These 12 Countries Are Begging Americans to Move There in 2025: Cheap Visas, Affordable Living, Tax Breaks, and a Better Life Abroad

I have a confession. I’ve been window-shopping entire countries.

Eight months ago, I nearly booked a one-way flight.

Not for a holiday. But for a fresh start. And some places are literally rolling out the welcome mat.

Cheap visas. Better weather. Lower bills. Quiet mornings.

Sounds wild? It felt that way to me, too.

Keep reading. I’ll show you 12 countries that practically beg Americans to move in 2025, and why they might tempt you.

1. Portugal: For Sun, Safety, and Simplicity

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking 7th on the Global Peace Index.

You get over 300 days of sunshine a year. Plus, English is widely spoken in cities like Lisbon and Porto, making the transition smooth. It’s a complete quality-of-life package.

The golden ticket here is the D8 Digital Nomad Visa. For 2025, you need to show a monthly income of at least €3,480 (about $3,750).

You’ll also need proof of health insurance and a place to live, like a one-year rental agreement.

After five years, you can even apply for permanent residency and citizenship.

A couple can live very comfortably on $2,500 to $3,000 a month. Rent for a one-bedroom in Lisbon can be around €1,500, but it drops significantly in smaller cities.

A delicious meal at a local spot can cost less than $12.

2. Spain: A Top Choice for Culture and an Amazing Expat Life

Spain has a vibrant culture and offers a famously relaxed pace of life. The healthcare system is excellent and accessible.

Cities like Valencia are buzzing with strong and welcoming expat communities, making it easy to find your footing.

This is truly one of the best countries to live in Europe.

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most attractive out there. You need to prove a monthly income of around €2,763 (about $2,975).

A huge perk is the special tax regime. You pay a flat 24% tax on income up to €600,000, which can be a massive saving.

The visa also allows you to bring your family along easily.

Your monthly budget can be surprisingly low. A single person can live well on about €1,200 to €1,500 before rent.

In beautiful Valencia, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for €800 to €1,200.

3. Greece: For Ancient History and Island Living

Imagine finishing your workday with a swim in the Aegean Sea.

You get to enjoy a stunning island life, the food is incredibly fresh and healthy, and the cost of living is very affordable.

The Greek Digital Nomad Visa makes this dream possible. You must show a post-tax income of at least €3,500 per month (about $3,770). This amount increases by 20% if you bring a spouse and 15% for each child.

The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for another two years, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Living costs are manageable, even in the capital. A single person’s monthly expenses in Athens are around €795 before rent.

A one-bedroom apartment in a central Athens neighborhood can range from €700 to €1,200, with prices dropping outside the city.

4. Italy: For La Dolce Vita on a Budget

Italy’s appeal comes from its La Dolce Vita—the sweet life—with its world-class art, food, and culture. 

There’s already a large community of over 15,000 American expats, especially in cities like Florence and Rome, so you won’t be alone.

Italy recently launched its own Digital Nomad Visa. The income requirement is a minimum of €28,000 per year (about $3,015 per month).

You also need to be considered “highly skilled,” which usually means having a university degree or several years of professional experience.

Health insurance and proof of accommodation are also required.

Your money goes far here. In Florence, you can expect to spend about €900 a month before rent.

A central one-bedroom apartment might cost €1,200 to €1,700. But if you head south to places like Sicily, you can find a similar apartment for just €500.

5. Mexico: For Proximity and Affordability

It’s no surprise that Mexico is the number one destination for American expats, with over 800,000 calling it home.

The culture is rich, the people are friendly, and it’s just a short flight from the US. Expat communities in cities like Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende are well-established and welcoming.

Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa, a great alternative to a typical digital nomad visa. You can qualify in one of two ways. You can show a steady monthly income of around $4,100.

Or, you can show a savings or investment account balance of about $70,000. This flexibility makes it accessible to a wide range of people, from freelancers to retirees.

The value is incredible. A single person can live comfortably on just $664 a month before rent.

In bustling Mexico City, a nice one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood costs around $770.

6. Costa Rica: For Pura Vida and Natural Wonders

Costa Rica is all about the “Pura Vida” or “pure life” lifestyle. This philosophy centers on well-being, a deep connection to nature, and a strong sense of community.

The country is known for its stability, safety, and world-leading environmental policies.

Its Digital Nomad Visa is one of the best available. You need a stable monthly income of $3,000 ($4,000 for a family).

The biggest benefit? You are completely exempt from paying Costa Rican income tax on your foreign earnings. Talk about incentives!

Living here is a great deal. A single person can live a great expat life on $1,600 to $2,000 a month, all-in. You can find a basic two-bedroom house for as little as $400 a month in some areas.

Also Read: These 13 Countries Offer World-Class Health Care at a Fraction of U.S. Prices

7. Panama: A Tropical Hub with Urban Comforts

Panama, where you have the modern, skyscraper-filled skyline of Panama City, which feels like a first-world hub.

