10 Best Countries for American Expats

America isn’t what it used to be.

High taxes, political chaos and a growing sense that personal freedom is slipping away have more people looking for an exit.

Maybe you’re tired of footing the bill for an overreaching government, or perhaps you just want a better quality of life.

Whatever the case, there are options out there – a fact not lost on more than 8 million US expats who are currently taking advantage of them, with an ever-increasing number of their fellow citizens looking to join them.

Plenty of countries welcome US expats with open arms. Some offer lower taxes or easier residency, while others might mean better healthcare or investment opportunities. But they all have something in common – they provide a fresh start. 

The key is finding a place that aligns with your goals – whether that’s financial freedom, safety or simply a better way of life. 

That’s complicated because there are so many possibilities out there. To that end, the Nomad Capitalist team has put together a comprehensive list of the friendliest countries for US expats.

Considerations for American Expat-Friendly Countries

No matter how badly you want out of the system, as an American expat, it’s never simply about leaving the US. Instead, your prime objective should be finding a better alternative where you’ll thrive. 

There’s no single silver bullet for this kind of problem – everyone’s ‘best’ option or country is different, depending on their individual circumstances.

However, many expats leave in search of financial freedom, a better quality of life and the opportunity to build a stronger global strategy. Of course, they also prefer an easy path to residency and possibly citizenship.

Still, here you go depends on what you value most.

Taxes matter. Some countries offer territorial tax systems where foreign income isn’t taxed, while others have incentives for investors, business owners or retirees. 

If structured correctly, moving abroad can help you keep more of what you earn. But, choosing a country to do this comes down to how you earn money and where it comes from.

Immigration should be a simple process but it rarely is.

Some countries let you stay long-term with minimal paperwork, while others require an investment or proof of income. The goal is to find a country that welcomes expats without problematic and unnecessary red tape.

Language and culture are also important. If you want an easy transition, look for countries where English is widely spoken and familiar Western comforts are plentiful. It’s okay too, if you want to ditch the Western way of life entirely and live in a country that’s culturally totally different.

But don’t compromise on safety and stability – these should always be top priorities. Some countries offer a low crime rate, strong legal protections and political stability, the exact qualities which are becoming increasingly hard to find in the US.

You should also think about proximity. Do you want to be a short flight away from the US? Or maybe you’re after a complete escape? The right country is the one that fits your long-term vision.

10 Best Countries for American Expats 

No matter what kind of expat you are or what experience you’re after, these countries welcome American expats and provide a high quality of life.

Mexico

Mexico is one of the best options for many expats looking for a more affordable, freer life without straying too far from home. In fact, it’s the top choice for most US expats.

With stunning beaches, colonial cities and world-class food, it offers an excellent lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of American living. As an expat here, you’ll live well for less while enjoying top-notch private healthcare that rivals the US.

Best of all, Mexico makes immigration easy. A Temporary Residence Visa is available for those with financial solvency, and after four years, you can apply for permanent residence. 

Retirees with a pension can skip the temporary stage and go straight to permanent residency. 

And if you ever want to visit the US, it’s just a quick drive or flight away.

Taxes are manageable in Mexico, and if structured correctly, you can avoid paying taxes entirely on foreign income. 

With a thriving expat community and English widely spoken, Mexico is an easy transition for Americans.

Portugal

Portugal is one of the best options in Europe for US expats who want lower taxes, easy residency and a high quality of life. 

Look at it as the more efficient, tax-friendly version of Spain. You can enjoy great weather, world-class food and affordable private healthcare while living in a European Union country. 

English is widely spoken, and there’s a very welcoming atmosphere here, which isn’t surprising, as roughly 14,000 Americans call Portugal home. 

Residency is simple: the Portugal Golden Visa offers a clear path to EU citizenship after five years with minimal stay requirements. If you live off passive income, the D7 Visa is an easy residence option. 

Taxes here are good by European standards and Portugal still has one of Europe’s most attractive naturalisation timelines, at only five years. 

The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a top choice for US expats looking for a tax-free, easygoing lifestyle in a tropical paradise. 

Just a short flight from the US, it offers crystal-clear waters, world-class beaches and a welcoming English-speaking environment.

The cost of living can be high, but with no income, capital gains or inheritance taxes, it’s a great base for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs.

Residency in the Bahamas is straightforward. You can start with an annual permit or go straight for permanent residence by investing at least US$1 million in real estate. If you spend 90 days a year there, you can keep your status active. 

Island life isn’t for everyone, but if you want to escape the fast pace of US life in a tax-friendly setup, the Bahamas is perfect.

Dominica

Dominica is one of the most affordable and efficient ways to get a second passport. Its citizenship-by-investment program lets you obtain a passport in as little as three months with a US$200,000 donation or a real estate investment. 

If you’re a US citizen considering renouncing your US citizenship, this could be a useful back-pocket passport to invest in.

And with no residency requirements, it’s a perfect Plan B as the passport offers visa-free travel to the EU, UK and beyond.

For expats looking to live there, Dominica is a laid-back, English-speaking island with a warm climate and beautiful landscapes. The cost of living is lower than in other Caribbean nations, and there’s no tax on foreign income for non-residents. 

While it’s more suited to retirees or those seeking a quiet life, Dominica’s natural beauty and tax-friendly policies make it a strong option for global citizens.

Ireland

Ireland is a top choice for US expats looking for a high-quality life in an English-speaking, business-friendly country. 

It’s one of the most reputable destinations in Europe, offering a strong economy, excellent healthcare and a welcoming culture. Dublin is a global tech and finance hub, attracting major multinationals with its low 12.5% corporate tax rate.

While personal income tax is high, with the right planning, you can minimise your tax burden here. 

