Are you looking for countries for Americans who want to live abroad? Here’s an article to help.
Are you among the many Americans that were affected by the vast anxiety that the previous year came with and you’re looking to move to other countries to refresh and as well, see what life could for you abroad?
Or, are you just looking to move to other countries to begin a new life or for some other reasons? Whichever one it is, this is an article to assist in your searches for the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad.
The thing is, some times, Americans have easier access to move to some countries than others – whether or not it is an English-speaking country, has a favorable cost of living and an easy immigration process or not.
However, whatever your reason is for wanting to live abroad, we have a list of 13 best countries for Americans who want to live abroad. These countries are countries that are much more American-friendly than most others.
Table of contents
Where Do Americans Go?
It is not surprising that there are now more Americans living abroad and that this trend is anticipated to continue. National economies that are intertwined provide greater options for Americans to work overseas. Where do Americans who live abroad go?
The bulk of American residents who reside abroad are in our neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Nevertheless, many Americans have successfully traveled to distant nations like South Korea, Italy, and the Philippines.
We’ve compiled a list of our top choices for Americans who just need a break for the greatest places to live overseas. This year, you have the freedom to go almost anywhere and do almost anything. Here are some suggestions for locations where you may instruct, volunteer, study, or work overseas.
What is the Cheapest Country to Live in as American?
Some of the cheapest countries to live in as an American include:
- Mexico: With a low cost of living, warm climate, and proximity to the United States, Mexico is a popular destination for Americans looking to stretch their dollar. Rent, food, and entertainment are generally inexpensive in most parts of the country.
- Costa Rica: This Central American country offers a comfortable, tropical lifestyle with a relatively low cost of living. The country is also known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism opportunities.
- Thailand: Known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, Thailand is also one of the cheapest countries to live in. Rent, food, and transportation are all very affordable.
- Nicaragua: Another Central American country, Nicaragua is a popular destination for expats due to its low cost of living and natural beauty. Rent, food, and healthcare are all very affordable.
- Colombia: This South American country has a vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and a low cost of living. Rent, food, and transportation are all very affordable, and the country has a good healthcare system.
However, it’s important to note that living costs can vary depending on a country’s specific city or region and individual lifestyle choices. Doing thorough research and considering factors such as safety, healthcare, and language barriers is always a good idea before deciding to move to another country.
Where Do US Citizens Need a Visa?
The visa requirements for US citizens can vary depending on the country they wish to visit. Here are some examples of countries that US citizens may need a visa to enter:
- Russia: US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Russia.
- China: US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to entering China.
- Brazil: US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Brazil.
- India: US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to entering India.
- Vietnam: US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Vietnam.
- Turkey: US citizens are required to obtain an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival for Turkey.
- Egypt: US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Egypt.
It’s important to note that visa requirements can change at any time, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information on the website of the country’s embassy or consulate before traveling. Additionally, some countries may require additional documentation or fees for visa applications.
Countries for Americans Who Want to Live Abroad
Here are our top picks on the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad in 2023:
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Germany
- Canada
- Montenegro
- Mexico
- Singapore
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- The Czech Republic (Czechia)
- France
- Uruguay
- Argentina
1. New Zealand
New Zealand is an English speaking country and usually most suitable for individuals under 30. Also, for families and children too. The country is rich in nature, top-quality education, great healthcare and security.
The country has one of the best education systems in the world and in 2019, it was rated the second safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index.
If you are between 18 and 30 and you love New Zealand, have about $3,000 in the back, you could apply for a holiday working visa. This visa allows you a minimum of 12 months to live as a Kiwi. And with this visa, you can either school for a minimum of six months or work for the full year.
However, the travelling process is quite sophisticated for individuals over 30 years of age although it is possible to move. However, for that to happen, you’d need to be ready to invest, or land a job with a New Zealand employer.
Unfortunately, the cost of living in New Zealand is quite high and you’re likely going to find it challenging to get residency unless you have an employer of a highly desired or in-demand skill.
Aside from that drawback, New Zealand is quite a great place to be in. There are so many benefits like having subsidized health care, a combination of the city and some nature living. Also, a world-renowned work and life balance.
2. Australia
Australia is also an English speaking country best for Americans who want to live abroad. It is a large and diverse country with over 7 various working visas for Americans accessible to investors and workers.
If you have the desired skill, you might stand a great chance in this country as there is a skills shortage. Also, it is possible to gain a permanent resident visa through family, business, work, retirement pathways or investment.
