Best European Countries for Americans To Move to (2025): Top Picks for Expats

Some of the best European countries for Americans to move to are Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Each of these countries offers is affordable and offers rich culture and quality healthcare, among other perks.

With the right prep and a top-rated international moving company to help, you can make a leap across the pond without too many hurdles.

Best Overall International Van Lines rating 4.8 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (855) 929-4120

BEST FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE JK Moving Services International rating 5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (703) 972-1772

Best for specialty services Solomon & Sons International Relocation Services rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Get A Quote (888) 201-6462

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Before choosing your future home, think about what matters most to you.

The 7 best European countries for American expats

These are the top destinations in Europe to move to from the US:

Portugal: Our top choice overall

Portugal has become a hot spot for expats, and it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable, friendly, and full of charm, some of the reasons we also named it the number-one overseas destination for retirees. The country has seen a spike in foreign residents in recent years, with more than a million expats — mostly from the US and Brazil — calling it home.

One huge draw is Portugal’s affordability. For example, utilities and groceries in Porto, one of Portugal’s largest cities, cost 50% less than in Phoenix. On average, it’s about 33% cheaper to live in Portugal than the US, and rent is a little over 43% less there.

Most people speak at least some English in bigger cities, but if you’re heading to a smaller town, it helps to know Portuguese.

Portuguese visa options

Portugal’s offers several flexible visa options:

• Digital nomad: This one-year, renewable visa lets remote workers employed outside of Portugal live in the country, as long as they earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage. You need to verify your active income for this visa and prove you are entering the country with enough savings to live for a year — about $11,360. A similar visa is also available for self-employed workers.
• Job seeker: Portugal is one of the few countries that lets you enter while still looking for a job, as long as you have clean criminal record and valid health insurance, among other requirements. This visa gives you up to 120 days to find a job with a Portuguese employer.
• Employment: You can get this visa if you already have a job offer from a Portuguese company. It lasts four months, enough time to allow you to apply for a residency permit. Specialty visas are available that prioritize teachers and tech workers, two in-demand international jobs.
• Retiree: Retirees who receive at least the Portuguese minimum wage through passive income like pensions or investments can qualify for this visa. You’ll also have to show you have a place to live in Portugal and private medical coverage.

Read more about moving to Portugal

Spain: If you’re a history buff

If you’re a history buff, Spain is a treasure trove. From Roman ruins and Moorish palaces to medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals, every corner of the country tells a story. Whether you’re wandering the ancient streets of Toledo, exploring the Alhambra in Granada, or admiring Gaudí’s iconic architecture in Barcelona, you’ll always be surrounded by layers of the past.

Spain also offers a surprisingly affordable lifestyle, a diverse culture, and gorgeous scenery. In fact, it’s one of best countries for Americans to move to worldwide, not just in Europe. Rent in Madrid is nearly 50% cheaper than in Los Angeles, and groceries cost much less, too. That means you can explore museums, festivals, and historical sites without breaking the bank.

About 41,000 American expats live in Spain, and the country has a large population of foreign residents from the UK, so there are supportive communities to help you adjust.

Spanish visa options

Spain has a few visas, all of which you can extend for up to five years. At the five-year mark, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Visa options:

• Work: If you have a job lined up in Spain, your future employer will sponsor your visa, meaning they’ll help you through the application process. A work visa lasts one year, with the possibility of renewing it for an additional year.
• Digital nomad: If you work remotely, you can get a digital nomad visa, provided you meet income and other requirements. A similar visa is available for self-employment and freelance work.
• Non-lucrative: Also referred to as the retiree visa, the non-lucrative visa allows you to live in Spain as long as you don’t work for a Spanish business or organization. You must show that you have sufficient annual financial resources — at least four times the Spanish minimum wage.

Read more about moving to Spain

Germany: Most job opportunities

Germany stands out as the best place in Europe for job seekers. With one of the strongest economies on the continent and a constant demand for skilled professionals — especially in tech, engineering, healthcare, and education — it’s a top pick for Americans looking to build a career abroad. In fact, an estimated 400,000 US expats currently live in Germany — many of them on the country’s Blue Card, a special work visa that provides a faster path to permanent residency.

Major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg offer plenty of career options, along with a high quality of life. And German workplaces are highly supportive of family life, giving generous parental leave to both moms and dads, so it’s a great country to raise your family.

Rent and utilities might be higher than in some countries, but overall costs are still lower than in many parts of the US. The cost of living is only 6% lower in Germany than in the US when you look at national averages, but that percentage difference is much wider in cities like Chicago and NYC. Plus, public transportation is excellent and widely used, so you can definitely opt to leave your car behind.

