How to Move Out of the US in 2026: A Complete Guide

If rising living costs, political instability, and healthcare quality have you thinking about how to move out of the US, then you are not alone. The benefits of living abroad include higher purchasing power, affordable healthcare, and a greater degree of safety. 

There are thousands of decisions, both big and small, that go into immigration. The most important one is the country that you decide to move to. Many countries, from Portugal to Greece, provide individuals and families with pathways to residency and citizenship.  

It’s also essential to assess factors such as cost of living, healthcare systems, tax implications, and how well you and your family will adapt to daily life abroad. Our comprehensive guide provides you with everything you need to know about moving out of the US. 

Key Takeaways: How to Move Out of the US

Americans are choosing to move abroad because they seek a higher quality of life at a lower cost. They also seek a safer, more stable environment for themselves and their families. 

Moving overseas is a complicated process that starts with selecting a country and ends when you acquire residency or citizenship. The process of acquiring citizenship or residency is long, but it does not have to be arduous thanks to our advice and support.  

Moving with children and pets is completely feasible, but it will require more planning and higher costs.  

Some of the best countries to move to out of the US include Portugal, Canada, and Malta. These nations offer expat communities, high standards of living, and a variety of visa options. 

The logistics of an international relocation require careful planning to coordinate the many moving parts. It is important to consider not only your physical possessions, but also your financial assets.  

Moving to a new jurisdiction comes with new tax implications and reporting requirements. Additionally, leaving the US does not mean you are no longer responsible for US taxes. 

1. Cost of living and healthcare: More Americans are moving abroad because they want their money to go further, access high-quality healthcare at a reasonable price, and escape the polarization that defines the US political landscape. 
2. Increased purchasing power: A key factor driving this shift is the rise of remote work, which allows US citizens to earn dollars while living in countries with weaker economies. This increase in purchasing power is appealing, along with reduced costs for housing, healthcare, and education. 
3. Housing affordability: The US housing market is inaccessible for many Americans, making home ownership abroad more attractive. This is especially true in countries that offer residency or citizenship by investment. Nations such as St. Lucia encourage investors to purchase property to accelerate their path to citizenship or residence. 
4. Quality of life: This is another major driver of relocation. Many countries offer stronger protections for citizens, particularly employees. Countries like France have much stronger labor laws and, as a result, provide better work-life balance 
5. Favorable tax regimes: More favorable tax regimes outside of the US also attract both individuals and companies, particularly in the Caribbean. Some countries levy lower tax rates than the US and exempt certain types of income from taxation, drawing more Americans to relocate abroad. 

Between 2020 and 2025 the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that private sector pay has increased at a rate of between ~23-25% cumulatively. However, other costs have increased at faster rates with groceries up ~24%, housing up ~28%, and energy up ~35-40%. These costs are pushing people out of the US and into other more desirable nations.  

The US Census Bureau does not keep a tally the number of American citizens living abroad. However, a 2024 Association of Americans Resident Overseas report estimate suggests that there are ~5.4 million Americans living in other countries. The most popular destinations for Americans are Mexico, the EU, and Canada.  

More Americans are renouncing their citizenships, with 2025 numbers being greater than the 2020 peak of ~6,000. This indicates that more people have found benefits in another citizenship and likely wish to reduce their tax burden.  

Our Global Intelligence unit published a recent report on the burgeoning trend of strategic migrations of American citizens. It highlights the proactive strategy of acquiring a physical and financial “plan B”. The report states that this, “form of strategic diversification functions…as a contingency plan in the face of domestic uncertainty.” 

Step 01/ Choose a New Country 

The first step of moving out of the US is choosing the perfect second nation. This choice should be influenced by the things that are lacking in your US life such as affordability, quality of life, and stability.  

Consider how well you and your family will adapt to life in the new country, as well as whether the country offers visa or residency options that are accessible to foreigners and align with your long-term plans.

