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Certain Americans fantasize about departing the United States to begin anew elsewhere—an notion that consistently sparks fresh intrigue as a new presidential term commences.
Nevertheless, specialists in relocating and experienced expatriates stress that moving across countries is a monumental and transformative choice which—no matter how thrilling and satisfying it might ultimately prove—demands immense quantities of determination, readiness, and deep self-reflection.
They similarly urge individuals contemplating permanently departing the U.S. to take into account an extensive array of elements beyond just the domestic political atmosphere.
The everyday experience of living in an unknown culture might sharply differ from the bright, cheerful depictions seen on social media platforms, regardless of whether these portrayals are meant to highlight
digital nomad families
, new owners
of ancient homes in Italy
For Francophiles who realized a long-held dream of
moving to Paris
.
Although it doesn’t constitute a large-scale migration, many Americans reside abroad. The precise statistics differ among various institutions and agencies; however, a commonly referenced figure originates from a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization.
American Citizens Abroad
, suggesting that approximately six million U.S. citizens reside overseas.
The figures might increase further: As per the latest data,
figures from Gallup
Approximately 21% of Americans surveyed in 2024 indicated their wish to depart the U.S. permanently, marking a 4% rise since 2023 and a significant jump from 2011, where only 10% wished to do so. According to recent data, “there has been an extraordinary surge in global population movement,” as stated in the report.
Many suggest that the ideal starting point for those considering immigration should be posing tough questions regarding their motivations for leaving the U.S. Are you seeking an improved standard of living? Perhaps you wish to acquire proficiency in another language, provide a multilingual upbringing for your children, or perhaps you’re concerned about escalating healthcare expenses or frequent incidents of gun violence—which has been characterized as
public health crisis
In 2024? Or are you simply longing for one?
new adventure
?
“The main overarching point is to understand your reasons for doing this,” says Doris Speer, who serves as the president.
Americans Living Abroad Association
Based in Paris, this organization boasts members from over 40 countries worldwide. Speer emphasizes looking beyond one’s career, stating: “The question isn’t just about your profession; it’s also about who you aspire to become?”
A lawyer raised close to Detroit and residing in Paris since 2004, Speer has observed numerous Americans make this transition, witnessing these changes through her role as AARO president and within her own experiences.
She notes that the most successful (and least taxing) results occur when individuals honestly assess their reasons for departing from the U.S. and their aspirations regarding work and lifestyle overseas, then select a location that aligns closely with this vision.
Speer advises, “Act for the correct motives and choose a location that aligns with these motivations.” He adds, “Avoid going based on an idealized view of the country—thorough research is essential.”
That research can be overwhelming, of course. Entire books, magazines and websites are dedicated to the subject and its various niches (becoming a digital nomad or retiring abroad, for example), not to mention countless blogs, podcasts and social media groups. But such resources also provide a great jumping off point for what can be one of the most exciting — and life-changing — decisions a person can make.
To get deeper insights and advice on whether relocating overseas is the best choice for you, Travel consulted with relocation specialists, financial planners, and individuals who have made the move. Below are key points to consider should you be thinking about this step in 2025.
Earning a living
The initial query many aspiring immigrants ponder is: How do they make a livelihood overseas? This depends greatly from one country to another yet hinges considerably on acquiring a work visa or authorization.
employment visa
.
Simply looking into this procedure reveals the overwhelming volume of red tape and documentation involved (tip: starting early with gathering official papers such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and college diplomas will be advantageous).
If this seems complex, consider actually going through the procedure on-site: traveling to governmental buildings personally, in an unknown location, and most probably having to communicate in a language you’re not yet fluent in. Similar to experiences in the U.S., acquiring formal work documents usually involves a frustrating catch-22 situation—a common frustration for international workers everywhere. “It forms a circle: You often require these documents just to secure a position, but securing the position is necessary to obtain those very same documents,” explains Speer.
Navigating the complexities of a work visa can become much simpler when you’re being relocated by your present employer, as they usually manage all required documentation and permissions. Alternatively, another straightforward approach is securing employment with an organization located within or having offices in your destination country.
However, even if your company takes care of the required documentation to assist with your relocation overseas, there are still various critical aspects to consider throughout the job search, according to experts.
“If you possess a professional degree, particularly when a job offer hinges on it, ensure that your credentials are acknowledged in the nation you’re relocating to,” states Karoli Hindriks, co-founder and CEO.
