Zack Churney and his long-time partner had often pondered the experience of living in a foreign country, but t

Feeling constrained by their life in Indianapolis and hesitant to make a major change, the couple faced significant challenges during 2020. The pandemic, the tragic loss of a friend’s family member to gun violence, and the realization that they could not afford housing in desirable U.S. locations led them to feel they had reached a “breaking point,” according to Churney.

Together with their dachshund, Schnitzel, they took the leap and moved to Ireland. From there, they traveled across various countries in Europe before finally deciding on Germany as their new home. They are currently navigating this transition.

Churney describes the choice to become German citizens as “the best decision we ever made.” Since relocating to Europe, he notes that they have rediscovered a sense of wonder—something they felt had faded in their daily lives back in Indianapolis. They’ve experienced “magical moments” in various places, like parks in Dublin, espresso bars in Sicily, and the opulent opera houses of Vienna. Moreover, Churney appreciates the high-quality healthcare and the car-free lifestyle available there, which he believes is unattainable in the Midwest.

Relocating to another country can be a significant decision, filled with logistical challenges and deep personal questions. However, each time the U.S. election cycle intensifies every four years, many Americans begin to consider this option more seriously. If you’ve been contemplating such a move, Churney suggests that it might be an appropriate time to evaluate your desire to leave the country.

“You need to seize the opportunity when it arises,” he mentioned.

What factors influence your decision on where to relocate?

Churney and his partner, Austin, began their journey through Europe in Ireland, a place where they were familiar with the language, helping them adjust more easily to the new environment. They chose to establish their home in Germany because Churney had previously studied there during his college years and has always been captivated by its cultural richness.

However, many Americans feel uncertain about how to begin this process.

miliar priorities that could influence a move domestically also apply to relocating abroad, according to Kathleen Peddicord and Lief Simon, who run Live and Invest Overseas, a consultancy and media organization. This couple splits their time between Paris and Panama.

If you have children, it’s essential to consider the quality of the education system in your chosen country. Additionally, if you are employed by a specific company, their policies may significantly impact your relocation choices.

On the other hand, if you are self-employed or looking for new opportunities.

Once you retire, the world opens up with numerous possibilities. According to Peddicord, various factors can be organized in a spreadsheet, such as living expenses, currency exchange rates, the quality and cost of healthcare services, and how straightforward it is to obtain residency.

“However,” she noted, “the most critical aspect is your instinctual response to a location and your vision for your future lifestyle. Imagine having any view from your bedroom window when you wake up.”

When you wake up in the morning, what would you want to see? Is it a Caribbean beach? The powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean? A charming cobblestone courtyard? Or perhaps the beautiful Mediterranean Sea?

After identifying your preferences, it’s essential to visit the country first, suggests Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Group. Also, consider how much “culture shock” you can handle. If you’re hesitant about learning a new language, think about choosing a country that fits your comfort level.

Experts consulted by YSL News consistently highlight Portugal as a top choice for American expatriates. This destination is not only popular among those looking to relocate but is also frequently recommended for Americans to consider. It’s worth mentioning that the country has recently introduced certain measures.

What are the most sought-after destinations for American expats?

According to Cronin, there has been a slight tightening of immigration policies. For instance, some current programs now mandate higher income levels, and there is a trend away from short-term rentals.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Average daily cost: $78.95
Plan to spend around $566 for flights into the capital of Portugal and approximately $42.67 per night for accommodation. Local transport will cost about $1.70 for a one-way ticket, making it an affordable getaway. If you find yourself exploring all that Lisbon has to offer and want a change of scenery, consider a day trip to Sintra. This nearby town is known for Quinta da Regaleira, an impressive 20th-century estate featuring stunning gardens and intriguing hidden paths.

Visitors to Lisbon can expect to pay around $566 for flights to the Portuguese capital. Accommodation will typically cost about $42.67 per night, while local transport fares are approximately $1.70 for a one-way ticket—making it a budget-friendly getaway. Once you’ve explored all that Lisbon has to offer, consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Sintra, where you’ll find Quinta da Regaleira, an impressive 20th-century estate known for its stunning gardens and secret passageways.

These updates aim to strike a balance between Portugal’s inviting atmosphere and the necessity of maintaining affordable housing and social stability for its residents.Spain is a favorite destination, ranking high alongside other popular countries such as Mexico, Canada, Thailand, the Philippines, Italy, Panama, Colombia, Malta, and Greece.

Although Italy can be pricey for travelers, it has excellent real estate opportunities—though many of these require hard work to improve properties. Conversely, Ireland simplifies the process for foreigners looking to purchase property and often offers prices that are significantly lower than those in the United States.

Residency or citizenship?Many experts in relocation have observed that a growing number of Americans prefer to become residents rather than citizens of a foreign nation. With countless residency options available across various countries, it can be challenging to determine where to begin. Some options require financial investments, while others are based on having a steady income. In certain situations, an “investment” might simply refer to running your own business from your laptop, as noted by Peddicord.When they made their decision to move at age 30, both individuals had jobs that allowed them to work from a computer, giving them the flexibility they needed during their transition. As retirement approaches, many Americans must assess if their income will suffice for retirement or if they can find work—either with an employer or as self-employed—in a different tax environment.

Engaging in research about relocation options is certainly feasible independently, and experts in this field recommend doing so. However, once you’ve refined your choices somewhat, it might be beneficial to seek further assistance.

If you’re considering relocating, it might be worth hiring a professional to assist you through the process.

According to Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizens Solutions, collaborating with a consultant can help Americans find the most suitable residency program. This includes options that may eventually lead to citizenship. Additionally, they can provide support with various practical matters such as healthcare access, obtaining driver’s licenses, and understanding tax implications. Casaburi also mentioned that those living abroad will need to contemplate whether to purchase property or rent accommodation.

Live and Invest Overseas organizes both in-person and online conferences that target many popular countries for expatriates. These events are often more budget-friendly.

One effective way to delve into the specifics of a country before opting for private consultancy services is to actively seek out resources. A budget-friendly yet highly recommended approach is to explore social media platforms, such as Facebook, where you can find groups of American ex-patriates in your desired locations.

Additionally, a great opportunity to test the waters before fully committing to relocating is through the “Digital Nomad Visa.” Many countries worldwide offer this option, allowing individuals to reside for longer durations—typically ranging from six months up to a year—on temporary permits as long as they are engaged in remote work.

The Ideal Approach to Cross the Border

Have you ever found yourself waking up on a Wednesday morning and feeling overwhelmed by life in the United States?

If so, within a span of just six to eight months, you could gain citizenship in one of five Caribbean countries that offer citizenship via investment, according to Casaburi: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis.

Obtaining citizenship in some places may come with a higher price tag compared to more conventional methods, but it remains a viable choice.

Peddicord also points out that there are various countries like Belize, Panama, Colombia, and Mexico where you can travel and then opt to apply for residency while you’re there. “Honestly, I think that’s not a bad idea,” she mentioned. “The residency process can be quite troublesome. It involves a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy and can become costly. Why put yourself through all that if you’re uncertain?”