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

How to move out of the US starts with planning and choosing the right country and visa. You need to select the right visa, such as a work visa, retirement visa, or digital nomad visa, and show that you can support yourself financially. It’s also important to understand the local rules for taxes, healthcare, and residency in your new country.

Important steps to start the prep include renewing your passport, reviewing your finances, selling or managing your assets, and notifying the IRS that you are moving abroad. Many Americans move by finding a job overseas, applying for citizenship through ancestry, digital nomad or passive visas, or using Golden Visa programs. 
This article will guide you on the best visa options for American citizens, how to move out of the US, the moving costs, and more.

Key Takeaways: How to Move Out of the US

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

More Americans are moving abroad than moving into the US, with over 180,000 leaving in 2025 due to high living costs and the search for a better quality of life.

Popular destinations include Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean because of their lower costs, better healthcare, and stronger lifestyle benefits.

Americans can choose from several visa options, including digital nomad visas for remote workers, passive income visas for retirees, and investment or Golden Visas for those with higher budgets.

Moving abroad requires planning ahead by choosing the right visa, preparing documents early, and setting up finances before leaving.

The cost of moving can range from about $11,500 to $22,900 for a single person, depending on the country and lifestyle.

Even after moving, US citizens must still file taxes on worldwide income, but strategies like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and tax credits can reduce what you owe.

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. Kitts and Nevis 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. 

More Americans are leaving the US than arriving, a trend not seen since 1935. Over 180,000 Americans moved abroad in 2025, and this number is expected to keep growing, according to the Wall Street Journal and the Brookings Institution. At the same time, immigration into the US has dropped, falling from 2.7 million in 2024 to around 321,000 by mid 2026, which has effectively affected the US passport ranking. The Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions showed that the US went from ranking 1st in 2021 to 14th in 2025.

This trend is primarily propelled by the rising cost of living and the search for a better quality of life. Therefore, Europe has become the well sought after destination, with more than 1.5 million Americans now living there. Portugal stands out in particular, with a 500% increase in US residents since the pandemic.

Additionally, the data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the population growth across the US has also slowed, especially in big cities. High-cost areas like Los Angeles and New York City are seeing consistent outflows as people move to more affordable places or relocate abroad. 

Step 01/ Choose the right visa path

Don’t just pick a country, choose the right visa. If you work online, Digital Nomad Visas in countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece are great options. If you have passive income, visas like Portugal’s D7 or Mexico’s Temporary Residency work well, while investors can look into Golden Visa options in Europe. 

Step 02/ Prepare your documents early

Start this at least 6 months before you move. Most countries require your US documents to be apostilled, which means officially verified. You’ll need a recent FBI background check, usually less than 3 months old, and new copies of birth or marriage certificates. Federal documents go through the US Department of State, while state documents go through your local Secretary of State.

Step 03/ Understand US taxes before you leave

Even if you move abroad, the US still taxes your worldwide income. The good news is you can reduce what you owe. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) lets you exclude up to $132,900 of foreign income if you qualify. You also need to report foreign bank accounts over $10,000 based on FBAR rules. Before leaving, update your address with the IRS to avoid tax issues later.

Step 04/ Set up your life online

Before you move, make sure you can manage everything from abroad. A virtual mailbox gives you a US address and allows you to view your mail online. Move your phone number to a service like Google Voice so you can still receive bank security codes. It’s also smart to open an expat-friendly bank account that refunds ATM fees worldwide.

Step 05/ Plan your move and first month

Make your move as simple as possible. Get international health insurance that meets visa requirements. Sell or store most of your belongings; shipping can cost $8,000 to $14,000, so it’s often cheaper to buy things again abroad. When you arrive, book temporary housing for your first month so you can explore areas before committing to a long-term rental.

01/ Spain 

• Best For: High-earning remote workers who value social life and travel.

Spain is one of the best countries to move out of the US for many reasons. It’s a highly rated destination for families and remote workers, who love a life full of culture, reliable social services, and infrastructure. Spain also ranks third in the world according to the Global Retirement Index and first in the Digital Nomad Index by the Global Intelligence Unit. 

The Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a monthly income of approximately €2,850, and Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV for retirees and those with passive income have become the main routes to residency in Spain. Another attractive aspect is that residents benefit from the Beckham Law tax regime, which can cap taxes at 24% for the first 6 years, so Spain is the best-of-both-worlds option for high-earning US professionals. Living expenses for a single person require an average budget of $2,000–$2,800/month.

02/ Portugal 

• Best for: Remote workers who want a lively place with an easy English-speaking environment.

Portugal is a great all-around option for US citizens. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, ranking 7th on the 2025 Global Peace Index, and it’s very popular with digital nomads. Those who move there can find an expat community in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira with reliable internet and a coastal lifestyle.

The cost of living is about $1,600 – $2,400 per month for one person and just like Greece, Portugal caters to people from all walks of life, with a Golden Visa starting at €200,000 investment, the D8 Digital Nomad Visa requires an income of roughly €3,420/month, while the D7 Passive Income Visa is ideal for retirees with a minimum annual income of €9,840.

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.  

03/ Canada 

• Best For: Families wanting a “US-plus” experience with better social safety nets

Canada is the most seamless transition for Americans because of its shared language, geography, and professional standards. Immigration is primarily handled through the Work Visa Canada or the Express Entry system, which prioritizes younger applicants with high levels of education and specialized skills, especially in healthcare and tech.

Even though the Canada Start-Up Visa program is currently closed for new applicants in 2026, provincial programs remain active for those willing to move to specific regions like British Columbia or Nova Scotia. Canada has the fastest route to citizenship on this list, with residents eligible for a passport just three years after receiving permanent residency.

Since Bill C-3 came into force in December 2025, Americans with a Canadian-born parent or grandparent may already be entitled to Canadian citizenship by descent — no investment, points system, or provincial nomination required. For those with the right family history, it is worth checking eligibility before pursuing any other route.

Note: The Canada SUV 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. Kitts and Nevis

• Best for: Quick asset protection and global mobility.

St. Kitts and Nevis is a top choice for people who want fast asset protection and better global mobility. It offers a quick “Plan B” through The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment, where you can get a passport in about 6 to 6 months with a $250,000 non-refundable donation, or an investment of at least $325,000 in approved real estate.

It also has great tax benefits, with no personal income, capital gains, inheritance, wealth taxes. You can enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle, although it doesn’t offer the same level of infrastructure as Europe or Canada. The cost of living is about $1,500 – $2,300 per month for one person, so it is a more affordable option for a Caribbean base.

05/ Malta

• Best for: families looking long term EU residency and tax benefits

Malta is a small but very strong EU country, especially for families planning long-term residency. The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) lets you include up to four generations, such as grandparents, parents, and children, in one application, with total costs of around €150,000 through a three-part investment in real estate, government fees, and an NGO donation.  For remote workers, the Malta Nomad Residence Permit is simple to apply for and requires a monthly income of €3,500.

Malta is also fully English-speaking and is a growing environment for industries like iGaming and FinTech, so it is a great option for professionals in these fields. Another added benefit is its tax-friendly environment, which works on a remittance-based system where you only pay a flat 15% tax on income brought into the country through the Malta Global Residence Program. Foreign income kept outside Malta is often tax-free locally.  

06/ Cyprus

• Best For: Investors and business owners looking for tax benefits, such as tax-free dividends.

Cyprus is the standout choice for people who want to prioritize tax optimization and a business-friendly environment. The country’s Golden Visa requires a €300,000 purchase of a new residential property and proof of €50,000 in annual foreign income. The country is particularly famous for the Cyprus Non-Domicile Regime, which allows new residents to live tax-free on dividends and interest for up to 17 years. Even though it is an island, Cyprus has a high standard of English-language education, and it is perfectly located between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The cost of living is also reasonable, with a single person needing about $1,800 – $2,600 per month.

07/ New Zealand

• Best for: Families who love the outdoors 

New Zealand is an amazing option if you want an outdoor lifestyle and a safe, family-friendly environment. It’s especially good for families and investors looking for an easy move to an English-speaking country with high-quality healthcare.

The cost of living is higher than in many other options, at about $2,600 to $3,800 per month for one person and $5,800 to $7,500 for a family of four. However, new residents can benefit from a four-year tax break on most foreign income. Most Americans move through Skilled Migrant visas or the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa, which provides a faster route to residency if you invest between NZD $5 million and $10 million.

