Best places for Americans to live abroad

Learn the Best Places for Americans to Live Abroad

Are you looking for options to live outside of America? Improving one’s global mobility and investment portfolio are considerable assets in an ever-changing world. This guide aims to present you with some of the best places for Americans to live abroad. From Europe to the Caribbean, here are several of the best places to live outside America.

• Why do Americans move abroad?
• Best European country for Americans
• Best Caribbean country for Americans
• FAQs

Why do Americans move abroad?

The main reason for Americans to move abroad is to get a better quality of life. There are many advantages of relocating abroad including: low costs of living, attractive tax benefits, safety, relaxed pace to everyday life, global mobility, and incredible climate. 

Where to expatriate as an American?

Europe is internationally famous for having some of the best places to live abroad. Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Cyprus offer great benefits for an American family to live in Europe, and these countries are ranked among some of the best places for Americans to live abroad. Americans relocating to Europe can enjoy a great weather, fabulous beaches, rich culture, and convenient connections to the rest of Europe. 

Seeking pristine water, gorgeous beaches, and lush rainforests? The Caribbean islands are another perfect option to relocate. Known for its relaxed lifestyle and diverse nature, the Caribbean countries are some of the best places to live abroad.

Best countries for Americans

Benefits to live abroad for Americans

Last but not least, you will find plenty of places to live in Portugal as a US citizen such as the Algarve – it’s very famous among the expat community – and Cascais and Estoril, Central Portugal, Lisbon or Porto are popular cities to live in as well.

Interested in moving to Portugal?  A very attractive option for American citizens is Portugal’s Residency-by-Investment Program, also popularly referred to as the Golden Visa. The program allows you to invest in the country — buying a property worth at least €500,000 in Portugal —  making you eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa. Learn more about this option in our ultimate guide by experts to the Portugal Golden Visa Program.

Spain

Famous for its vivacious culture, landscapes, and diversity, Spain is one of the best places for Americans to live in Europe. One of the main advantages to living in Spain as an American is the rich quality of life it offers. These advantages include: 

• Fantastic beaches
• Efficient health-care system
• Developed infrastructures
• Delicious food and cuisine

Spain being the largest country in Southern Europe, you will find plenty of options available to settle in. Some of the best places for Americans to live abroad are: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada, Bilbao, and the Canary Islands.

If you want to relocate to Spain,  Spain’s Golden Visa program might be a good option. The program is geared toward non-EU foreigners who would like to make either capital investments or a real estate investment of at least €500,000. Qualified applicants and immediate family members are issued with a residency visa, with possible pathways to permanent residency and Spanish citizenship.

Cyprus

A real gem of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a wonderful island located between Greece and Turkey. With its breathtaking coastal atmosphere, exotic cuisine, and fascinating history, its increasing popularity comes as no surprise. Good weather, affordable living costs, low crime rates, tax benefits, and widely spoken English are some of the reasons why it is becoming one of the best countries for Americans. 

This beautiful island offers many wonders to discover, but here are some of the best places to live in Cyprus: Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia, Larcana, Famagusta and Kyrenia.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: It’s official, Cyprus has closed its popular citizenship by investment program on 1 November 2020. What this means is, investors will no longer be able to acquire a Cypriot passport by investment.

Looking to secure European citizenship? Malta offers a direct investment route to a Maltese passport. Click here for more info.

Interested in moving to Cyprus? Take a look at Cyprus’s Citizenship by Investment Program. It allows individuals to obtain citizenship by making an investment in the country. Acquire citizenship by investment in less than a year through a combination of real estate purchases and contributions to government funds.

Get in touch with our specialists at Global Citizen Solutions for more information on how we can help you secure Cyprus citizenship in under a year. 

Malta

Rich in history and culture, Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean island that has some of the best diving spots in the world. Small in size, Malta is certainly big on the entertainment and scenery scene. Living in Malta as an American has many benefits: the population speaks English, the health care system is excellent, the living costs are affordable, it’s politically stable, the economy is booming, and the weather is incredible. 

Some of the best places to live in Malta are the city of Valletta, St. Paul’s bay, the city of Victoria, the city of Mdina and Rabat, and the city of Birgu.

Officially known as the Malta Individual Investor Program, the Malta citizenship by investment scheme aims at attracting the investment of high net worth individuals of good moral standing. In return for making an investment in real estate, government bonds or stocks, or Malta’s Government Fund, you and your family are granted citizenship in a year, with EU passports. To find out more about Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program, take a look at our Ultimate Guide.

Dominica

A tropical paradise in the Caribbean, Dominica has plenty to offer for American expats. Its waterfalls, volcanoes, lush forests, and beautiful beaches provide for adventure and relaxation. With affordable costs of living, this Caribbean paradise will take your breath away.

Dominica’s Citizenship by investment program offers individuals the unique ability to obtain citizenship by investing in the country. The program is one of the most popular ways to obtain a second passport within 3-4 months. With contributions starting from $100,000, you can acquire a Dominica passport-by-investment by either investing in real estate or donating to the Government’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF).

Antigua and Barbuda

Recognized for having some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, crystal clear waters and warm climate, Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best and safest Caribbean islands to live as an American.

The country established its own citizenship by investment initiative in 2012 to encourage sustainable economic growth, attract developments, and stimulate foreign investment to the nation. Investors can obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport by either making a charitable contribution, investing in property or setting up a business. In less than six months, you and your family can obtain Antigua passports, starting from a $100,000 investment. 

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is yet another well-known destination to settle down in. Popular and appreciated for its beautiful scenery, world-class beaches, and warm tropical climate, many can live a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle here.. Thanks to the St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Program, investors and their families can obtain second passports and tax-free worldwide income in the island nation. 

Grenada

Grenada offers a simple lifestyle under the sun, plenty of white sand beaches to enjoy, and a friendly local population. Take a look at Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program, providing you with the unique opportunity to obtain citizenship by investing in the country, usually in real estate or a government donation.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia’s popularity among US expats is due to its top beaches, tropical rainforest, and agreeable climate. Take a look at Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program and obtain a second passport in one of the cheapest ways – with investments starting from $100,000. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Abroad as an American

What countries welcome American expats?

Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Malta, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbua welcome American are some of the best places for expats to live.

What is the best place to live in the world 2020?

Portugal has been ranked in numerous global studies as the top country in the world for expats. High quality of life, excellent climate, clean air, safety and stunning beaches make Portugal the best foreign country for an American to live in.

Where can US citizens live permanently?

With the creation of the Golden Visas, Portugal and Spain offer US citizens the opportunity to relocate permanently and get residency in some of the best places for Americans to live in Europe. The Caribbean islands are also popular options for American expats, because of the proximity with the US, low living costs, and relaxed way of living.

What is the Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is a permanent residency visa issued by the authority of a country to individuals who invest a certain sum of money, often through the purchase of property.  The Golden Visas allow Americans to relocate to some of the best places to live and work in Europe.

Which countries offer Golden Visas to Americans?

Spain and Portugal offer Golden Visas.

Which country gives citizenship by buying property?

Cyprus, Malta, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Saint Lucia.

Where do most American expats live in Portugal?

The best American expat communities in Portugal can be found in the Algarve.

What are the safest places to live abroad?

Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Malta are some of the safest places to live abroad. Antigua and Barbuda is the safest place to live in the Caribbean.

What are the best places to work in Europe?

Portugal and Spain are some of the best places for Americans to work in Europe. The numerous companies implanted in these countries create valuable working opportunities for foreigners.