There are many reasons that may take you outside the shores of the United States. You may have worked for decades in the States before retiring to a foreign country where your money will stretch further. or wish to become fully immersed in a new culture by working and living among the natives. Perhaps you’re a remote worker eager to put your newfound location independence to the test.
No matter your reason, consider yourself fortunate. Expats from the United States have it considerably easier than other immigrants when it comes to migrating abroad. Having said that, certain countries are undoubtedly more American-friendly than others.,
Where Can I Relocate to From the USA?
If you intend to relocate based on the high cost of living in your city, you might want to see the 10 Best Places To Move To With Little or No Money. However, there are many countries you can easily move to as a US citizen.
It all depends on the cost of living, language barriers, visa/residency permit requirement, healthcare quality, ex-pat population, and crime rates. Based on these factors, here are the top 10 countries we recommend.
1. New Zealand
New Zealand is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. A working holiday visa can be applied for by anyone between the ages of 18 and 30 who has around $3,000 in their bank account. This visa allows visitors to live in New Zealand for 12 months. You have the option of working for the entire year or studying for six months.
It’s a little more difficult for individuals over 30, but it’s still achievable. You’ll almost certainly need a job with any New Zealand firm, or you have to be a “skilled worker” or have money to invest. New Zealand has a strong economy, and there are many ways to invest in real estate, biotechnology, research on farming, and other fields.
The Kiwi country, however, has a high cost of living. Living in Auckland will be similar to living in Seattle in terms of cost. Families living in New Zealand, on the other hand, benefit from an excellent work-life balance, subsidized health care, and a mix of city and country lifestyles.
New Zealand also has one of the strongest education systems in the world, and the 2019 Global Peace Index ranked it as the 2nd safest country on the planet (the USA came in 128th). In big cities like Auckland and Wellington, there are small ex-pat communities, but they are not as well established as they are in other countries.
- CAPITAL: Wellington
- REGION: Oceania
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $45,073
- GDP: $213 billion
- POPULATION: 4,979,300
- AREA: 268,838 SQ.KM
2. Mexico
Mexico is among the most accessible countries for Americans. This may be the most popular, with more than a million Americans already residing in Mexico. Coastal resort towns are attracting a lot of money from investors. Even millennials are gaining residency and establishing home bases across the country.
When you visit Mexico, you’ll be given a 6-month tourist visa that can be renewed, and qualifying for residency is straightforward. You only need to show that you’ve made $2,000 per month for the past six months to qualify for temporary residency. This visa can be renewed for another four years, after which you can apply to become a permanent resident.
Mexico is a stunning country with a wide range of landscapes. Beaches, mountains, and towns of various forms and sizes can be found. Expats can be found all around the country.
The crime rate, on the other hand, is relatively high, even higher than in the United States. It’s easy to stay in safe zones, but you should do some additional research to discover where your money is going when converted to pesos.
- CAPITAL: Mexico City
- REGION North America:
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $20,457
- GDP: $1.27 trillion
- POPULATION: 127,575,529
- AREA: 1,964,375 SQ.KM
3. Germany
Germany’s top-notch system of education, improved economy, universal health care, and short working time have made it a popular destination for those wishing to move to Europe. You can become a resident through studying, working, or investing. You will be encouraged to adapt to the culture and have financial stability.
Relocating to Germany necessitates a great amount of assimilation effort. If you want to work, live, and negotiate the culture and bureaucracy of Germany, you’ll need to learn German.
The payoff is a high quality of life, numerous employment choices, and some of the world’s shortest working times. Over 100,000 Americans reside and work in Germany, so if you live in a metropolis, you should be able to find an ex-pat community quite easily.
Germany has a low crime rate and a high percentage of employment. If you intend to live and work in Germany, obtaining a residence permit is quite simple. However, the paperwork might be intimidating.
You’ll have to find proper healthcare insurance in Germany and verify your financial stability. If you want to live there for good, you have to finish a 5-year normal residency program, learn German, and take an integration course.
- CAPITAL: Berlin
- REGION: Europe
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $56,285
- GDP: $3.89 trillion
- POPULATION: 83,092,962
- AREA: 357,022 SQ.KM
4. Australia
Australia is a big country with a wide range of landscapes. It has almost everything you might want, from stunning beaches to wild environments to sophisticated cities.
There is no communication problem because nearly everyone speaks English. There are ex-pat groups in big cities, and Australians are friendly, so making friends here may be easier than in other countries.
You can apply for one of nine different work visas, all of which are available to all staff and investors. The health care and education systems are excellent, and there is a skills gap in their flourishing economy, making it much easier to get a local job than in most other countries. A legal resident visa can be obtained through family, business, work, investment, or retirement.
The cost of living is comparable to that of the United States, making it one of the most costly countries on the list. The distance, though, is the biggest impediment for most people considering a move.
The quickest flight you can get is still over 15 hours, and the majority of flights are between 20 and 30 hours. Traveling there and back is expensive, and you can’t take much with you.
If you don’t mind putting some distance between yourself and the United States, Australia is an excellent alternative. If you want your friends and family to visit you, however, you should choose a different part of the world.
- CAPITAL: Canberra
- REGION: Oceania
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP; $52,031
- GDP: $1.39 trillion
- POPULATION: 25,365,745
- AREA: 7,741,220 SQ.KM
5. Canada
In the Americas, Canada has the best overall standard of living. Their three largest cities, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, are frequently ranked among the world’s most livable cities. They have a strong social medical system, excellent education, and some of the world’s most stunning scenery.
