The 9 best countries for Americans to move to from US

What countries can I move to as an American?

American citizens have a large pool of countries to choose from in terms of their immigration from USA. Some countries offer favorable routes for US citizens specifically, while others have a large US expat community. 

You can move almost anywhere in the world as a US national. In most cases, with good opportunities for Americans. We concentrate on some of the most desirable countries for US expats including:

1. Ireland
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Germany
5. Australia
6. Portugal
7. New Zealand
8. Japan
9. South Africa

Why people are considering leaving the US?

Some people are unsure of their options after the American elections, with some US residents, particularly those with temporary statuses weary of the possibility of deportations or a threat to family life with new policies yet to be defined. Others are considering leaving the US for safety reasons, better work-life balance, and much more. Here are some of the top reasons people are leaving the US now:

• Safety – the US has one of the highest crime and gun violence rates in the Western world
• Security – particularly concerning immigrants and some social groups including the LGBTQ community, who don’t know how future policies or societal change may affect their lives.
• Jobs – Some are leaving the US for higher-paid jobs, better prospects, and a higher quality of living, with most countries offering more vacation days, and paid holidays than the US.
• Welfare – many are choosing to leave the US for countries with free or favorable healthcare because they can’t afford, can’t risk, or can’t fathom that they may have to contend with sky-high medical bills
• High cost of living – Some are planning to leave America behind due to the financial crunch, with high energy prices and living costs, that are lower in other nations

What countries can I not move to a US national?

Some countries with strained relations with US may have restrictions rather than outright exemptions. These countries include:

North Korea, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Libya, Yemen, Saudi Arabia (historically, now more accessible with certain restrictions).

Countries where travel is not advised for a US national

Some countries or regions within countries may also have guidance against US travelers visiting or living there. The US Department of State generally advises against travel to:

Afghanistan, North Korea, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, Libya, South Sudan, Somalia, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Haiti, Mali, Burundi, Chad, Eritrea, Iraq, Nigeria (specific regions such as northeast and the Niger Delta), Mexico (certain states like Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas), Ukraine (due to conflict with Russia), Sahel region of Africa (including parts of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger)

Your Best Immigration Options Compared – Where Could an American Move to from US?

What are the easiest options to immigrate away from the USA

Typically the countries with more historic links to the USA can be the easiest to immigrate to. Those who share common cultures, languages, ideals, politics, and history with the US normally offer some of the best routes. Especially when there are specific familial connections with the country.

Ireland offers multiple possibilities to prove links to Ireland through ancestry, while the UK is more difficult in that regard, there are also options. Canada could also prove possible through descent or ancestry, but also offers some pathways and cross-border options that may be more accessible to US nationals than others. Germany is another option with historic connections, with a thriving expat community. Conditions and visa pathways can be easier in Germany than other countries, but it also comes with possible language barriers, a possibly limited job market that might come from that, and a long pathway to citizenship.

The Cost of Immigrating Worldwide (An estimate, from Visa to Settlement)

The best countries to move to from America (compared)

Comparing the cost directly, as well factoring in the ease of settlement and quality of life, we believe the best, most cost-effective and most accessible options for Americans are as follows:

Breakdown of the Options for Americans to Move

Let’s start with 4 nations that have historic links to the US, and where we will breakdown further:

1. Ireland
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Germany

We will then analyse the possibilities for moving to:

• 5. Australia
• 6. South Africa
• 7. New Zealand
• 8. Japan
• 9. Portugal

1. Ireland

Ireland offers some of the best routes for US immigrants, with historic ties creating abundant opportunities. US immigrants can move to Ireland on the following visas and permits available:

A long-stay ‘D’ Visa is the permission granted for stays of over 90 days in Ireland. Several employment permits and family-based permissions are available under the long-stay ‘D’ visa. 

Some Americans will have Irish connections and may qualify for citizenship or citizenship pathways as a result. These pathways include:

Irish Citizenship by Descent

If you have a parent or grandparent born in Ireland, you can apply for Irish citizenship by descent. You do not need to reside in Ireland to qualify.

• Parent born in Ireland – You qualify automatically and can apply for an Irish passport
• Grandparent Born in Ireland – You’ll need to register in the Foreign Births Register (FBR) before applying for citizenship

Special Visa for Irish Descendants

If you can show a strong link to Ireland, such as extended family or cultural ties, you can apply for a Stamp 0 or Stamp 4 visa. These stamps provide residency. They will not usually permit employment. You will need to apply for working rights separately 

If you do not qualify to come to Ireland via your Irish connections, there are other popular routes available.

Work Permits

Work permits are popular for American expats, and an increasing number of US-based or US-incorporated companies have significant offices in Ireland. These include major multinationals in healthcare, biotech, technology, engineering, and IT.