However, the cost of living in this country is high although the benefits are quite appealing; great healthcare, high quality of living, top-quality education system and a great economy.
The drawback would be the distance to your home country. Travelling is quite expensive and difficult.
See: Study Abroad in Paris 2023: Requirements, Schools, Cost of Living
3. Germany
Germany is yet another one of the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad. A piece of evidence is the over 100,000 Americans living in Germany.
The country has a top tier education system, universal healthcare and economic stability. Also, the short work hours have made the country stand out as one of the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad.
For Germany, you can gain residency by studying, having money to invest or by finding employment. Moving to Germany requires financial ability and expectations of assimilation to the culture. It is what Germany requires – a substantial commitment to the assimilation of culture and everything else that Germany holds. The language too as only 50% of people living in Germany speak English.
In return, Germany offers incredible career opportunities, standard of living and some of the shortest working hours in the world.
Importantly, Germany has a low crime rate and a high employment rate, however, the cost of living is quite affordable even though it varies from city to city.
The drawback will be the bureaucracy which is a bit overwhelming. You’d be required to prove that you are financially stable and have healthcare that is valid in the country.
Also, if you decide to reside in Germany permanently, you’d be required to have a residency for 5 years, enroll in an integration course and already know and understand the German language.
4. Canada
Canada is one of the top best countries for Americans who want to live abroad. It has some of the highest quality number of Americans living in the country. And it comes off as one of the desirable cities in the world.
The cost of living in Canada is quite similar to that of the U.S. and there are benefits like top-quality education, diversity, a high standard of living and great social healthcare.
A major drawback would be the difficulty in getting a residency in the country. Also, the top cities in Canada get more expensive every year. And also, before you can move, you’d be required to have a job offer or a work visa if not, then you must have been a student in the last 12 months.
In Canada, over 80% of the people in the country are English speakers while the others speak French.
5. Montenegro
Montenegro will be one of the easiest countries to move to for Americans who want to live abroad. Their liberal laws and easy process when it comes to gaining residency makes it all easier.
This country has been experiencing enormous growths in immigration and tourism since after it became an independent nation in 2006.
It is rich in natural resources like a beautiful climate, rugged mountains, medieval cities and a coastline along the Adriatic sea.
The cost of living in the country is low and affordable. However, you’d need to buy a home or start a business to gain a temporary residency. Also, you can start a business, employ yourself and this makes it way easier. And after five years of temporary residency, you can become a permanent resident of the country. And, an additional five years makes you quality for citizenship.
However, the country’s political instability and the language barrier will be the drawback. There are only about 40% of English speakers in the country.
6. Mexico
Mexico is a low-cost country and one of the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad. It is about the most popular and it offers a wealth of real estate and a very easy process of gaining residency. Also, it offers a renewable 6-months tourist visa on arrival
Before applying for a temporary residency, you will be required to prove your financial stability; that you made up to $2,000 each month for the last six months. However, you can renew this visa for four years and afterwards, you become a permanent resident of the country.
Currently, the country is home to over one million Americans and some beautiful cities in the country such as Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Sam Miguel de Allende, has been his for Americans for some decades now, especially for retired Americans.
Mexico has beautiful cities of various shoes and varieties, beaches and mountains too. And it’s incredibly easy to find ex-pats in the country. However, a drawback will be the high rate of crime in the country. Also, the corrupt machismo patriarchy which has continually conflicted with the drug cartels.
You might want to make more researches and decide if this is somewhere you’d like to live in.
7. Singapore
Singapore is a high-cost country and home to entrepreneurs and investors, however, it is economically and politically stable. The country is business-friendly too. This makes it one of the best places to network for internal businesses.
It is very easy to get a permanent residency however, you’d need to get a job offer first and get a work visa.
Singapore is a well-organised country, clean too, and offers a top-quality education system. It offers maximum security too.
Over 20% of the country’s population are foreigners from different parts of the world. This makes assimilating into the country and its lifestyle easier. Plus, over 50% of the country’s population are English speakers.
However, a drawback will be the high cost of living in the country. You get to pay huge money for everything. That said, you’d need to be financially stable to be able to move and live comfortably in Singapore.
8. Vietnam
Vietnam is another one of the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad. It has one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia.
The country is known for its constant rise in low crime rates and a low cost of living. There are great healthcare, cheap food and a very affordable lifestyle and Americans moving here can thrive here without a doubt.
Also, the country promotes digital literacy and has reliable high-speed WiFi which digital travelers take advantage of.