Step 02/ Select the Best Visa for You 

Once you have selected the country that is best for your family, it is time to select the visa that is most suitable. The selection will depend on your income and your interest in pursuing either residency or citizenship by investment. Some of the best visa options to move out of the US include: 

• Digital nomad visas: Designed for remote workers who earn income from outside the host country while living there legally. 
• Passive income visas: Ideal for retirees or individuals with stable income from pensions, investments, or rental properties. 
• Golden Visas: Residency-by-investment programs that grant residence rights in exchange for qualifying investments, often with minimal physical stay requirements. 
• Citizenship by investment: Programs that allow individuals to obtain citizenship directly through a qualifying investment, typically offered by select countries. 

Additionally, you should plan for the costs of bringing dependents with you and how long the visa lasts.  The duration of the visa you have selected is critical because long-term visas can lead to residency or citizenship. 

Understanding the rules of the visa you are applying for can ease the process by saving you time and money, as well as having certainty that your application was filled in correctly. Completing visa applications is something that we help our clients with frequently. Our experts are here to help you.   

Step 03/ Understanding Residency and Citizenship 

Residency means that you have the right to reside in a country. This right can either be temporary or permanent depending on the circumstances. Citizenship means that you have a passport, and you are a citizen of that nation. A citizen has full legal rights in a country and is entitled to certain, nation-specific benefits like socialized healthcare.  

Many countries around the world allow dual citizenship, and it provides a great deal of global mobility for your family and, potentially, your assets.  

Some countries do not allow dual citizenship. To become a citizen in these nations, you would need to renounce your US citizenship. The process of doing this is expensive, time-consuming, and individuals over a net worth of $2M or more will need to pay a form of expatriation tax. 

Step 04/ Manage Assets Internationally 

Leaving the US is as much a financial decision as it is a practical one. Managing your portfolio of assets requires an international mindset due to the added layers of tax you may be exposed to. Additionally, choosing whether your business moves is a decision that should not be taken without the proper advice.  

Selecting a second nation is a strategic choice. Countries with lower income taxes than the US may also offer a more desirable environment for conducting business. Establishing a business in St. Lucia, for example, has many tax benefits for international investors.  

Step 05/ Arrange Financial Affairs 

You will need to arrange your financial affairs before you leave the US. This often involves selling or restructuring your business to take advantage of the new jurisdictions’ tax regime. Only when renouncing citizenship will some high-net-worth individuals need to pay an expatriation tax.  

American citizens will still need to file a US tax return each year. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) can help to avoid double taxation. The FEIE allows you to exclude a portion of your foreign income, and the FTC provides credits for the tax you pay to a foreign government.  

Expert advice is often necessary in complex cases to minimize tax and maximize offshore returns. We help our clients understand how they can best position themselves financially when moving out of the US. This allows high-net-worth individuals to retain as much of their wealth as possible while immigrating.  

Step 06/ Alert American Authorities 

Let the relevant government departments know that you are leaving the country. For most people, this will include the USPS for mail forwarding, and the IRS for tax purposes. Additionally, the State Department must be informed if you are planning on the renunciation of your citizenship. 

When considering how to move out of the US with your children, it’s vital to ensure that you select a country and a visa that allows you to bring dependents/family members. Several residency and citizenship by investment programs allow you to do just that.  

The next most crucial consideration after visas is the quality of schooling available in the country you have selected. Some nations start their school years in January, while others start later in the year. This could lead to a long gap in your child’s education without adequate planning.  

Moving with children may require additional documentation to prove that you are the child’s parent/guardian and that you have permission to take them out of the US and into another country. The specific requirements vary heavily depending on the country, and this is something we advise our clients on all the time.  

Disrupting a child’s life with an international move is a decision that is never made lightly. You should spend time with your child explaining why you have decided to move, what the benefits of the new location are, and how they can stay in touch with their friends. Reassurance goes a long way toward helping your children feel better about moving. 

Moving with your pets is essential. Careful planning ensures that your pets are well taken care of and arrive where and when they should. Quarantine times are an unfortunate reality and something that pet owners should always be aware of. These can range from none at all to months and vary heavily by country. 

