Updated: January 23, 2025
Dreaming of a fresh start in a new country? You’re not alone! Many are drawn to the allure of relocation, seeking better opportunities, a higher quality of life, or simply a change of scenery. With numerous countries offering enticing pathways to residency, some stand out as particularly accessible.
This guide explores 13 of the easiest countries to immigrate to, based on factors like attractive visa options, streamlined application processes, ease of integration, promising investment and work prospects, and overall quality of life. Ready to discover where your new adventure awaits?
From the sun-kissed shores of Malta to the vibrant, cosmopolitan cities of Canada, choosing your ideal destination can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Below, we unveil 13 countries renowned for their welcoming immigration policies and ease of integration.
Keep in mind, this list is just the beginning! Countless other countries could potentially be your perfect match. Explore diverse options, from the relaxed vibes of the Thailand Elite Residence Program to the unique opportunities offered by the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program. The world is your oyster!
Before taking the plunge, carefully consider your personal priorities. What are you hoping to gain from relocating? Are you seeking exciting career opportunities, greater stability, or simply a better quality of life? Your answers will guide you towards the perfect country to call home.
1. Portugal
Portugal’s popularity with expats is soaring, and for good reason! This southern European gem is now home to over 1 million foreign residents. The irresistible combination of stunning scenery, a welcoming culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and a variety of residency options makes Portugal incredibly attractive. In short, Portugal is undoubtedly one of the easiest European countries to immigrate to.
- The Portugal D7 Visa paves the way for those with a passive income of €820 (US$844) per month, granting a two-year residency permit that’s renewable for another three. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship, unlocking opportunities to live, work, and study throughout the EU.
- Another enticing option is the Portuguese Golden Visa, where residency is secured through investment in the country. Since 2012, it has become one of the most popular programs in the world, requiring a minimum investment of €250,000 (US$257,552).
- The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is aimed at remote workers who earn four times the Portugese minimum wage (currently €3,480 ($3,585), allowing them to live in Portugal while working for a foreign (non-Portuguese) company or as a freelancer.
Portugal’s diverse residency options, combined with widespread English proficiency (ranking 6th in the English Proficiency Index), high safety ratings (seventh in the 2024 Global Peace Index), and a relatively low cost of living, make it a top choice for expats seeking a better life abroad.
Portugal has rapidly become a haven, especially for Americans seeking a new home. It holds the second position in Global Citizen Solutions’ Retirement Guide for Americans, renowned for its security, economics, integration, and a lifestyle second to none.
Learn more in our article: Best Countries for American Expats and Retirees.
2. Malta
If you’re seeking a residency in a captivating island nation, bathed in sunshine (over 300 days a year!), and offering a vibrant cultural experience, then Malta may be your destination of choice.
The Malta Citizenship with Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program enables applicants to acquire citizenship within approximately 12 to 26 months. This timeframe relies on your path of choice through the purchase of property investment as well as government contribution and philanthropy donation.
Also, the Malta Residency by Investment Program facilitates quick access to permanent residency in return for investments in property, a non-refundable government contribution, and a donation.
Strategically positioned in Europe, Malta is perfect for investors, enterprises, and families looking to immigrate to a magnificent country. Maltase culture proudly presents one of the most historical records around the globe considering that the first dwellers graced these islands around 5900 BC.
3. Spain
Choose where you’re welcome! Spain should be one of your top prospects. With a wide range of options, Spain could be the easiest country to settle in alongside Portugal. Specifically, one of the best residency programs is the Spain Non-lucrative Visa. Foreign residents can achieve residency through this visa if they have a monthly income of €2,400 ($2,473). The residency license can be revived and they are granted eligibility to apply for permanent residency after a five year duration.
Spain has a wide range of locations and cities, overflowing with culture and tradition, with something for everyone. Barcelona and Madrid are widely known across the globe. It is easy to become involved in the vibrant soul of Spain through culinary experiences. A great climate and low cost of living are also winning factors.
4. Greece
There is a general trend, with Southern Europe being one of the top choices for foreign investors.
For investors seeking a residency in Greece, options include the Greece Golden Visa program.
In exchange for a renewal of the resident permit, those who qualify will be able to make a property investment, meeting the requirement of having a €250,000 ($257,552) investment.
