Whether it’s wanderlust, retirement, cost of living, family ties, or other reasons, some Americans long to live abroad.
They tend to flock to certain parts of the globe more than others. The US’s closest neighbors, Mexico and Canada, are top picks.
Others include locations like the UK and Australia where English is the primary language.
Yet, there are a few on the list that may surprise you.
Using census data, the Association of Americans Resident Overseas estimated the countries with the highest number of US citizens.
It’s a rough estimate since embassies don’t keep an official registry of Americans overseas and the US census doesn’t track citizens abroad, Doris L. Speer, president of the nonprofit AARO, told Business Insider via email.
Here are the top 10 countries where Americans are choosing to live after they leave the US, according to the AARO.
10. Spain: an estimated 108,684 US citizens
From the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Mediterranean coast, Spain has a diverse landscape with bustling cities and charming towns in between.
Compared to other European countries, its cost of living is relatively low. Vibrant nightlife, sunny beaches, high-quality healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle all make Americans’ lists of reasons to move to Spain, while some retirees find their money goes further in Spain.
Non-Spanish and non-Catalan speakers may have trouble navigating some parts of the country, and smaller homes, a slower pace, and unfamiliar bureaucracy all take getting used to for some Americans.
Spain offers a yearlong digital nomad visa. Retirees can apply for a non-lucrative visa (or NLV), which allows them to live, but not work, in the country.
GDP: $1.73 trillion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #15
9. Japan: an estimated 111,021 US citizens
Japan has a population of over 124 million people, and just a tiny fraction of that number are US citizens.
Because the country’s population is over 97% Japanese, Americans tend to stick out.
“It was a culture shock to see only one type of ethnicity all around me at all times,” Genie Doi, who is Korean-American, recently told BI.
However, Japan’s safety, scenery, and quality of life can be huge incentives to move there.
“I was very concerned about gun violence, which is almost nonexistent in Japan,” Floridian Alex Evans told BI in 2023. He and his family moved to Mukaishima Island, Japan, in June 2022.
Other US citizens have said some challenges living in the country include a lack of size inclusivity in clothing, difficulties with the language — even with years of study — and the time it takes to travel to other countries from an island nation.
Foreigners who want to live in Japan for six months can apply for a “digital nomad” residence. Those looking to stay even longer can look into visas on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.
GDP: $4.07 trillion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #4
8. France: an estimated 117,462 US citizens
From 1954’s “Sabrina” to “Emily in Paris,” Americans’ fascination with France has existed for decades.
US citizens who immigrate there rave about everything from the food to the fashion to the art and architecture.
However, at least a few US citizens have found the visa process tricky and had difficulty finding housing.
Particularly in Paris, some Americans said racism is prevalent. Others had trouble making friends or experienced a language barrier if they didn’t speak French.
Filling out lots of forms and waiting for answers isn’t uncommon. “The bureaucracy is unbelievably frustrating,” Rick Jones, who moved to Paris in 2018, told BI in July.
Francophiles hoping to work or attend school can apply for residence cards or student visas.
GDP: $3.17 trillion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #7
7. South Korea: an estimated 129,499 US citizens
Visitors flock to South Korea to revel in the land of K-pop and K-dramas or to experience the food, shopping, museums, and natural wonders.
US citizens who stay longer have touted universal healthcare, a good quality of life, and convenient public transportation as reasons to love Korea. The high-speed trains cover much of the country, making it easy to travel between big cities.
Among the challenges new residents to Korea face are difficulty with the language, high housing prices, finding employment, and the distance from the US.
Moving to South Korea requires a visa, with most requirements involving work, school, or family. Job hunters can stay for six months with the possibility of extending the visa to a year.
GDP: $1.87 trillion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #12
6. Australia: an estimated 218,216 US citizens
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous weather. For those looking to live there permanently, though, it also boasts a solid economy, good healthcare, childcare stipends, and perks like retirement assistance.
Melbourne and Sydney are among the top 10 most livable cities in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index. The country is also one of the most welcoming of migrants, based on a 2019 Gallup survey.
However, for Americans, it is very far from home. It can take nearly 24 hours to travel from the East Coast of the US to Australia.
