Portugal
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More Americans are moving abroad than at any point in recent memory.
Higher living costs, expensive healthcare, and a wish for a calmer pace are pushing many to look into how to move out of the US and build a life somewhere else.
Maybe you want to retire near the coast, work remotely from another country, or raise kids somewhere that feels safer. For thousands of Americans, living abroad has stopped being a daydream and become something they actually do.
Relocating for good takes more than a one-way ticket, though.
You have to know where you can get legal residency, which visa fits what you are trying to do, and what daily life is really like once the novelty wears off.
Visa rules, income requirements, and healthcare systems differ from one country to the next, and a few make things noticeably easier for U.S. citizens than others do.
This guide walks through the steps Americans need to take when moving abroad.
It covers picking the right visa (a retirement visa, digital nomad visa, or temporary resident visa), getting your documents in order, budgeting for the cost of living, and choosing the best country to begin your new life.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Can I really live abroad?”, the answer is yes, and the rest of this guide shows you how.
What should you know before moving out of the U.S.?
Most Americans qualify under retirement, investment, digital nomad, or family reunification visas. Each has different income and stay requirements, so choose based on your long-term goals.
You’ll need a valid passport, clean background check, proof of funds, health insurance, and certified translations for all official records before applying.
Most long-term stays begin with a temporary residence permit lasting one to two years, then transition to permanent residency after five years or citizenship under the applicable timeline after the May 2026 Nationality Law reform and transitional rules of legal stay.
Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Thailand provide excellent healthcare systems at a fraction of U.S. prices, often accessible under residency visas.
U.S. citizens must continue filing U.S. taxes while abroad, but many countries have tax treaties or exemptions for foreign income to prevent double taxation.
Portugal, Costa Rica, and Malaysia rank among the safest and most affordable options, while destinations like Mexico and Greece offer strong expat communities with lower costs of living.
Many residency visas allow dependents to access local education and healthcare under the main applicant’s permit, simplifying family moves abroad.
Most countries offer permanent residency after five years and citizenship after seven to ten years of continuous residence with proof of integration.
What are the essential steps before you move?
What documents do you need to prepare?
Moving abroad is a big step, and it rewards careful planning.
Before you apply for visas or start selling your things, get clear on your goals, your finances, and your paperwork. Good preparation makes the move smoother and a lot less stressful once you land in your new country.
1. Decide why you're moving
Get clear on your reason for going. Are you applying for a retirement visa, looking at digital nomad visas, or moving the family somewhere with a better quality of life?
What you want will point you toward the right visa. The usual progression runs from a temporary visa to a residence visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency.
2. Set a realistic budget
Look into the cost of living where you're headed. Weigh your income and savings against what you'll actually spend on housing, groceries, and private health insurance.
Portugal, Costa Rica, and Malaysia let you live well with affordable healthcare for roughly $1,500–$2,000 per month, while some places cost more.
3. Gather your documents early
Visa processing moves faster when your paperwork is complete. Most countries require:
- A valid U.S. passport (six months minimum before expiration)
- Proof of income or foreign bank accounts
- An FBI background check
- International health insurance or proof of private insurance
- Certified copies of birth and marriage certificates (apostilled if necessary)
Having these ready early makes your residency permit or residency visa application much simpler.
4. Research healthcare and safety
Healthcare systems and safety standards differ a lot from country to country.
Check official rankings and what expats actually say before you commit.
Aim for places with public or universal healthcare, stable governments, and low crime rates.
5. Understand tax and residency rules
Even after you move, U.S. citizens still pay taxes and report their worldwide income.
Get familiar with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), the foreign tax credit, and the tax treaties that can lower what you owe.
It pays to work with a tax professional who knows cross-border filings and international transfers.
6. Create a 6–12 month timeline
Relocation is a process, not a single event. Give long-term visa approvals three to six months, plus time to sort out housing, finances, and travel.
A realistic timeline makes the residency fees, the visa applications, and the emotional side of leaving the U.S. easier to handle.
What visa options exist for long-term relocation?
What are the main visa types for moving abroad?
Retirement Visa
Plenty of countries offer American retirees a dedicated retirement visa as long as they can show a stable pension or passive income.