While English is common in international workplaces, speaking German will help you thrive both professionally and socially. And when you’re not working, there’s plenty to explore — from storybook towns like Rottenburg to world-class museums, historical landmarks, and legendary festivals, including Oktoberfest.

German visa options

If you want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, one of these residence visas is required:

• Blue Card: The Blue Card program prioritizes visas for those with job offers from a German company, or who are employed in “bottleneck professions” like manufacturing, STEM, and dentistry. In addition to getting permanent residency in a little over two years (compared to the standard four years), the Blue Card gives you more flexibility as a non-citizen, including looser restrictions on travel to and from Germany and other European countries.
• Self-employment: If you want to open a business in Germany — or just work independently as a freelancer — this visa will allow you to stay for up to three years, as long as you meet certain financial requirements.
• Job seeker: Similar to Portugal, Germany will allow you to live in the country for up to six months while you try to find a job with a German employer.
• Family: The family visa allows you to move to Germany to reunite with family members who are already German citizens.

Read more about moving to Germany

Ireland: Easiest transition

If you’re looking for a smooth move abroad, Ireland is hands-down one of the easiest places for English-speaking Americans to adjust to. There’s no language barrier to worry about, plus the Irish are known for being warm and welcoming… and having a keen sense of humor.

You’ll still need to get used to the often-strong Irish accent (not to mention driving on the left side of the road) but, overall, your transition to life there should be pretty seamless. More than 13,000 Americans already live there, and it’s relatively easy to find expat communities in popular areas like Dublin.

The cost of living is comparable to major US cities — Dublin, in particular, can be pricey — but lower grocery costs and solid public services help balance things out. Rent in Ireland is typically slightly higher than in the US, probably due to the country’s current shortage of affordable, quality housing.

Irish visa options

Anyone planning to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa.

Long-stay options include:

• General employment permit: This visa is available if you have a job offer from an Irish employer. You’ll need to provide proof of your employment contract and get a letter from your supervisor or HR department. You can stay in Ireland for two years on this visa, with the option to renew for an additional three years.
• Family: If your spouse, long-term partner, or close family member is an Irish citizen, you can get that person to sponsor a family visa for you. You’ll have to demonstrate that the relationship is real and ongoing, which typically includes living in the same home as your family member during the entirety of your stay on the visa, which can be for up to five years.
• Retirement: Technically, retirees fall under the standard long-stay visa. But Ireland requires non-citizens of “independent means” to register for Stamp 0 permission. Stamp O is a special visa designation — most often given to retirees — that prohibits you from working, doing business, or receiving government benefits. You’ll also be barred from bringing family members into the country under the family visa and will need to show proof of financial independence and a private health insurance plan.

Read more about moving to Ireland

The Netherlands: Most progressive

If you’re looking for a more liberal-leaning and inventive alternative to the US, the Netherlands might just be your dream spot. The country is one of the most forward-thinking places on the globe. Equality is the cornerstone of Netherlands’ culture and constitution, making it one of the highest-rated countries for gender equality and gay and transgender rights.

The Netherlands also places an emphasis on environmentalism, with laws on the books to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the level of climate neutrality by 2050. To reach that goal, the country is focused on utilizing renewable energy sources in both the public and private sectors.

One major downside to The Netherlands is it is expensive. While overall only slightly higher than the US, the Netherlands can get really pricey in cities like Amsterdam, where housing is sometimes 50% higher than US cities of comparable size.

Dutch visa options

The Netherlands offers the following long-term visa options:

• Work: You typically need a job offer from a Dutch employer to qualify for a work visa. You’ll get the work permit first, which can last up to three years, after which time you’ll be able to apply for a residence permit. There are different work visa categories for intra-corporate transfers, highly skilled individuals, and researchers.
• Family : You can obtain a visa to join a direct family member, such as a spouse or parent, who is a current legal resident of the Netherlands. The family visa is good for a maximum of five years.

Read more about moving to the Netherlands

Italy: If you’re a foodie

If you live to eat (rather than eat to live), Italy is the ultimate destination for food lovers. From handmade pasta in Bologna and fresh seafood on the Amalfi Coast to wood-fired pizza in Naples and locally sourced truffle risotto in Piedmont, every region has its own specialties — and none of them are likely to disappoint.

Meals in Italy are about more than just food. They’re a part of la dolce vita — “the good life,” a cultural mindset highlighted by personal connection, tradition, and taking your time. You’ll quickly learn to savor every bite and enjoy long, leisurely meals with friends and family. It’s no wonder so many expats fall in love with Italy’s culinary culture — more than 15,000 US expats currently reside there.