Another potential downside is that the country’s drier, hotter weather is expected to worsen due to the climate crisis, according to the Australian government.
There are visa options for people who want to call Australia home. However, its immigration laws tend to favor the wealthy, giving preference to individuals with education qualifications, professional experience, and who are English-speaking. The Global Talent Program offers visas to “exceptionally talented and prominent individuals.”
GDP: $1.8 trillion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #14
5. Germany: an estimated 238,652 US citizens
For decades, Germany has been Europe’s economic powerhouse. Many American immigrants to the country found job opportunities, reliable public healthcare, affordable childcare, and a generous amount of time off from work.
Weeks of vacation time allowed them the opportunity to travel around Europe. The country shares a border with Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
Recently, Germany’s economic growth has slowed, the Associated Press reported in 2023. This fall, the government announced tighter border controls and some political analysts are concerned about the re-emergence of far-right politics in recent elections.
Skilled workers can apply for visas and stay for 12 months while looking for a job. The country also recently eased some of its rules around obtaining citizenship, the AP reported in January.
GDP: $4.71 trillion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #3
4. Israel: an estimated 281,137 US citizens
Over the years, Israel has attracted high-tech startups and wealthy individuals, fueling a luxury real estate boom in some cities.
However, Israel’s conflict with Hamas and the continued invasion of Gaza have slowed the inflow of millionaires who no longer consider the country a safe haven, according to one investment migration advisory firm.
While many US citizens move to cities far from the conflicts, others are living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Some have blamed these settlers for increased violence against Palestinians over the past year.
Those wishing to move to Israel need a visa. The country’s Law of Return allows those with Jewish parents or grandparents to apply for citizenship.
GDP: $528 billion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #30
3. United Kingdom: an estimated 325,321 US citizens
Like Canada, the UK is full of native English speakers, which can ease the transition to living in a new country.
The financial website Investopedia found that prescriptions, groceries, and rent are often cheaper in the UK compared to the US, but gas and energy prices can be higher depending on where you live.
Americans living in the UK who spoke with BI have cited its National Health Service, proximity to the rest of Europe, and work-life balance as benefits of their new home.
These perks can offset lower wages and homesickness.
“Despite lower take-home pay, I’m way less stressed,” Wales resident Regina Beach told BI in 2023. “The five-weeks paid holiday — that everyone actually takes — certainly helps.”
Some potential downsides, which Americans may struggle to adjust to include smaller homes and the rainy weather. The UK’s pub culture isn’t for everyone, either.
You can apply for work and study visas to start living in the UK. The government’s website provides information on settlement, which allows you to live, work, and study there for good.
GDP: $3.59 trillion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #6
2. Canada: an estimated 1,050,898 US citizens
The US’s neighbor to the north has scenic beauty, vibrant cities, a large English-speaking population, and universal healthcare. These are all attractive reasons for Americans to relocate, though temporary or permanent residency is a little more difficult to attain than in Mexico.
Americans won’t necessarily find affordable housing in some of the country’s larger cities, like Toronto and Vancouver. But for some, Canada offers a feeling of safety, especially with the US’s high rates of gun violence.
Despite the benefits of universal healthcare, some transplants from the US found that there can be long waiting lists for specialists and certain treatments.
While the country does offer paths to becoming a permanent resident or citizen, they’re often tied to work or family connections. Skilled workers and entrepreneurs can apply for visas, and relatives can sponsor certain family members so they can live, study, and work in the country.
GDP: $2.21 trillion
Economy ranking based on GDP: #9
1. Mexico: an estimated 1,182,346 US citizens
Mexico draws many Americans who want to stay close to friends and family while settling in a new country.
The ability to hop across the border to use their Medicare is also important for many retirees, she said.
Housing, groceries, and healthcare are typically less expensive than in the US, though the influx of newcomers is causing rising rents and housing shortages in some areas like Mexico City.
Many US citizens obtain a temporary resident visa that allows them to live in Mexico for up to four years. Retirees looking to stay can apply for a permanent resident visa, which allows them to stay indefinitely.
GDP: $1.85 trillion, according to the International Monetary Fund.
Economy ranking based on GDP: #13
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