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

I knew that I was absent to live abroad as soon as I set foot in the Netherlands at 5 pm.

At the age of 35 I tried again in Spain with Douts and not a clear plan. But the positive shift was immediately. In addition to the 9-to-5 grinding, I discovered my passions of writing, content creation and community structure.

Within 18 months I was launched that she is on a renewed hit, a resource and community that helps women older than 30 to find out and accelerate their movements abroad. Ten years later I still live in Spain, and I immediately helped with women who make their movements abroad.

So many people who want to leave the US start with an apparently simple question: where should I go? I can help with that.

If you want to make the beginning of the beginning less overwhelming, search for countries that have to check, must of these courses:

• Visa options: If there is a visa for which you qualify as an external employee, retired or independent person-that is already a HGE victory.
• Cost of living: Many Americans are looking for figs where their dollars stretch forward and where the quality of life does not mean financial stress.
• Openness cultural: Suitability by the locals can illuminate the culture shock and smooth out your transition.
• A solid expat community: At the same time, having access to other America or foreigners who understand your journey can give you a sense of solidarity, especially in the first months.
• Language: Where people speak English at a high level and whether the local language Relativley is easy to pick up.

Here are five European countries that make it easier for America to land, live and thrive:

Spain is a popular choice for Americans thanks to its digital nomade and non-working visas, affordable health care and social culture that prioritizes the connection. I have noticed that people here make time for each other, collect and talk for hours.

Although English is not wide, and cities such as Barcelona are surpassed, much smaller towns and villages are eager to welcome newcomers.

When I moved abroad at the age of 35, I found a community in Madrid with others who had tradition, eventually with my own company – Even when everyone around them settled.

Now I live in Malaga, where Europeans have been on holiday for decades as to live. The local population welcomes foreigners, which also means that there is an expat scene of the establishment that makes it easier to meet friends and feel at home.

It is difficult to find a country more open for expats than Portugal. With its relaxed pale of life, English -friendly culture and accessible visa options, the fair is a popular relocation place. In addition to a digital Nomad visa, Portugal offers a D7 visa -so that America can have a steady stream of passive inom to live in the country.

While Lisbon and Porto are confronted with overtourism, there are comparable to Barcelona, ​​there are many beautiful and less populated alternatives. In the Algarve, expats are attracted to the mix of the locals and foreigners, as well as the Mediterranean climate, although it is actually on the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores are outside the beaten track and a great choice for anyone who is given up by beautiful landscapes.

The safety, affordability and existing expansions of Portugal make it good for solo women, families and pensioners.

One of my upcoming Podcast Guets, Mary Alice Duff, decides to exchange the crowds in Philadelphia for the slower pack of South France. She now recommends the peace of the French lifestyle, such as cycling to the beach with her daughter; Benefits of its tax dollars, such as free public transport; And Quality Time with a diverse, close international group of friends.

For this that a similar path wants to follow, the Profession free Visa is a great option for freelancers and owners of small companies and offers flexibility to work remotely. France also has an affordable, high -quality health care and is incredibly family -friendly. It has one of the highest fertility percentages in Europe, which may be related to the tax benefits of genderus for families and affordable childcare.

The disadvantage is that France does not yet offer a digital Nomad visa, making it a challenge for external employees to find a way to stay in the long term.

The Netherlands is known as the welcome of expats. The country offers excellent public transport and an extensive network of cycle paths, WideSproad English and an entrepreneur -friendly environment.

The DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) Visa enables Americans who can live and work in the Netherlands by registering a company in the country and depositing 4,500 euros into business bank account. However, finding housing can be a challenge because of a home crisis.

One of my master class students, Denise Segler, moved there in 2024 in her 1950s. A divorced mother of adult children embraced the chance to start fresh on her own ters. Although she is only months after her move, she finds the Dutch friendly and started building community through the many networking events.

Albania enables us passport holders to stay without a year without a visa. With easy access and low costs of living, it is perfect for budget -oriented external world.

Many America live in the capital Tirana, where the expath community is strong and English is widespread. But the Albanian Riviera should not be overlooked; The coastline along the Theian has a sub of the most beautiful beaches and landscapes throughout Europe.

I have seen many Americans use Albania as a soft landing that stay one to four Yars before they continue to their next destination.

Many people who dream to move abroad get stuck in a spiral of questions and “what if” s: where am I going? How can I let it work? Shall I be activated? What if it doesn’t work?

It is true that uprooting your life is a big decision, but there are soybaws that welcomes Americans. With a little effort to learn the language and respect the culture, you can find your way.

The women with whom I work usually do not regret their decks to move abroad. Well, maybe one: if there is something, most of them don’t regret it before.

Cepee Tabian Is the founder of She touched innovationA communityI’m out here! The ultimate visa guide of an American to live in Europe. “As the daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Cepee grew up in Houston, Texas, before he himself became an immigrant in Spain.

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