More Americans than ever are Googling how to move abroad. Learn the top countries U.S. citizens are researching most in 2025—Portugal, Spain, Mexico & more—and get a step-by-step plan to make your own move possible.

If you’ve found yourself late-night Googling “best countries for Americans to move to,” “Portugal digital nomad visa,” or “how to move abroad with kids,” you’re definitely not alone.

In 2025, record numbers of Americans are actively searching for ways to relocate abroad. According to a large-scale survey of over 116,000 people by Expatsi, the number one country Americans want to move to right now is Portugal, closely followed by Spain, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand, and Costa Rica.

Search interest has skyrocketed — especially from people looking for:

A lower cost of living
Safer environments
Better work–life balance
More freedom
A fresh start

Americans aren’t just dreaming about moving abroad anymore. They’re planning it. And whether you want to move with your kids, solo, or build a fully remote life abroad, this guide will break down exactly what you need to know.

What Americans Are Searching for Most Right Now

These topics are trending at the top of Google, TikTok, and Pinterest searches:

1. “Best Countries for Americans to Move to 2025”

People want safety, affordability, and stability. The most searched countries are:

Portugal – Easy visas, low cost of living, safety, high quality of life
Spain – Sunshine, lifestyle, good healthcare, family-friendly options
Mexico – Close to the U.S., affordable, popular with families
Canada – Familiar, English-speaking, excellent social services
Ireland & U.K. – Cultural familiarity and job opportunities
New Zealand – A peaceful, nature-rich escape
Italy, France & Greece – For those wanting the European lifestyle

2. “Digital Nomad Visa”

Searches for digital nomad visas and remote work abroad have exploded.
Americans want to know:

Which countries offer digital nomad visas
Minimum income requirements
How long they can stay
If their kids can come
Whether they can switch to residency later

3. “Cost of Living Abroad”

4. “How to Move Abroad with Kids”

This one is trending especially among moms.
Highest-searched questions include:

Is Spain or Portugal good for families?
Are schools safe?
How does healthcare work?
How much is rent in family-friendly cities?
Can I work remotely while living abroad?

Why So Many Americans Want to Leave (And Why 2025 Is Different)

People aren’t just curious — they’re ready.

According to the Expatsi report and recent Forbes data, Americans are primarily motivated by:

✔ Lower Cost of Living

Many European and Latin American countries offer better quality of life at a fraction of U.S. prices.

✔ Safety & Stability

Safety is a major concern for U.S. families, and many feel they can raise their children more peacefully abroad.

✔ Better Work–Life Balance

The European lifestyle appeals to parents especially—more time with kids, more vacation days, less burnout.

✔ Remote Work Freedom

The rise of digital work makes relocation easier than ever before.

✔ Community & Culture

People want more connection, slower living, healthier lifestyles.

The Real Problem: People Don’t Know Where to Start

Even though interest is at an all-time high, most Americans feel overwhelmed by the logistics. The most common struggles are:

Choosing the right country
Understanding visas
Figuring out income requirements
Budgeting for the move
Finding housing from abroad
Navigating schools & healthcare
Handling taxes & legal documents
Fear of making the wrong decision

This is where most people give up…
But you don’t need to.

Below is the solution you can follow today to turn your plan into reality.

The Step-by-Step Solution to Moving Abroad Successfully (2025 Guide)

This is the exact roadmap Americans use to relocate without confusion or overwhelm.

Step 1: Choose Your “Why”

Before you choose a country, get clear on your goals:

Lower expenses
Better schools
Work–life balance
Safety
Remote work
Retirement
Cultural lifestyle
Adventure

Your “why” determines your visa, budget, location, and timeline.

Step 2: Pick the Best Country for Your Lifestyle

Here’s the short version:

Best for families: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Canada

Best for affordability: Mexico, Portugal, Greece

Best for lifestyle: Spain, Italy, France

Best for digital nomads: Portugal, Spain, Greece

Best for peaceful living: New Zealand, Portugal

Best for retirement abroad: Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica

Choose 1–3 countries and compare:

Visa requirements
Cost of living
School options
Healthcare system
Housing
Income requirements

This stops overwhelm and helps you move forward with clarity.

Step 3: Know Your Visa Options (The Part Most People Mess Up)

Every country has multiple visa types. These are the most popular for Americans:

1. Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers or freelancers.
Countries offering it: Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Croatia, and more.

2. Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa (Spain & others)

Perfect for families living off remote income, savings, rental income, or business profits.

3. Golden Visa / Investment Visas

For people investing in property or businesses abroad.

4. Retirement Visa

Popular in Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, and Panama.

5. Student Visa

A super popular way for families to move to Spain legally. This is the visa that got me to Spain.

Step 4: Create a Realistic Budget

Your budget should include:

Start-Up Costs

Flights
Temporary Airbnb
First month’s rent + deposit
Visa fees
Health insurance
Legal or relocation services
Shipping belongings
Buying school uniforms/supplies

Monthly Living Costs

Rent
Groceries
Transportation
Phone/internet
Healthcare
School fees (if private)

Most Americans save hundreds to thousands per month when living abroad.

Step 5: Take an “Exploratory Trip” (Game Changer)

Before committing long-term, visit your top country for 1–3 weeks.
During the trip:

Walk neighborhoods
Visit schools
Test commute times
Explore grocery stores
Meet expats
Visit coworking spaces
View apartments in person

Exploratory trips help you avoid mistakes and make better decisions.

Step 6: Get Help from a Relocation Expert (Best Shortcut)

Most Americans who successfully move abroad use:

Visa assistance
Relocation consultants
Local real estate agents
International school advisors
Expat community groups

Trying to DIY everything is where people get stuck.
You don’t have to do it alone.

Step 7: Make the Move & Settle In Smoothly

Once you arrive:

Register with local authorities
Sign a long-term rental
Set up your local bank account
Enroll in healthcare
Join expat/mom groups
Build your community
Learn basic language skills

Within a few months, life starts to feel normal — and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this years ago.

Final Thoughts: Moving Abroad Is Possible, And People Are Doing It Every Day

Americans aren’t just dreaming about leaving.
They’re actually doing it — because the benefits are real:

lower cost of living
improved safety
healthier lifestyle
more peace
more time with family
better mental well-being
more opportunity

Whether you’re a busy mom, a remote worker, or a family looking for a better life, the world is wide open to you.

If you’re seriously thinking about moving abroad

Start with my free Moving Abroad Checklist

Thinking about Spain? Get my Complete Mom’s Guide to Moving Abroad – Spain Edition

👉 Relocation checklist
👉 Visa comparison chart
👉 Budget planner
👉 Top cities for Americans 2025

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And if you want personalized help, visa guidance, country recommendations, or a relocation plan — book a consultation with me.
I help families currently in the U.S. move abroad with clarity, confidence, and zero overwhelm.