Easiest Countries for Americans to Move to RIGHT NOW

Last Updated on January 24, 2025 by Kirsten Raccuia

Let’s be real… America is in the eye of a sh!t storm right now, and who knows what these next few years are going to look like.

I can’t say I blame you if you’d like to pick up and move out of the country. We left for Malaysia in 2013 and then moved to Mexico in 2022, and we haven’t looked back or regretted that decision. The hardest question is figuring out where United States citizens can move to right now.

I do realize that not everyone can pick up and leave their current situation. But a lot of people actually can. Since the pandemic, people have been working remotely, and for some lucky people, that means they can choose a new place to live.

Does it matter if you attend your Zoom meeting from Boston or Barbados? As long as you get your work done, does it really matter if you are doing it from your kitchen table or poolside in Costa Rica?

I think not.

Here are the easiest countries Americans can move to right now.

Disclaimer

Before I get into the meat and tater-tots of this post, it’s important to note that, as of today, these countries make it easy for US Citizens. I can’t promise they will tomorrow. Governments change their minds and visa requirements as the wind blows (I’m looking at you, Malaysia), and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it.

I will assume that if you plan to move out of the US for any period, you will do your research. Do your homework. Do not take this blog post as gospel.

Also, all of these spots have direct flights from the US, making them extra easy. There are so many more countries for Americans to move to, but having a direct flight is a game changer.

Ok, let’s get on to the meat and tots…

Mexico

To visit Mexico is to love Mexico.

At the moment, Mexico is welcoming to Americans. Clearly. We live here. And more than one million Americans already call Mexico home – we can’t be all wrong!

Major hubs like Cancun, Mexico City, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Vallarta have been attracting us for decades. Puerto Vallarta won us over in 2022, but there are plenty of other incredible places to live in Mexico.

Mexico is def a fave, between the beaches, the food, the low cost of living, the culture, the location, the healthcare, and the people. It is a top contender for a lot of Americans.  

How to move to Mexico

Americans usually get six months on arrival. So, if you just want to test it out, that is an easy way. But getting a four-year temporary resident visa isn’t that complicated either. But it is a bit of a moving target. The monetary requirements change, and the rules are different depending on which consulate you start the process at within the US. But it’s just red tape and bureaucracy.

We managed to do most of the process ourselves. But changing our address here nearly broke me. So, for peace of mind, I would hire a company to help. It’s worth it not to have the brain drain and stress of trying to make the Grumpy Gus at the consulate in Mexico happy.

After four years, we can turn our visa into a permanent residence visa. However, if you are over 60 and have the right funds in your bank account, you can get permanent residency immediately.

Barbados

When I heard about Barbados’ idea to offer a one-year work visa, the Barbados Welcome Stamp, I jumped on the internet to figure out how we could make that happen.

It’s a remote work visa that allows you to move there for up to a year. It costs $2000 for one person or $3000 for a family bundle. You can apply to bring your pet as well — they are part of your family.

You have to make $50,000 annually for the year, but that all has to be from remote work.

What’s great about all of these Caribbean countries is that there is no need to worry about language barriers.

Aruba

Aruba’s tagline is One Happy Island – they’ve come up with the One Happy Workation so you can work in paradise for up to three months.

There is no visa.

All you have to do is book your workation with one of the participating accommodations on the island. You pick one of the various hotels, condos, or villas that suit your needs – that’s’ all.

Bermuda

For a whopping $275, you can apply for a one-year Work from Bermuda visa.  

The requirements are pretty straightforward:

• be at least 18 years old
• not have been convicted of a crime
• have current health insurance coverage
• have employment or your own company outside of Bermuda
• have a continuous source of income

Apply here in 15 minutes, and you’ll hear back within five days.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is no stranger to Americans moving there. Its political stability and low crime rates are somewhat of a wonder.

Upon arrival, you get 90 days to enjoy your new country. If you want longer, you have to leave Costa Rica and reenter. But visa runs aren’t reliable and def not something to do long-term.

There are various Costa Rica visa options, and none too outlandish if Costa Rica is more of a permanent choice for you. If you’re retired, you’ll need to show monthly earnings of $1000 to be eligible.

There is a year long digital nomad visa option if you can prove you earn $3000 per month from work outside the country. That rises to $4000 if you want to bring your family.

International Living has a lot of great info about living in Costa Rica. Check out this site for reviews of the best Costa Rica luxury hotels if you want to get pampered when you first land.

Spain

Spain is one of the best European countries for American citizens to move to, with multiple options for long-term living.

Americans can apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa if they have a passive annual income of at least €30,000. They’ll need a clean bill of health and no criminal records, but you will need health insurance. It’s valid for a year and can be renewed for two.

There is also a newer one-year digital nomad visa. You’ll need to earn around €2,500 per month to be eligible. The visa can be renewed for up to five years as long as you still meet the requirements.

Croatia

Currently, people from the United States can get visas for long-term stays in Croatia. There are one-year digital nomad visas available if you can prove a minimum income (in today’s calculations, yes, they change) of € 2,870. You’ll also need health insurance and proof of accommodation. If you want to reapply, you’ll need to leave Croatia for six months before you apply again.

If you want to stay for a year, having €34,440 in your bank account will help your cause. Go here for more info.

Portugal

A long-time favorite amongst retirees and digital nomads, Portugal has a lot of visa options.

A digital nomad D8 visa has two options: a temporary stay visa and a long-term visa. You need proof of monthly funds of around €3,280 for either.

The temporary stay visa is for one year but can’t be extended.

The long-term visa is valid for four months, but you can apply for a two-year residency permit once you land in Portugal. After living there for five years, it’s possible to apply for citizenship.

For a D7, or retiree visa, the minimum required income is at least €820 from passive sources. Add on another €410 for a spouse.

There is also the D9 Golden Visa program, which is achieved through real estate investment.

The Wrap-Up

This, by no means, is a comprehensive list of all the countries in the world allowing Americans to move. But the countries I’ve chosen here are the ones that are making it super easy or those that have fantastic visa programs.

I am encouraging you to think about your options. You do not have to stay in America if you don’t want to. It doesn’t make you any less of an American, or a traitor, or unpatriotic. It makes you open-minded. There are loads of things I love about America (and a few things I hate about it). It’s totally ok to want something different and take charge of your life to make it so.

Now may not be the perfect time to pick up and move, but it’s not the worst either. Never have remote working and homeschooling been so integral to our lives, which makes it possible to try something different without yanking the kids out of school or taking a work hiatus. Do your due diligence, see what works for you, and give it a try. You don’t have to stay if you aren’t happy.

Think outside of the box.   

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