8 Easiest Countries for Americans to Move to in 2024

I’ve always said that the world is too big to stay in one country. With so many rich cultures, beautiful landscapes, cuisines to try, and people to meet, moving abroad could just be the best decision you’ve ever made. Here are the easiest countries for Americans to move to if you’re looking for a change of scenery. 

As values change and opportunities arise, many Americans are looking to move abroad and discover life in a new country. They are ready to embrace a different lifestyle where they can start fresh and integrate into a new community and culture. 

In just the last few years, it has never been easier for Americans to move abroad. In this article, we’ll discuss the easiest countries for Americans to move to and how they can do it—without needing to find a job!

Discover a Whole New World

The United States is big, but the world is bigger! While relocating to a new country definitely is not the easiest thing to do, it can come with a ton of lifestyle and financial benefits for Americans. 

Lower Cost of Living

Americans living in the US post-pandemic know just how difficult affording everyday items is now. While inflation may be settling down, grocery bills still weigh heavily on the average American’s bank account each month. 

The United States is the 7th most expensive country to live with an average cost of living of $2,400 per month. What if you could get more bang for your buck living in another country with an equal or even higher lifestyle?

Slower Lifestyle

The United States is known for its fast-paced environment. Amazon has same-day delivery, which is great, but what about those demanding 60-hour work weeks? The work-life balance in the US is undeniably missing for most Americans. 

Moving away from the US to a country with a slower pace and better work-life balance could change your outlook on life for the better. You’ll adopt new mentalities and learn to appreciate the more wholesome things in life, like a hot cup of coffee in an old piazza or sitting around the dinner table with your family enjoying a meal. 

Align with Your Values

It’s human nature to have values and priorities over how we live our lives. If you find that the United States no longer aligns with your closely held values, then it may be time to move abroad and to a country that does. Being part of a community with similar views and outlooks can be uplifting and comforting, especially when moving to a new environment. 

Easiest Ways for Americans to Move Abroad

Ten years ago, moving to a new country was seen as one of the most difficult things. It seemed the only options were to find jobs abroad or get married to a foreign citizen. Now, the world has started to break down its borders and welcome people from all over.

These are the easiest visas for Americans to get. 

Digital Nomad Visas

There are more than 40 digital nomad visas available worldwide. For Americans who work remotely, either as employees, freelancers, or business owners, digital nomad visas are the perfect opportunity to move abroad.  

These visas often allow applicants to include their family members—even parents in some cases—to move to another country. 

A handful of digital nomad visas can also lead to permanent residency after five years of living in the country full-time. Some can even lead to citizenship. This is a great option for Americans who want to settle down abroad permanently. 

It’s important to note that with a digital nomad visa, you may not seek local employment in the country you will be living. You must continue to work remotely and meet certain income requirements. 

Passive Income Visas

For Americans who have passive income from dividends, social security, rental income, etc., then a passive income visa may be a good option to move abroad. 

These visas are similar to digital nomad visas, but they do not allow you to work at all, even if it is remotely. You must meet a minimum income requirement per month solely through passive income. 

This type of visa is ideal for retirees and investors. 

Investment Visas

Investment visas, also known as Golden Visas, are a lucrative way for Americans to move abroad. With an investment in a government fund, business, bank account, or real estate, applicants often receive temporary or permanent residency—and sometimes direct citizenship—in a foreign country. 

Of course, these investment visas require a large upfront investment that can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, there are a handful of affordable golden visas that require an investment of $150,000 or less. 

Easiest Countries for Americans to Move

Based on the three pathways—digital nomad visas, passive income visas, and investment visas—these are the easiest countries for Americans to move to using one of these options. 

1. Spain

In 2024, Spain was one of the most popular European countries people were moving to, thanks to its welcoming immigration options. 

Spain is one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to because it provides all three of the visa options we previously mentioned.