The top places can be fairly expensive, and the assimilation process is more difficult than it is down south. Except if you’ve been a student in the previous 12 months, you’ll need to have an offer of employment to secure a work visa.
Canada’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is one of the country’s biggest appeals. That is one of the reasons why people from the United States’ margins have begun to emigrate to Canada’s cities.
- CAPITAL: Ottawa
- REGION: North America
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $50,661
- GDP: $1.74 trillion
- POPULATION: 37,593,384
- AREA: 9,984,670 SQ.KM
6. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, commonly known as Czechia, is a gorgeous country that is undergoing rapid development. Prague, the capital, is presently the sixth most visited city in Europe. It has been a popular destination for budget travelers and TEFL teachers searching for work in Europe for the past two decades. However, as the economy improves, an increasing number of people are drawn to this European Union hub.
The relative ease of obtaining a visa or work permit is one of the major attractions. It is easier for them to move and work there because they have a freelancing visa. All you need is proof of finances (about $5,500 USD), medical insurance, and a Czech Republic-related business plan. As a result, it is an excellent European destination for remote workers and businesses.
Communication barriers can be a problem, particularly outside of Prague. You should be able to communicate in Czech. At the same time, real estate prices have climbed at an exponential rate in the previous five years, and some cities are experiencing housing shortages. Czechia might not be the best place to invest or retire if you’re seeking a safe haven.
- CAPITAL: Prague
- REGION: Europe
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $43,316
- GDP: $252 billion
- POPULATION: 10,671,870
- AREA: 78,867 SQ.KM
7. Thailand
Thailand is a popular choice for aspiring retirees, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. Thailand is recognized for its low cost of living and pleasant environment.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has become popular with ex-pats and many foreign companies, but it still has a local and traditional feel. If you want to be near the beach, Koh Phangan, Phuket, or Koh Samui are your best options.
Because of the boom in the tourism industry and the impact on ex-pat populations, English is widely spoken throughout Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Thailand has a well-developed rail system, allowing you to move rapidly from one point to another while still getting a full sense of the country. Also, if you meet the requirements, you can file for the Thailand 10-Year Visa, which permits you to reside in the country without facing any bureaucratic hurdles.
Except during the monsoon season, the weather in the country is pleasant. If you live on one of the islands, you can spend the majority of the year on the beaches basking in the sun.
You can rely on English if you plan to live in a large tourist area. However, keep in mind that the level of proficiency is minimal. It will be beneficial to learn some Thai or at the very least some fundamental phrases and vocabulary.
- CAPITAL: Bangkok
- REGION: Asia
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $19,234
- GDP: $544 billion
- POPULATION: 69,625,581
- AREA: 513,120 SQ.KM
8. Argentina
Argentina is Latin America’s second-largest country, with breathtaking natural landscapes and forward-thinking cities. The capital, Bueno Aires, is home to the majority of the ex-pat community.
Argentina appeals to Americans because of its cultural diversity and emphasis on family. Even though Argentina is among the safest countries in South America, crime does occur.
The country’s immigration rules are generally liberal, but they are also extremely complex. They have a very friendly retirement visa, but anyone else seeking temporary residency will need to prove that they have a commercial basis to do so. After 2 years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency.
Argentina appeals to seniors and young individuals interested in learning more about South American culture. However, flying to the United States and European countries takes at least 12 hours, which is a huge disadvantage if you would like your family to visit.
- CAPITAL: Buenos Aires
- REGION: South America
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $22,999
- GDP: $452 billion
- POPULATION: 44,938,712
- AREA: 2,780,400 SQ.KM
9. Singapore
Singapore is routinely ranked as one of the best countries in the world for full-time ex-pats to live and work. For mid to high-skilled employees, obtaining a work visa and obtaining permanent residence is quite simple.
You’ll almost certainly need to find work in Singapore, but once you do, it’s one of the best places in the world to set up a business, with more than enough financial grants accessible to foreigners.
The education system is excellent, and almost all crime is white-collar, making outsiders feel very safe on the streets. Expats from all over the world make up about 25% of the population, making it easier to integrate and a great place to network for international enterprises.
Living in Singapore can cost you an arm and a leg. Even though the country is neat and well-organized, anything from food to health care will cost you a fortune. To live comfortably in Singapore, you’ll need a solid financial foundation.
- CAPITAL: Singapore
- REGION: Asia
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $102,573
- GDP: $374 billion
- POPULATION: 5,703,569
- AREA: 719 SQ.KM
10. Montenegro
After becoming an independent country in 2006, Montenegro experienced enormous development in tourism and immigration. It is a favorite Baltic vacation due to its lovely weather, historic cities, rocky mountains, and Adriatic shore. Montenegro is, however, a candidate for membership in the European Union, with a goal of joining by 2025.
When it comes to obtaining residency, Montenegro has simple and liberal legislation. To get temporary residency, you can buy a house or create a business and recruit yourself as a worker. Permanent residency is granted after five years, and after another five years, you can apply for citizenship.
In Montenegro, retirees may find that their US dollars go a long way. Another reason for its recent popularity surge is the possibility of obtaining EU citizenship.
- CAPITAL: Podgorica
- REGION: Europe (East)
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $7,686.09
- GDP: $4.37 billion
- POPULATION:627,950
- AREA: 13,812 SQ KM
Once you have made up your mind on the country you prefer, you might need to learn how to calculate the cost of shipping internationally from our article on the Cost of Shipping a Package At the same time, we’ve posted articles that can serve as a guide when packing your belongings, you can check our comprehensive guide on How To Pack For Moving Houses.