If you have Irish ancestry, you may qualify for citizenship by descent. Otherwise, the Stamp 0 visa or Highly Skilled Worker programs offer residency options. 

Ireland’s proximity to both the US and Europe makes it a great base for global entrepreneurs. With a stable economy and EU access, Ireland is an ideal place to plant long-term roots.

Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the best choices in Southeast Asia for US expats who want affordability and modern comforts in a tax-friendly environment. 

Kuala Lumpur offers a high quality of life with world-class malls, top-tier healthcare and a vibrant mix of cultures. English is widely spoken, making it easy to settle in.

Malaysia is one of the few countries in the region where foreigners can own landed property. It’s also a strong base for entrepreneurs, with territorial taxation that means you won’t pay tax on foreign income. 

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa offers long-term residency through investment, while the DE Rantau Nomad Visa is a good option for remote workers. 

For those looking to enjoy the good life while keeping more of their money, Malaysia is hard to beat.

Malta

If you want a warm Mediterranean climate, an English-speaking environment and tax-friendly residency in Europe, then Malta should be at the top of your list. 

As a European Union member, Malta offers visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone and easy access to European markets. So, getting a residence permit here opens up many doors. 

The island itself may be small, but it’s packed with history, culture and stunning Mediterranean scenery.

Malta’s territorial tax system means foreign income is only taxed if remitted, and corporate tax rebates make it an attractive base for business owners. 

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers long-term residency, while citizenship by investment through the MEIN program can get you an EU passport in as little as 14 months. Sure, you’ll need to spend at least €600,000, but this is the fastest way to get your hands on an EU passport.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the best places in Southeast Asia and the world for expats who value security, efficiency and financial freedom. 

As a global business hub, Singapore offers world-class banking, low taxes and a government that supports entrepreneurship. 

English is widely spoken, making it an easy transition for Americans.

While the cost of living is high, Singapore delivers top-tier healthcare, streets so clean you could eat off of them, and one of the safest environments anywhere. 

Its territorial tax system means foreign income isn’t taxed unless remitted. Residency is competitive, but the Global Investor Programme or an Employment Pass can provide a pathway. 

Colombia

Colombia is one of the most exciting destinations for US expats looking for a high quality of life at a low cost. 

Medellín, known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, offers stunning mountain views, modern infrastructure and a growing expat scene. Bogotá is a major business hub with international connections, while coastal cities like Santa Marta provide a laid-back, tropical lifestyle.

Residency in Colombia is straightforward, with investment visas available for property or business owners. After five years, you can apply for citizenship. 

Taxes can be high for residents, but with proper structuring, they can be minimised. Colombia’s healthcare system is among the best in Latin America, and English is increasingly spoken in major cities. 

Georgia

Can’t make your mind up whether to move to Asia or Europe? Try Georgia, the perfect in-between.

Georgia is one of the easiest countries for US expats to settle in. You can enter visa-free for a full year, and setting up tax residency is simple. The country has a territorial tax system, meaning you don’t pay tax on foreign income. 

If structured correctly, you can live there almost tax-free.

Tbilisi, the country’s capital, offers a vibrant mix of old-world charm and modern convenience, while Batumi is a growing Black Sea hub. Real estate is affordable, and rental income tax is low. 

The cost of living is a fraction of what you’d pay in the US, and the food and wine culture is world-class. 

Georgia is business-friendly, politically stable and one of the safest countries in the region. It’s a great Plan B for global entrepreneurs.

Other Worthy Mentions

The countries above tick a lot of different boxes for different kinds of expats. But, of course, they might still not be right for you. With that in mind, here are some other worthy contenders that are very expat-friendly:

• UAE: Dubai is a tax-free haven for entrepreneurs in the Middle East, offering world-class infrastructure and no income tax. Residency is easy through business or property investment. And with roughly 80% of Dubai’s population being expats, you’ll feel right at home.
• Oman: A quieter alternative to the UAE, Oman offers some great tax perks, a stable economy, a high quality of life, and a more traditional Gulf experience.
• Panama: With territorial taxation and the Friendly Nations Visa, Panama is one of the easiest places for Americans to get residency while keeping their taxes low.
• Eastern Europe: Eastern European nations like Serbia, Montenegro and Albania offer affordable living, low taxes and easier paths to residency than much of Western Europe.
• Caribbean (Countries like St Kitts and Nevis or Grenada): These are great second passport options with strong banking and tax incentives. Many Caribbean passports are available through investment, which could be an ideal stepping stone for US citizens renouncing their citizenship.
• Channel Islands (Jersey and Isle of Man): British territories with tax-friendly policies, strong banking systems, a high standard of living and where English is the official language. All this, but without the EU’s heavy regulations.
• Turkey: A strategic location, solid passport options and easy citizenship through property investment. It’s a mix of modern and traditional with a growing economy.
• Puerto Rico: For those who want to keep their US citizenship but escape federal taxes, Puerto Rico’s Act 60 offers huge savings for business owners and investors.

Best Countries for American Expats: FAQs

Which Country is Best for American Expats… it Depends.

The ideal country for a US expat really comes down to the individual’s unique goals.

Whether that’s looking for low taxes, a strong business environment or a place with a slower pace of life, the options are vast. 

Some countries offer easy residency and solid economic opportunities, while others provide a better lifestyle at a lower cost. What matters most is how well a destination fits your personal vision for the future. 

If you’re ready to start your journey, Nomad Capitalist can help.

We’ve enabled 2,000+ high-net-worth individuals to ‘go where they’re treated best’, whether that’s meant moving their business offshore, relocating to a tax-friendly country or pursuing a second citizenship.

Our clients are paired with experts in tax, investment strategy, asset protection and immigration to create and execute a holistic plan as unique as their goals. Click to learn more about how we can help you.