Not to mention, Spain has a great cost of living, work-life balance, and plenty of landscapes to choose from. You can live in the countryside, in large cities, or on the smaller islands in the Mediterranean. 

Plus, after living in Spain for 5 years, you may qualify for permanent residency. 

2. Greece

Do you dream of waking up to the shining sun on a Greek island surrounded by the crystal waters of the Mediterranean? Greece is another one of the easiest countries for Americans to move thanks to its two popular visa options:

If you earn 3,500€ per month working remotely or invest 500,000€ in a Greek property, then you could relocate to Greece. 

After five years of living in Greece, you could qualify for permanent residency. After 12 years, you could apply for Greek citizenship. 

3. Costa Rica

If you want to stay in a US timezone, Costa Rica could be a good country to move to as an American. 

Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers and their family members—including dependent parents—to live in the country for up to two years. 

Oh, and it’s tax-free! This means you won’t owe local income tax to Costa Rica while you live there. 

To apply for the visa, you simply have to submit an online application, prove that you earn at least $3,000 per month ($4,000 if you bring family), and wait 14 days for approval. 

4. Portugal

Portugal is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. With its beautiful landscapes, vast coastline, affordable living, and gorgeous cities, Americans truly find happiness in this European country. 

Portugal offers two easy visa options for Americans to relocate there.

For the digital nomad visa, you must work remotely and earn at least 3,280€ per month. 

For the passive income visa, you must earn at least 900€ per month through passive sources. 

You must apply for these visas from your country of residence before entering Portugal to apply for a residence permit. 

The most attractive thing for Americans who want to move to Portugal is that they can apply for Portuguese citizenship after living in the country full-time for five years. 

5. Indonesia

Hopping on over to the other side of the world, Indonesia is one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to if they are employees working remotely and earning at least $60,000 per year. 

With the recently launched Indonesia digital nomad visa, Americans can live in Indonesia for up to two years and work remotely. 

The application is done online and takes just one week to process. After approval, you have 90 days to enter Indonesia and apply for the initial one-year residence permit. 

6. Philippines

With a simple one-time investment of $75,000, Americans can get permanent residency for themselves, spouses, and dependent children under the age of 21 with the new Philippines Investor Visa (FIV).

This is the cheapest golden visa in the world right now and will lead directly to permanent residency. You’ll work with a registered agent to submit your application so you know that everything will be compliant and correct.  

After 10 years in the Philippines and owning real estate, you can apply for citizenship and get your investment back. 

Plus, the Philippines is an English-speaking country, which means you won’t have to worry about language barriers! 

7. Malta

On the topic of English-speaking countries, Malta is probably one of the easiest countries to move to and work remotely in Europe.

With the digital nomad visa, remote workers earning at least 42,000€ per year can bring their immediate family members to Malta and live there for up to four years. The application is done entirely online and takes about 60 days to process. 

The Permanent Residency Programme is a pathway to permanent residency by investment. You can purchase a qualifying Maltese property starting at 300,000€ or rent a property for 12,000€ per year while making a contribution and showing at least 500,000€ in assets. 

Malta is also known for being super tax-friendly to foreign residents. 

8. Mexico

If you don’t want to stray too far from home, Mexico is another one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to with Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa. 

This visa allows Americans to live in Mexico for up to four years. 

You can either work remotely, show your savings, or purchase a qualifying property in Mexico to be eligible for this visa. 

You’ll apply for this visa at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate in your country of residence. 

Move Out of the United States for a Fresh Start with Nomads Embassy

Are you ready to embark on a new adventure living abroad in one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to?

Nomads Embassy can help! 

We understand how scary, confusing, and overwhelming moving abroad can be, especially when it comes to applying for visas. 

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads has partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers worldwide to create comprehensive services to assist our members with their visa applications. 

If you’re looking for the easiest countries for Americans to move to, then look no further! 

Contact Nomads Embassy today or request a free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment to see how we can help you apply for a digital nomad, passive income, or investment visa today.