Have you fallen in love with a foreign land during your travels? Are you bored with your daily grind and keen to explore new horizons with a foreign visa?
Moving to another country is never an easy decision but the process doesn’t have to be complex. There are over 5 million Americans happily living in foreign countries already.
These are the easiest countries to immigrate to if you’re a US citizen.
Criteria for the Easiest Countries to Immigrate To
Some nations are more welcoming towards foreigners than others. So before you get your heart set on making a life in Greece, take some time to consider the realities.
As a US citizen, you’re used to living in an advanced first-world country with a secure economy. There are many aspects of daily life that you take for granted. These things may be very different in another country.
These are the aspects that make foreign countries a good or bad option for relocation:
- cost of living
- crime rates
- cultural differences
- freedom of speech
- employment rates
English may be the most widely used lingua franca in the world, but there are thousands of other languages in daily use all over the world.
Unless you’re fluent in the local dialect of your new country, you could be in for a hard time when it comes to ordering a pizza, finding a job, and making friends.
These are the best countries for American expats when it comes to thriving in a new society, excluding Canada.
1. Singapore
Singapore is a beautiful, clean and advanced city that welcomes foreign immigrants of every nation. The people are friendly and English is commonly spoken.
It’s an easy place to live with low crime rates, bearable weather, efficient public transport, and low prices once you’ve paid your rent. Good international schools are easy to come by and so are jobs, especially in the tech industry.
You can choose from a variety of employment passes that allow you to work in the country for up to two years. You can apply for permanent residency after just six months of employment in Singapore.
2. New Zealand
This southern hemisphere island is fast becoming one of the most popular places for immigrants in the world. It’s a wonderfully scenic country, packed with interesting things to see and do.
The country’s economy is growing and unemployment is currently at an all-time low and the cost of living compares favorably with the US in most aspects.
Most immigrants to New Zealand find it easy to get settled in this friendly environment. It’s also one of the easiest countries to move to in the world, with easy entry requirements and a high maximum age limit of 56 years old.
You can apply for permanent residency after two years and become a citizen of New Zealand after five years.
3. Germany
There’s more to Germany than excellent beer and clockwork precision. Despite its reputation for stiff-upper-lipped efficiency, most US expats report a great work-life balance in this wealthy economy. You can look forward to good employment and education opportunities too.
There are several types of visas you can apply for if you want to move to Germany and these go hand in hand with standard residency permits. You’ll get permanent residency after five years of having your residency permit.
If you’re thinking of moving to Europe, put Germany at the top of your list.
4. Bahrain
Bahrain is probably not the first place that springs to mind when you think of emigrating. However, there are numerous well-paid international jobs for Americans on this small Gulf Island.
If you want to end up with plenty of cash to spare after you’ve paid the basics, Bahrain is your go-to. The international schools are good, the landscape is gorgeous and the people are friendly and welcoming. The only downside is the scarcity of public transport.
To apply for an immigrant visa you need someone to sponsor you. If you’re moving there for work, your new employer qualifies as a sponsor but resident friends and family will also do.
Once you’ve got your foot in the door, you’re in line for permanent residency after two years or if you buy property in Bahrain.
5. Australia
The land down under is pretty welcoming towards expats from every nation. All you need is proof that you won’t be a burden on the economy and no criminal record, and you’re all set. This means you’ll need a way to support yourself, either via employment or substantial cash in hand.
Australia is a beautiful and interesting country, with lots to offer those who love outdoor adventure. Employment opportunities are plentiful and rents are low. On the downside, daily expenses are generally about 3% higher than in the US.
It’s a small price to pay for the boundless opportunities available here.
If you don’t already have an Australian boss, you can get a work visa according to a simple points system based on qualifications and age. If you have desirable skills, you qualify for a permanent residency visa almost immediately.
After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship.
A Word of Caution
It’s never a good idea to wing it when it comes to emigrating. Like the US, most countries will deport you quick as a flash if you don’t comply with the correct procedures for immigration.
Emigration can be a complex and document-heavy process that you don’t want to mess up. An immigration lawyer can help to keep you out of trouble if you do commit a faux pas or guide you in the right direction.
Find out more about how to find the right immigration lawyer if you need one.
Get More Information
If you’re curious about how to move to another country and the easiest countries to immigrate to, chances are you’re either serious about starting a new life or you like accumulating information.
If you fit into the latter category, we’ve got plenty more where this came from. Keep reading our blog to find out more about interesting things you need to know.