Best Countries to Move to From USA in 2025: Top 12

According to the GIU, American expatriation is rising for a variety of reasons, including employment opportunities, cost of living, safety, retirement options, healthcare systems, education, or simply the desire for a fresh start in a new country.

Here is a selection of some of the top 12 best countries for Americans to move to:

01/ Canada – families and skilled workers

• Why it’s great for Americans: Close, culturally familiar, and consistently high in quality-of-life metrics, Canada gives U.S. families quick access to nature, stable institutions, and an English-speaking ecosystem (with French in Quebec). Strong public services and multicultural cities make soft-landing easier.
• Popular visas: Express Entry (FSW/CEC), and Provincial Nominee Programs (Canada permanent residency visas), and the Canada Start-Up Visa. Family reunification routes available for spouses/partners.
• Costs: Comparable to U.S. averages in major cities, but 20–30% lower in smaller provinces like Alberta or Nova Scotia; public healthcare and family subsidies ease total living costs.
• Healthcare: Universal public healthcare coverage for residents with solid primary care. Private add-ons are available.
• Education: Free K-12 public schooling, renowned universities (University of Toronto, McGill, UBC) and French/English immersion. Plentiful international schools in big metros. Education in Canada is among the top 10 globally (number 5 on the GIU 2025 Global Education Report)
• Safety: Low violent crime and predictable governance. Good community policing and reliable emergency services. Number 14 on Global Peace Index.
• Pathway: Permanent residency can be fast for qualified profiles. Citizenship is typically available after 3 years of physical presence (within a 5-year window).
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $2,800 – $4,200
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $1,500 – $2,400
  • Average utilities and groceries: $120 – $200 (utilities), $350 – $600 (groceries)

02/ Portugal – families and retirees

• Why it’s great for Americans: Sunny climate, coastal cities, and a friendly expat culture. A slower pace, good English in urban hubs, and strong connectivity to the rest of Europe. Ranked #1 in the 2025 Global Retirement Report by the Global Intelligence Unit.
• Popular visas: Portugal D7 Visa (passive income/retiree), Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, highly selective Portugal Golden Visa routes.
• Costs: 30 to 40% lower than U.S. norms outside central Lisbon/Porto; food and transit remain affordable.
• Healthcare: Universal SNS with excellent private options. Straightforward registration after residency.
• Education: Solid public schools, growing bilingual programs, and reputable international schools in Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto. Public universities gaining global recognition.
• Safety: Among Europe’s safest (ranked 7th on the Global Peace Index) and a strong community feel in smaller towns.
• Pathway: Five years of legal residence to citizenship eligibility (language and basic integration standards apply).
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $1,800 – $2,800
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $800 – $1,400
  • Average utilities and groceries: $90 – $140 (utilities), $250 – $400 (groceries)

03/ Netherlands – families and work-life balance

• Why it’s great for Americans: Exceptionally bike-friendly, organized, and English-proficient. Dutch work culture favors reasonable hours and family time, with reliable childcare and transit.
• Popular visas: Highly Skilled Migrant (knowledge migrant), EU Blue Card (also known as the EU Residence Permit), Startup/Scale-up permits.
• Costs: Higher housing costs in Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague), but salaries and benefits are competitive.
• Healthcare: Mandatory healthcare insurance with high standards of care. Every patient has a family GP, ensuring consistent, well-organized healthcare.
• Education: Excellent bilingual and English-stream options. International Baccalaureate schools across Randstad, and top universities (Delft University of Technology, Utrecht and Leiden).
• Safety: Low crime, well-lit public spaces, and dependable emergency services.
• Pathway: Permanent residency after five years of lawful stay. Citizenship is possible via naturalization (language and civic integration required).
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $3,000 – $4,500
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $1,700 – $2,600
  • Average utilities and groceries: $140 – $220 (utilities), $350 – $550 (groceries)

