Updated: February 17, 2025
Dreaming of a life less ordinary? Over 5.1 million Americans have already taken the leap, seeking new horizons beyond U.S. borders. Perhaps you’re feeling the pull too – a desire for a fresh start, a better quality of life, a rewarding retirement, or new investment opportunities. The good news is, the world offers a wealth of amazing destinations to choose from.
This guide will walk you through some of the best countries to consider for your relocation, and answer the most important question: how to actually make the move. We’ve got you covered!
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” Why are more Americans than ever before seeking to relocate abroad?
Several factors are driving this trend, including the high cost of living in the U.S., expensive healthcare, dissatisfaction with work-life balance, political and social anxieties, limited economic advancement, and attractive benefits offered overseas, like greater tax efficiency and affordable education. Let’s explore these reasons in more detail.
1. Lower cost of living
Soaring prices in America are pushing many to seek more affordable options abroad. Comparing the cost of living in the U.S. to places like Portugal or Spain reveals a stark difference: it’s significantly more expensive to live in America. Many Americans are drawn to countries offering affordable, high-quality healthcare, housing, and manageable daily expenses.
2. Better healthcare
The U.S. healthcare system is notoriously expensive, making it a primary reason why many Americans explore alternatives overseas. They seek access to excellent public healthcare services and affordable private insurance options.
3. Career opportunities
Despite the USA being a hub for various industries, like tech and finance, many Americans feel increasingly frustrated with work-life balance or generally dissatisfied with their careers. This prompts them to seek new prospects abroad. A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that while many workers are happy with colleagues and managers, they’re less content with pay and promotion opportunities.
4. Retirement
Many Americans dream of spending their golden years in countries with pleasant weather, a slower pace of life, and a lower cost of living. They also seek opportunities to pursue hobbies like water sports or golfing that they couldn’t prioritize during their working lives.
5. Tax benefits
Moving to a country with favorable tax policies and exemptions can empower individuals to better plan for their future. Some countries offer enticing incentives like no taxes on foreign-earned income, reduced corporate taxes, and lower income taxes overall.
6. Higher quality of life
Many Americans yearn for a better work-life balance, enhanced safety, and a more relaxed environment. Searches like “how to escape America” have surged lately, suggesting people want a better quality of life, with affordable healthcare, accessible education and a more relaxed environment.
7. Cultural exploration and adventure
There’s nothing quite as thrilling as embracing a new culture. Relocating provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in new languages, customs, and ways of life. It takes time to adjust to another country, but that’s part of the excitement. Whether you’re retiring, a young professional, or moving with a family, a new country offers a unique enchantment.
8. Education
Despite the excellent education in USA, other countries offer top-tier education systems. For families thinking about a relocation, it is often more affordable so they can enjoy a better quality of life.
9. Escape from high crime rates
Compared to many countries, the USA’s crime rate is high. For this reason, many are seeking to relocate to a safer country to live or raise a family. Portugal, Switzerland, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, Austria and Scandinavian countries are known as some of the world’s safest, and they all top the 2024 Global Peace Index.
A significant advantage of moving abroad is the chance to obtain citizenship in another country. Having a second passport can provide greater mobility, increased security, and lucrative investment opportunities.
In this section of our “How to Move Out of the US” article, we’ll explore some countries from Caribbean nations to Europe that offer the best residency or citizenship by investment opportunities.
Malta
For expats seeking sublime weather, a high-quality lifestyle, and an easy route to residency and citizenship via property investments, Malta is an alluring option. Plus, it an official language here is English, so this makes the adjustment that much easier in many cases.
O Malta Citizenship with Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program gives to applicants a way for securing citizenship in a time frame as short as just 12 months if you make a generous philanthropic donation, government contribution, and property investment.
You can get to permanent residency quickly through the Malta Residency by Investment Program to permanent residency if you make a real estate investment, a non-refundable donation, and a government cost.
Benefits of living in Malta
- The excellent healthcare and education systems make a it a wonderful option for a high quality of life.
- Integration will be a breeze since there are very few language barriers because most people speak English.
- You’ll be able to have free EU and Schengen Zone travel.
- You can indulge in the historical sites, amazing food, and the Mediterranean climate.
- Since Malta has a low crime rate, it is thought of as one of the safest European countries.
Antigua and Barbuda
US citizens love the Caribbean! Antigua and Barbuda, with its rainforests and beautiful beaches, is an ideal option if you are looking for a better life amidst a dreamy island setting.
US citizens find the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program quite appealing. It provides families with a route for securing citizenship and a return on a one time investment of €223,187.
Benefits of living in Antigua and Barbuda
- It averages just four to six months for the whole immigration process to happen and the stay requirement is a short one lasting just five days within the first five years.
- Tapping into visa-free access to well over 140 countries is yours to experience!
- The tax benefits include inheritance, gift, wealth, and capital gains taxes.
- You can embrace the beautiful beaches by embracing living the vibrant life in the Caribbean!
Vanuatu
The ideal option for US citizens that are looking to optimize their taxes is through theVanuatu Citizenship by Investment program. Because they have no inheritance, income, or capital gains taxes, they are, in various ways, a tax-free haven. It’s a top opportunity if you are US based business interested in relocation because they also have no corporate taxes.
It’s fast turnaround is often noted, which is very appealing to new citizens; with just a contribution of €126870) you’ll be granted a citizenship, and that will happen in a
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