10 Easy Countries for Americans To Move to Right Now!

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Costa Rica videos:

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:19 Mexico
2:30 Colombia
5:04 Costa Rica
7:59 Panama
10:20 Netherlands
12:53 Ecuador
14:48 Albania
16:03 Georgia
17:24 Portugal
19:18 Spain

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👱🏻‍♀️ About: Kristin Wilson is the author of Digital Nomads For Dummies, the host of Badass Digital Nomads Podcast, and known as Traveling with Kristin on YouTube. She's traveled to more than 60 countries and has been helping people move overseas since 2005.

PS: This video is for entertainment purposes only and is not consulting or advice. Video descriptions may contain affiliate or refer-a-friend links for products I use and recommend. Thanks for supporting the channel!

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#bestplaces #livingabroad #overseas

[shinyshinythings]

Here’s something I did not know until I moved here: France is one of the easiest countries to qualify for a long-stay visa (currently the SMIC, which you have to exceed, is just over 16K Euro per year, whereas the similar requirement for Spain is over 27K per year, which is out of reach for many retirees, particularly women, who may have lower Social Security income due to lower wages or gaps in their earnings). Also, France doesn’t tax your Social Security OR your investment income, while Spain taxes both. Granted the costs can be lower in Spain and arguably the quality of life is higher, but it’s important to do an analysis of all the options — and after all, once you get permanent residency in one EU country, you can move on to another. So it’s good to know what’s out there.

[SeededGarden]

The Netherlands looks like a terrific place, so many good things. Talking about leaving the US for greener pastures, I think it's important to say, making this kind of move should be exciting, and not just getting out of a bad situation. We're in the process of attaining German citizenship (my wife's family had to flee from the Nazis in the mid 1930s and Germany has a very generous path to citizenship for descendants of Nazi terror) But above all, I find so much of Europe to be exciting. So many wonderful opportunities, travel, meeting like-minded people. Not being surrounded by MAGATS is a plus, but please be pumped about where you're going!

[Stormstorm]

I'm a US citizen thinking of moving abroad who just found your channel. Very informative...TY!

[boink]

Albania offers Americans a 365-day visa -- that's a great deal. It's the most no-fuss zero-bureaucratic visa there is.

[MrBCWalker]

One other thing to consider is that France, Spain, and the Netherlands have overseas territories. France and the Netherlands have territories in the Americas, most of which are in the Caribbean. The United Kingdom also has overseas territories but they work a little differently. The general idea is the same: _if_ you can afford to live there, then you can use those locations to establish residency and (if desired) citizenship with the mother country- backdoors into UK/EU citizenship.

[STAXBITCOIN]

Forget visas we need fast track citizenships while we can still escape.

[m.entera]

Another great place to live is Philippines. Over 7000 tropical islands to choose from, and they speak English, too. Very friendly place for Americans ex-pats.

[WineSippingCowboy]

Add. Philippines 🇵🇭. Although I a San Francisco native 🌁, I have been traveling to and from there for more than 20 years. I was there last year, 2022.

[IWonder]

I'm afraid for my rights as a woman, I'm afraid I may have to leave depending how bad it gets.

[victormossiii]

Another honorable mention is Nicaragua. I am pension resident at 40 years old. I have been a resident for about 3 years now. Most of the time the retirement visas you have to be around 45 years old. I did some research years ago when I wanted to make Latin America or another place in the world my home. There is a clause and exception to the age requirement for the retirement visa for people with disabilities or who receive a pension/social security from a disability. I, myself, have a mild case of a disability that has held me back from earning money full time. So I decided to work as an English Teacher part time in Nicaragua .... then applied for the retirement visa after I decided I was going to stay here. I got it and live very comfortably. I still tutor and teach online part time. Originally, I planned on another country like Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, or Colombia; though, other life plans happened, I fell in love and started a family.
One thing I believe that you should mention about the retirement visa are the exception on people with disabilities receiving a pension/social security. Depending on how severe the disability, people can have a better quality of life than their home country. Mine is the USA. I brought my grandmother down to join me so she can live better life down her, too. It can be done. Too many people with disabilities feel like they few choices. Anything is possible!

[malcolmnicoll]

Thank you ever so much Kristin. As a seasoned world traveller who's approaching retirement age, this video has been most valuable in exploring retirement abroad options. With only $1100 in social security to survive, retirement abroad makes a lot more sense. Most grateful for all you do.

[scottman]

I just got back from Georgia two weeks ago, and it is such a beautiful country! Although the traffic in Tbilisi can be a little hectic, it was a really neat city to explore. The rest of the country was incredibly scenic with breathtaking landscapes, delicious (and affordable food), and very friendly people. I would love to go back one of these days! The other places look awesome too like Mexico, Colombia, Albania, and Portugal!

[glastonbury]

Colombia...been there liked it but never in a million years would I live there ...one of the top 3 most violent countries in the world...

[discoverglobeliving]

Loved this guide on easy places for Americans to move! Super helpful for understanding visas and residency. Thanks for making it simple !

[fishandfloral]

Spain and Portugal are the top contenders for me.

[elizabethanderson]

Kristen I enjoy your travel advice, however, you should up date "safe" conditions in Ecuador. In broard day light, a candanate for presidentcy was shot dead. Let people know. Also in Costa Rica a taxi driver drove me thru the wrong neighborhood, where people were shooting up in the street. Sadly, reminded me of San Francisco.

[mkoschara]

Thanks so much for creating this video. I continue to live in Costa Rica, which I moved to almost 5 years ago. It's always fun to imagine the "next place, " which your channel allows me to do :)

[niquanow]

Needing this depending on the election results 😢

[crocha]

Costa Rica just changed their tourist visa for up to 6 months

[victorbrack]

As a Mexican I must say something really important to US citizens living in Mexico:
Even if you get your Mexican visa/residence, for us Mexicans, the word "expat" doesn't make any sense in Mexico.
Referring to U.S. nationals living abroad as "expats" rather than "immigrants" can be problematic and fails to acknowledge important realities. The term "illegal immigrant" is often used to describe people who reside in a country without official authorization, and while this term carries significant stigma and legal implications, it is important to recognize that many U.S. nationals living abroad may also fall into this category. They often live in foreign countries without proper visas or work permits, benefiting from local infrastructure and services without paying taxes or contributing to the local economy.

At the end of the day, these individuals are indeed immigrants, as they have left their home country in search of a better life elsewhere. This pursuit of improved living conditions, economic opportunities, or personal experiences is fundamentally the same motivation that drives many other immigrants around the world, including those from Mexico.

Mexicans IN MEXICO are particularly politically aware and sensitive to patronizing attitudes that often accompany the term "expat." The implication that US citizens are different from or superior to other immigrants is not only inaccurate but also offensive. Mexicans abhor such double standards and expect a fair acknowledgment of the realities of migration.

It is crucial for U.S. nationals, even those with good intentions, to recognize these dynamics if they wish to be accepted and interact meaningfully with Mexicans. Acknowledging that they are immigrants who should respect local laws and contribute fairly to society is a step toward genuine integration and mutual respect. This awareness and humility can foster better relationships and greater acceptance within their host communities.
PS. By the way, many Mexicans avoid the word "American", we use the word US citizen. For Mexicans America is a whole continent.