Moving Out of the US with Pets Guide 

• Step 1: Research the country you have chosen and find their requirements for bringing a pet. This will likely include recent vaccination records, a vet’s assessment, and a microchip.  
• Step 2: Visit a USDA-accredited vet to obtain USDA Form 7001. This form clears your pets for international travel and is required in the moving process. It needs to be signed within 10 days of travel.  
• Step 3: Decide how you would like to transport your pets. The three main options are cabin, cargo, or third-party companies. The cabin is only available for smaller animals that fit in a particular crate size. This is why owners of larger pets usually use third-party companies. We have global connections and can help you find the right company or method for transporting your pets internationally.  
• Step 4: Crate train your pets. This training is especially important if your pets have never been in a crate before. Dogs tend to dislike crates so you should start training them as soon as you can. Whichever method of transport you choose, your pet will need to be in a crate for at least some of the journey. Crate training ahead of time can help reduce stress in your pets during the trip. 
• Step 5: Prepare to depart from the US. This involves ensuring all relevant forms have been completed and all requirements have been met for your chosen country. Ensure you have planned transport for yourself and your pets as not all companies are pet friendly.  
• Step 6: Plan your arrival. Determine the regulations that you will need to meet in your new country. This can include a quarantine period, vet checkups, and vaccinations. You should also plan out how you will help your pet adapt to their new home and routine. Remember to give your pets plenty of affection.  

The following are the 10 best countries to move to from the US in : 

01/ Spain 

Spain is ranked first in the world in the most recent Retirement Index for US citizens by the Global Intelligence Unit. Spain ranks first in the Digital Nomad Index as well. It provides excellent healthcare and a lower cost of living than most of Western Europe. 

Benefits:  

• Spain delivers an exceptionally high quality of life as it provides a healthy work-life balance, a relaxed pace, and time outdoors in the Mediterranean climate. 
• Public healthcare is some of the best in the world, with private options being affordable as well. 
• The infrastructure in Spain is advanced, with high-speed rail, and road networks connecting the nation to itself and the rest of Europe. 

Visas: 

• Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: To qualify for the visa, individuals will need to demonstrate a passive income of roughly €2,400 per month. This makes the visa ideal for retirees. 
• Spain Digital Nomad Visa: You will need to make 200% of Spain’s minimum wage which is about €2,762 per month. The visa enables living and working in Spain and can include dependents. 

02/ Portugal 

Portugal is an appealing option for Americans because the nation offers several viable visa programs, has large English-speaking population, and provides high-quality healthcare at relatively low prices.  

Benefits:  

• According to the 2025 Global Retirement Report for US Citizens, by our Global Intelligence Unit, Portugal is ranked second as the best country to retire in. 
• The cost of living in Portugal is, on average, 39% less than it is in the US. With rent being 54% lower in general.  
• Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with significantly lower rates of violent crime than in the US.  
• Public transport and infrastructure are advanced in Portugal. Car-free living is possible in many of the nation’s cities with well-maintained roads connecting the country. 
• Permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship are available after 5 years of legal residence under any qualifying visa program.  

Visas: 

• Portugal Digital Nomad Visa: This visa allows non-EU nations to live who earn income from abroad to live in Portugal. The program is available as either a short-term stay of up to one year or a renewable residence visa valid for up to five years. Portugal D7 Visa: Individuals with passive income from pensions, real estate, or other financial holdings can apply for this visa. It allows you to live and work for two years and is renewable for another two years. 
• Portugal Golden Visa: This is a residency by investment program that allows Americans to live and work in Portugal. The minimum requirements vary by investment category, exclude property, and start at €250,000 for a donation to a project that preserves Portuguese national cultural heritage.  

03/ Canada 

Americans moving to Canada are drawn to the country’s proximity, relatable culture, and better social protections for its citizens. It is predominantly English speaking, with some French based on geography.  

Benefits:  

• The nation is diverse and progressive with a mix of people from around the world. This includes other Americans to help ease the transition. 
• Canada has some of the best education in the world, with more affordable tertiary options than the US. 
• Universal healthcare is a benefit that Canadian citizens and permanent residents get to enjoy, alongside a significantly cheaper private sector. 