04/ Mexico – value and proximity

• Why it’s great for Americans: Large expat communities, diverse climates, and quick flights home to the US. Lively culture and regional variety, from colonial towns to beach hubs, offer a variety of choice at lower costs.
• Popular visas: Temporary Resident (income-based), Permanent Resident (for higher thresholds) and family routes.
• Costs: Often 50 – 60% below U.S. city costs. Rent and dining are standout savings.
• Healthcare: Modern private hospitals in major cities. Affordable consultations and procedures. Public IMSS/INSABI options for residents.
• Education: International/bilingual schools in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Querétaro, Mérida, and expat hubs like San Miguel de Allende with reputable private universities.
• Safety: Regionally variable. Choose well-served neighborhoods with established expat networks and good municipal services.
• Pathway: Permanent residency after four years on Temporary Resident (some categories faster). Citizenship generally given after five years’ residence.
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $1,400 – $2,200
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $600 – $1,000
  • Average utilities ad groceries: $70 – $120 (utilities), $200 – $350 (groceries)

05/ Spain – value, families and lifestyle

• Why it’s great for Americans: Mediterranean living, rich culture, and excellent public services. Big cities pulse with energy, while smaller regions offer calm and affordability.
• Popular visas: Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), Spain Digital Nomad Visa (ranked 1 on the best countries for digital nomads according to the 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report from GIU) and work permits via employer sponsorship.
• Costs: Reasonable outside Madrid and Barcelona. Groceries and utilities are comparatively affordable, and intercity transport is efficient.
• Healthcare: Universal public system (SNS) with strong outcomes. Private coverage shortens wait times.
• Education: Free public schooling, bilingual programs, and quality international schools in major metros. Globally respected universities in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia.
• Safety: Low violent crime and cohesive neighborhoods alongside a strong civic life.
• Pathway: Long-term residence after five years. Citizenship after ten years (shorter for certain nationalities).
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $1,900 – $2,900
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $900 – $1,500
  • Average utilities & groceries: $100 – $160 (utilities), $275 – $450 (groceries)

06/ Costa Rica – value and eco-lifestyle

• Why it’s great for Americans: “Pura vida” culture, biodiversity, and a peaceful, demilitarized state. Ideal for nature-oriented families and remote workers prioritizing wellness.
• Popular visas: Pensionado (retiree), Rentista (income-based), Digital Nomad Visa. Eventual permanent residence via time in country.
• Costs: Around 30 – 45% below U.S. averages outside central San José; imported goods push costs up in beach towns.
• Healthcare: Public CAJA, the country’s social security and public healthcare system, with decent medical coverage. Private hospitals and clinics in San José and key regional centers.
• Education: Bilingual/private schools in San José, Escazú and Heredia, and coastal expat enclaves. Growing international curricula.
• Safety: Generally safe with common-sense precautions applying in especially tourist areas.
• Pathway: Permanent residency after 3 years on temporary residence and citizenship after 7 years’ legal stay.
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $1,600 – $2,400
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $700 – $1,100
  • Average utilities and groceries: $80 – $130 (utilities), $225 – $375 (groceries)

07/ Singapore – professionals, safety and infrastructure

• Why it’s great for Americans: A clean, efficient, business-first city-state with rule of law, low corruption, and world-class amenities. High salaries offset living costs and it is one of the best countries to move to from the US that speak English since it’s an official language. It also ranks number 1 in the Investment metric on Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index.
• Popular visas: Employment Pass, ONE Pass (top talent), EntrePass for founders and dependents via DP/LTVP.
• Costs: High housing and car ownership costs, but public transit is superb and services are reliable.
• Healthcare: Universal coverage structure with excellent private facilities and short wait times.
• Education: Outstanding international schools and elite universities such as National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.
• Safety: Among the safest globally (6th on the Global Peace Index) and extremely low violent crime.
• Pathway: Permanent residency possible through employment and contributions. Citizenship is selective and long-term.
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $3,500 – $5,000
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $2,000 – $3,200
  • Average utilities and groceries: $120 – $200 (utilities), $350 – $600 (groceries)

08/ Germany – skilled workers and industry

• Why it’s great for Americans: Strong manufacturing/tech economy, labor protections, and growing English-language roles in major hubs like Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. Solid transit and green spaces.
• Popular visas: EU Blue Card, Job-Seeker Visa, Freelancer (in select fields) and ICT permits.
• Costs: Moderate overall. Housing in Munich and Frankfurt is pricey but subsidized healthcare softens these high expenses.
• Healthcare: Universal public insurance (GKV) with comprehensive coverage and private (PKV) for qualifying incomes.
• Education: Free public universities and excellent applied sciences programs; international schools in big cities.
• Safety: High rule of law, low crime, and reliable public services.
• Pathway: Permanent residency after around 5 years (faster for Blue Card holders). Citizenship usually after 6 to 8 years. German citizenship gives you access to the 4th most powerful passport in the world, according to the Global Passport Index ranking.
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $2,400 – $3,600
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $1,100 – $1,800
  • Average utilities and groceries: $120 – $180 (utilities), $300 – $500 (groceries)

