How to Move Out of the US: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Why people decide to leave the US?

In recent years, more Americans are seeking permanent residence in a different country for better healthcare, lower crime rates, and to live comfortably on a lower budget. According to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO) about 5.5 million US citizens live abroad.

The main reasons Americans move out of the US include:

• Affordable living costs: Many expats choose to live in other countries due to the rising rent costs, property prices, grocery shopping, and other expenses. Based on Numbeo, the living costs in the US are 10.5 percent higher than in the UK, 48.6 percent higher than in Portugal, and 15.8 percent higher than in Germany, including rent.
• Universal healthcare: The US has the most expensive healthcare in the world. Moving to a country with affordable healthcare can make a big difference.
• Job opportunities: The current job market in the US is saturated in many industries. This makes it very difficult to find a job. Many Americans prefer to work abroad in countries that offer Digital Nomad Visas, like Portugal.  
• Tax benefits: Several countries have tax treaties with the United States. This creates beneficial tax policies as US citizens aren’t taxed twice on income earned abroad. This is very appealing for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
• Language preference: American citizens often choose an English-speaking country to relocate. Although English is often spoken, some opt to learn a new language to truly integrate in a different country, enjoy the social life, and meet locals.
• Cheaper education: Schools, especially universities, are very expensive in the US. Many Americans move to European countries where schools are free or significantly more affordable.
• Better safety standards: Americans seeking safety often turn to countries with lower crime rates than the United States. Destinations like Iceland, Austria, Ireland, and Portugal rank very high in the 2025 Safety Index by the World Population Review.  

Moving Out of the US: Step-By-Step Guide

To move out of the US, you should obtain legal residency or a visa for your new country. When organizing an international move, it is important to provide tax and financial details to the US authorities. The steps below can help.

Step 1: Choose a destination country

If you want to leave the US, you need a plan. You should think about your lifestyle, budget, and visa options in the new location.

In 2025, some of the best countries to move from the USA are Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica, and Uruguay. They check all the boxes when it comes to affordable living costs, healthcare coverage, and cheaper rent prices.

The easiest countries to immigrate to offer welcoming immigration policies, a high quality of life, and safety.

Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself when trying to decide which country to choose:

• What can you afford for rent, healthcare, and daily living?
• Do you need access to good medical care or certain specialists?
• Do you prefer city life or something quieter, like the countryside or a beach town?
• How comfortable are you with learning a new language or adapting to a different culture? Some places have large expat communities, while others may require more integration into local life.
• What climate do you enjoy?
• How often will you need to travel back home to see friends or family, and how easy will it be to do so from the country you are moving to?

But if you don’t already have a country in mind, you need to travel. Travelling is a proven way to determine whether and where you feel comfortable living abroad.

Step 2: Choose the right visa

Apply for the appropriate visa based on your current situation and preference. Many countries offer work visas, student visas, retirement visas, investment migration (Golden Visas), or citizenship-by-investment programs.

More and more countries worldwide, such as Italy and Portugal, also have Digital Nomad Visas specifically tailored for remote workers seeking to relocate but work for a foreign employer.

Here are a few visas to look into:

• Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
• Italy Digital Nomad Visa or Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
• Mexico Permanent Resident Visa
• Costa Rica Pensioner Visa
• Portugal’s D7 Visa
• Belize Retirement Program

Step 3: Decide if you want residency or citizenship

Residency gives you the right to live in a country, often temporarily, but does not usually allow you to vote or hold a passport. Citizenship is a permanent legal status that grants full political rights, including voting, and a passport that you can transfer to your children.

Residency

Getting a second residency allows you to live abroad while keeping ties to the USA. Temporary residency is for short stays that last a little longer than a tourist visa would, while permanent residency allows you to live indefinitely in the country. As a permanent resident, you will remain a US citizen and need to manage taxes and banks in both countries.

Citizenship

If you decide to get citizenship in another country, remember that certain countries allow dual citizenship, while others may require you to give up your US citizenship.

For example, Portugal allows dual citizenship. After living there for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and get a Portuguese passport, which lets you live, work, and study in any EU country.

Step 4: Understand the visa and legal requirements

American expats relocating outside the US will need to take into account the visa and legal requirements. While each country’s visa options, residency, and citizenship by investment programs will vary, commonalities in requirements include:

• Be over 18
• Hold a clean criminal record
• Be in good health
• Not be from a restricted country
• Fulfill the requirements of the specified program you are applying for

Other requirements can include:

• Paying a government fee
• Holding the investment for a set period of time or renewing the residency visa as required
• Having a certain amount of savings or a good employment history
• Not having been denied entry to certain countries

Find the visa that matches your background and requirements. For example, if you are a budding entrepreneur and want to launch a startup in Europe, the Portugal D2 Entrepreneurship Visa may be an excellent option.

