A Guide for Those Who Want to Live Abroad

Have you ever considered moving to Europe? Or wondered if it’s even possible to make the move as an American? I’m here to tell you that it is. I did it.

Below is my guide on moving to Europe. I’ll answer the most frequently asked questions and provide my personal insight.

How I Made My European Dream a Reality

Originally from Houston, Texas, I have been traveling abroad for more than 20 years. I fell in love with Spain over a decade ago and finally moved to Madrid in 2015.

I’ve lived here on various visas—student, work and non-lucrative—and finally obtained Spanish citizenship in 2022. plan to stay here for the long haul. I’ve created an incredible life abroad, and along the way, I’ve helped many people make the leap from the U.S. to Europe.

Can Americans Move to Europe?

The simple answer is yes. U.S. citizens can travel to most European countries for up to 90 days (within 180 days) as a tourist. However, for those who want to live there, acquiring a long-term visa and/or residency permit is your ticket to calling Europe home. 

Many Americans assume that they either need to be rich or work for a company that will transfer them abroad in order to make their European dream a reality.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are multiple visa options—more than you think— available to people of all ages, income levels and interests.  

With the right long-term visa, Americans can move to Europe to study, work remotely, get hired, start a business, retire and more. It’s simply a matter of knowing which visa options you have and finding the one that is right for you.

What Countries in Europe Can Americans Move to?

Only a fraction of the 44 countries in Europe have viable options for the average American. Most European countries have difficult paths to residency, but don’t worry, there are still plenty of countries with long-term living options.

There are 19 European countries that are easiest for U.S. citizens to move to, including popular destinations like Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany and Albania, to name a few.

Spain and Portugal are attractive for many reasons: affordable cost of living, high quality of life and captivating cultures. But even more compelling? Both countries offer accessible visa options for Americans that are renewable and can lead to permanent residency.

The most popular are their digital nomad visas and retirement visas. Digital nomad visas are ideal for location-independent workers, allowing you to live in Spain or Portugal while working remotely—so you can earn U.S. dollars while enjoying life abroad.

Retirement visas aren’t just for retirees either. If you meet the financial requirements, you can use them to take a sabbatical or spend a year (or two) abroad in your prime.

If you’re an entrepreneurial type, the Netherlands could be an excellent fit. Thanks to a special treaty with the U.S., American entrepreneurs and freelancers can gain Dutch residency for two years (with the option to renew) by starting a business in the country.

The best part is that it can be as simple as registering your freelance business locally. While there are a few hoops to jump through, this is a fantastic “in” for anyone looking to build a life in the Netherlands.

Germany has a similar visa for freelancers and current or future business owners, which allows you to qualify for residency and renew your visa if your business is successful.

In response to its ongoing labor shortage, Germany also recently launched the Opportunity Card—a new visa that lets you live in the country for up to a year while you search for work.

And then there’s Europe’s best-kept secret: Albania. U.S. citizens can live there visa-free for an entire year, with options to stay longer. That means you could hop on a flight tonight and start a new life in Albania tomorrow with no paperwork required.

These are just a few of the most popular destinations for American expats, but they’re far from the only options. There are many countries in Europe with accessible and realistic visa pathways for U.S. citizens.

Want to explore them all? Check out I’m Outta Here! An American’s Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe, where you’ll learn about the 19 easiest countries to move to and their visa requirements.

With over 50 visa options covered, you’re bound to find one that suits you.

Digital Nomad Travel Guide

What You Should Know About Moving to Europe

Moving to another country requires a lot of paperwork and patience. While the process might not always be smooth sailing, moving to Europe is possible and worth it. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Finances

You don’t need to be rich to move abroad, but you do need to understand the real cost of living in your desired city—and what your move will actually cost. Prices have gone up, and last year’s numbers aren’t this year’s numbers, so crunch the numbers carefully.

Aim to pay off debt, boost your savings and get a clear picture of your financial situation before making the leap. And don’t count on finding a job abroad—especially in Europe, where work permits for non-EU citizens are extremely hard to get.

Visa Application

Applying for a visa requires gathering a variety of documents. While each country’s application requirements are different, getting everything together will probably take more time than you think. Some might need to be translated or require an Apostille. Patience is key. 