09/ Ireland – English-speaking and tech-driven

• Why it’s great for Americans: Strong U.S. corporate presence (tech/pharma/finance), cultural affinity, and English-speaking workforce. Dublin is dynamic; regional cities offer calmer, lower-cost living making it one of the best places to move in Europe for Americans.
• Popular visas: Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme.
• Costs: Housing is the main pain point in Dublin; smaller cities/towns ease budgets.
• Healthcare: Public (HSE) system with private options; GP registration needed for access.
• Education: High university standards (think Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin) with good international school coverage in Dublin.
• Safety: Low violent crime and stable governance. Ranked 2nd safest country in the world.
• Pathway: Long-term residence after five years and citizenship by naturalization after five years of reckonable residence (period of time a person is legally considered to be living in a country for specific purposes)
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $2,700 – $4,000
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $1,400 – $2,300
  • Average utilities and groceries: $110 – $170 (utilities), $325 – $550 (groceries)

10/ Panama – retiree perks and tax efficiency

• Why it’s great for Americans: Dollarized economy, warm climate, and friendly relocation policies. City comforts abound in Panama City with serene beach and mountain towns surrounding it.
• Popular visas: Pensionado (retiree discounts), Friendly Nations Visa and Panama Qualified Investor Visa.
• Costs: Often 30–50% below U.S. averages; utilities and domestic services are affordable.
• Healthcare: Good private hospitals with bilingual staff; regional coverage improving.
• Education: International schools in Panama City are ideal for people from multiple generations making move and there are great Spanish-immersion options for families.
• Safety: Politically stable with low violent crime in residential areas.
• Pathway: Permanent residency available quickly under several routes; citizenship after ~5 years.
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $1,700 – $2,500
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $700 – $1,200
  • Average utilities and groceries: $80 – $130 (utilities), $225 – $375 (groceries)

11/ Malta – EU access, sun and English-speaking

• Why it’s great for Americans: English widely spoken, compact geography, and easy access to the EU/Schengen space. Coastal living with historic charm and modern services.
• Popular visas: Malta Permanent Residency by Investment (also known as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme), Nomad Residence Permit (Malta Digital Nomad Visa) and highly regulated citizenship by naturalization via residence.
• Costs: Mid-to-high by Southern Europe standards. Utilities tend to be moderate and imported goods are pricier.
• Healthcare: High-quality public system and reputable private clinics.
• Education: English-medium schooling, IB programs, and respected tertiary options at University of Malta.
• Safety: Low crime and strong community cohesion.
• Pathway: Permanent residency via investment/eligibility. Citizenship via ordinary naturalization after long-term residence and meeting strict criteria.
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $2,200 – $3,200
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $1,000 – $1,600
  • Average utilities and groceries: $110 – $170 (utilities), $300 – $500 (groceries)

12/ Switzerland – Safety, healthcare and scenery

• Why it’s great for Americans: Ultra-safe, immaculate infrastructure, and outdoor access in every season. High costs buy exceptional services and stability.
• Popular visas: Residence Permits (B/L) via employment or financial self-sufficiency. Investor/cantonal options vary.
• Costs: Among the highest globally—budget accordingly for housing, health insurance, and dining.
• Healthcare: Mandatory private insurance guarantees high-caliber care with superb hospitals and clinics.
• Education: Excellent public schools, multilingual curricula, and elite international schools. Strong universities such as ETH Zürich and EPFL. The country even ranks in the top 10 of the GIU Global Education Report.
• Safety: Exceptionally low crime and high institutional trust.
• Pathway: C-Permit (permanent residence) generally after 10 years (faster for some nationals) and citizenship by naturalization after long residence and integration.
• Cost of living
  • Estimated monthly expenses: $4,000 – $6,000
  • Housing (1-bed apartment): $2,000 – $3,200
  • Average utilities and groceries: $180 – $260 (utilities), $450 – $700 (groceries)