I help Americans move abroad—5 of the most welcoming European countries

I knew I wanted to live abroad as soon as I stepped on the Netherlands on a trip at age 17. I pursued that dream for years, studying Spanish in Spain at age 21, teaching English there at age 26, and chasing a teacher there at age 29, but I kept finishing in Texas.

At 35, I tried again, arriving in Spain with doubts and without a clear plan. But the positive change was immediate. Outside the gravel from 9 to 5, I discovered my passions of writing, creation of content and construction of the community.

In 18 months, Lancé She hit Refresh, a resource and a community that help women around 30 to discover and accelerate their movements abroad. Ten years later, I still live in Spain, and I have directly helped hundreds of women to make their movements abroad.

Many people who want to leave the United States begin with a seemingly simple question: where should I go? I can help with that.

If you want you to start with the least excessive sensation, look for countries to verify most of these boxes:

• Visa options: If there is a visa that qualifies to be a remote worker, retiree or personalized person, that is already a great victory.
• Cost of living: Many Americans are looking for places where their dollars extend even more and where quality of life does not mean financial stress.
• Cultural Opening: Feeling welcome to the locals can relieve cultural shock and soften your transition.
• A community of solid expatriates: At the same time, having access to other Americans or foreigners who understand their trip can give it a sense of belonging, as special in the first months.
• Language: Look for places where people speak English to a high level and/or the local language is relatively easy to collect.

Here are five European countries that constantly facilitate that Americans terrric, live and prosper:

Spain is a popular option for Americans thanks to their digital nomads and non -work visas, affordable medical care and social culture that prioritizes the connection. I discovered that people here have long for each other, meet and speak for hours.

While English is not widely spoken and cities such as Barcelona face aboutism, many smaller cities and towns are eager to welcome newcomers.

When I moved abroad at age 35, I found a community in Madrid with others who had a path of traditional success (the corporate ladder, marriage, children and a mortgage) to shake things, as I did when I left my full time, my English teaching – Also as everyone surrounded them.

Now I live in Malaga, where Europeans have arrived for decades both to vacation and to live. The locals are cozy with foreigners, who also Means there is an established expatriate scene that facilitates the meeting of friends and feels at home.

It is difficult to find a country more open to expatriates than Portugal. With its relaxed rhythm of life, friendly culture in English and accessible visa options, it is a place of popular relocation. In addition to a digital nomadic visa, Portugal sacrifices a D7 visa, which allows Americans who have a constant flow of passive income to live in the country.

While Lisbon and Porto face challenges of abandorism similar to Barcelona, ​​there are many beautiful and less populated alternatives. In the Algarve, the expatriates are attracted to the mixture of locals and foreigners, as well as the Mediterranean climate, they thought that it is actually in the Atlantic. Madeira and Azores archipelagos are out of the ordinary and a great option for anyone who loves being surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

The security, affordability and communities of existing expatriates of Portugal make it an excellent option for women, families and retirees alone.

One of my upcoming podcast guests, Mary Alice Duff, decided to change the hustle and bustle of philadelphia for the slowest rhythm in southern France. Now enjoy the calm of the French lifestyle, how to ride the beach with your daughter; benefits or their tax dollars, such as free public transport; And quality time with an international group of international and diverse friends.

For those who want to follow a similar path, the Free him professional Visa is an excellent option for independent workers and small businesses, which offers flexibility to work remotely. France also has affordable and high quality medical attention and is incredible to the family. It has one of the highest fertility rates in Europe, which may be related to generous tax exemptions for families and affordable child care.

The disadvantage is that France still does not sacrifice a digital nomadic visa, which makes it difficult for remote employees to find a way to stay in the long term.

The Netherlands are known for being very cozy for expatriates. The country offers excellent public transport and an extensive network of bicycle routes, generalized English and an entrepreneurial environment.

The DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) allows Americans to work on their own to live and work in the Netherlands when registering a business in the country and deposit 4,500 euros in a business bank account. However, finding homes can be a challenge due to a housing crisis.

One of my master class students, Denise Segler, moved there in 2024 in his 50 years. A divorced mother of adult children, took the opportunity to start over in her own terms. While only a few months ago in their movement, it finds that the Dutch are friendly and has begun to build a community through the many network events.

Albania allows Passport headlines for us until one year without a visa. With an easy entrance and a low cost of living, it is perfect for remote workers with a budget mentality.

Many Americans live in the capital city of Tirana, where the community of expatriates is strong and English is widely ghost. But Riviera Albana should not overlook; Its coast along the Ionia sea has some of the most beautiful beaches and landscapes in Europe.

I have seen many Americans use Albania as a soft landing, remaining one or four years before moving on to their next destination.

Many people who dream of moving abroad get stuck in a spiral of questions and “what would happen if” S: Where would it go? How can I make it work? Will I be accepted? What happens if it doesn’t work?

It is true that increasing your life is a great decision, but there are many places that are cozy for Americans. With a little effort to learn the language and respect culture, you can find your way.

The women who work usually do not regret their decisions to move abroad. Well, maybe one: in any case, most of them regret not having done it before.

Cepee Tabian is the founder of She beat to cool offA community and resources platform that helps women over 30 years old to move abroad, and the author of “I’m out of here! The best visa guide of an American to live 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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