What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Imagine riding your bike through a colorful tulip field or by picturesque canals. It's a dreamy image that many people in the Netherlands get to enjoy, but there are many more practical advantages to living there. While it's not the most affordable country, you'll find a large international community, with many English speakers and international schools, as well as an open-minded and liberal culture, plus a large job market.
Sunny Spain provides another warm, laid-back home for Americans living abroad. With one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, you'll find great public healthcare, and self-employment visas that may appeal to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads. Plus, LGBTQ+ expats will also find one of the world's safest and most open-minded countries.
Spain now offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers and freelancers to live there for up to 12 months, with the option to renew for up to five years. There's also the non-lucrative visa that allows you to reside in Spain if you can show financial means.
The Netherlands doesn't offer a digital nomad visa, but you can apply for a long-stay visa if you're moving for work or study, or if you're an entrepreneur or investor.
From historic countryside castles to charming small towns, there's something magical about Ireland! Despite the notoriously rainy weather, foreigners in Ireland are highly satisfied with the quality of life there. This is especially true for families who get social benefits like seven weeks of paid paternity leave, for both parents.
You'll need a work permit to relocate to Taiwan, which can be obtained through a Taiwanese employer. Taiwan does offer a working holiday visa for certain countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada, but, unfortunately, the US isn't included on that list.
Ireland doesn't offer a digital nomad visa, so you'll need to obtain a residence permit through a work, working holiday, or student visa.
For Americans living abroad, Mexico has numerous benefits beyond its delicious cuisine, nature, and rich culture. Generally, the cost of living in Mexico is much lower, and there's also huge expat communities throughout the country.
Mexico doesn't offer a digital nomad visa, but if you're looking to make a permanent move, consider obtaining a temporary resident visa, with which you can spend up to four years in Mexico. For retirees, there's also the option to apply for a permanent resident visa.
Sources: (Travel + Leisure) (U.S. News & World Report)
See also: Be careful! These customs are offensive in some countries
One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to get a remote working visa. But each region is governed separately, so the requirements may differ depending on whether you decide to apply in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
Taiwan has won over many people with its high quality of life. The country is financially stable, welcoming, and safe, but one of its biggest draws is its affordability and high quality healthcare system, which all residents are required to sign up for.
From the capital of Abu Dhabi to luxurious Dubai, people from around the world have been moving to the UAE thanks to its 0% income tax. But the UAE is also a very conservative country, where homosexuality is illegal, as is alcohol consumed outside designated tourist areas.
New Zealand offers a working holiday visa, which allows anyone between the ages of 18 and 30 (or up to 35 for some countries) to stay in New Zealand for up to two years. If you're past the age requirements, you can look into other kinds of visas.
Everyone moving to Malta from a non-EU country for an extended period of time needs a national visa. Known as the D visa, it's issued for different purposes, such as for working, studying, and other reasons that require long-term stays in Malta.
In search of mental well-being and work-life balance? Then you might consider New Zealand's safety, friendliness, and high quality of life. Whether you move to Auckland or Wellington, there's ferry service and plenty of affordable domestic flights for residents to explore the nation's incredible nature.
Malta is a small island nation floating just south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. With a breathtaking coast, delicious cuisine, rich culture, and low cost of living, it's a great place for Americans. Plus, most of the population of Malta can speak English.
There are no visas available for digital nomads, so you'll have to obtain a residence permit to relocate to Sweden through work, self-employment, or a student visa.
In search of constant fresh air and a sense of space? Then you might consider moving to Sweden, which has one of the lowest population densities in the world. From Stockholm to Gothenburg, this Scandinavian nation has a natural ease to its approach to work-life balance. For example, most employees begin with around five weeks of paid vacation, and new parents will benefit from months-long paid maternity and paternity leaves.
About a third of Singapore's population are foreigners, with tens of thousands of those coming from the US. The affluent city-state often ranks among the best countries to live and work, thanks to job security, high-quality schools, and one of the world's most efficient public transport systems.
Depending on your situation, there are several ways to start the residence process, such as visas for self-employed workers and entrepreneurs.
This West African nation's international community continues to grow each year thanks to the friendly locals and the laid-back culture. The vibrant capital Accra offers a great quality of life for skilled workers. Plus, Ghana uses English as its official language. Also, in 2019, Ghana commemorated the Year of Return, 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were brought to America. This kicked off a program, including a path to citizenship through the right of abode law, for African descendants planning to leave the US. The program entices residents to keep their talents in the country for at least 10 years.
Singapore doesn't offer a digital nomad visa, but you can apply for an Employment Pass if you have work lined up, or an EntrePass if you're an entrepreneur interested in starting a business there.
Ghana doesn't offer a digital nomad visa, so if you're interested in relocating there, you'll need to apply for a work permit. Or, if you're of African descent, you can apply for the right of abode.
In this Central European county, you can hike in the Alps one day and enjoy a performance in a famous opera house the next. Its capital, Vienna, has been recognized for its quality of life and low crime rates, as well as an exciting food and wine scene. Plus, if you like to travel, Austria's borders touch Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia!
You'll need to obtain a student or work visa to relocate to Austria, as there are few options for self-employed workers, digital nomads, or retirees.
Not only is it easy to get to, but Canada also remains a top pick for Americans for several reasons, including affordable education, cultural diversity, safety, and an incredible natural wilderness.
There have been rumors about a South Korean digital nomad visa in the works, but, for now, you'll need to obtain a work visa.
Known for its laid-back Pura Vida ("Pure Life") philosophy, this peaceful Central American country enchants with its volcanoes, cloud forests, wildlife, and beaches. On top of that, the country offers a straightforward residence program, affordable healthcare, a stable democracy, and easy flights to the US.
With the country's digital nomad visa, remote workers can stay in Costa Rica for up to a year, with an option to extend for another year if you stay a minimum of 180 days.
This global hub, exporting K-barbecue, K-beauty, and K-pop, attracts people wanting to be in this epicenter of popular culture. Plus, no matter where you decide to live on the peninsula, be it Seoul or Busan, you'll enjoy access to incredible islands and mountains. What's more, the country maintains a low cost of living (though one exception to this is housing, which can be pricey).
Considering a life abroad? For many, it's never anything more than a fun idea. But according to the State Department, millions of Americans are actually doing it. And while there are many nations to consider for your new home, in this gallery you'll get a list of the 15 best countries for expats by prioritizing a range of factors including safety, friendliness, quality of life, and access to culture and outdoor activities.
Ready? Click on for the best countries for expats, and also discover practical tips to make your dreams come true!
Life abroad: These are the best countries for Americans to live in
Start your next chapter in one of these countries
LIFESTYLE Moving
Considering a life abroad? For many, it's never anything more than a fun idea. But according to the State Department, millions of Americans are actually doing it. And while there are many nations to consider for your new home, in this gallery you'll get a list of the 15 best countries for expats by prioritizing a range of factors including safety, friendliness, quality of life, and access to culture and outdoor activities.
Ready? Click on for the best countries for expats, and also discover practical tips to make your dreams come true!