Where Could You Move From the US? A Guide to Relocating Abroad
Recently, a change in circumstances has made more US citizens look abroad, seeking a change in lifestyle, economic opportunities, or political climates. The dream of moving abroad for a cheaper cost of living, more affordable healthcare, or just another way to live life has broadened. Whether you want to move to a new, vibrant city or to a quiet coastal town, there is a world of options for those in need of new surroundings.
But there are a few key things to keep in mind before you stuff your clothes into an oversized suitcase. Where you would go, it all comes down to things like visas and residency requirements, cost of living, work opportunities, and lifestyle shifts.
Where you could move from the US is a question with many answers, depending on your priorities and goals. In this guide, we will be looking at a few of the best countries for Americans to move to when going abroad, offering insights into countries that give the best combination of ease of immigration, quality of life, and financial stability.
Factors to Consider Before Moving Abroad
Visa and Residency Requirements
One of the very first, and likely most important, steps when deciding where could you move from the US is getting familiar with your potential immigration requirements in terms of visas or other residency permits that apply.
This is a question that depends on the country and why you are planning to move there. For example, Mexico and Portugal are some of the countries that have simple visa routes. The Portuguese D7 Visa, in particular, has been a popular avenue for people wanting to move away, especially among digital nomads and retirees.
Find out which documents you need, the visas’ durations, and whether they allow you to work, study, or retire.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is one big, bright indicator when it comes to figuring out how far a buck can go if you choose to relocate from the US. Ecuador and Mexico are examples of countries where expats go due to their living expenses being lower than in the US. Countries like New Zealand and Australia have higher costs of living, but they are reputed to provide excellent quality of life and strong healthcare systems.
Work Opportunities
If you intend to work in your new country, conduct research on the job market there and see what employment-specific visa options exist. Countries such as South Korea and Spain have programs specifically designed for work visas. For those who live a digital nomad life, some countries like Portugal and Estonia have formulated special visas that allow remote work while resigning abroad.
Cultural and Language Barriers
Adjusting to a different culture and language is another important factor. Canada and the UK, for example, provide near frictionless language barriers for English-speaking expats. On the other hand, destinations such as Thailand or Spain may require learning the local language.
Additionally, some familiarity with the social norms and values of your adopted country will also help you go a long way.
Healthcare and Insurance
Access to quality healthcare is important, especially for pensioners who may have some concerns about their well-being. In some countries with good healthcare systems, like Canada and Spain, you can get covered for free, while others require paid private insurance. You should also check the healthcare system to see whether your current insurance will cover you while living abroad or if you need international coverage.
Top Countries to Move From the US
Mexico
Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for Americans moving abroad, and it’s not difficult to see why. The affordable cost of living, good weather, and proximity to the US make this place a favorite.
Mexico is actually home to more than a million Americans. Expat residents can obtain temporary or permanent residency relatively easily, and most start off with a visa-free stay of six months.
Housing and healthcare are much cheaper than they are in the US, with many expats reporting monthly expenses of $900 to $1,200.
Canada
Canada is an excellent choice for Americans looking to relocate without dealing with a dramatic cultural change. Many expats find the transition easier due to its shared language, similar cultural values, and powerful healthcare system.
There are multiple ways to achieve permanent residency, like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs, which are excellent for skilled workers. Additionally, Americans are drawn to the social support system and overall living conditions in major cities such as Vancouver and Toronto.
Portugal
Portugal has become a popular destination for both retirees and digital nomads. US nationals can get residency through a D7 Visa, which caters to remote workers and retirees.
With mild weather, low cost of living, especially in smaller towns, and a lively expat community, it has become one of the most popular destinations for those leaving the US. Portugal also has the Golden Visa program, a residency by investment scheme, which can lead to citizenship after five years.
Spain
Spain is a major destination for US expats, particularly retirees. The Non-Lucrative Visa is perfect for applicants who can demonstrate financial independence, allowing them to stay in Spain without working.
With its world-renowned culture, Mediterranean climate, and relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries, Spain provides an excellent lifestyle experience. Some expats prefer to live in a city, such as Barcelona or Madrid, and others are attracted to the coastal regions of Costa del Sol.
Conclusion
Immigrating from the US can be a gateway to new opportunities, but you must consider many things first. By looking at the visa requirements, cost of living, and work opportunities in your chosen destination, you can help make this transition considerably easier.
For example, Mexico is good for inexpensive living and easy-to-obtain residency status, while Canada boasts a high quality of life, offering strong healthcare services. Where you go after leaving the US depends on what you care about most, whether that be a cheaper cost of living or an appealing climate; taking the time to do some planning is the best way to start your new life in another country.
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