• Amazon
• Apple
• Pfizer
• Facebook (Meta)
• Microsoft
• Johnson & Johnson
• Intel

This allows some US employees to move to an Irish branch of their current employer on an Intra-Company Transfer Permit. It has also led to a higher demand for skilled jobs in Ireland, which has made the Critical Skills Employment Permit another viable option for immigrants. It offers fewer restrictions to employment than the General Employment Permit. 

2. Canada

Canada is one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to with plenty of immigration pathways for skilled workers and those with close family ties. As the closest neighbour to the US, there are more opportunities for cross-border employment from US-based companies, making transfer a possibility.

You may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if:

• You were born in Canada, you automatically have Canadian citizenship even if you’re a US national
• You have at least one Canadian parent, you can apply for Canadian citizenship by descent, even if you were born in the U.S.

If you cannot gain citizenship immediately, you will need to apply for permanent residence. You can do this through family sponsorship, employment or business routes. Some of the most popular pathways for US nationals moving to Canada include:

Canadian Express Entry Routes

3. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) has historically shared a ‘special relationship’ with the USA. There are significant similarities including:

• Language
• Culture
• Job Opportunities
• Family Life

There are also advantages as to why a lot of people choose to move to the UK from the US, including:

• Safety & security with a low crime rate compared to the US. Outside of major cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham, the crime rate can be even lower
• Better work-life balance with holiday pay typically exceeding 18 days (normally 26-32 for skilled roles) to be taken whenever
• Free healthcare with access to NHS for anyone immigrating to the UK. You will need to pay a surcharge every year until you have settled status

US nationals can become British citizens immediately if:

• One parent was a British citizen at the time of your birth (even if they were born elsewhere)
• You were born in the UK before 1983, you may automatically be a British citizen and can apply for a British passport

You may also enter a citizenship pathway if:

• You have held permanent residency status in the UK for 5 years or more and have Indefinite Leave to Remain (settled status)
• You have a UK grandparent born in the UK or a British colony you may apply for a UK Ancestry Visa, which can lead to citizenship
• You were born in a British Overseas Territory you may get a visa that offers a pathway to citizenship
• You are married to a British citizen, you may apply for citizenship after 3 years of UK residence

UK Visa Routes

UK Family Visa

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients achieve their Family visas, we can help you reunite with your partner, parent, or child.

Skilled Workers

We can help you secure skilled worker visas for in-demand UK job roles, as well as explore further options if you don’t qualify or meet the £38,700 salary threshold.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Get in touch with us for expert, success-oriented assistance for indefinite leave to remain, long residence and settlement in the UK.

4. Germany

Germany is a popular expat stronghold for US nationals, with many people flocking to take advantage of the high standard of living and gateway to Europe. Reasons many people come to Germany include:

• High Quality of Life: Germany offers excellent healthcare, education, and a high standard of living.
• Work Opportunities: Germany has a strong economy, especially in industries like engineering, automotive, IT, and healthcare.
• EU Access: As a German citizen, you’d have the ability to live, work, and travel freely throughout the European Union.
• Education: Higher education in Germany is often free or low-cost, even for international students.
• Social Services: Germany provides strong social services including unemployment benefits, public transportation, and pension systems.

You may be eligible for German citizenship if:

• If you have German ancestry (e.g., one of your parents or grandparents was German), you may be eligible for citizenship. This can apply even if you were born outside Germany.
• After three years of residence in Germany as the spouse of a German citizen, you may apply for citizenship. The length of the marriage must typically be at least two years.

If you cannot prove your German ancestry or family connections, the most common route to residence in Germany is via work permits. It typically takes 8 years to become a German citizen via residence routes, so can be a longer process than other visas. Germany also does not allow dual citizenship so you would have to renounce your US citizenship. However, permanent residence can be faster than other routes with some routes offering residency in 21-33 months.

Permanent Resident Routes

5. Australia

Australia is a popular option for US expats who want a slower pace of life, high wages, and a similar cultural experience. While there are fewer citizenship links between the two countries, those who do have family connections can fast-track citizenship in as little as 12 months, but they will have needed to live in Australia for 4 years. US nationals may gain Australian citizenship if:

• You have at least one parent who was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth (regardless of whether they were born in Australia or became a citizen by naturalization), you may qualify for Australian Citizenship by Descent.

For children:

• If a child is born in Australia to an Australian citizen or PR holder usually becomes an Australian citizen by birth.
• If a child is born in Australia to parents on a temporary visa, the child can be granted permanent residency and has a pathway to citizenship.

If none of the above are true, you may qualify for permanent residency and join a citizenship pathways via work or family visas.

Australia Residency & Citizenship Requirements

• You need to have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months and have lived in Australia for a total of four years, including three years as a temporary resident (or otherwise legally allowed to be in Australia). You can apply for residency for immediate family members, as well as access free education
• Australia conducts background checks to ensure applicants have a good character.
• If you meet residency requirements, you’ll need to pass a citizenship test demonstrating knowledge of Australian values, laws, and rights.