Living in Italy is also surprisingly affordable compared to the US. In cities like Naples, groceries are nearly 30% cheaper than in a US city of similar size like Columbus, OH, and rent is about 44% less. That means more room in your budget to explore local markets, try new restaurants, and maybe even take a cooking class or two.

English is spoken in some parts of Italy (mostly larger cities) but learning at least a little Italian is highly recommended if you’re planning to settle in a more rural locale.

Italian visa options

Here are your visa options for long-term stay or future permanent residency in Italy:

• Work: A work visa requires a job offer from an Italian company. Make sure the offer is solid first, since you’ll need a signed work contract and a “Nulla Osta,” a written sponsorship from your employer. You can stay in Italy on a work visa for up to two years.
• Self-employment: Italy has a special visa for foreign entrepreneurs. You’ll need to provide proof of your business activity and income and complete necessary steps like registering with the nearest chamber of commerce. This two-year visa also works for freelancers.
• Family: Similar to other European countries, Italy will grant you a one-year family visa to live with a spouse, child, or dependent parent who is already an Italian resident.
• Elective residency: This retirement visa allows you to live — but not work — in Italy. You must provide proof of financial stability based on your retirement income and savings.

Read more about moving to Italy

Greece: For sun-seekers

If endless sunshine is high on your wishlist, Greece is hands-down the best European destination for you. With more than 250 sunny days a year, sparkling blue seas, and postcard-perfect islands, it’s a dream for anyone who wants to trade in their winter coat for sandals and sunglasses.

Whether you’re living in bustling Athens, a charming coastal village, or one of the Greek islands, you’ll enjoy a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle where spending time outdoors is the norm. From beach days and boat trips to outdoor dining and al fresco coffee chats, life in Greece revolves around the sun.

And the best part? It’s all surprisingly affordable. Rent in Athens is more than 75% cheaper than in Los Angeles, and groceries are nearly 42% less. However, Greece’s relatively weak economy and job market means that many locals have less purchasing power, despite the lower cost of living.

Greek people are known for being welcoming and friendly, and many speak English — but you’ll need to learn Greek if you plan on becoming a permanent resident. As many as 100,000 Americans live in Greece, though many are of Greek descent.

Greek visa options

There are several long-term visa options for Americans who wish to move to Greece:

• Golden: If you’ve got some extra cash and want to bypass the standard immigration path, Greece’s Golden Visa allows you to obtain immediate permanent residency by making a real estate purchase or business investment in Greece worth at least an approximate $272,000.
• Work: As with other countries, Greece’s work visa is available if you have already received a job offer from a Greek employer. Your employer will sponsor your visa, which is valid for two years and can be renewed for another three years.
• Family reunification: Greek residents and foreign nationals who have lived in Greece for at least two years can apply to bring their spouse and/or children to the country through the family reunification program. This visa can also be obtained for a marriage or adoption.
• Financially independent person (FIP): The FIP is a three-year residency visa for individuals who earn at least $3,807 per month from pensions, retirement accounts, or other sources. This is a common path for retirees, since you cannot work in Greece with this visa.

Compare the best European countries for Americans to move to

Here’s a closer look at how the top destinations to live in Europe compare in terms of cost and residency options.

Source: Numbeo cost of living calculator (March 2025)
*For a single person

How to move from the US to Europe

Moving from the US to Europe can be tricky, but having an international moving checklist will go a long way in helping you prep for your move and keep your international moving costs as low as possible.

Put these items on your to-do list:

Top international movers

An experienced international moving company can make all the difference in your relocation abroad. We’ve researched international movers using our own expert-developed methodology.

Here are our picks for best international movers based on services, reviews, and reliability:

Best Overall International Van Lines rating 4.8 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (855) 929-4120

BEST FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE JK Moving Services International rating 5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (703) 972-1772

Best for specialty services Solomon & Sons International Relocation Services rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Get A Quote (888) 201-6462

BEST FOR ACCURATE PRICING northAmerican International rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (844) 950-2963

Best Add-on Services Allied International Van Lines rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Check prices (260) 429-2511

The best overseas car shippers

If you want to take your car with you overseas, you’ll need a quality vehicle transport company. Some international movers, like International Van Lines and JK Moving Services, can help coordinate international car shipments as part of your overall moving package.

If you need or want to book your auto transport separately, however, we like these car shippers:

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FAQ

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At moveBuddha, we understand that all moving and car shipping companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.

This is the breakdown of the methodology we use to rate moving companies:

• Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each company.
• Standard services: The services that are included as part of a company’s standard offerings — and which ones you can only get for an additional fee — affect a company’s rating.
• Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move — such as customized crates and special handling of large or fragile items — as well as services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
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