These are some of the easiest routes to permanent residency and, in time, citizenship. Portugal’s D7 Visa, Panama’s Pensionado Visa, and Costa Rica’s Pensionado program are well-known examples of accessible residency permits.
Most governments want proof of a steady monthly income between $1,000 and $2,500, private health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
You can usually include a spouse or dependents. After a few renewals, many retirees go on to apply for a permanent resident visa or full citizenship.
Investment Visa
Investment migration programs, usually called Golden Visa programs, give you legal residency in return for a financial contribution.
That might mean buying real estate, investing in local businesses, or putting money into government-approved funds.
Minimum investments run from €250,000 to €500,000 depending on where you go.
Portugal, Greece and Portugal remain the leading European countries for this route. (Note: Spain's Golden Visa ended April 2025.)
These programs offer long-term stability, possible property returns, and, in many cases, a path to dual citizenship subject to the May 2026 Nationality Law reform and transitional rules of continuous legal residence.
Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa suits remote workers who earn their income from outside the country where they want to live.
It is flexible, costs less than you might expect, and often clears faster than a standard residency visa.
Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, Malaysia, and Greece all issue one- to two-year digital nomad permits.
You'll generally need proof of income between $2,000–$3,000 per month, foreign bank accounts, and international health insurance.
A few places, Costa Rica among them, exempt your foreign income from tax.
It's a good way to test life abroad before you commit to a permanent move.
Family Reunification Visa
If your spouse or a close relative already holds legal residency abroad, a family reunification visa makes it easier to join them. The permit lets family members live, work, and study in the new country.
To qualify, you’ll need proof of your relationship, evidence of financial stability, and a shared residence plan.
Fees and processing times vary, but two to four months is typical. Spain, Portugal, and Panama also extend public healthcare to the family members of legal residents.
Work Visa
A work visa is for professionals who have a confirmed job offer or skills that are in demand.
It's one of the more structured routes to long-term legal residency, and often to permanent residency after that.
Canada, Germany, and New Zealand all run clear programs for skilled applicants.
You’ll need an employment contract, verified qualifications, and sometimes a local-language certificate.
It's competitive, but it's a solid way to join a country's workforce and community with full social security benefits.
What are the 10 easiest countries to move to from the U.S.?
Why Move to Portugal?
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Low cost, high safety, and an EU residency path
For a lot of Americans, Portugal is the first place they look seriously at, and for good reason: a high quality of life, a warm climate, and some of the lowest living costs in Western Europe.
| Country | Best Visa Option | Min. Cost | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | D7 Visa | €920/mo income | 2-4 months | Retirees, remote workers |
| Spain | Digital Nomad Visa | €2,850/mo income | 1-2 months | Remote workers, freelancers |
| Mexico | Temporary Resident | $2,700/mo income | 1-2 months | Budget-conscious, proximity to US |
| Costa Rica | Rentista Visa | $2,500/mo income | 3-6 months | Nature lovers, retirees |
| Panama | Friendly Nations Visa | $200,000 investment | 2-3 months | Entrepreneurs, tax optimization |
| Greece | Digital Nomad Visa | €3,500/mo income | 1-2 months | Remote workers, low cost of living |
| Malaysia | MM2H Visa | SUSPENDED (check Sarawak MM2H) | 3-6 months | Retirees, long-term residents |
| Thailand | LTR Visa | $80K/yr + investment | 1-3 months | Digital nomads, retirees |
| Ecuador | Rentista Visa | ~$1,400/mo income | 2-3 months | Budget retirees, nature |
| Canada | Express Entry | CAD $15,263+ funds | 6-12 months | Skilled workers, families |
Note: Requirements change frequently. Check our country-specific guides for the latest 2026 requirements.
English is common in the bigger cities, and the country scores well on safety and work-life balance.
The D7 residency visa suits retirees and anyone with passive income, while the Digital Nomad Visa is aimed at remote workers earning online.
Both get you into the public healthcare system, and private plans cost little next to U.S. prices, which is one of the main reasons people choose Portugal.
After several years of legal residency you can apply for permanent residency, and later for full citizenship.
That brings freedom of movement across the EU, so you can live anywhere in the bloc.
Why Move to Spain?
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Mediterranean lifestyle and public healthcare
Spain pulls in Americans for its Mediterranean climate, its quality of life, and its culture.
