Living Abroad / Easiest Countries to Move to from USA (2025 Edition)
Easiest Countries to Move to from USA (2025 Edition)
More and more Americans are considering a life overseas.
Whether it’s for a better lifestyle, healthcare, retirement, or simply new adventure, relocating has never been more accessible.
But here’s the deal.
Not every country is easy to move to.
Visa bureaucracy, language barriers and cost of living can quickly turn your dream relocation into a nightmare.
So where is it actually doable? In this article, we’ll walk through the easiest countries to move to from USA, tailored especially for Americans.
We’ll cover:
✓ Simple visa options
✓ Affordable income or investment thresholds
✓ Friendly rules for Americans
✓ Access to healthcare, safety, and quality of life
Let’s dive into the easiest countries for Americans to move to, but before we do so, don’t forget to also read out guide on the 7 easiest European countries to move to.
What Makes a Country “Easy” to Immigrate To?
All the countries on this list meet at least 3 of these criteria:
- Straightforward visa options
- Minimal physical presence requirements
- English-speaking infrastructure or large expat networks
- Low to moderate cost of living
- Reasonable investment or income requirements
- Residency or citizenship pathways
These are the easiest countries for Americans to immigrate to from the USA. They provide not just access, but also long-term comfort and sustainability.
1. Portugal
Top pick for digital nomads, retirees, and families
Why it’s one of the easiest countries to move to from USA?
✓ The D7 Visa is designed for passive income earners (pensions, rental income, remote workers).
✓ Only requires around €9,000/year for a single applicant.
✓ Five-year residency path to Portuguese citizenship.
✓ Excellent healthcare, low cost of living, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Prefer to invest instead? The Portugal Golden Visa still works through funds and cultural donations.
Portugal is hands-down one of the easiest European countries to move to from USA, and one of the safest too.
2. Spain
For sunshine, healthcare, and long-term lifestyle
Spain offers multiple options for Americans looking to relocate.
Why it’s one of the easiest countries for Americans to immigrate to:
✓ The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) only requires proof of savings/income, no investment needed.
✓ Spain also offers a fast-track Golden Visa for investors.
✓ After 5 years of residency, you get permanent status.
✓ Citizenship after 10 years of legal residence.
Thinking of moving long-term? Don’t forget to read our article on How Americans can Move to Spain or the Stories of Americans Who Moved to Spain who we interviewed during our trip there. We also wrote an article on How Much It Would Cost to Move to Spain.
For many, Spain is the easiest country for Americans to move to, especially if you love big cities, coastlines, and a relaxed culture.
3. Greece
Low investment, high flexibility, and rich history
Why Greece is one of the easiest countries to move to from US?
✓ The Greece Golden Visa requires just a €250,000 real estate investment — one of the lowest thresholds in Europe.
✓ No minimum stay requirement.
✓ Residency includes family members and renews every 5 years.
✓ Citizenship possible after 7 years of continuous legal residence.
Want to learn more? Read our detailed post on Moving to Greece from the USA.
If you’re looking for easy countries to immigrate to from US, Greece is a win for both lifestyle and investment.
4. Costa Rica
Sustainability, nature, and simplified residency
Why it’s one of the easiest countries to immigrate to from USA?
✓ The Costa Rica Rentista Visa only requires $2,500/month income or a $60,000 deposit.
✓ Family-friendly, peaceful, and expat hubs everywhere.
✓ Strong public and private healthcare.
✓ Residency is renewable and can lead to permanent residency in 3 years.
Costa Rica is often seen as one of the easiest places to immigrate to from the US due to its welcoming environment and clear visa routes.
5. Cyprus
An English-speaking EU country with great tax benefits
Cyprus blends Mediterranean charm with serious expat perks.
Why it’s one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to:
✓ Fast-track permanent residency for a €300,000 real estate investment.
✓ Pathway to citizenship after 7 years.
✓ English widely spoken — especially in business and healthcare.
✓ High standard of living with low crime rates.
Explore your options in our Cyprus Golden Visa guide.
If you’re looking for a European lifestyle without the EU red tape, Cyprus might be the easiest country to immigrate to.
6. Mexico
Affordable, accessible, and just across the border
Why Mexico is one of the easiest countries to move to from US:
✓ Only requires proof of ~$2,600/month income for the Temporary Resident Visa.
✓ Fast processing — often within 30–60 days.
✓ After 4 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
✓ Large American expat communities, English-friendly services, and no time zone adjustment.
Mexico is consistently ranked among the easiest countries for Americans to move to, especially for retirees and remote workers.
7. Dominica
Quickest second passport option for Americans
Dominica offers the most accessible citizenship by investment program in the Caribbean.
Why it’s one of the easiest countries to immigrate to from USA:
✓ No need to live there — citizenship is granted within months.
✓ Only $100,000 donation required (or $200,000 for real estate route).
✓ No language test, no interviews, no physical presence needed.
✓ Includes spouse and dependents.
It may not be a relocation for everyone, but if you want flexibility and global mobility, Dominica is the easiest country to immigrate to in terms of speed.
8. Malta
English-speaking, tax-friendly EU option
Why Malta is one of the easiest European countries to move to from USA?
✓ Residency programs for investors and digital nomads.
✓ English is an official language.
✓ Malta offers citizenship through naturalization or investment for HNWIs.
✓ Low crime, good healthcare, and strong legal system.
For Americans seeking EU access and stability, Malta is one of the easiest countries to move to and live comfortably long-term. Read our guide on Moving to Malta to learn more.
Bonus: Ireland (for those with ancestry)
If you have Irish grandparents or even great-grandparents, you may qualify for Irish citizenship by descent, one of the easiest legal routes to EU citizenship.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to determining the easiest country for Americans to move to, it surely isn’t one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on:
- Your income or savings
- Whether you’re looking for citizenship or just residency
- Your family setup
- Your tax goals
- Your lifestyle preferences
But the good news? There are more easy options than ever, whether you’re going the investment, retirement or remote work path.
FAQs
What’s the easiest country to move to from USA in 2025?
Portugal tops the list thanks to its simple D7 visa, low cost of living, and path to citizenship.
What are the easiest countries for Americans to immigrate to with passive income?
Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica and Mexico all have visas for retirees and remote workers.
What are the easiest countries to immigrate to from USA through investment?
Greece and Cyprus offer the most straightforward Golden Visas. Dominica offers instant citizenship.
Which are the easiest European countries to move to from USA?
Greece, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, and Malta.
What about easy countries to immigrate to from US without high costs?
Mexico and Costa Rica offer low-cost, low-barrier entry for long-term stays.
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