Americans can travel to many countries without obtaining a visa in advance by holding a United States passport Among the most famous But while planning a vacation abroad is relatively easy, planning a permanent move is often complicated, lengthy and uncertain.
Generally speaking, most people live abroad because of a job or remote work, school, way of living, or citizenship through a relative or personal wealth. Absent those scenarios, an American’s access to a new life in a foreign country is significantly narrowed.
Even those who have the means to live abroad often face obstacles. A cottage industry of lawyers, accountants, coaches, health insurance specialists, and real estate agents can, for a reasonable fee, help you decide where to go, how to get there, and how to navigate confusing residency regulations. In recent years, top destinations for Americans have included Mexico, Canada and Britain.
“It’s just a project, and you have to go through steps like any project, but it’s possible,” said Jane Barnett, founder of Expatsy, a company that helps Americans figure out how to go abroad.
Here’s a guide on how to move abroad as an American:
Choosing where to go
Stroll the cobblestone streets of this picturesque seaside village and it’s easy to imagine a life stripped of the responsibilities and obligations of home. But living in one place is very different from vacationing in one place, and the immigration rules are very different.
First, do your homework.
Study the culture, customs and climate of the region. Figure out the cost of living and the exchange rate to get a better idea of how far your dollars will go and what your daily life will look like. Learn the language, if you don’t already speak it (or at the very least, start taking conversation classes and arrange to continue your studies locally). Join local social media groups for Americans already living in the country. Read up on the country’s history, government, politics and culture.
Trial by planning an extended stay if you can — Americans can visit Europe as a tourist for three months and Mexico for six months.
“Meet the locals,” said Doris Speer, president of AARO, a nonpartisan organization for Americans living abroad, which estimates that 5.4 million Americans live abroad, not including military families. “Go in there and see how you feel.”
A question of time and money
How long the process takes and how much it costs depends on your destination and your personal situation. It can take months or even years to dig up all the necessary documents and complete the bureaucratic steps to prove that your ancestry properly connects you to Italy, to meet the country’s criteria for citizenship by descent.
For a few thousand dollars, an immigration lawyer can advise you on how to qualify for a long-term visa or residency in a particular country and help you navigate the process. Consult a tax attorney and accountant, because Americans living abroad can never escape paying federal income taxes as long as they retain their citizenship, even if they never set foot on US soil and never work for an American company.
Also factor in moving costs. You will need to pay to ship your possessions around the world or you will need to purchase a new one once you arrive.
Tickets through work or school
If you’re itching to travel and work for a company with international offices, you can apply for a transfer and your employer can help you navigate the process. (Even in that case, brace yourself for speed bumps that can cause delays.)
You can find a job in another country while still in the United States and be sponsored by that employer. Several countries, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand, hire highly skilled workers. Depending on your line of work, you may need to transfer or update professional credentials or licenses, which may take time, involve tests or further training.
Digital Nomad visas and similar visas are available in dozens of countries, including Ecuador, Spain and Croatia. These long-term visas are designed for remote workers who earn their income outside the country. In some cases, you can apply online for a minimal fee. Be prepared to show supporting documents such as bank statements, proof of income, health insurance and proof of remote employment.
If you’re thinking of going back to school for an undergraduate or advanced degree, look into programs in another country and stay abroad on a student visa.
Consider your legacy
Some countries grant citizenship by descent. Regulations vary from country to country, and can be subtle and confusing. Prepare to find birth certificates, marriage certificates, and immigration papers for you and your ancestors to prove your family ties to parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents.
Tap your nest egg
Money helps. Many countries, such as France, Mexico and Panama, offer long-term residency to foreigners who can show that they have enough savings or pension income to support themselves independently. While many countries Having recently ended or scaled back their golden visa programs, there are still countries where you buy real estate — Malta, Greece and Malaysia, to name a few — to gain residency and, in some cases, a path to citizenship.
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