese economy – make a contribution to the Regional Development Fund, donate funds to a public organization, or purchase real estate. The minimum investment amount is €690,000.

Cyprus

Cyprus is another EU island nation that attracts American expats.

● Why Should You Move From the USA to Cyprus?

• Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most beautiful.
• The climate of Cyprus is a mixture of subtropical in the lowlands and continental in the mountains, so you can enjoy the summer by the sea and go skiing in the mountains in the winter.
• 76% of the island’s population speak English.
• High level of education: International schools and many highly rated universities operate in the state.
• Tax benefits – In Cyprus, there is no tax on income received outside the country, as well as no inheritance tax. Corporate income tax is one of the lowest in Europe – 12.5%.

Advice! Paphos is an ideal destination for expats looking for a peaceful life with clean air, low traffic, a high level of safety, and a low cost of living.

● How to Move From the USA to Cyprus?

US citizens can obtain a permanent residence permit in Cyprus in exchange for investment. The minimum investment amount is €300,000; the following options are available: purchase residential or commercial real estate, shares of Cypriot companies, or make a contribution to investment funds. Citizenship can be obtained after 5 years.

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the three most expensive countries in the world to live in, but this is justified by the high quality of life in the country.

● Advantages of Moving to Switzerland

• 50% of the population of Switzerland speaks English.
• Emigrant children can attend both free public schools and private ones. There are also many bilingual and international schools in Switzerland. Swiss universities are among the best in the world and are free for citizens of the country.
• The climate is continental, and you can enjoy four seasons. The snow in the Swiss Alps rarely melts, so most resorts are open all year round.
• Under the Swiss Residence Permit Program, the applicant pays a one-time tax of 450,000 francs per year.

● How to Move to Switzerland?

Foreigners can obtain a residence permit in Switzerland, but work in the country is prohibited on the basis of the permit. An expat has the right to manage his business located abroad and receive income from it.

The permit must be renewed annually or every 5 years. After 10 years, a foreigner can apply for Swiss citizenship.

Austria

One of the best countries in the world to live in is Austria because the state has a high level of economic development, a wonderful landscape, many nature reserves, lakes, mountains, and forests.

● Advantages of Living in Austria

• The best healthcare system in the world.
• The cost of living is average, much lower than in neighboring Switzerland.
• Austrians are very friendly and respect personal boundaries.
• English is widely spoken in the country.
• According to the UN Development Program, Austria is among the 30 best countries in the world in terms of education.

● How to Move From the USA to Austria?

In order to move to the country, an expat must apply for a residence permit.

Andorra

Andorra is a small, prosperous European country surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountains.

● Advantages of Living in Andorra

• The healthcare system is among the top five in the world. The average life expectancy in the state is 83 years. Insurance covers 75-80% of all medical expenses in the country.
• A powerful education system that ensures 100% literacy of students.
• Tax rates are the lowest in the world – no dividend, inheritance, wealth, or income tax.

● How to Move to Andorra?

The country has approved a program for obtaining a residence permit in exchange for investments. The candidate must purchase real estate bonds, open a business, or deposit. The minimum investment amount is €400,000.

Therefore, when planning to move to another country, pay attention to the rules of entry and the procedure for obtaining a residence permit, tax requirements, opportunities for moving with the family, the climate and nature of the country, language and cultural features, business rules, and living expenses.

In order to legally move from the United States to another country, you must comply with the migration rules. Usually, foreigners can obtain citizenship based on the right of inheritance, for exceptional merit, by marrying a citizen of the country, by investing in the country’s economy, etc.

Residence permits are divided into short-term and long-term and are issued on the basis of employment, admission to higher education institutions when moving as a digital nomad, to homeowners, and in many other cases. The registration procedure depends on the selected country.