If you are a highly qualified individual with a background in research (tech, IT, finance, etc.), then the HQA Visa Portugal could be the perfect match.

Step 5: Manage your finances and organize assets

Before moving abroad, take a close look at your finances and assets. Know what you own, where it is, and how you’ll manage it.

• Real estate: If you plan to cut ties with the US, consider selling your property. Keeping it means continuing to pay property taxes.
• Precious metals: Instead of carrying them overseas, use a logistics company to store them securely in vaults abroad, such as in the Cayman Islands or Singapore.
• IRAs: You can cash out, stop contributing, or transfer funds to an offshore account for more control.

Set a clear monthly budget, decide whether to rent or buy, and plan for taxes in your new country. Check if there’s a tax treaty with the US to avoid being taxed twice.

Step 6: Move with your family and pets

When moving abroad with family and children, it is important to organize long-term visas, check income requirements, schooling, and housing options. This can help your family adjust to the local culture and new environment.

Moving with children

To relocate with a child, you will need adequate documentation, like a birth certificate, legal custody, or a notarized consent. Find the right country with large expat groups, so the child can adjust easily.

Moving with pets

Most countries require microchipping, vaccinations, and health certificates. Research the basic requirements before you make the international transfer.

Planning to relocate for retirement? Check out our guide on the best countries for Americans to retire.

Other Logistics and Considerations for Americans Moving Abroad

After you’ve decided how to move out of the US permanently, there are other aspects you should take care of before you settle in a different country.

For example:

• Housing: Renting or buying a home is often cheaper in many other places than in the US. However, prices vary by location, even within a country. A buyer’s agent works for the buyer, can help negotiate the prices, and research the local property market.
• Immigration documentation: Update agencies like the Social Security Administration, the USPS, and any other agencies about your move. Collect the necessary documents like a residence permit, an international driving permit, or vaccination reports.
• Financial and tax planning: Many Americans who live abroad often qualify for tax benefits, like the foreign tax credit, and avoid getting taxed twice. Open a local bank account to avoid foreign transaction fees.
• Shipping: If you plan to move your personal items overseas, calculate the shipping expenses and insurance costs.

Making money abroad and online

You don’t always need a job abroad to live overseas, but you do need a plan for income. Retirees can receive Social Security payments while living abroad, and younger expats often work remotely and freelance. Some visas allow for self-employment, like the Netherlands’ DAFT Visa or Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa.

If you need income overseas, you have options. You can:

• Keep working remotely for a US company
• Freelance online doing things like writing, teaching English, design, or virtual assistant work
• Start an online business
• Open a small business abroad, like a café or shop
• Rent out your home in the US for extra income, with help from a property manager

If you are contemplating moving to Portugal from the USA, check out our article on Jobs in Portugal for Americans.

There are many Californians moving to Portugal due to the country’s thriving tech scene, with Lisbon, Porto, and Braga key tech hubs in Europe, fueled by Web Summit’s relocation to Portugal in 2016.

The Algarve has also emerged as a popular area for remote workers, with Lagos in particular becoming a top destination. Faro, the region’s capital, is also proving a popular destination. The cost of living in Faro is much more affordable than in Lisbon, plus you’ll be guaranteed better weather throughout the year, as the Algarve has one of the best climates in Europe.

Best Citizenship Options for American Expats

Looking for a plan B? Here are the best options for Americans that can lead to citizenship.

Naturalization (residency to citizenship)

Naturalization is a process where an American citizen receives citizenship by maintaining residency in a new country. You first get a non-immigrant temporary visa. After residing legally in a country, you apply to become a permanent resident, and then convert that residency into citizenship.

Portugal is the most popular option for naturalization in the European Union. It requires five years of legal residency via the D7 (Passive Income Visa) or the D8 (Digital Nomad Visa) and a basic language test.

Canada is another popular country for naturalization due to its high living standards, safety, and quality of life. It requires three out of five years of permanent residency.

Citizenship by investment (CBI)

Citizenship by investment (CBI) is a legal process where foreign nationals can get a second passport by providing a substantial investment. The Caribbean nations are some of the most sought-after CBIs for American citizens.

Citizenship by descent

If you have ancestors living in another country and can prove your family ties, you can obtain citizenship by descent. This is a legal process where citizenship is passed down from generation to generation.

How can Goldcrest help you?

Moving to a new country like Portugal can be quite complicated. You will be juggling visas, residency requirements, and adjusting to a new way of life. However, the biggest change often comes when securing a new home in a foreign property market.

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent with in-depth knowledge of the Portuguese real estate market. Unlike the US system, where real estate agents often represent the seller, our team works exclusively for you, the buyer.

Buyer’s agents are here to:

• Protect your interests
• Negotiate prices
• Rental services for long-term rentals
• Research local listings
• Provide property market insight

Contact us today, and we can help you find the perfect home in Portugal.