A growing number of Americans are exploring the possibility of moving abroad after President Donald Trump’s re-election. Due to the country’s current trajectory, the trend is highlighting the dissatisfaction that is arising in many parts of the U.S. population. However, the process of moving to another country is complex and requires careful preparation. Here are five essential tips to better prepare for a life-changing move.
Research and Preparation Documentation
A critical first step in the process is thorough research. Each country has different immigration policies, visa requirements, residency and employment rules. Planning accordingly will help the process move along. Start by identifying your options, whether you want to move for education, work, or cultural immersion purposes. Then consider the countries that align with your lifestyle preferences and career goals. Begin gathering all necessary documents like passports, birth certificates, and all specific paperwork needed for visas or work permits.
If unsure about documentation needed, contact the embassy or consulate in your country of interest for more guidance. Reaching out to other expats in the countries you are interested in can also provide you with more firsthand experience with those in a similar position.
Financial Planning
Moving abroad is costly, so preparing your finances is imperative. Create a plan on which things to allocate money toward. Flight costs, visa fees, moving and housing expenses are some things to consider when making your budget. Make sure to dedicate extra money in the budget for any unexpected costs or pitfalls.
Gathering your financial and employment records in order is also important documentation to have for the process. These will be needed for finding jobs and housing. Further consulting with a financial advisor familiar with international relocation can provide more relief and clarity for this part of the process.
Housing and Accommodation
Finding housing can be tricky for those moving abroad, but exploring different options will help you secure suitable accommodation. If you are relocating for school or work, some organizations and companies may assist with housing accommodations. For something more permanent, consider researching the housing requirements for expats. Hiring a realtor can also ease the process when it comes to language barriers, having proper documentations, and meeting all the requirements.
If interested in an immersive cultural exchange, consider looking into homestays. This is when a foreigner stays with a family in another country, typically working for the family or there for a language exchange. This is a temporary option ranging from 6 months to a year at a time.
Healthcare and Insurance
Understanding how accessible medical services are in other countries is essential. Research whether your intended location offers public or private healthcare that expats can qualify for. Ensure that any prescription medications or medical assistance you need is available in the country.
As part of gathering documents, make sure to have all your medical and dental records to bring with you to have. Some countries require proof of health insurance when obtaining a visa or residency permit.
Cultural and Professional Preparation
When moving to another country, it’s important to adapt to the environment. Cultural preparation can help minimize misunderstanding, making the transition to a new lifestyle easier. Learning about cultural norms, values, language, and cultural etiquettes are a good place to start in the process. For professional preparation, research how the work environments operate.
Here are some ways to get familiar with your new location:
- Watch videos about the country.
- Take courses or buy books to familiarize yourself with the language.
- Talk to other expats who have moved to your desired destination.
Top 10 Destinations to Move to
If you’re still unsure about where to move to, here are some of the best destinations to move to based on cost, visa requirements, and other positive factors:
- New Zealand: Visa requirements have now relaxed for remote workers, as New Zealand opened their Digital Nomad Visa option for Americans. Along with its beautiful scenery, New Zealand emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and high quality of life.
- Portugal: Portugal’s affordable cost of living and low crime rates has become an appeal to many foreigners. Some popular programs for American expats are Portugal’s retirement and golden visa programs.
- Spain: Favorable climate and a rich cultural experience makes Spain a desirable place to move to. 2025 introduces updated immigration regulations and processes making the application process faster than before.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty and lower cost of living compared to the United States. This country offers a Digital Nomad Visa, making it a popular choice for remote workers and expats.
- Canada: U.S. citizens are eligible to stay in the country less than 180 days without a visa. Canada also has universal healthcare and ranks high in safety that may appeal to many.
- Ireland: Ireland’s social culture is reported to be more friendly, as the environment promotes a welcoming nature. Though the cost of living has gone up, people have reported a higher quality of life.
- Italy: If you are looking to live a slower paced lifestyle, Italy may be the place for you. Americans can obtain an entrance visa in order to stay in Italy for over 3 months and gain residency.
- Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and American familiarity, with beautiful beaches and a vibrant culture, making it an attractive destination for mainland Americans seeking a change. As a U.S. territory, Americans don’t need a visa to move to Puerto Rico, simplifying the relocation process compared to international destinations.
- Japan: If you are looking for a cultural immersion experience, Japan may be good places to consider. This countries have been attracting a high appeal with younger people as it is easier to move freely and the cost of living may be cheaper. A common way of moving to these countries is to become an English teacher.
- Bali: The appeal of moving to Bali lies in its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and laid-back lifestyle that attracts digital nomads and expats alike. The visa process for Bali can be complex, with options ranging from a 60-day tourist visa to long-term visas, requiring careful planning and potentially multiple extensions or visa runs.
While political motivations may drive the initial decision to leave the U.S., taking the steps to prepare can help integration to a new location much smoother.