Australian Visa Options

Family Visas

Partner Visa: These visas come in temporary and permanent categories, and allow partners of eligible partners of Australian citizens or residents to join them.

Prospective Marriage Visa: The visa allows individuals to come to Australia to join their Australian-based fiancé or prospective spouse.

Business & Exceptional Talent Visas

Business Innovation and Investment Visa: The purpose of this visa is to allow eligible businesspeople to come to Australia to continue their investment activities on a permanent basis.

Global Talent Visa: This visa is for eligible individuals who have an internationally recognised record of achievement in the area of a profession, sport, the arts, academia or research.

Worker Visas

Employer Nomination Scheme: The visa allows eligible individuals who are nominated by an employer to come to Australia for permanent residency and work purposes. The subcategories include the Direct Entry stream, the Labour Agreement stream, and the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa: This visa has been designed for individuals who have lived, worked, or studied in a designated region in Australia on an appropriate visa in the past.

6. South Africa

South Africa can be a good option for US nationals, with English spoken widely, particularly in business. Culturally there are similarities, and the work prospects are generally good for highly-skilled professions. 

Routes to South African citizenship

• If your parent was a South African citizen at the time of your birth, you can get Citizenship by Descent. You will require birth certificates as evidence
• If you have close family members or a spouse who is a permanent resident or citizen in South Africa, you will be eligible for citizenship after being a resident for five years on a Relative’s Visa or Spousal Visa. 
• If you live in South Africa for five years or more you may be eligible for citizenship via a business or work visa route

Work & Business Visas

General Work Visa: For foreign nationals with a job offer in South Africa; employer must prove no local candidates were available.

Critical Skills Work Visa: For individuals with skills in high-demand fields; no job offer required initially, allowing job search within South Africa.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa: For employees transferred to a South African branch of their company; valid up to 4 years.

Corporate Work Visa: For companies needing multiple foreign workers; requires the company to apply for a bulk visa for specific roles.

Business Visa: For entrepreneurs and investors starting or buying a business in South Africa; requires a ZAR 5 million investment.

7. New Zealand

New Zealand is an attractive destination for US citizens, offering a high quality of life, English as the primary language, and a welcoming culture. With a strong economy, especially in agriculture, tech, and healthcare, there are many opportunities for skilled workers.

Routes to New Zealand Citizenship

• Citizenship by Descent: If one of your parents was a New Zealand citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
• Residence and Citizenship: After living in New Zealand for five years with a resident visa, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Work & Business Visas

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: For those with skills in demand, based on a points system assessing factors like age, experience, and job offer.
• Essential Skills Work Visa: For individuals with a job offer in a field where there is a skills shortage. This visa is typically valid for up to 5 years, depending on the role.
• Entrepreneur Work Visa: For those looking to invest in or start a business in New Zealand, with a minimum investment requirement of NZD 100,000.

8. Portugal

Portugal is a popular European destination for US citizens seeking a relaxed lifestyle, scenic beauty, and access to the EU market. English is commonly spoken in urban areas, and there are significant expat communities.

Routes to Portuguese Citizenship

• Citizenship by Descent: If you have Portuguese ancestry, you may be eligible for citizenship.
• Naturalization: After five years of legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for citizenship, provided you can demonstrate basic proficiency in Portuguese and integration into society.

Work & Business Visas

• Tech Visa: For skilled workers in technology and innovation, allowing employment in the Portuguese tech sector.
• Golden Visa: For investors who commit to a significant investment such as business (property investment route is being phased out) in Portugal, offering a pathway to residency and citizenship after five years.
• Self-Employment Visa: For entrepreneurs or freelancers who want to work in Portugal, requiring proof of business activities and financial stability.

9. Japan

Japan offers a vibrant culture, strong job markets in technology, engineering, and teaching English, and a high standard of living. However, the language barrier can be significant for non-Japanese speakers.

Routes to Japanese Citizenship

• Citizenship by Birth: If born to at least one Japanese parent, you may automatically be granted Japanese citizenship.
• Naturalization: If you live in Japan for 5 years or more on a long-term visa (work or spouse visa) and meet certain financial and cultural integration criteria, you may be eligible for citizenship.

Work & Business Visas

• Work Visa: For specialized workers in fields such as engineering, humanities, or international services, usually requiring a job offer and relevant qualifications.
• Highly Skilled Professional Visa: For individuals with advanced skills in fields like IT, research, and engineering; it provides easier access to permanent residency.
• Investor/Business Manager Visa: For entrepreneurs starting a business in Japan with a significant investment (usually at least JPY 5 million).

How IAS Can Help

Our experienced US lawyers can help make your immigration from the US stress-free. We can help you explore routes, pathways and possibilities for you and your family to begin a new life abroad.

We help you navigate changes, challenges, and ensure a smooth pathway from the US. Our highly-skilled team have helped thousands of immigrants get the permissions they need, and they can help you too.

Call the IAS team on +1 844 290 6312 or use our live chat service to find out more out our services.