Best Places for Expats to Live

Planning to move abroad? Seeking increased global mobility and a better work-life balance? This guide aims to present you with some of the best places for expats to live abroad. Whether you elect Europe or the Caribbean islands as your chosen destination, we will walk you through several of the best places in the world to live and also the best places to start a new life.

In this guide, you will find out more about the best places to live as an expat.

• Best places to live in Europe for expats
• Portugal
• Spain
• Cyprus
• Malta
• Best places to live in the Caribbean
• Other Caribbean countries
• FAQS

Why do expats move abroad?

Many expats who choose to move abroad to a different country seek qualities that may not be available to them in their home countries. These include a better quality of life and work-life balance, low costs of living, attractive tax benefits to save on personal finances, incredible landscapes, and a slower pace of day-to-day life.

Whether it’s the cheap and high-quality food in Thailand or the low rental prices in Mexico that you can enjoy while being on the doorstep of the US, many of these qualities, and more, are available in some of the best expat locations to live in.

Where to live overseas?

Europe

Drawn by a mild climate in some countries, and diverse cultures, history, and entertainment in others, it’s no wonder that Europe has some of the best countries to live in overseas. Not only will you be taken aback by the rich history, culture, and weather of European countries, but you’ll have access to a cheap cost of living and be able to enjoy numerous delicious cuisines, and be able to make the most of the incredible scenery that you’ll find across Europe.

European countries like Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Cyprus are among the best places to live in Europe for families. Their heavy focus on community, low rates of crime, and inherent family-friendly nature provide an environment for children to flourish.

The Caribbean 

If you are seeking pristine waters, world-class beaches, a tropical climate, and calm social life, the Caribbean islands are another popular destination that American expats choose to relocate to. It’s easy to enjoy a relaxed style of living and boost your mental well-being while admiring the wonders of nature in some of the best places to live in the world.

The Best Places to Live in Europe for Expats

Benefits for an expat living in Europe

Expats living in Europe benefit from numerous things. A high standard of living, job security, access to a world-class healthcare system and education, affordable retirement plans, as well as the security of a second residence in a politically and economically stable country are just a few of the benefits available. Borderless visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area also makes international weekend trips a breeze.

The Best Places to Live in Europe for Expats

Portugal

Why live in Portugal?

Portugal is rated as one of the best countries to live for expats. It scores highly on quality of life surveys, cost of living, personal safety reports, and friendliness of locals towards expats. Its mild climate, beautiful beaches, innovative tech sector, and slower pace of life make Portugal one of the best places to live overseas.

Best places for expats to live in Portugal

Whatever you are looking for, there are plenty of places to live in Portugal. These are among the most popular spots for expats:

• The Algarve
• Cascais and Estoril
• Central Portugal
• Lisbon
• Porto

Portugal’s D7 Visa Program

Portugal’s D7 Visa Program – also referred to as the Portugal Passive Income Visa – is an attractive residency option for non-EU nationals. A monthly income of €2,800 ($2,985) can make you eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa. This government-sponsored program offers several benefits for expats in Portugal. These include:

• The right to family reunification
• A waiver of the general residence visas for Portugal
• A visa exemption for Schengen Area travel
• Tax benefits via NHR
• The right to apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after five years, as long as you fulfill the program requirements

Spain

Why live in Spain?

Famous for its food, culture, quality work-life balance, friendly locals, and celebrations, Spain is one of the best European countries for expats. You will not be disappointed by its diverse sceneries and various pockets of natural wonders to discover. It’s the closest taste of Latin America that you’ll find in Europe.

Spain has many qualities that other countries don’t have that make life abroad a blast. Spain’s low cost of living, growing population of young professionals, digital nomads, and remote workers and diverse cities and landscapes are just a few of the reasons why Spain is one of the best places to live in Europe for young adults.

