Best Countries to Move to from the USA

Many Americans consider relocating to another country for various reasons: a higher quality of life, geopolitical stability, lower living cost, a mild climate, tax benefits, or the opportunity to obtain a second citizenship. European countries are among the most popular choices for American expats, with Greece, Portugal, and Spain standing out. In this article, we’ll explore the best countries to move to from the USA, highlighting their advantages and the available pathways to residency.

Greece is one of the best countries to move to, thanks to its affordable cost of living, mild climate, and clear residency options. It offers the chance to enjoy the warm sea and a comfortable European lifestyle.

Climate and Quality of Life

Climate: The Mediterranean climate, with 300 sunny days a year, is a major draw for Americans. The country’s diverse landscape ranges from mountains to picturesque coastlines. Many of its beaches are awarded the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag is an international award given annually to beaches and marinas that meet high standards of quality and eco-friendliness.

Cost of Living: Greece remains one of the most affordable EU countries. According to Numbeo, the average monthly expenses for one person (excluding rent) are around $ 840. Eurostat data shows that prices in Greece are about 10% lower than the European average.

Taxes: Residents with Non-Dom status pay a fixed annual tax of $105,000, with the option to add family members for an additional $21,000 per person.

When purchasing property in Greece, there is no VAT—only a 3.09% registration fee.

Residency and Citizenship Options

Golden Visa: One of the easiest and affordable investment-based residency programs in the EU, requiring a minimum investment of:

• $841,000 for property in major cities and tourist areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, etc.).
• $420,000 for other regions.
• $263,000 for properties converted from commercial to residential use or those with cultural significance.

You can apply without having to live in the country permanently. The process takes 3-6 months, with no language or history exams required.

Digital Nomad Visa: Available for remote workers with an income of at least $2,100 per month.

Important! Holding a residence permit exempts you from mandatory ETIAS registration. After 7 years of living in Greece, you can apply for citizenship.

Portugal attracts expats with its mild climate, well-developed infrastructure, and simple immigration programs. The country offers affordable real estate, quality healthcare, and excellent education.

Advantages of Living in Portugal

Cost of Living: According to Numbeo, Portugal’s overall cost of living (including rent) is nearly 39% lower than in the USA. The rental price for an apartment in Lisbon is around $1,050-1,575 per month.

Climate: Portugal has approximately 300 sunny days a year. Those who prefer milder temperatures can choose northern cities like Porto, where summer highs stay around 77°F and winter temperatures remain around 59°F.

Safety: Portugal ranks 7th in the world for safety, according to the Global Peace Index 2024.

Education: The country has American international schools, and 14 of its universities are ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education.

Residency and Citizenship Options

Golden Visa: Available for investments starting at $263,000 in funds, businesses, or cultural support. Residency is granted for 2 years and can be renewed indefinitely. Unlike other programmes, you only need to stay in Portugal for 7 days per year.

D7 Visa: Designed for individuals with passive income of at least $914 per month outside of Portugal.

Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers earning at least $3,658 per month from foreign employers.

Important! You can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residency.

Cyprus is an ideal destination thanks to its warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and low crime rate. English is widely spoken, with 76% of the population fluent. In 2024, Forbes ranked Cyprus as one of the 24 retirement destinations.

Quality of Life and Cost of Living

Cyprus boasts 340 sunny days per year, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 59°F. The swimming season lasts from April to November, and 76 beaches and two marinas have been awarded Blue Flag status.

Major cities have all modern infrastructure, including shopping centers, cinemas, hospitals, universities, and international schools. Cyprus has some of the best roads in Europe.

Medical services in Cyprus are significantly cheaper than in the U.S., with annual health insurance costs ranging from $525 to $1,260 compared to around $7,620 in the USA.

Important! Best city for Americans is Paphos, known for its low traffic, low crime rate, relaxed pace of life, and clean air.

Tax Benefits and Immigration Pathways

Cyprus has one of the most attractive tax systems in Europe:

• Corporate tax rate: 12.5%.
• No income tax on earnings up to $20,500.
• Non-Dom regime exempts residents from taxes on:
  • interest and dividends.
  • rental income.
  • capital gains (except for property in Cyprus).
  • payments of Special Tax Contribution for Defence Purposes.

It is possible to obtain a residence permit in Cyprus through a $315,310 investment in residential or commercial real estate, company shares, or investment funds. Residency requires visiting Cyprus just once every two years.

After 8 years of residency it is possible to apply for citizenship.

Americans choose Malta for its affordable cost of living, excellent environmental conditions, mild climate, and high level of safety. The country’s healthcare system surpasses that of the U.S.

Advantages of Living and Tax Benefits

Malta enjoys a comfortable Mediterranean climate: average temperature in winters is around 57°F, while in summers is 82°F. The country offers high-quality education at relatively affordable prices. Learning a new language is not a necessity, as English is the second official language in Malta.

Malta offers a tax refund system where shareholders can receive almost full corporate tax refund, making it an attractive option for international business. Additionally, according to the Non-Dom regime, foreign-sourced income that is transferred to Malta is taxed at a 15% rate, while income that remains outside the country is not taxed at all.

For individuals, there are no taxes on gifts, inheritance, property, or capital gains. There is also no annual property tax.

Residency Programs

Malta provides a range of programs that allow foreign nationals to obtain residency through investment.

Spain is popular for its warm climate, high quality of life, and affordable social services. It hosts the largest American expat community in the EU, and its universities rank among the best in Europe.