Then you have lush rainforests and beautiful tropical beaches just a short drive away. It’s a convenient base for exploring Central America.

The visa for remote workers is officially called the Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers. It requires an annual income of $36,000 ($3,000 per month).

The visa is valid for nine months and can be renewed once for another nine months, giving you up to 18 months to enjoy the country.

The application process is known for being relatively quick and straightforward.

In Panama City, a comfortable monthly budget for a single person is between $2,000 and $2,500.

A modern one-bedroom apartment in a good area will cost you between $800 and $1,500 a month.

8. Colombia: For Unbeatable Value and Rich Culture

After a transformative past two decades, Colombia is now a thriving, safe, and incredibly welcoming destination.

The culture is vibrant, the scenery is diverse, and the cost of living is one of the lowest in the Americas.

The country’s Type V Digital Nomad Visa is perhaps the most accessible on this list.

The income requirement is shockingly low. You only need to prove an income of three times the Colombian minimum wage, which is about $900 per month.

This opens the door for so many people who dream of an expat life but don’t have a massive income.

The value you get for your money is astounding. A single person can live well on a total budget of $700 to $1,500 per month.

In the popular expat city of Medellín, a one-bedroom apartment in a prime neighborhood can be rented for just $380 to $770.

9. Thailand: An Established Expat Haven with Modern Perks

Thailand has been a favorite for expats for decades, and for good reason: an incredible lifestyle with amazing food, beautiful beaches, and a rich culture.

It also boasts world-class private healthcare at a fraction of US prices, making it a secure place to live.

For higher earners, Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a fantastic option. The “Work-from-Thailand Professionals” category requires an annual income of at least $80,000.

If you have a master’s degree, that requirement drops to $40,000 a year. The rewards are huge: a 10-year renewable visa and a flat personal income tax rate of just 17%.

Despite its popularity, Thailand remains very affordable. A single person can manage on about $620 per month before rent.

In central Bangkok, a modern one-bedroom condo costs around 22,000 THB (about $600).

10. Malaysia: A Multicultural Hub with First-World Infrastructure

Malaysia offers a fascinating mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. This diversity is reflected in its amazing food scene.

The country boasts first-world infrastructure, from modern cities to high-speed internet.

English is widely spoken, which makes it one of the easiest Asian countries for Americans to settle into.

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is designed for digital professionals. It requires a minimum annual income of $24,000 ($2,000 per month).

The pass is valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed for another year. It’s a straightforward path to living in this country.

Kuala Lumpur offers an excellent quality of life at a low cost. A single expat can live comfortably on a total budget of $1,300 to $3,000 a month.

You can rent a modern one-bedroom condo, often with a pool and gym, for under $551 a month.

11. South Korea: For the High-Tech, Hyper-Moderns

If you crave a fast-paced, futuristic lifestyle, South Korea might be for you. It’s a global leader in technology and innovation, after all.

It’s also incredibly safe and offers a vibrant culture, from K-pop to amazing Korean food.

The new Workation Visa (F-1-D) is aimed at high-earning professionals. You need to prove an annual income that is double the country’s previous year’s Gross National Income.

For 2025, this is expected to be around $70,000 a year (about $5,830 per month). The visa allows you and your family to stay for one year, with the option to renew for another.

While Seoul is a major global city, it’s more affordable than you might think. An expat’s monthly budget, excluding rent, is about $1,600.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 1,238,000 KRW (about $900).

12. New Zealand: For Unrivaled Nature and Work-Life Balance

New Zealand is practically begging for skilled Americans to move there, but in a different way. It’s less about your income and more about your skills.

The country offers an incredible work-life balance, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming Kiwi culture.

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is a points-based system. You need to score 6 points to qualify. You earn points from having a skilled job offer in New Zealand, your qualifications, or your professional registration in certain fields.

This path is perfect for professionals like nurses, engineers, and tech workers who want to build a long-term future.

This is the priciest destination on the list. A single person needs $815 to $2,000 a month before rent.

A one-bedroom apartment in Auckland costs around $1,190. It’s a higher investment for a higher quality of life.

Quick-Glance Guide to Your New Expat Life

Feeling overwhelmed? This chart breaks down the key numbers. It shows the visa type, the minimum income you need to prove, and a rough daily budget.

Use it to quickly see which of these amazing places might be your perfect match.

So, You Making the Move Yet?

The world is more open to Americans than ever before. And as we’ve seen, many of the best countries to live in have created clear pathways just for you.

These countries are practically begging Americans to move there with special visas, tax breaks, and the promise of a better quality of life.

The question is no longer if you can move abroad, but where you’ll go. The opportunity for a new adventure and a richer expat life is waiting.

Which of these places seems perfect to you? Let me know in the comments below!