Visas: 

• Work Visa Canada: Those who have secured a job opportunity in Canada can apply for this visa. It enables you to live and work in the country for one year and is renewable for up to three years.  
• Canada Start-up Visa Program (SUV): The Canada Start-up Visa is an entrepreneur visa for immigrants with an innovative startup or a startup concept and support from a designated organization.  

Note: The program was closed to new applicants on December 31, 2025. Only applicants who received a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization in 2025 may still apply for permanent residence, with a final submission deadline of June 30, 2026. 

04/ St. Lucia 

St. Lucia is a beautiful Caribbean nation with a tropical climate and a lower general cost of living than the US. English is the official language of the country with a French-based creole spoken by most of the population.  

Benefits:  

• Generally speaking, there are no taxes imposed on foreign-sourced income, capital gains, inheritance, or worldwide wealth.  
• The country is warm year-round thanks to its proximity to the equator and offers a huge variety of outdoor activities.  
• Compared to the US, St. Lucia has a more relaxed pace of life which leads to benefits like improved wellbeing and better work-life balance. 

Visa: 

• St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment: St. Lucia allows Americans to reduce the requirements for obtaining citizenship through an investment in the country with a minimum of $240,000. For real estate investments, this number goes up to $300,000.  

05/ Malta 

Malta is an English-speaking, Mediterranean country with a rich and storied history. The country is home to expats from around the world, including the US. On top of this, it is also one of the safest countries in Europe.  

Benefits:  

• The healthcare in Malta is excellent with costs for private care being reasonable, especially in comparison to the US.  
• Access to Malta means access to the entire Schengen Area. With a passport from Malta, you can travel the EU with ease. 
• The country has a favorable tax regime with no annual property tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax. This is ideal for Americans wanting to conduct business in the EU. 
• Malta is widely considered one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2017 and ranks first on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Index. Malta offers strong legal protections for LGBT individuals, including anti-discrimination laws, transgender rights, and gender identity recognition. 

Visas:  

• Malta Permanent Residence Program: This is a residence by investment avenue also called the Malta Golden Visa. To qualify, applicants must purchase a property worth a minimum of €300,000 or rent a property for at least €12,000 per year. Investors must also make a governmental contribution, and a charitable donation. 
• Malta Nomad Residence Permit: The Malta Digital Nomad Visa requires applicants to earn at least €44,000 per year. The permit lasts for one year, and it is renewable for up to four years.  

06/ Uruguay 

Uruguay is known for political stability, safety, and its progressive nature. The country typically does not tax foreign income, meaning that only domestically sourced income is taxable.  

Benefits: 

• The government of Uruguay is transparent and democratic, providing a stable environment for those looking to leave the US.  
• The country has a mild climate and low pollution providing a change of pace from the US. 
• Healthcare options are affordable, and both public and private options are available. 

Visa: 

• Uruguay Independent Means Visa: The visa requires a monthly income of at least $1,500 which can increase with dependents. It enables residency in Uruguay and can provide a pathway to citizenship. 

07/ New Zealand 

New Zealand is a small, island-nation that provides residents with subsidized healthcare, work-life balance, and high safety standards. The country is consistently ranked as one of the safest in the world.  

Benefits: 

• The country is friendly, open, and tolerant, making it a compelling alternative to the current political environment of the US. 
• New Zealand has a strong economy, with a high-degree of work-life balance. The country mandates four weeks of paid time off. 
• The education in New Zealand is some of the best in the world and it is easily accessible for residents. 

Visa:  

• New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa: The visa enables high-net-worth individuals to live and work in the country, for an economic contribution starting at NZD $5 million (~$3 million). 

08/ Italy

Italy offers a flat-tax regime for residents. This means that foreign high-net-worth individuals will pay a single tax of €300,000 on all their foreign income. They will also be exempt from wealth, inheritance, and foreign asset reporting obligations in Italy. 

Benefits: 

• Access to a lower cost of living than many Western European countries without sacrificing quality. 
• Public healthcare in Italy is some of the best in the world, with private options also available at low costs. 
• Italy has a lifestyle that is less fast paced than the US, with friends and family being prioritized over work. 

