Portugal: The European Dream Destination
Portugal is ranked first of all the countries Expatsi recommends, with its world-class capital, stunning beaches, laid back lifestyle, and excellent visa programs making it popular with Americans for years now. Portugal is the 7th safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index, with a cost of living almost 35% lower than in the USA and other Western European states.
Spain: Sunshine and Affordable Living
Spain saw a 10.5% increase in foreign residents in 2023 according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The country attracts Americans with its combination of excellent weather, healthcare, and economic advantages. Spain boasts a similarly appealing climate (300-320 days of sun), relaxed lifestyle, and easy-to-navigate residency system, with healthcare that is both affordable and among the best in the world and a cost of living 20-30% lower than the U.S. Spain offers a digital nomad visa which allows remote foreign workers to move there for up to one year, with the possibility to apply for a residence permit afterwards, requiring workers to have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or at least three years of work experience.
Mexico: America’s Southern Neighbor
Mexico reportedly hosts over one million US citizens, making it home to one of the largest American expat populations worldwide. This makes it one of the largest American expat populations worldwide. Visa applications by Americans to Mexico rose from about 18,000 to over 30,000 from 2019 to 2022. The country’s appeal includes a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and significantly lower cost of living, with comfortable living in Mexico City costing about $3,500 a month compared to around $11,500 needed for the same lifestyle in New York.
Canada: The Northern Alternative
Despite recent fluctuations, Canada remains a consistent choice for American emigrants. Canada received fewer U.S. citizens as new residents (10,415) than France (12,220), Spain (11,156), and Germany (10,510) in 2022. However, Canada’s established immigration programs and cultural familiarity continue to attract Americans seeking stability. Canada is one of the easiest countries to move from the USA for Americans to consider, with work permits or study permits being relatively easy to obtain, and Express Entry serving as a permanent residency program for Americans to qualify for.
Costa Rica: The Central American Paradise
Costa Rica has emerged as a favorite destination for Americans seeking a simpler lifestyle. Americans seek out Costa Rica for its pura vida – the simple life that’s hard to find in the United States. The Pensionado program is designed for retirees with a stable income, while other visa options cater to investors and remote workers, and Costa Rica’s healthcare system is renowned for its high standards and accessibility. Americans can qualify for a digital nomad visa there, which allows them to live and work remotely so long as they have a monthly minimum income of $3,000, or $4,000 for families.
United Kingdom: Traditional Ties Remain Strong
The UK overtook Mexico as the top destination overall in 2022, with over 11,500 Americans moving there from January through June 2023, about 30% more than in the first six months of 2022. The shared language and cultural connections continue to make Britain an attractive option despite Brexit-related complications. Professional opportunities and established expat communities provide strong support networks for American newcomers.
France: Cultural Appeal Draws Americans
France received 12,220 American new residents in 2022. The country’s reputation for quality of life, excellent healthcare, and cultural richness continues to attract American emigrants. France is the second most recommended country to survey-takers based on the preferences they select in assessments, following Portugal. The availability of various visa programs, including options for retirees and digital nomads, makes France increasingly accessible to American emigrants.
Germany: Europe’s Economic Powerhouse
Germany received 10,510 American new residents in 2022. As Europe’s largest economy, Germany offers robust job opportunities and excellent social benefits. Germany was among the main recipients when EU member states issued over 3.7 million first-residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2023, representing a nearly 5% increase compared to 2022. The country’s strong economy and stable political system make it particularly attractive to professionals and entrepreneurs.
Japan
Japan saw 6,642 U.S. citizens relocate there in 2024 – more than twice as many moves than in 2023 (2,983), representing a significant bump. Japan’s unique culture, safety, and economic opportunities continue to draw Americans, particularly in technology and education sectors. The country has introduced two new visas: J-Skip (for highly qualified foreigners and their families) and J-Find (for graduates of prestigious universities), aiming to welcome 800,000 skilled foreign workers over the next five years.
Italy: Renaissance Living
Italy consistently ranks among the top destinations for American emigrants seeking European lifestyle and culture. Italy was among the main recipients when EU member states issued over 3.7 million first-residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2023. Italy offers a digital nomad visa to highly-skilled workers. The country’s appeal lies in its combination of historical significance, culinary excellence, and relatively affordable living costs compared to northern European countries.
Conclusion
The data reveals a clear shift in American emigration patterns, with Europeans destinations leading the way alongside traditional favorites like Mexico and Canada. Recent estimates suggest that several million US citizens live abroad. These movements represent more than just geographical changes; they reflect Americans’ search for better quality of life, affordable healthcare, and political stability.
What drives this unprecedented exodus? The answer lies in a combination of remote work flexibility, retirement planning, and lifestyle preferences. As more countries develop welcoming immigration policies and Americans become increasingly mobile, these trends will likely continue shaping international migration patterns for years to come.