Top-10 countries with a high standard of living and affordable relocation programmes

In the modern world, more and more people are considering moving to another country, striving to improve their quality of life, reduce expenses, or take advantage of remote work opportunities. For US citizens seeking countries with simple immigration procedures and a high standard of living, there are many attractive destinations. In this context, countries that particularly stand out are those offering flexible conditions for freelancers and entrepreneurs, as well as ensuring a high level of safety and healthcare.

Updated: 06.08.2025
Dr. Anatoliy Yarovyi Author
Dr. Anatoliy Yarovyi

In 2025, countries such as Portugal, Vanuatu, Mexico, and Costa Rica may gain the greatest popularity among Americans due to their accessible visa programmes and low cost of living. Portugal, for instance, offers the D7 visa, which is ideal for digital nomads, as well as a high standard of healthcare and low crime rates. Vanuatu is a tax haven. Mexico, in turn, attracts with its proximity to the USA and the simplicity of obtaining residency. Costa Rica is known for its political stability and favourable conditions for remote work.

Our research presents the TOP-10 countries that are the easiest to move to from the USA and offers detailed comparisons to help you make an informed choice. We are also ready to provide consultations and support at all stages of relocation, from choosing a country and type of visa to legal document verification and assistance with adaptation in a new place. Get a free consultation and start planning your move today.

What makes a country attractive for relocation?

In this context, choosing a country for relocation from the USA requires a thorough analysis of numerous factors. The simplicity of immigration procedures often becomes the main criterion. For example, Vanuatu offers citizenship by investment, which allows Americans to optimise their tax burden and gain access to more than 100 countries worldwide.

Standard of living

The standard of living plays an important role, as it determines the comfort of everyday existence. In countries with a high standard of living, access to modern amenities, healthcare, and education ensures stability. Vanuatu, for example, can offer a combination of natural beauty and comfortable living conditions. A low crime rate and a stable political situation also contribute to a sense of safety and confidence.

Cost of living and taxes

The cost of living is another important factor that influences the choice of a place to relocate. In countries with lower prices for housing and groceries, it is possible to significantly reduce expenses without compromising the quality of life. Vanuatu stands out for its affordable housing prices compared to more developed countries, while offering a high level of comfort often associated with more expensive nations. For example, renting accommodation in Vanuatu is significantly cheaper than in major global financial centres.

Opportunities for work and business

Taxes are a key aspect for people seeking optimal conditions for financial planning. In some countries, such as the UAE or Vanuatu, there are no personal income taxes. This opens up wide opportunities for business and investments, especially for entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals who want to minimise their tax obligations. Vanuatu also offers attractive conditions for those working in international companies, as the country does not levy taxes on global income.

Language environment and cultural adaptation

The language environment and cultural adaptation are also important. In countries where the English language is widely spoken, such as the Netherlands or Vanuatu, adaptation occurs faster and more easily. This is especially important for families with children who will need to study in local schools.

In conclusion, choosing a country for relocation requires comprehensive analysis and consideration of numerous factors.

TOP-10 countries where it is easiest to move from the USA in 2025

In 2025, several countries stand out as ideal destinations for moving from the USA, each offering unique opportunities for a comfortable life and work. Let us consider which countries could be a good choice for John, an IT specialist from San Francisco, who is looking for a quieter place with good conditions for remote work and a high standard of living.

Portugal and Mexico

Portugal and Mexico are popular destinations due to their accessible visa programmes and low cost of living. Portugal offers the D7 visa, which simplifies obtaining a residence permit with a stable income, while Mexico attracts with its proximity to the USA and low cost of living.

Costa Rica and Georgia

Costa Rica and Georgia – both countries are known for their environmental awareness and simple visa procedures for remote workers, which makes them attractive to self-employed individuals or those in small businesses.

Uruguay and Spain

Uruguay and Spain — offer stability and a high quality of life. Uruguay provides political stability and good conditions for families, while Spain offers high-quality healthcare and access to European cultural heritage.

Vanuatu and Montenegro

Vanuatu is a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean that is becoming increasingly popular for those seeking stability, low taxes, and a tropical climate. This country attracts people thanks to its simple system of obtaining citizenship through investment. Vanuatu does not require its citizens to reside in the country, which provides great flexibility for remote work or running a business. The tax system is also appealing: there are no taxes on income, capital, or inheritance in the country.

Vanuatu is also a safe country with a low crime rate. At the same time, the cost of living in Vanuatu is quite affordable, especially compared to more developed countries in the region. Combined with visa-free access to more than 100 countries, Vanuatu offers excellent opportunities for travel and international business.

Montenegro has a developed infrastructure, including for entrepreneurs and digital nomads, with the possibility of obtaining a visa for remote workers. The country is also known for its nature, including the Adriatic Sea coastline, which attracts tourists and those seeking a comfortable place to live in an environmentally clean area. Montenegro also offers simple procedures for obtaining permanent residence, which is an important factor for those seeking stability in Europe.

Estonia and Canada

Estonia and Canada — Estonia provides electronic citizenship and a developed IT infrastructure, which is ideal for digital nomads. Canada, on the other hand, remains one of the most popular countries for relocation due to its high quality of life and social programmes.