Visas:  

• Italy Golden Visa: This visa allows individuals to gain residency in Italy with starting costs at €250,000. Families can be included, and the residency allows for travel in the Schengen Area. 
• Italy Digital Nomad Visa: To qualify for this visa, you will need to earn at least €28,000 per year. It enables you to live and work in Italy if you have health insurance, sufficient income, and the right experience to work in your industry.  
• Italy Elective Residency Visa: The visa enables those with a steady stream of passive income, €32,000 per year, to apply for residency. This visa is best suited for retirees looking for an alternative to the US. 

09/ Greece 

Greece is one of the most affordable nations to live in Western Europe and offers a relaxed, welcoming environment. The nation has a rich history and provides its people with strong protections and rights. 

Benefits: 

• Necessities like food and transportation are roughly 20% cheaper than in the US, with accommodation being as much as 70% less expensive.  
• Healthcare in Greece is excellent with both public and private options available. Private options are accessibly priced. 
• The country can be advantageous for high-net-worth individuals as they can pay one lump sum of tax instead of progressive rates. 

Visas:  

• Greece Financially Independent Person Visa: The FIP Visa allows retirees and financially independent people to live in Greece without working. The visa requires an income of at least €3,500 per month. 
• Greece Golden Visa: Individuals can acuqire Residency by Investment in Greece starting at €250,000. Qualifying investments include real estate, shares, and bonds. 

10/ Mexico 

Mexico is a compelling option for Americans because of its low costs for both everyday expenses and private healthcare. It is right by the US, allowing expats to visit family and friends with ease.  

Benefits: 

• There are straightforward processes for getting temporary and/or permanent residence in the nation. This is particularly true for retirees and those generating passive income.  
• Mexican people tend to be welcoming and warm, as the culture of the nation promotes community-centered living.  
• The nation is beautiful with a range of different locations that Americans would enjoy living in. Some of the best areas for expats include Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, and Lake Chapala (Ajijic). 

Visas: 

• Temporary Resident Visa: This visa is applicable to people seeking to stay in Mexico for a period longer than 180, and up to four years. Proof that you will be able to support yourself financially is required, and you will need to show bank statements with proof of income of at least ~$2,500-$4,000. 
• Temporary Residency by Investment: You can acquire Temporary Residency in Mexico through investment in Mexican real estate and shares. You will need to invest at least ~$250K+ in real estate and $86,000 in shares in a Mexican company. 
• Permanent Resident Visa: You may apply for this visa after 4 years of living on the Temporary Resident Visa. Additionally, you may apply immediately if you meet higher requirements like over $7,000 in monthly income.  

Selling, Storing, or Shipping Belongings 

When deciding how to move out of the US, your belongings are a big consideration. Selling your items will generate liquidity in the short term and remove a large logistical headache. The drawbacks are that you will then need to purchase more furniture and other items when you arrive at your destination, and you may miss your own possessions.  

Storing your items helps to reduce the costs of transportation and give you access to your belongings in the future. This is a consistent monthly cost to consider, and something that may need ongoing administration.  

Shipping items has the highest upfront cost, which varies based on the method of transport. Airfreight (1-4 days) will be much faster than sea freight (3-10 weeks), but airfreight will also be much more expensive, particularly for large items. 

International Shipping Costs 

International shipping costs will vary widely per provider, location, and weight of the items. Shipping an entire home worth of furniture will cost thousands of dollars ($2000 – $8,000+) and likely take weeks due to the realities of sea freight. Shipping a full container load or FCL starts at around $3,200 for US to EU freight.  

Insurance for Shipments 

Insurance for your belongings is another consideration that you should plan for financially. Insurance costs will range from 0.25% to 4% of the declared value. This value is the price that you declare your possessions to be worth. The range will vary by provider, the weight of the items, and the nature of the items themselves, as well as other factors. 

Even though you may no longer live in the US, retaining your citizenship means that you are still liable for US taxes. 

