Best Countries to Move to From the US — Expert Advice by Immigrant Invest

Around 9 million Americans live abroad—mostly in Mexico and Canada—and this number keeps growing. According to a report conducted by Talker Research in February 2025, another 17% of US citizens plan to relocate in the next 5 years.

Expats seek a lower cost of living, a safer and more peaceful environment, and career opportunities. Caribbean countries are attractive due to their second citizenship programs.

Immigrant Invest, a consulting company, compiled a list of the best countries to move to from the United States.

The Caribbean: fast path to second citizenship

The Caribbean is an appealing destination for Americans looking for a tropical lifestyle and relaxed living. It offers a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, beautiful nature, and warm weather all year round.

Countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia are known as tax havens due to their taxation policies. For instance, there are no taxes on capital gains or inheritance in any of these states. St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda do not tax dividends, royalties, interest, or wages.

Caribbean countries allow American investors to obtain citizenship by investment in just 6 to 8 months. The minimum investment requirements are as follows:

1. $200,000 in Dominica.
2. $230,000 in Antigua and Barbuda.
3. $235,000 in Grenada.
4. $240,000 in St Lucia.
5. $250,000 in St Kitts and Nevis.

Portugal: safety, affordable living and stunning coastlines

Portugal, located in southern Europe, borders Spain and faces the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a popular choice for American expats due to its climate, Mediterranean lifestyle, and welcoming atmosphere. Lisbon and Porto are cultural hubs, while the Algarve attracts retirees with its beaches and peaceful environment.

Portugal is one of the safest countries globally, ranking 7th in the Global Peace Index, compared to the US at 132nd. It’s also more affordable, with the cost of living 60% lower than in the US.

Americans can obtain Portuguese residency by investing at least €250,000, working for a non-Portuguese employer earning at least €10,449 per year, or having a passive income of at least €870 per month.

Other residency options include employment with a Portuguese company, studies, and family reunification.

Malta: an English-speaking Mediterranean haven

Malta is an attractive destination for those seeking Mediterranean living, with English as an official language and a thriving expat community. Its small size offers a peaceful lifestyle, ideal for those moving from large American cities.

Americans can obtain permanent residence immediately by investing at least €182,000 in the country’s economy, bypassing the temporary residence step.

Digital nomads can also get Maltese residency by working for a company outside Malta and earning at least €3,500 per month. This residence permit offers the unique benefit of being exempt from income tax for the first years.

Hungary: rich culture and low cost of living in the heart of Europe

Hungary, a central European country known for its stunning architecture and landscapes, offers easy travel access around Europe.

The country provides various residency options, including for entrepreneurs, employees, digital nomads, students, and investors. The requirements are:

• €7,700+ capital for a business residence permit;
• employment with a Hungarian company for a work permit;
• earning at least €3,000 per month for a Digital Nomad Visa;
• enrollment in a Hungarian university for a student permit;
• €250,000+ investment for an investment residence permit.

It’s an affordable option, with the average monthly cost of living for one person around $700, excluding rent, compared to $1,200 in the US.

Hungary’s strong economy, growing startup scene, and low tax rates, with a 15% income tax and 9% corporate tax, make it attractive for entrepreneurs and employees.

United Kingdom: career opportunities and large expat community

The UK is a popular destination for Americans due to its shared language, historical ties, and strong economic opportunities. London, a global financial hub, hosts many international companies.

The country offers a high quality of life, being safer than the US and ranking higher than Sweden and South Korea.

The UK is home to prestigious universities like Imperial College London, Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL.

Americans can no longer apply for the Investor Visa but can obtain residence permits through:

• employment;
• establishing an innovative startup;
• studying;
• family reunification.

Around 200,000 Americans live in the UK, making it easier to integrate and find people with similar backgrounds.

UAE: global business hub with appealing taxation

The UAE, located on the Persian Gulf, consists of popular expat destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

With job opportunities in finance, technology, and real estate, the UAE attracts expats seeking career growth, offering world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly environment.