You get modern cities like Madrid and Barcelona alongside quiet coastal towns where the pace slows right down, which does wonders for work-life balance.
Two residency routes stand out: the Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees and the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers earning from abroad.
Both open the door to Spain's public healthcare, which routinely ranks among Europe's best, and private clinics are easy to find and affordable.
Living costs sit below most of Europe, especially once you leave the major cities.
After five years of legal residency, Americans can apply for permanent residency, which sets up eventual citizenship and full integration into the EU.
Spain's expat communities are welcoming, which makes the move one of the smoother ones for Americans.
Why Move to Mexico?
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Close to the U.S. and affordable to live in
Mexico keeps drawing U.S. citizens who want a lower cost of living, great food, warm weather, and a short trip back home.
Expat communities are well established here, so you get familiar comforts plus a rich local culture, and you never lose easy access to the States.
The Temporary Resident Visa usually clears faster than visas in most European countries, and it can convert to permanent residency after several years of continuous stay.
It works well for retirees, remote professionals, or entrepreneurs who want long-term legal residency somewhere welcoming.
Between the public system and affordable private care, quality medical treatment is easy to reach, and plenty of doctors in the larger cities speak English.
Safety does vary by region, but places like Mérida, Querétaro, Lake Chapala, Puebla, and parts of Mexico City are known for strong communities, modern infrastructure, and a relaxed pace that suits Americans living abroad.
Why Move to Costa Rica?
Stable, peaceful, and good for retirees
Costa Rica ranks among the most popular landing spots for Americans, helped by its tropical scenery, political stability, and welcoming expat communities.
The "Pura Vida" lifestyle it's known for draws retirees, remote professionals, and families who want a slower pace and a better quality of life.
The Pensionado Visa, the country's official retirement visa, asks for proof of at least $1,000 in monthly pension or foreign income, while the Rentista Visa accepts other steady earnings or savings.
Either one grants long-term legal residency and can lead to permanent residency after several renewals.
Living costs run well below major U.S. cities, and care is good in both the public system and private clinics.
English is common in expat areas, and the government actively courts remote workers through its digital nomad visa program.
If you want a new life surrounded by nature, Costa Rica is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to do it.
Why Move to Panama?
Easy retirement residency in a U.S. dollar economy
Panama has turned into one of the easier moves for Americans: a stable economy, warm climate, and modern infrastructure, plus the convenience of spending in U.S. dollars.
It's known for its quality of life, established expat communities, and low living costs, especially once you're outside Panama City.
The Pensionado Visa, Panama's flagship retirement visa, is open to retirees earning at least $1,000 in foreign income each month.
It comes with real perks, including discounts on healthcare, entertainment, and transportation.
If you're not retired, the Friendly Nations Visa gives a clear path to legal residency, often leading to permanent residency after two years.
Both public hospitals and affordable private ones meet international standards, and many doctors trained in the U.S.
The process is straightforward, and residency fees come in below most European countries.
With its beaches, lively cities, and solid financial system, Panama is a strong pick for Americans who want to live abroad comfortably without much red tape.
Why Move to Greece?
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Sunny Mediterranean living and residency by investment
Greece pairs plenty of sunshine with deep history and an unhurried Mediterranean rhythm, which is why it's a favourite among Americans planning a life abroad.
The slower pace and high quality of life appeal to retirees, investors, and remote workers in roughly equal measure.
The Digital Nomad Visa lets Americans stay up to two years while working remotely. The Golden Visa program grants legal residency through property investment starting from €400,000 (or €800,000 in prime areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands).
Either route can lead to permanent residency and, in time, full citizenship for those who keep continuous legal residence.
Living costs run well under most Western countries, and care is dependable in both public and private hospitals.
English is common in Athens and Thessaloniki, and expat communities are growing on islands such as Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. For Americans building a life abroad, Greece is hard to beat on scenery, value, and the residency options on offer.
Why Move to Malaysia?
Modern infrastructure at a low monthly cost
Malaysia is one of Asia's more underrated options for Americans who want to live abroad without spending much.
You get modern infrastructure, a mix of cultures, and established expat communities, along with low living costs and tropical weather all year.
English is widely spoken and most cities are easy for foreigners to settle into, which keeps the move simple for retirees and remote professionals.
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a long-term residency visa, though requirements were significantly increased in 2021 (now requiring RM1 million+ in assets (4-tier system with varying requirements)).
