1. Malta offers a compelling option for Americans considering relocation. The country’s healthcare services rank better than those in the US. Moreover, Malta is an English-speaking country, which is safe and friendly to same-sex couples.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme is available to those who meet all the following criteria:
pay an administrative fee of €40,000;
make a charitable donation of €2,000;
rent a property for at least €10,000 per year or buy real estate for at least €300,000;
pay a state fee of €28,000 if purchasing property or €58,000 if renting one.
Permanent residence is granted for life, with residence cards needing renewal every five years. Investors in the program may include their spouse, principally dependent children of any age, as well as parents and grandparents in the application.
2. Portugal is a popular destination for US citizens, often listed as the best place to live outside the US. They choose it for safety, pleasant weather, and lower cost of living. After five years, residents and their family members may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is designed for financially independent non-EU citizens, such as retirees and investors, who wish to reside in Portugal.
Applicants demonstrate a stable passive income of at least €820 per month from sources outside Portugal and buy or rent property in the country.
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa offers the opportunity to reside in the country while working remotely. Eligible applicants include freelancers, remote employees, and entrepreneurs who earn a monthly income of at least €3,280.
In both cases, applying along with family members is available.
3. Spain is a choice for those who value safety, slow-paced life, and siestas. Here’s how to move to Spain from the US with a family:
participate in a Golden Visa program by investing a minimum of €500,000;
apply for a Digital Nomad Visa.
The Golden Visa might be closed in 2025, so it is important to act promptly. The initial residence permit is valid for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods, provided the investment is maintained.
Digital Nomad Visa enables non-EU citizens to reside in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies. Applicants demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €2,646 and possess either a higher education degree or at least three years of professional experience.
4. Antigua and Barbuda is close to home since the country is located in the Caribbean. A tropical paradise made possible, and with an opportunity to obtain a passport by investment of at least $230,000.
Along with the main applicant, citizenship can be obtained by their spouse, children under 30, and parents over 55.
Vanuatu is a more affordable option. The country grants citizenship by investment of at least $130,000. In this case, US citizens obtain a passport in 1—4 months, which can be beneficial if timing is a priority.
5. The UAE offers a Golden Visa for US citizens. This a long-term residency program introduced in 2019, offering 10-year residence permits to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and highly skilled professionals.
The minimum investment is AED 750,000, or approximately $204,000. This visa grants benefits such as the ability to live and work in the UAE, access to quality healthcare and education, and the opportunity to include family members.