The UAE’s appeal lies in its tax advantages, with no taxes on personal income, capital gains, inheritance, gifts, or property, and a corporate tax rate of 9%.

Real estate investment offers the easiest path to UAE residency. Americans can obtain a 2-year residence permit by investing around $204,000, while a 10-year residency requires a property worth at least $545,000.

Other popular residency options include:

• establishing a business;
• employment;
• studies;
• retirement.

Mexico: proximity and affordability

Mexico is the most popular relocation destination for Americans, with around 800,000 US citizens living there.

A key reason Americans choose Mexico is its proximity to the United States—it’s just 3.5 hours from Los Angeles to Mexico City and 5.5 hours from New York. In comparison, the flight from Los Angeles to London takes 12 hours.

Mexico offers a significantly low cost of living. The country is three times more affordable than the US, and rental prices in Mexico City are 70% lower than in New York.

Common paths to residency include work, studying, and family reunification. Mexican residence permits are also available to:

• digital nomads with a monthly income of at least $4,350;
• financially independent people with savings of at least $73,200
• investors purchasing real estate for at least $586,000 or contributing at least $293,000 to a Mexican company.

Canada: English-speaking neighbour

Canada is a popular choice for many Americans due to English being an official language, cultural similarities, and a high standard of living. According to the Global Peace Index 2025, Canada ranks 11th out of 163 countries, with low crime rates and minimal gun violence. The country also offers excellent healthcare and top-ranked universities.

Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are known for job opportunities and diverse communities. Around 300,000 US nationals live in Canada.

Canada’s close proximity to the US adds to its appeal. For example, it takes just an hour and a half to travel from New York to Toronto, the country’s largest city.

Americans can obtain Canadian residence permits under the following grounds:

• employment;
• studying;
• marriage or family reunification;
• establishing a startup;
• caregiving to children or elderly.

Singapore: business-friendly and ultra-modern

Singapore, an island country and city-state in Southeastern Asia, has English as one of its official languages, making integration easier.

Known as one of the safest countries globally, ranking 5th out of 163, Singapore is also a global business hub. It’s a top destination for professionals in finance, technology, and business, offering a strong economy, career opportunities, and high salaries. Forbes ranks Singapore as the 8th best country for business.

A Singaporean residence permit can be obtained through employment, studying, marriage, or family reunification.

Entrepreneurs can benefit from the Global Investor Programme, which grants permanent residence to those who establish companies or work in family businesses.

What to consider before moving

Cost of living. Living expenses vary widely. Countries like Portugal and Mexico are more affordable, while places like Singapore and the UK tend to be more expensive. Consider housing, transportation, healthcare, and daily costs.

Quality of life. Factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, and overall well-being should influence your choice. Canada and the UK rank high in quality of life, while the UAE offers luxury and modern conveniences.

Taxation. Countries differ in tax policies. Some, like Caribbean states, have no taxes on capital gains or dividends, while Hungary and the UAE offer low corporate taxes. Be sure to understand local tax obligations, including potential US requirements.

Job and business opportunities. Singapore and the UAE offer strong job markets in tech and finance. Portugal and Malta are better suited for remote workers and retirees.

Proximity to the US. Countries like Mexico and Canada are close, while destinations like Singapore require long flights.

Language and cultural differences. English-speaking countries like the UK and Malta may be easier for transition, while others may require more adjustment.

How to contact Immigrant Invest

To make the process of establishing residency in a foreign country easier, Americans should consider working with experienced agents, such as Immigrant Invest.

Our team has in-depth knowledge of immigration laws across various countries and stay updated on any changes. Since 2006, they have helped thousands of people worldwide secure residency and citizenship in different regions.

Contact Immigrant Invest to take the first step towards your residence permit or second passport.

Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

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Article Title: Best Countries to Move to From the US — Expert Advice by Immigrant Invest

https://fangwallet.com/2025/04/11/best-countries-to-move-to-from-the-us-expert-advice-by-immigrant-invest/

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