Also, see: Should I Study Abroad in 2023? 17 Reasons Your Country Is Not The Best
9. Thailand
Thailand offers a very affordable cost of living with international travel hubs, a strong ex-pat community and efficient infrastructures.
It has been one of the best travel destinations for decades and it sure is one of the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad.
Thailand is a warm country who’s people and government welcome foreigners with open hands. Now, foreigners have started setting up home bases in the country due to its ideal location in Southeast Asia.
However, the drawbacks will be the language barriers as only about 20% of the country’s population are English speakers especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Also, another drawback would be the difficulty in getting a residency without enough money. That is, you must be strongly financially stable to be able to get residency in the county but once you are in, you get to enjoy all of the benefits that it offers.
10. The Czech Republic (Czechia)
Czechia has been one of the countries experiencing enormous growth in all sectors with its capital, Prague, currently sitting as the sixth preferably viewed city in the whole of Europe.
The country offers a very affordable cost of living and an easy process of getting a visa or a work permit to be able to move. Also, there’s a requirement to prove your financial stability which is proving that you have about $5,000. Also, you are required to have your health insurance and a business plan related to the country.
The country is best suitable for students, freelancers and young professionals. However, a drawback would be the language barrier especially outside the country’s capital, Prague.
Also, there’s been a shortage of housing and a rise in real estate prices in the country for the last five years. That means that Czech might not be the ideal country for you if you’re looking to invest.
11. France
France is on the list of the most travelled countries in the world. It’s a great place to begin life again and it holds great opportunities for international workers.
The country offers a 35-hour workweek, longer lunches and more holidays than you can ever wish for. Also, France has some awesome places for adventures, a cost of living between high and low. However, it is all around an affordable country.
However, a drawback will be that the French are not often known for their love and a warm welcome for foreigners. This means that for the main time after you move, you will get to build connection and friendship among other international workers at your place of work. But not to worry, the French locals have a hard time welcoming foreigners but they sure will likely take some time to warm up to you.
Another drawback will be the difficulty to get residency. But the way out is getting your employer to have your work visa organised. This means that you will need to land a job before arrival.
12. Uruguay
Uruguay is another one of the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad. It is quite a large country the size of Washington State. Also, it is a low-cost country with a high-quality education system, a stable economy, an active political system and some progressive LGBTQ laws and attitudes. However, the country is not without corruption.
The standard of living is quite affordable in the country; food and housing are offered at reasonable prices and their public transportation is quite great enough that you may never need a car. For real!
Real estate is quite great in the country and foreigners can buy properties without sweating it. However, this is the easiest path to residency.
However, a drawback will be the language barrier as only no more than 20% of the country’s population are English speakers.
13. Argentina
Argentina is currently the second-largest country and one of the safest countries in South America. However, this doesn’t in any way imply that it is a crime-free nation.
It is a very low-cost country and boasts of its abounding wealth in natural landscapes and progressive cities. And it is home to Americans as well as individuals from all over the world, mostly for its diversity and family-oriented culture.
Argentina’s immigration policies are reasonably liberal but externally bureaucratic. It is easy to get a welcoming retirement visa, however, you’d need to establish and solidify some order of business reason to get a temporary residency. And after two years of temporary residency, you can gain a permanent residency.
A drawback will be the distance from or to your home country to Argentina. However, if you don’t care about some distance between your local and new home, Argentina should be the destination for you.
Language is not completely a barrier in Argentina as about 50% of the country’s population are English speakers.
FAQs – Countries for Americans Who want to live abroad
New Zealand
Australia
Germany
Canada
Montenegro
Mexico
Singapore
Vietnam
Thailand
The Czech Republic (Czechia)
France
Uruguay
Argentina
New Zealand
New Zealand is an English speaking country and usually most suitable for individuals under 30. Also, for families and children too. The country is rich in nature, top-quality education, great healthcare and security.
The country has one of the best education systems in the world and in 2019, it was rated the second safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index.
Which nation is home to the most American expats? With 799,000 persons, Mexico has the biggest population of American expats.
One of the simplest to get is citizenship through ancestry from Italy. If you are of Italian descent, you could be able to get citizenship. You need to have an ancestor who was an Italian citizen on March 17, 1861, or have been born there after that date in order to become a citizen.
Conclusion
With some courage, determination and little touch of wanderlust, 2021 can be a year of recovery, discovery and freedom for any American who was affected by all the troubles that came in the previous year.
We hope our list of the best countries for Americans who want to live abroad will greatly help you.
We wish you the best of life in whatever choice of country you make!
