Living Abroad / How to Move to Europe as an American (Ultimate Guide for 2025)
How to Move to Europe as an American (Ultimate Guide for 2025)
Moving abroad isn’t just a dream for Americans anymore, it’s a growing trend. According to The Association of Americans Resident Overseas there are approximately 5.5 million US citizens living abroad as of 2024 (with the state department claiming that this number is close to 9 million).
Europe is home to about 1.2 million Americans (AARO, 2022)
Sources: AARO
Whether it’s for early retirement, work flexibility, a better lifestyle, or education opportunities, more and more US citizens are asking the big question:
“How do I actually move to Europe from the US?”
This guide will walk you through exactly how to move to Europe as an American, from choosing the right country to getting a visa and settling in. Before we do, check out our article on the 7 Easiest European Countries to Move to and the Easiest Countries to Move to from the USA that both give you some interesting ideas as easily accessible destinations.
Moving to Europe from the USA: Why Now?
If you’re reading online at the present time, you’ll probably stumble across a lot of articles from major news sites talking about the growing number of US citizens looking to move out. Often times, Europe appears as the #1 desired destination.
There are many reasons Americans are looking at Europe, some of the ones we have observed are:
Lower cost of living in countries like Portugal, Spain, or Greece
Access to affordable or public healthcare
A slower pace of life
Stronger work-life balance
Better safety and education for families
Dual citizenship opportunities
No matter your reason, the process of moving to Europe from the USA isn’t impossible, you just need to understand your options and stay compliant with US and EU laws.
How to Move to Europe from the US: Step-by-Step
If you’re wondering how to move to Europe from US, the steps are generally the same, regardless of your destination.
Pick a Country That Matches Your Lifestyle
Each country offers a different experience. For example:
Spain = sunshine + family life
Portugal = digital nomads + retirees
Greece = low-cost + residency by investment
Italy = ancestry-based citizenship + culture
Germany = job seekers + professionals
Choose the Right Visa Option
Common visa pathways include:
✓ Residency through passive income (e.g., Portugal D7, Spain NLV)
✓ Work visas (offered in Germany, Netherlands, Ireland)
✓ Investor or Golden Visas (Greece, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Malta)
✓ Digital nomad visas (available in Croatia, Portugal, Estonia)
✓ Citizenship by descent (Italy, Ireland, Poland, and more)
Gather Your Documents
Once you choose your path, you’ll usually need:
- Passport
- Proof of income or employment
- Proof of accommodation abroad
- International health insurance
- FBI background check
- Birth certificate or marriage certificate (sometimes)
Visa requirements vary slightly, but this is a general starting point. Some countries will demand more documents from you while others will be more simple.
Apply from the US or Abroad
You’ll submit your visa application either at the relevant European consulate in the U.S. or, in some countries, after arriving on a tourist visa.
The exact route depends on the country, for example:
Spain requires you to apply from your US residence
Portugal often allows a mix of applying in the U.S. and completing steps locally
Greece and Cyprus Golden Visas can be arranged with minimal time spent in the country
Secure Housing and Register Locally
Most visas require proof of housing. You don’t always need to buy property, a long-term rental often works.
Once you arrive, many countries require registration at the local city hall or migration office.
How to Relocate to Europe Smoothly
Relocating is more than just a visa, it’s about setting up your entire life.
That includes:
✓ Finding housing
✓ Setting up health insurance
✓ Understanding tax obligations (read our guide on Taxes for Americans Living Abroad)
✓ Opening bank accounts
✓ Enrolling children in school (if applicable)
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