The 10 Best European Countries for Americans to Move to

1. Malta

This island nation in the Mediterranean is a perfect place for Americans wanting to live abroad. Malta is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, with great public transport and beautiful walkable cities. The official languages are English and Maltese, with almost 90% of the country speaking English.

Through their permanent residence program, you can live there by simply renting or purchasing a property, or making a financial contribution to the country. They also have a digital nomad visa if you make 2,850 per month.

2. Portugal

Portugal has a great quality of life with a low cost of living, a warm climate, and walkable cities and coastal towns. It is one of the easiest European countries to move to as an American. Due to their multiple Visa options and paths to permanent residency, they have a large expat community. Portugal has a short-term visa for people to live in and work for a season, and a renewable Digital nomad visa for one year if you make 2,950 per month.

3. Finland

Finland is renowned as the most livable country globally, boasting a robust job market, high salaries, and ranking as the 8th wealthiest nation in Europe. It is celebrated for its world-class education system, comprehensive social programs, and tranquil way of life. Despite a higher cost of living, ample wages and accessible public services compensate for it.

Finland has a few visa options for Americans wanting to move there. You can apply for a residency permit, but you have to secure a job before you can apply. If you are self-employed, you can apply for a 6-month remote work visa.

4. Netherlands

The Netherlands boasts an excellent quality of life, characterized by a robust public health system, extensive social welfare programs, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Although living expenses can be relatively high, social initiatives help these costs. The country also provides various visa options for work, self-employment, and residency permits.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland has the highest average wages in the world. With its natural beauty, clean cities, and peaceful lifestyle, it’s ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. They have an excellent health system and higher than average life expectancy.

There are a few ways to gain long-term residence, such as the Swiss investor visa, Swiss company formation, and Swiss work permit visa. However, citizenship and residency can be harder to obtain.

6. Czech Republic

Czechia is known for its craft beer, historical towns, and beautiful castles. It offers an affordable cost of living and an old-world European charm. They have an excellent education system, healthcare system, and walkable cities. A great place for job seekers, it has a fast-growing economy.

With multiple work visa options, including a digital nomad visa, and a great standard of living, it’s a great place for Americans to move to in Europe. Their employee card also allows your family to live and work there.

7. Ireland

While Ireland ranks among the priciest countries in terms of cost of living, its exceptional standard of living, low crime rates, superb education, and excellent healthcare, make it an attractive choice.

The country offers various work visas, catering to both short-term and long-term stays. Ireland actively seeks international talent to address labor shortages in specific sectors and offers a one-year work holiday visa for individuals under 35. Additionally, citizenship options are available for those with Irish ancestry.

8. Greece

With its combination of a high standard of living and low cost of living, Greece stands out as a great option for Americans wanting to move abroad. Considered a blue zone for life expectancy, people just seem to live longer in the Mediterranean lifestyle. They also have an excellent healthcare system.

Greece provides various paths to permanent residency, including real estate investment granting a five-year residence for you and your family, along with a digital nomad visa for those earning $3,690 per month.

9. Austria

With a slightly lower cost of living compared to the United States, Austria stands as the second most livable country globally, just after Finland. Boasting excellent public transportation, education, healthcare, and a thriving expat community. They have low crime rates, a robust job market, and picturesque landscapes and cities. There are a few paths to residency, such as through employment or starting a business.

10. Croatia

From stunning coastlines and national parks to a low cost of living, great healthcare, and growing economy, Croatia offers a great standard of living. It combines affordable living with the Mediterranean lifestyle, making it one of the best European countries for Americans to move to. They have a renewable one-year digital nomad visa if you make $2,685 per month and long-stay visas for employment.