Lifestyle and Culture

Spain is perfect for sun lovers, offering around 137 sunny days a year. Temperature in summers can reach 104°F, especially in the south, while winters remain mild. The Mediterranean Sea reaches temperatures of 81°F.

The country offers many places for both relaxing and active holidays. There are hiking, extreme and water sports, skiing, picnics and historical sites to explore at any time of year. It boasts 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites and more than 600 Blue Flag beaches.

Cost of Living and Affordable Housing

Spain combines an affordable cost of living with a high standard of living. Many American retirees move here because their income provides greater financial comfort.

According to Numbeo and Eurostat, the average cost of living (including housing, food, and transport) in 2024 is around $860 per month. Overall, life in Spain is 37.5% cheaper than in the USA.

According to Beckham’s Law for 6 years after becoming a resident of Spain, foreigners pay a tax rate of 24% on income, unless it exceeds the amount of $628,300 per year. Income earned outside Spain is not subject to local taxes.

Italy is a great destination for Americans seeking a blend of rich cultural heritage, mild climate, and diverse landscapes. From historic cities to scenic countryside, Italy offers a unique living experience with less cost than in the USA.

Advantages of Living

Cost of Living: According to Numbeo, Italy’s overall cost of living, including rent, is approximately 30% lower than in the USA. For instance, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Rome’s city center is around $803 per month, whereas in the United States it is about $1,700.

Climate: Italy has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Southern regions, such as Sicily and Calabria, enjoy warmer temperatures year-round, while northern areas like Milan experience cooler winters.

Healthcare: According to the WHO, Italy’s healthcare system ranks 2nd in the world in terms of quality and accessibility. The National Health Service (SSN) offers universal coverage, and private healthcare is also available at relatively affordable rates.

Dual or second citizenships. Obtaining an Italian passport doesn’t require renouncing your current citizenship — Italy permits multiple citizenships.

Taxes: Residents with Non-Dom status pay a fixed annual tax of $217,000. Foreigners are also free from paying wealth, inheritance, and gift taxes abroad.

Residency and Citizenship Options

• Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers earning at least $2,900 per month from foreign employers. Also, they have to show savings of at least $32,500 and buy/rent a property in Italy.
• Residenza Elettiva: For financially independent individuals who have a passive income from $33,600 outside the country. They have to tax that income, buy/rent a property in Italy, and live there at least 183 days per year.
• Entrepreneurship Visa (Lavoro Autonomo): For those who want to start a business or work as freelancers in Italy. Applicants have to meet specific financial and professional requirements.
• Investor Visa: Italy offers a residence permit for significant investments, such as:
  • $271,000 in an Italian startup
  • $542,000 in an Italian company
  • $1,100,000 in charity
  • $2,200,000 in government bonds

After 5 years of living in Italy, investors receive permanent status, and after another 5 years, they may apply for citizenship.

The proximity to the U.S., tropical climate, and tax advantages make the Caribbean an attractive destination for American expats. Retirees and entrepreneurs looking to renounce their U.S. citizenship for tax benefits often choose these countries.

Where to Invest

Citizenship by investment programs are available in Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.

Investments can be made either in national development funds (non-refundable) or in real estate (with resale options after 3-7 years).

Advantages of Caribbean Citizenship

Taxes: No capital gains tax or inheritance tax. No tax on interest, dividends, or royalties (except in St. Lucia). Antigua and Barbuda, as well as St. Kitts and Nevis, have no income tax.

Real Estate Market: The average price per square meter is around $7,500. You can rent out your property with an average ROI of 3.5%.

Finance: The possibility to open a bank account and start a company in an alternative country.

Canada

Canada is one of the most convenient relocation options for Americans due to its shared border and cultural similarities. It boasts a stable economy, high quality of life, and free healthcare for citizens. Approximately 1,000,000 Americans already live in Canada. Citizenship can be obtained after just 3 years of residency—a faster process than in most European countries, where the standard requirement is 5 years.

Mexico

Mexico’s close proximity to the U.S., warm climate, and low cost of living make it an attractive choice for Americans. To obtain Mexican citizenship, U.S. nationals have to undergo naturalization, which includes living in the country for 5 years, demonstrating basic Spanish proficiency, and passing a test on local history and culture.

Australia

Australia offers high-quality education, a stable economy, and abundant job opportunities. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, thanks to its numerous beaches, parks, and sports facilities. The country’s healthcare system and universities are among the best in the world, making it a top destination for expats.

New Zealand

Known for its high standard of living and welcoming atmosphere, New Zealand ranks among the top 10 most comfortable places to live. The country has low corruption levels, competitive salaries, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Since English is the primary language, adaptation for Americans is relatively easy.

Germany

Living in Germany is, on average, 32.7% cheaper than in New York, while rent costs are 63.2% lower. The country has a strong education system, with many prestigious universities, making it an excellent choice for families with children. Germany has a strict tax system, with income tax rates ranging from 14% to 45%. However, if an individual’s annual income does not exceed $10,231, no tax is required.

Emigrating from the U.S. is a major decision that requires careful planning. The choice of destination depends on individual priorities, such as tax benefits, cost of living, safety, and climate.

Astons’ consultants can help you build the best immigration strategy, providing full support from choosing a country to obtaining residency or citizenship in the EU and the Caribbean. We specialize in investment immigration and tailor our solutions to your specific needs. Our experts are always available to make your relocation process smooth and stress-free.