Americans Are Leaving
Yes, you’re not imagining it: more Americans are seriously researching (and actually making) moves abroad lately, especially to places with easier residency paths, better day-to-day affordability, or just a calmer vibe. This list ranks countries Americans are moving to right now—and why they think they're better than current America.
How This Ranking Works (So It’s Not Just Vibes)
There’s no single perfect scoreboard for “Americans moving abroad,” so I’m combining multiple signals: official counts of US citizens or US-born residents where available, recent growth rates, and application trends (like citizenship/residency spikes). Think of it as: where Americans are already showing up in big numbers, not just daydreaming on TikTok.
Where Americans Are Researching
If you want a “wish list” snapshot, Expatsi’s 2024 survey (116,000+ Americans considering a move) put Portugal at the top, followed by Spain, the UK, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand, and Costa Rica. Two-thirds said they planned to move before 2026, and 12% said within six months—so yeah, people are in motion.
But where they research and where they actually go might be a different story. Here's the top 10 places Americans are actually relocating to, and what to know before you join them.
#15. Colombia — A Fast-Rising Research Favorite
Believe it or not, Colombia has become one of the most researched destinations for Americans considering a move, especially Medellín and Bogotá. Lower cost of living, improving infrastructure, and new digital nomad visas have boosted interest. Americans are often surprised by the modern cities and strong expat communities, making Colombia a common “unexpected contender” during the research phase.
#14. New Zealand — The “Fresh Start” Destination
New Zealand also consistently appears in searches by Americans looking for stability, nature, and distance from global chaos. It’s especially popular among families and professionals seeking a calmer lifestyle. Immigration rules are strict, but Americans researching New Zealand are often serious planners willing to navigate the system for long-term quality-of-life gains.
#13. Japan — Surprisingly Popular Among Younger Americans
Japan may seem unlikely, but it’s increasingly researched by younger Americans and remote workers. Safety, public transit, and cleanliness are major draws, along with growing digital nomad interest. While long-term residency is more complex, Americans curious about Japan often start with extended stays before exploring work or business visa options. The culture shock is real—but so is the appeal.
#12. Netherlands — English-Friendly With a High Quality of Life
The Netherlands attracts Americans who want Europe without the language shock. Over 90% of Dutch residents speak English, making daily life easier for newcomers. Americans researching moves here often mention work-life balance, excellent infrastructure, and bike-friendly cities.
#11. Costa Rica — The Lifestyle Reset Favorite
Costa Rica has long been on Americans’ radar, but interest has surged as remote work became more normal. Americans are drawn to its stable democracy, strong healthcare system, and emphasis on work-life balance.
Bernal Saborio, Wikimedia Commons
#10. Australia — Gorgeous, Stable, and Very Far From Your Group Chat
Australia keeps pulling Americans who want strong salaries, good cities, and outdoorsy weekends that look fake on Instagram. Australia’s stats show around 118,000 US-born residents, and the lifestyle appeal is real—just be ready for long flights and a visa process that can feel like a part-time job.
Bernard Spragg. NZ, Wikimedia Commons
#9. France — The “I’ll Just Stay a Year” Country (That Turns Into Five)
France is a classic for Americans chasing culture, walkable cities, and a slower pace that still feels exciting. Reporting on French trends has noted Americans increasingly settling there, helped by long-stay visa options and big expat hubs beyond Paris.
#8. Ireland — The Ancestry Shortcut (If You’ve Got It)
Ireland is a magnet for Americans who can claim citizenship by descent—or who want an English-speaking EU base with tech jobs and a familiar vibe. The big draw is that Ireland can be a “forever move” if you qualify through family lines.
#7. Italy — Sun, Family, and “I Can Work From Here, Right?”
Italy stays popular with Americans who want food, beauty, and a daily rhythm that feels less grindy. It’s especially attractive to remote workers and retirees who can handle the paperwork and residency steps.
Sergey Ashmarin, Wikimedia Commons
#6. Germany — Strong Economy Energy (With Rules, Forms, and More Forms)
Germany appeals to Americans who want stability, solid infrastructure, and major job markets. The vibe is less “beach expat” and more “serious relocation.”
#5. Spain — A Fast-Growing Favorite With Real Numbers Behind It
Spain isn’t just a fantasy destination—Americans are showing up in measurable numbers. Spain reported 50,623 US citizens resident as of January 1, 2024, helped by sunshine, big-city life, and a social culture that makes it easier to build community.
#4. Portugal — The “Wait, This Is Actually Doable” Move
Portugal has been one of the clearest “right now” stories. US citizens living in Portugal rose from 14,129 in 2023 to 19,258 in 2024—a 36.3% jump—driven by safety, lifestyle, and affordability.
Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
#3. United Kingdom — The Citizenship Spike Is Doing the Talking
In 2024, over 6,100 Americans applied for UK citizenship—up 26% from 2023. From April 2024 to March 2025, 6,618 US citizens applied for citizenship or indefinite residency, the highest since records began in 2004.
#2. Canada — The “Soft Landing” That’s Still a Real Move
Statistics Canada reports 256,000 US immigrants living in Canada as of 2021, plus over 90,000 Canadian citizens by descent born in the US, making Canada one of the most common relocation choices. For many Americans, Canada feels familiar enough to be comfortable, but different enough to justify a long-term move.
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
#1. Mexico — The Biggest, Most Proven American Expat Destination
The US State Department estimates about 1.6 million US citizens live in Mexico. Cost of living, proximity, and lifestyle flexibility make it the most common real-world move. Many Americans also choose Mexico because it allows frequent visits home without feeling fully disconnected from life in the US.
You May Also Like:
The States Americans Are Actively Avoiding In 2026
Latest Surveys Reveal Why Americans Think Canada Is Better Than The United States
Americans fled to Costa Rica en masse, but here's why they're coming back.
.jpg){kind=link}