Jobbatical
, a technology platform based in Estonia that focuses on employee relocation. “Frequently, credentials are not seen as equal across different countries, which means you might need to provide extra qualifications or certifications to secure your admission into a new nation.”
Taxes, taxes, taxes
Leaving the U.S. means saying goodbye to the yearly torment of filing your taxes, correct? Not quite: The IRS’s reach extends far beyond the country’s boundaries and across different countries.
As long as you’re a U.S. citizen, you’re subject to taxation, which implies you’ll need to submit your US taxes annually—alongside the taxes required in your new country of residence (twice the paperwork!).
Unfortunately, relocating overseas makes tax matters even more complex. Prepare to familiarize yourself with an array of new abbreviations such as
FBAR
and
FEIE
(Tax forms and exemptions you’ll probably have to submit).
A key initial factor to consider is whether the nation you plan to relocate to possesses
double taxation treaty
as stated by Alex Ingrim, who serves as the president and co-founder
Liberty Atlantic Advisors
, focusing on wealth management and tax strategies tailored for U.S. expatriates. These agreements basically enable the offsetting of specific taxes across nations, like income tax, ensuring that you avoid double taxation.
Unsurprisingly, taxes are a complicated matter that can lead to significant issues (along with expensive penalties) if not managed correctly — this is why it’s wise to entrust the job to a skilled professional if you have the means to do so.
“Most countries require you to hire a tax attorney who provides a strategy and comprehends how the local tax system intersects with the U.S. tax system and the bilateral double taxation treaties,” explains Ingrim, a U.S. citizen residing in Florence, Italy, along with his family.
Another crucial area to investigate is whether you can benefit from specific tax treatments available to certain foreign nationals. In the Netherlands, for instance, highly skilled professionals may qualify for something called the
30% ruling
, a benefit where they receive a tax-free 30% deduction from their gross income for five years.
In general, it’s essential to thoroughly comprehend how your job or income source fits within the tax framework of your adopted country.
“It all comes down to stepping back and examining your individual circumstances, then assessing, ‘so, where does my earnings originate? Will I retire soon, will it rely on Social Security? Or am I still employed? Does my case have specific tax considerations?’ And ultimately accepting what your final take-home pay will likely be,” explains Ingrim.
He points out that self-employment is an additional factor to consider when thinking about taxes, particularly in Europe, as the Social Security tax rates there are significantly higher compared to those in the United States.
If you’re self-employed or operate your own company, it’s crucial to grasp your Social Security obligations,” he states. “These charges can be quite substantial too; they often reach up to 25% in many nations.
Nomadic digital professionals and golden visas
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit looking for a recognized way to live and work overseas, becoming a digital nomad appears to be akin to obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification from years past.
Certainly, with the recent surge in remote work options, and as various nations seek to stimulate their economies through the presence of location-independent professionals, an increasing number of countries have introduced digital nomad visa programs. Italy is among the latest additions, having recently implemented such a scheme.
on its own in April 2024
). The specifics can differ depending on variables such as income level and length of time, however, some of the most favored initiatives include:
Portugal
,
Croatia
and Bali, according to
Nomad List
, a crowdsourced platform that rates locations according to factors such as cost of living, quality of healthcare, and internet speed.
Ingram suggests that although digital nomad visas might seem attractive, individuals considering them should also think about their long-term goals, such as acquiring permanent residency or eventually becoming citizens.
“That, to me, is the most important thing to understand when applying for a digital nomad visa — just (consider) ‘What is my path forward here if I like it?,’ and just to have that in the back of your mind and understand what your options might be,” he says.
Just like with digital nomad visas, Ingrim mentions that his firm has observed an increasing curiosity recently amongst Americans regarding Golden Visas. These typically denote a category of visa provided by various European nations contingent upon meeting specific financial investments. He recommends giving these careful thought due to multiple factors, including the fact that the criteria for qualification tend to evolve frequently.
Ingrim remarks, “What I consistently emphasize to my clients is, ‘Have you explored alternative routes?’ Since there are numerous methods to relocate to Portugal, various pathways for moving to Spain, Italy, or Greece also exist.” He adds with caution, “It’s indeed a complex subject matter. Although I’m not an immigration attorney myself, this query comes up frequently. Often, I challenge individuals about their chosen approach.”
Do a test run
You’ve likely been to the country where you plan to relocate at least once before—otherwise, now might be a good time for an extensive exploration. Experts specializing in relocation suggest planning a prolonged stay, preferably lasting several weeks to even a couple of months, based on how much time you’re permitted as a visitor or non-resident. This will help you acclimate and gain genuine insight into everyday life away from just the popular tourist spots.