The two main relieving factors are the FEIE and FTC. Each plays an invaluable role in lowering your tax burden to the US. The FEIE by excluding some of your foreign-earned income, and the FTC by providing credits for foreign tax that you have already paid.  

If you have foreign bank accounts or investments exceeding thresholds, you must file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and comply with Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) regulations. We have the experience and expertise to guide our clients through these reporting processes. 

Knowing which countries the US has tax treaties with can help to further reduce your tax burden. Some prominent nations include: Canada, Mexico, UK, Spain, Japan, and New Zealand. These treaties will not necessarily remove double taxation in every circumstance, but they will help to decrease your taxes to the US. 

Something else to consider is that the nation you have selected either: does not levy income taxes or has lower income taxes than the US. This can reduce the total amount of income that you must pay as tax.  

• Conduct research on the countries you are considering moving to, and the visa options that they offer. This helps to increase your knowledge of both procedures and what is available for US citizens. 
• Gather the relevant documents that you need for your visa of choice. This can include a passport valid for at least six months, passport photos, proof of income, proof of work, proof of health insurance, birth certificate (mainly for children), and copies of these documents as well as other visa-specific documents. 
• Apply for health insurance in the country that you are traveling to. Many countries require expats to pay for health insurance for the duration of their stay. Additionally, qualifying for socialized healthcare in a country often necessitates at least permanent residence. 
• Create a plan for your path to residency or citizenship. Securing a second passport is ideal as it provides a great deal of global mobility. This can be achieved by checking the requirements for the country of your choice and mapping out the visas you will need to satisfy these requirements. 
• Consult with a global mobility firm, like Global Citizen Solutions, to completely understand your options, minimize tax obligations, and gain assistance throughout the immigration process.  
• Save as much money as you can. There are lots of costs associated with immigrating, and financial planning is critical. Budgeting will help you achieve your goals.  
• Monitor the exchange rate between the US and the country of your choice. This can help you to understand the relationship between economies and develop a better sense of how much things will cost.  
• Decide between selling, storing, or shipping your belongings and make the necessary arrangements.  
• Start packing as soon as possible. Preparation and forward thinking will help to reduce the amount of time you spend stressed about the progress of your move. This is particularly true of packing, where advanced work will always be rewarded. 
• Make a doctor’s appointment to receive mandatory vaccinations and medical clearance if necessary. 
• Make sure to change your address and let the USPS know that you are moving. They will forward your mail to you. 
• Research schools in the areas you are looking to live in. Additionally, consider placing your child in an international school if they do not speak the local language. 
• Make sure that you understand the rules governing pet and animal travel so that you can take yours with you.  
• Manage your tax obligations and ensure you understand how to file the correct tax with the correct financial jurisdictions.  
• Open a bank account in the country of your choice or one that allows for international transactions at reasonable fees. The best option for you will depend on how often you transact, and how complex your financial situation is. 
• Decide what to do with your car. In most cases, selling is the best option as transporting something as heavy as a vehicle is expensive. Additionally, a sale can realize liquidity quickly. 

Doug and Rich are a retired couple who were living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Doug has a PhD in math and had an international career working in sustainable electricity generation. Rich was an accountant and worked for some of the largest companies in the world in New York City. They are lifelong travelers, having been to over 50 countries.  

Doug and Rich decided that they would love to move to Europe and chose Portugal as their destination. This was motivated by the political climates of both the US and Portugal. Doug states that this was, “one of the many factors that led us to want to seek a retirement experience outside the United States.” 

Watching House Hunters International, the couple discovered Portugal’s Golden Visa program. This program allowed them to pursue residence by investment, so that they could access Europe, and live exactly how they wanted to. 

As they began exploring the process in more depth, they partnered with Global Citizen Solutions to help them deal with the legal, financial, and administrative requirements of the program.  

Reflecting on the experience, Rich notes “When we advise friends about how to immigrate abroad, the first thing we tell them is: do not try to do this yourselves. You need to work with an organization that does this every day and is thoroughly familiar with the laws and bureaucracy. Doing this on your own would be frustrating.” 

Currently, the couple lives in Porto, Portugal, are having an active retirement, and participate in their community.