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I knew I wanted to live abroad as soon as I stepped into the Netherlands on a trip at 17. I pursued this dream for years – studying Spanish in Spain at 21, I taught English there at the age of 26 and pursuing a master there at 29 – but I continued to find myself back in Texas.
At 35 I tried again, I arrived in Spain With doubts and without a clear plan. But the positive change was immediate. Outside of 9 to 5 grinding, I found my passions from writing, creating content and building a community.
Within 18 months I started She hit refreshingResource and community that help women over 30 invent and quickly track their moves abroad. Ten years later, I still live in Spain and I have directly helped hundreds of women to make their moves abroad.
So much People who want to leave the US Start with a seemingly simple question: Where should I go? I can help with that.
What makes some European countries more welcoming to US emigrants
If you want to start feeling less overwhelming, look for countries that check most of these boxes:
- Visa options: If there is a visa for which you qualify for-whether as a remote worker, retiree or self-employed person, this is already a huge profit.
- Life costs: Many Americans are looking for places where their dollars extend further and where quality of life does not mean financial stress.
- Cultural openness: The feeling of locals can ease the cultural shock and smooth your transition.
- A solid emigrant community: At the same time, access to other Americans or foreigners who understand your journey can give you a sense of belonging, especially in the first months.
- Language: Look for places where people speak English at a high level and/or local language is relatively easy to take.
Here are five European countries that consistently make it easier for Americans to land, live and thrive:
1. Spain
Spain is a popular choice for Americans Thanks to its digital nomadic and non -working visas, affordable health care and social culture that prioritizes the relationship. I found that people here take time for each other, collect and talk for hours.
While English is not widely spoken and cities like Barcelona are facing Overtourism, many smaller cities and cities are willing to meet the newcomers.
When I moved abroad to 35, I found a community in Madrid with others who traded the traditional path of success (corporate ladder, marriage, children and mortgage) to shake things-as I left my job full-time to teach English, go to free practice and finally “Even everyone around them settled.
I now live in Malaga, where Europeans have come for decades both on vacation and to live. The locals are welcoming to foreigners, which also means that there is an established Expat scene that makes it easier Meet friends And feel at home.
2. Portugal
It’s It is difficult to find a country more open to Portugal emigrantsS With its free pace of life, conducive to Anglo culture and affordable visa options, it has become a popular place to move. In addition to a digital nomad visa, Portugal offers a D7 visa – which allows Americans who have a steady flow of passive income to live in the country.
While Lisbon and Porto face the challenges of Overtourism, similar to Barcelona, there are many beautiful and less populated alternatives. In Algarve, emigrants are attracted by the mix of locals and foreigners, as well as by the Mediterranean climate, although it is actually in the Atlantic. The Madeira and the Azores archipelags are outside the crossed path and a great choice for anyone who likes to be surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
The safety, accessibility of Portugal and existing expat communities make it great for solo women, families and retirees.
3. France
One of my upcoming podcast Guests, Mary Alice Duff, decided to exchange the noise of life in Philadelphia at the more slow pace of southern France. Now she enjoys the peace of the French way of life, such as cycling to the beach with her daughter; Fins of her tax dollars, such as free public transport; And quality time with a diverse, close international group of friends.
For Those who want to follow a similar pathThehe liberal Visa is a great option for freelancers and small business owners, offering flexibility to work remotely. France also has affordable, high quality healthcare and is incredibly suitable for the family. Have One of the highest fertility rates in Europewhich can be associated with generous tax relief for families and affordable childcare.
The downside is that France does not yet offer a digital nomad visa, which makes it a challenge for remote employees to find a way to stay long -term.
4. The Netherlands
Thehe The Netherlands is known for being very welcoming to emigrantsS The country offers excellent public transport and an extensive network of bicycle paths, widespread English and an environment suitable for an entrepreneur.
Visa Daft (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) allows Americans who are self-employed to live and work in the Netherlands by registering a business in the country and depositing 4,500 euros in a business bank account. However, finding housing can be a challenge because of a residential crisisS
One of my master class students, SailorHe moved there in 2024 to his 50s. A divorced mother of elderly children, she accepted the opportunity to start fresh under her own conditions. While she is only months in her movement, she finds the Dutch friendly and has begun to build a community through many network events.
5. Albania
Albania allows US passport holders to stay for up to one year without a visa. With easy entry and low cost of life, it is ideal for remote budget workers.
Many Americans live in the capital of Tirana, where the emigrant community is strong and English is spoken widely. But the Albanian Riviera should not be neglected; Its coastline along the Ionian Sea has some of the most beautiful beaches and landscapes across Europe.
I have seen many Americans use Albania as a soft landing, staying one to four years before moving on to their next destination.
Jumping
Many people who dream of moving abroad get into a spiral of questions and “what if” s: where should I go? How can I make it work? Will I be accepted? What if it didn’t work out?
It is true that eradication of your life is a great solution, but there are so many places that are welcoming to Americans. With little effort to learn the language and respect the culture, you can find your way.
The women I work with I usually do not regret their decisions to move abroadS Well, maybe one thing: if anything else, most of them regret that they didn’t do it earlier.
CEPEE TABIBIAN is the founder of She hit refreshingCommunity and resource platform that helps women 30+ age to move abroad and the author of “”I’m from here! US High Guide to Life Visa in Europe“As the daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Cepee grew up in Houston, Texas, before becoming an immigrant in Spain.
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