08/ Italy

• Best For: High-net-worth individuals and innovative entrepreneurs

Italy is a great option if you want a diverse yet relaxed lifestyle with tax benefits. High-net-worth individuals can take advantage of the Italian Flat Tax regime, which allows them to pay a flat tax of €300,000 per year on all foreign income, with family members adding an extra €50,000 each.

The country also has visa options for different budgets. The Italy Digital Nomad Visa requires an income of around €28,000 per year and proof that you are a highly skilled professional. If you’re retiring, the Elective Residency Visa requires at least €32,000 in passive income per year and does not allow you to work. There is also the Italian Golden Visa, which is great for investors interested in innovation. Living costs are also manageable, with a single person spending about $2,000 – $3,000 per month, depending on the city.

09/ Greece 

• Best for: Remote workers looking for affordable living in EU

Greece is one of the top choices for Americans moving from the US  because of its Mediterranean lifestyle and relatively low living costs. It also has visa options for different budgets, including the Greece Golden Visa from €250,000 for certain property investments, the Digital Nomad Visa, and the FIP visa, which requires a monthly income of at least €3,500.

The cost of living is about $1,250 – $1,950 per month for one person, or $2,900 – $3,800 for a family. Housing is affordable, with one-bedroom apartments in mid-sized cities starting from around $450. Food is also cheaper, as local markets (laiki agora) offer fresh products at prices often about 50% lower than in the US.

10/ Mexico 

• Best For: Those wanting to stay close to the US while cutting expenses in half.

Mexico is one of the most popular and easiest countries for Americans to move to, with very low barriers to entry. Temporary Residency requires about $4,400 per month in income or $74,000 in savings, and many Mexican consulates still provide same-day visa processing. It’s a great option if you want to stay close to the US while significantly reducing your living costs. Many everyday services, such as childcare, private healthcare, and home maintenance, can be around 70% cheaper than in the US.

After four years, you can move to permanent residency, which never expires and has no ongoing income or stay requirements. The cost of living is about $1,200 – $1,900 per month for one person, or $2,800 – $4,000 for a family.

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.  

Hidden costs

One cost many people miss when moving aboradis the exchange rate. Banks add a 3%–5% markup when converting money, which can cost you $500 to $1,000 for every $20,000 you transfer. To save money, use FX platforms or multi-currency accounts like Interactive Brokers or Charles Schwab. These let you exchange money at better rates and hold different currencies, helping you avoid high fees from regular banks

Leaving the US does not mean leaving the US tax system. The United States is one of the few countries that uses citizenship-based taxation, meaning that as long as you hold a US passport, the IRS expects you to report your worldwide income every year, regardless of where you live.

However, there have been significant updates for 2026 regarding fees and requirements that you should know before you move.

01/ Exit tax and giving up US Citizenship (2026 Update) 

If you are thinking about giving up your US citizenship to stop paying US taxes, there are some important 2026 updates to know:

• Lower fee: From April 13, 2026, the cost to renounce citizenship has dropped from $2,350 to $450.
• Exit tax risk: If your net worth is over $2 million or your average yearly tax is over $211,000, you can still have to pay an “Exit Tax.” This means your assets are treated as if they were sold before you leave, and you are taxed on the gains.
• 2026 exemption: You can exclude the first $910,000 of these gains from the exit tax calculation.

02/ Avoid double taxation

03/ Reporting foreign accounts (FBAR & FATCA)

Many Americans don’t get into trouble because of taxes; they do because they don’t report their accounts correctly.

• FBAR (FinCEN Form 114): If your total money in foreign bank accounts goes over $10,000 at any time during the year, you must report it. This form is filed separately from your tax return.
• FATCA (Form 8938): If you live abroad and have more than $200,000 in foreign assets (as a single filer) at the end of the year, you must include this form with your tax return.

04/ State taxes still matter 

Even if your federal taxes are reduced, your home state may still tax you.

• Harder states: States like California, New York, Virginia, and South Carolina can be harder to leave. They may still tax you unless you clearly show you’ve moved permanently. This can include selling your home, changing your voter registration, and canceling your driver’s license. 
• Easier states: If you live in a state with no income tax (like Florida, Texas, or Washington), it’s usually simple to leave without ongoing tax issues.