Advantages of living in Spain as an expat

One of the main advantages of living in Spain as an expat is its rich quality of life. These advantages include: 

• Fantastic beaches
• Great healthcare system
• Amazing food and cuisine
• A rich and diverse culture
• Comfortable climate year-round
• High-quality schools
• Friendly locals
• World-class museums

The Best places for expats to live in Spain 

With Spain being the second largest country in western Europe, you will find plenty of options to settle down in. Whether you prefer living in a large or small city or a picturesque villa on the Mediterranean coast, you will find all sorts of options open to you in Spain. Some of the best places to live in Spain as an expat are:

• Barcelona
• Madrid
• Valencia
• Granada
• Bilbao
• The Canary Islands

Spain’s Golden Visa program

The Golden Visa scheme in Spain is a type of residency-by-investment visa program. Established by the Spanish government in 2013, the program is geared toward non-EU foreigners. There is a range of investment options, with the minimum investment being €500,000 ($542,000) in real estate. Qualifying applicants and their immediate family members are issued with a residency visa, as well as a possible pathway to permanent residency and Spanish citizenship.

Cyprus

Why live in Cyprus?

Known as the jewel of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a beautiful, laid-back island nation between Greece and Turkey. With its breathtaking coastal atmosphere, exotic cuisine, and rich culture and history, it is no wonder why it has become one of the best places to live overseas.

Advantages of living in Cyprus as an expat

Year-round sunny weather and affordable living costs are some of the main advantages of living in Cyprus as an expat. Low crime rates, a number of tax incentives to save on personal finances, and a reputation as one of the best places to live in Europe for English speakers – due to widely spoken English – are other considerable benefits.

Cyprus’ Golden Visa Program

The Cyprus Golden Visa program allows individuals to obtain Cypriot residency by making an investment in the country’s economy, usually in real estate or government bonds. In Cyprus, you can acquire residence through a qualifying investment of €300,000 ($325,500) in real estate purchases, shares in a Cypriot company, or in units of a Cyprus Collective Investment Organization (e.g., AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).

Interested in Cyprus’ Golven Visa? Get in touch with our specialists at Global Citizen Solutions for more information on how we can help you secure Cypriot residency in no time.

Malta

Why live in Malta?

Steeped in history and culture, Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean island nation that has some of the best diving spots in the world. Do not be deterred by its small size, as Malta offers many kinds of entertainment and historical wonders, from dancing the night away on the Isle of MTV, to gazing at the Ggantija Temples, and drifting through the eerie remains of the HMS Maori in St. Elmo Bay.

Advantages of living in Malta as an expat

Living in Malta as an expat has many benefits. You can limit the culture shock due to the absence of language barriers as English is an official language in the country. Since 88 percent of the population speaks English, It’s one of the best European countries to live in as an American expat. The health care system is also excellent, living costs are very affordable, it’s politically stable, the economy is booming, and the weather is incredible all year.

Best places for expats to live in Malta

Malta is a small island. However, it offers a great variety of places to discover along the coast, in the countryside, or in the urban areas. Here are some of the best places to live in Malta:

• Valletta
• St. Paul’s Bay
• Victoria
• Mdina and Rabat
• City of Birgu

Malta’s Citizenship-by-Investment 

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program (CES)– provides a quick and efficient journey to a European passport. Maltese citizenship can be obtained after 12 months with a minimum investment value of €600,000 ($651,000), and after 36 months with a minimum investment value of €750,000 ($814,000). In total, three payments need to be made before citizenship is granted. 

The three investments that need to be made are: 

1. A direct, non-refundable investment: An exceptional direct investment of a minimum value of €600,000 or €750,000 for the main applicant, depending on the residence period selected: 12 or 36 months (an extra €50,000 fee is required for each dependent).
2. Real estate investment: A lease for residential real estate for a minimum value of €16,000 per year for a period of five years or the purchase of real estate for a minimum value of €700,000 that must be kept for at least five years.
3. Philanthropic donation: A donation of €10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, the welfare of animals, or artistic non-governmental organization or society as approved by the Community Malta Agency (CMA). 