Why exactly these countries?

Each of these countries has its unique advantages, which can significantly influence your choice. Let us consider what makes them attractive for relocation.

Portugal and Mexico stand out with their visa programmes. In Portugal, the D7 visa allows obtaining a residence permit with a stable income, regardless of whether you work locally or remotely. This is particularly important for people working in remote jobs or those with passive income. Mexico, on the other hand, offers a simple residency process and significantly lower cost of living. This makes the country attractive for retirees and those who want to enjoy a warm climate and save on expenses.

Costa Rica and Georgia provide excellent opportunities for those who value environmental awareness and simplicity of life. Costa Rica is known for its focus on ecology and has become a home for people striving to live in harmony with nature. The country also ranks first in the world for happiness and environmental sustainability. Georgia, on the other hand, offers visa-free entry and a visa for remote workers, making it attractive to self-employed individuals. A country with a developing market and unique culture offers numerous opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

Uruguay and Spain are two options that are ideal for those seeking stability and quality social conditions. Uruguay is often mentioned as a country with a stable political situation and a reliable legal system. The country is perfectly suited for families looking for peace and long-term prospects. Spain, with its access to quality healthcare and high standards of education, attracts people who not only wish to enjoy a comfortable life but also expand their cultural horizons. The language, of course, may be a barrier for some, but many Spanish-speaking countries offer numerous international communities and support for expats.

Montenegro and Vanuatu are countries with unique tax benefits and opportunities for investors. Montenegro, although a candidate for the EU, already offers favourable conditions for relocation, such as affordable real estate and the possibility of obtaining residency. Vanuatu, on the other hand, is known for its tax advantages and citizenship-by-investment programme, making the country attractive to investors and businesspeople. Vanuatu offers low taxes and a high level of security, which appeals to international entrepreneurs.

Estonia and Canada offer completely different but attractive conditions for relocation. Estonia, thanks to its electronic citizenship program, is ideal for digital nomads and IT specialists who value access to digital technologies and ease of doing business. Canada, with its highly developed social programmes and quality healthcare, remains one of the most popular countries for emigration among people who appreciate stability and comfort. Canada has many programmes for specialists, making it an ideal choice for those who want to develop their career.

Advantages of Vanuatu citizenship by investment in 2025

Vanuatu continues to attract the attention of investors due to its simplicity in obtaining citizenship and low requirements for processing. In 2025, this country offers a fast process for obtaining citizenship through investment, which takes only 1–4 months.

One of the key advantages is the cost of the programme. Unlike other countries with similar programmes, Vanuatu offers one of the most affordable schemes for obtaining citizenship through investment. Investors can choose between various investment options, including a non-refundable contribution to the development fund, which is significantly cheaper than similar programmes in other countries.

The application process is completely online. Vanuatu offers not only simplicity in obtaining citizenship but also a favourable tax system: no taxes on global income, capital, and inheritance, making the country ideal for businessmen and investors seeking tax optimisation.

How can we help with the move?

Here is a telling example: imagine John, who decided to move from the USA to Vanuatu. He faces questions such as how to choose a programme, which documents to submit, and how to quickly go through the process. We assist John at every stage, providing confidence and reducing stress.

Consultations and preparation

Our lawyers help choose the optimal programme for obtaining citizenship, taking into account the client’s preferences. We analyse the requirements and assist with document preparation. For example, we provide information about various investment options.

Support and legal review

Support at all stages of relocation is another important service. We organise legal verification of documents to avoid errors and delays. About 30% of visa refusals are related to incorrectly prepared documents. Our team helps to minimise these risks.

Support after moving

After the move, we continue to support our clients. This includes assistance with taxation matters, obtaining a residence permit, and finding housing. Vanuatu offers attractive tax conditions, including no income or capital taxes, making the country ideal for business.

We will make your process of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship easy and fast!

Which countries are the easiest to move to from the USA?

Portugal and Mexico are often mentioned as the most accessible for relocation. Portugal offers the D7 visa, which allows obtaining a residence permit with a stable income. Mexico, on its part, provides straightforward procedures for obtaining residency.

Is it necessary to know the language to obtain a residence permit?

Knowledge of the language can facilitate the adaptation process, but it is not always mandatory for obtaining a residence permit. In Portugal and Mexico, knowledge of the local language is not a strict requirement for a visa.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal or Mexico?

The cost of living in Portugal and Mexico is significantly lower than in the USA. In Portugal, for example, the average monthly cost of living is around 1,500 euros, including rent. In Mexico, this figure can be even lower — around 1,000 dollars.

Can I work remotely in these countries?

Yes, remote work is possible and even encouraged. Countries offer visas that support remote work. For example, Portugal ranks 7th in the world for conditions for remote workers, thanks to good internet infrastructure and accessible visas.

Is it necessary to renounce American citizenship?

Renouncing American citizenship is not mandatory when obtaining a residence permit in most countries. You can retain your citizenship while simultaneously obtaining a residence permit in another country. It is important to consider tax obligations. According to the IRS, American citizens are required to file tax returns regardless of their place of residence.

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