Downsizing

It’s a good idea to declutter and downsize before your big move. Don’t underestimate how much time this can take. Give yourself a few months to go through your belongings so you can decide what to take, sell, donate or store. 

Research

The more you know about your future country and city, the smoother your transition will be. Dive into research, learn about the local culture, healthcare, housing and what day-to-day life is really like. The better prepared you are, the fewer surprises you’ll face once you arrive.

Scouting

No amount of online research can replace experiencing a place for yourself. If possible, take a scouting trip to your target destination before making the move.

The longer you can stay, the better, but even a week or two is better than nothing. It’ll give you a chance to explore neighborhoods, get a feel for the culture, and see what daily life might actually look like.

Connect with fellow ex-pats and locals online before moving. There are numerous online communities, especially on Facebook, for just about every city and country in the world.

Use these groups to ask questions, connect with people who already live there and make virtual friends before you move. You can also find niche communities for women, LGBTQ+ and Black ex-pats.

What Kind of Visa Do I Need to Live in Europe?

Tourist Visa

This visa lets you explore and enjoy Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s meant for travel and leisure, not for working or studying—so while it’s perfect for short-term stays and getting a feel for a country, it’s not a long-term solution.

Work Visa

If you’re able to secure a job in Europe, a work visa is what allows you to live and work there legally. The cost of obtaining one varies by country, but in many cases, your employer will handle the application and cover the fees as part of the hiring process.

Student Visa

If you’re planning to study in Europe, you’ll need a student visa. You’ll need to show proof of enrollment and demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your studies.

Higher education in Europe is significantly more affordable than in the U.S.; some programs cost as little as a few hundred euros per year.

Entrepreneur Visa

Got a business idea? Many European countries offer entrepreneur visas that allow you to start and run a business locally.

Digital Nomad Visa

With remote work on the rise, several countries—including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece—now offer digital nomad visas. These visas allow you to live in-country while working for a foreign employer or running your own online business, as long as you meet the income requirements.

Read More: 6 Cheapest Places for Digital Nomads To Live and Work Overseas

FAQ About Moving to Europe

Do I have to pay taxes in both the U.S. and Europe?

As a U.S. citizen, your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, no matter where you live. So yes, you’ll still need to file a tax return with the IRS each year, even if you’re living abroad.

However, filing doesn’t always mean paying. The U.S. offers tax breaks specifically for Americans living overseas. If you are considered a tax resident abroad, you’ll need to file—and possibly pay—taxes there as well. The U.S. has tax treaties with several countries to help prevent double taxation.

Is healthcare in Europe expensive?

If you are coming from the United States, no. While it varies from country to country, Europe has some of the best healthcare systems in the world. Depending on which visa you obtain, you may or may not qualify for access to the public healthcare system.

If you don’t qualify, private health insurance is often available at very affordable rates, some starting as low as €45 a month.

Do I need to speak the local language?

English may be a universal language, but depending on where you move to, the English level can vary widely. In many places, especially those with more tourists, you can get by with English.

But I strongly recommend learning the basics of a new language early on (please, thank you, how are you, etc.). It goes a long way with locals and is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture.

If you’re staying long-term, it’s a good idea to prioritize learning the local language. Learn the basics and get a strong foundation in any language with Babbel, which has lessons that are both fun and efficient.

Read More: Learn a New Language with These Top 4 Language Learning Apps

Do I need travel insurance?

If you’re taking a scouting trip, it’s best to get travel insurance to cover unexpected issues like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. SafetyWing is a good option. They offer insurance for travelers and digital nomads.

Before you make the move abroad, you’ll likely need to purchase a local or international health insurance policy that meets your visa requirements. 

Read More: Why You Need International Travel Insurance When You Travel

If You Go:

Before committing to a move to Europe, I recommend trying out NOAD, a unique home exchange network, that enables its members to enjoy free stays at homes all over the world by reciprocally opening their homes to fellow members.

Read More:

Author’s Bio: Cepee Tabibian is the founder of She Hit Refresh, a global community for women aged 30 and over who want to break free from routine and start a life of travel—specifically moving abroad and traveling long term. She is the author of, I’m Outta Here! An American’s Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe, your guide to the 16 easiest countries to move to in Europe, including over 50 viable visa options and detailed information on the 34 most popular cities for American ex-pats.

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