There are some other costs that you will also need to pay, such as due diligence and the administration fee.

Living in Europe as an Expat

Before you begin your journey to Europe, it’s always best to work with reputable professionals to ensure you’re making the right choices for your personal situation. Make sure you find a trusted advisor who can help guide you through the process – and save you time and money!

If you need advice on property investment or residency in Portugal, Spain, Malta, or Cyprus, our specialists are here to help.

Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation with one of our team members.

The Best Places for Expats to Live in the Caribbean

The Best Caribbean island to live on as an expat

More and more American expats are moving to the Caribbean due to its tranquil lifestyle options, world-class beaches, stunning scenery, political stability, and proximity to the US as well as other popular destinations like Mexico and countries in South America.

Caribbean countries are very popular for American expats looking for a second passport. St. Kitts and Nevis passport, for example, offers visa-free travel to over 140 countries globally, as do the passports of other Caribbean countries, like Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda. All of these passports include visa-free access throughout the EU Schengen Area.

Thanks to Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs, many investors can now permanently settle in the Caribbean. Dominica has consistently been rated as the best place to live as a US expat. Here’s why:

• Safe and stable lifestyle
• Geographical proximity to the US
• Visa-free travel to over 140 countries
• Tax incentives

Dominica

Why live in Dominica?

A tropical paradise in the Caribbean, Dominica has plenty to offer expats. Its waterfalls, volcanoes, hot springs, and beautiful beaches create the ideal setting for an adventurous and relaxing life as an expat. It’s also a very sustainable destination. The government is putting a lot of effort into conservation, preservation, and green energy. With very affordable living costs, this unspoiled paradise will give you a remarkable daily life.

Dominica citizenship-by-investment program

Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program offers individuals the unique ability to obtain citizenship in Dominica by investing in the country’s economy, usually in the form of real estate or a government donation. With its breathtaking scenery, luxurious national parks, friendly locals, and gorgeous beaches, Dominica’s citizenship program is one of the most popular ways to obtain citizenship and a second passport within three to six months. 

With qualifying 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).

Other Caribbean countries to live as an expat 

Antigua and Barbuda

Why live in Antigua and Barbuda?

Blessed with some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, crystal clear waters, and a year-round warm climate, as well as low crime rates due to strict laws for crime, Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best countries for safety in the Caribbean islands to live a pure life as an expat. For those looking for the best countries for American expats with families, Antigua and Barbuda has a highly rated school system and international schools with a lower average student-to-teacher ratio than the US.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment program

Antigua and Barbuda established its citizenship by investment initiative in 2012 as a means to promote economic growth sustainably by attracting overseas developers and increasing foreign direct investment in the nation. You can acquire an Antigua and Barbuda passport-by-investment by making a charitable contribution, investing in real estate, or establishing a business. 

In three to five months, you and your immediate family can acquire Antigua and Barbudan passports, starting from a qualifying investment of $100,000. 

You can find out more about the program in our article: Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide.

How can I move to the Caribbean?

We work first and foremost for our clients, providing unique tailor-made solutions to each individual.

Making an investment and moving abroad may seem daunting, we know this from first-hand experience. At Global Citizen Solutions, we guide our clients through each step of the citizenship process with 100 percent success rates.

Contact us to learn more about the Caribbean citizenship programs, or to learn more about other residency and citizenship programs we work with.

The Best Expat Online Communities

Intimidated by the prospect of leaving your home country and moving abroad to start a new life in a new country? Do not worry. Plenty of expat community groups are available, which will ease the transition to a new chapter abroad and introduce you to the local expat communities.

InterNations allows you to connect and exchange directly with other international people who live or work abroad. Easily get in touch with other like-minded expats, attend events and activities, and build a network of expat friends.

Meetup helps you find and create local social support groups. Use Meetup to encounter new people and international workers, try new activities, learn expat essentials, and build new friendships.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Best Places for Expats to Live