It remains a popular retirement visa for people who want flexibility without steep residency fees.
It allows multiple entries, property ownership, and access to local public healthcare or affordable private hospitals that meet international standards.
Quality of life is high relative to the cost, and international health insurance is easy to arrange.
Expat communities have taken root in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, with support for anyone just getting started.
Permanent residency takes a longer stay, but MM2H is still one of Asia's most stable routes to living overseas comfortably.
Why Move to Thailand?
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Tropical lifestyle and retirement-friendly visas
Thailand stays near the top of the list for Americans living abroad, helped by its welcoming culture, its beaches, and how little it costs to live there.
The cost of living is among the lowest in Asia, which suits retirees, remote workers, and long-term travelers who want a tropical base with modern comforts.
The Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa is built for investors, professionals, and retirees who want extended stays.
It opens a 10-year pathway to legal residency for applicants who meet the income requirements ($80,000+/year for most categories).
For retirees, the retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X) allows stays of one to five years with proof of pension or savings.
Thailand's hospitals are well regarded, and care is affordable.
Both public and private options exist, and medical tourism keeps growing because the quality is high and the prices are reasonable.
Expat communities are active in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Hua Hin, with ready-made social networks and easy integration.
Between the culture, the food, and the quality of life, Thailand is a strong choice for anyone after a new life abroad.
Why Move to Ecuador?
Very low cost of living and accessible pension visas
Ecuador is one of South America's most appealing options for Americans who want to live abroad comfortably on a modest budget.
Quality of life is high, the cost of living is low, and the climate stays mild year-round in cities like Cuenca and Loja, both of which have growing expat communities.
The Pensionado Visa, Ecuador's take on the retirement visa, is one of the easiest to get in the region.
You only need to show proof of foreign income (typically around $1,450 per month) from a pension or retirement plan. The process is straightforward, and the visa can lead to permanent residency after 21 months of continuous stay.
The public healthcare system is open to residents, and affordable private care is available in the major cities.
Prescriptions and doctor visits often cost a fraction of U.S. prices, which helps retirees and remote professionals make their income go further.
Between the friendly locals, the Andean scenery, and the low costs, Ecuador is one of the better places to start over abroad without giving up comfort.
Why Move to Canada?
High stability and strong public services
Canada lands near the top of most "best places to live abroad" lists, helped by a strong economy, political stability, and an inclusive healthcare system.
For Americans who want to relocate without major cultural barriers, it's a natural fit. English is one of the official languages, and daily life feels familiar but noticeably more relaxed.
There are several visa and residency options, including skilled worker programs, residency visas, and permanent residency through Express Entry.
Families, retirees, and entrepreneurs can all find a path depending on their income, experience, or investment level.
In time, permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship and gain full access to public healthcare, education, and work benefits.
Quality of life is excellent, but the cost of living swings a lot by location.
Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, while smaller cities and rural areas stay more affordable.
The healthcare system covers everyone, and private insurance can speed up access to specialists.
With its expat communities, low crime rates, and reputation for fairness, Canada is a solid choice for Americans planning a long-term move and a fresh start.
How do you choose the right country for your move?
Choosing where to go isn't just about the prettiest beaches or the cheapest rent.
It's about finding a country that actually fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your long-term plans.
As you narrow the list down, weigh up the following:
Frequently asked questions about moving out of the U.S.
Sources
- U.S. State Department — Passport and travel requirements
- IRS International Taxpayers — FEIE and foreign tax obligations
- Social Security Administration — Benefits abroad
- Numbeo — Cost of living comparisons
- ePortugal — Portugal visa information
- Spanish Immigration Portal — Spain visa requirements
- Greek Migration Ministry — Greece Golden Visa
Conclusion
Leaving the U.S. for good is a bigger decision than swapping one address for another. It changes how you spend your days and what you spend your money on. Maybe Portugal's safety appeals to you, or Mexico's lower costs, or the Mediterranean draw of Greece. There's a fit for most budgets and most plans.
Pick the visa that matches what you're after, get your paperwork sorted early, and give yourself room to settle into a new culture. The process takes work, but living somewhere on your own terms, at a slower pace and with less stress, tends to be worth it.
When you're ready to start, the practical steps above are the place to begin.
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