The countries taxing policies make Greece even more eye-catching for its Golden Visa holders paying only a flat annual fee rather than global income tax.
With the combination of Greece’s gorgeous climate and meager price of living, it is likely the ideal location for expats hoping to comfortably retire.
5. Cyprus
With positive immigration laws, Cyprus has become very welcoming when it comes to foreign residents relocating here.
The Cyprus Golden Visa gives investors the path to getting residency in return for at least an investment of approximately €300,000 ($309,063).
Investors find the country’s short processing times very appealing and the laid-back atmosphere and many sunny days make coming here very enjoyable from the very beginning.
Cyprus has another advantage.
The system of taxing is favorable, with low corporate tax percentages of only 12.5%, as well as no capital gains on foreign assets and gift-inheritance.
6. Italy
Looking for an enjoyable easy-going lifestyle? With one of the best culinary cultures in the world and a rich history, Italy provides a uniquely good life.
A few eye-catching options are the Italy Golden Visa and the Italy Digital Nomad Visa. The Golden Visa requires at least an investment of nearly €250,000 ($257,552), and in return, you’ll attain a resident permit, that you can replace for permanency after a five year period.
For remote employees and digital nomads working for non-Italian businesses, a monthly income necessity of at least €2,066 ($2,128) is required alongside continued employment and ample founds to support yourself, making the Digtal Nomad Visa the perfect option to benefit from the residency scheme.
Italy can offer a great place to go for Europeans and those looking for a country to move to from the USA, alongside Spain and Portugal. Those seeking an island lifestyle should look no further than Greece, Malta, and Cypress.
7. Canada
When considering a break from Southern Europe, Canada should certainly be a high contender. Particularly for Americans given the language, traditions, and proximity.
For skilled entrepreneurs, Canada provides immigration programs such as the Canada Startup Visa and The Provincial Nominee Program.
Especially useful for entrepreneurs. The Provincial Nominee Program is applicable for entrepreneurs, investors, and employees and promises residencies, while The Start-up Visa provides international entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts. Canada is a appealing country with is stability and strong economy.
8. St Lucia
Looking for something special? St Lucia is the ticket! A dazzling island in the Eastern Caribbean with beautiful resorts, natural life, and reef diving.
St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment scheme has gained popularity and prestige over the years, considering you are presented with a choice of a property invesmtnet, donation, or an entry into government approved business. The lower investment amounts to $240,000 (around €232,962).
Perks of the Citizenship investment program include its quick processing times of about ten months to complete. Successful applicants should expect low crime rates, peaceful enviromments, untaxed international income, and tremendous natural beauty.
9. St Kitts and Nevis
Another Caribbean country that has it all is St Kitts and Nevis, with its wonderful mountains, rainy forests, and shorelines.
Home of one of the most direct Citizenship by Investment schemes combined with fast processing, St Kitts and Nevis is an incredible desitnation with $250,000 (€242,751) requiried investment.
Besides visa free travel to 160 countries, (such as the UK and the European Union) this island prides itself on tax benefits and lack of personal income. All of this contributes to why St Kitts and Nevis should be considered for citizenship, warm climate, and welcoming individuals add to the attraction.
10. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is notorious for the beaches resorts and landscape, with a quality of life that matches its beauty!
With assistance from their Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program, persons and loved ones can get citizenship through investments with a range of ($230,000 (€223,187) donation or a real estate/business ( $300,000 (€291,114) investment) conditions.
These islands have so much with the four to six month long process and short a five day visit every five years. Access to wealth for many has improved as citizenships has extended to 148 countries!
11. Dominica
Last Carribean destination is Dominica, with their Dominica Citizenship by Investment scheme requiring ($200,000 (€194,075) contribution and a real estate purchase of the same ammount. The processing (six to nine months) is quick and there are little residency conditions.
This is one of the best locations because of eco-tourism and sustainability to create a better life. Good tax and low world wide income make it very appealing as well.
Tax benefits are great, with lack of income and capital gains alongside travel to over 145 countries, including London!
12. Turkey
The beautiful climate and merging western and easter cultures combined with quality of life, Turkey has become popular for foreign individuals.
The Turkey Citizenship by Investment promises a pathway to citizenship, with $400,000 needed for real estate and smaller investments to meet bank requirements.
13. Brazil
For tourists and expats, Brazil and its relaxed ways is a favorite. For just
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