Ande Wanderer, a writer and consultant who grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and moved to Buenos Aires in 2003, calls this step “deliberate immersion,” which can result in uncovering “indispensable insights” about your potential new home.
“While initial insights may be obtained from online sources such as blogs and social media, nothing compares to fully engaging with the culture,” asserts Wanderer, who established
Wander Argentina
When relocating to a new country using a travel website for assistance, one must tackle several key aspects. “This involves mastering visa requirements, assessing the actual expenses involved in daily life, examining health care and accommodation choices, and starting to grasp the nuances of the local language and culture.”
Apart from aiding in the creation of your to-do list, a reconnaissance mission provides as genuine a trial run as possible for what life could be like in your prospective new nation.
Speer remembers a friend who, during a six-week intelligence-gathering trip to Mexico, concluded that she required a more “vibrant” location as her permanent residence.
It was the wisest decision,” Speer states. “At the conclusion of those six weeks, she mentioned, ‘No, this isn’t the right city for me.’ She added, ‘Mexico is where I belong, yet this particular city doesn’t suit my preferences.’
Ultimately, as stated by Wanderer, taking an extended trip before relocating can “help mitigate one of the most frequent issues: maintaining overly idealized perceptions of life outside US boundaries.”
Figuring out your finances
If you know where you’ll likely be living and have an idea of what you might be earning abroad, it’s a smart idea to start generating a rough estimate of your cost of living. You’ll also need to have a basic idea of your major expenses, including rent and groceries (another benefit of doing a scouting trip).
Healthcare and childcare represent additional significant expenditures to account for. Nonetheless, numerous Americans who move overseas often discover that despite facing increased tax rates in their adopted nations, considerably reduced healthcare and childcare costs can be substantial advantages of residing abroad. For instance, in certain European countries such as Germany, the government substantially subsidizes childcare—a considerable perk for families.
If retirement in another country is something you’re contemplating, numerous sites, including
International Living
Offer calculation tools to determine how much you require, while some financial advisors provide a complimentary first meeting. They can also give guidance on managing your U.S. retirement accounts along with other financial possessions.
Speer cautions prospective US expatriates that although certain locations permit foreign residents to rely entirely on international income sources, they should bear in mind that currency values can vary. Therefore, since the strength of the dollar isn’t guaranteed, it’s crucial to manage your money wisely, particularly if you intend to depend solely on your savings for living expenses.
Other considerations
A significant factor when relocating overseas is dealing with a possible language gap. If you’re thinking about moving to a nation where English isn’t commonly used, Speer strongly suggests acquiring at least some knowledge of the local tongue. Moreover, he advises honestly assessing your willingness to put in the work to become proficient in it.
And if you’re never going to learn another language, concentrate on places where native English speakers can manage quite well,” she advises. “(Many) countries are generally adept at this, but don’t assume everyone knows English. Even when they do, expect all formal documentation to be in the local official language.
Amid the anticipation of a possible move, it can be easy to gloss over another important factor: the weather in your new destination. But a climate that you love can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.
Indeed, a better quality of life is a huge driver for many people considering a move out of the US. Speer says that although the prospect of uprooting your life can seem daunting, it’s also entirely doable for anyone with the right mindset — and a sense of adventure. And whether you decide to stay for a year or forever, taking the leap of faith will almost always pay off somehow, she says.
It broadens your horizons, expands your viewpoint, and enables you to lead a more fulfilling life with diverse experiences that you might miss out on without living abroad,” she states. “If I had never relocated overseas, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Think about whether it might not be suitable for you.
Although social media often portrays an idyllic and life-changing adventure for those living overseas, you seldom come across stories detailing the challenges people face.
movements that didn’t quite end up being as magical, shall we say?
like the pair who spoke of their relocation to France
“a nightmare” full of “too much grief and no joy”
and decided to return to the US after less than a year abroad).
Many expats who have done it recommend giving yourself at least a year to adjust (though, in Speer’s opinion, approximately three years often turns out to be an unofficial milestone of when expats decide to live abroad indefinitely or return to the US).
If you find out that residing outside your home country isn’t suitable for you, that’s perfectly fine. Regardless, your experience abroad, no matter how brief or extended, may instill a fresh sense of gratitude towards various facets of your former lifestyle—and it will undoubtedly serve as an exciting period worth reminiscing about.
A version of this article was initially published in 2023. It underwent substantial updates in 2025.
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