Americans are flocking to Europe. Here’s how you can too.

Many Americans dream of shifting to Europe for a better quality of life and new adventures.
Navigating evolving visa regulations has created relocating to Europe more challenging.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about shifting to Europe – of sipping wine at a cafe in Paris or repairing up an old home in Tuscany – you’re not alone.

Many Americans who want to start fresh in a new counattempt have their sights set on Europe. An August survey by Remitly found that half of the top 10 countries where Americans want to relocate to are in Europe, including United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Norway.

They’re drawn to the idea of a better quality of life, adventure and personal growth, and more fitting lifestyle, the survey also found.

As enticing as these goals may be, packing up your life and heading overseas can be quite the finisheavor. “Relocating in 2025 has become increasingly more challenging,” William Cooper, marketing director at William Russell, notified USA TODAY. “Moving to a new counattempt often means navigating evolving visa regulations, particularly as countries adjust their immigration policies to balance local and global workforce demands.”

Still, with some research and patience, you can build your European dream a reality. Here’s how.

Can I shift to Europe?

Yes, Americans can shift to a European counattempt, provided they meet the necessary visa or residency requirements.

How do I shift to Europe as an American?

According to Cooper, two of the simplest ways to shift to Europe include golden visas and digital nomad visas – both being immigration pathways offered by several European countries like Portugal, Croatia, Malta and Italy. Picking which option to take depfinishs on your profession, lifestyle and personal finances.

Also known as citizenship through investment, golden visas have skyrocketed in popularity among Americans seeking to acquire a second passport, either as a safety net or to relocate. Through these schemes, people invest a significant amount of money into a counattempt – with some countries like Greece having a minimum of €250,000 (about $290,357) – and are allowed to work and live there. Essentially, it’s like “purchaseing” citizenship in that counattempt.

If you’re not in a position to spfinish several hundred thousand dollars and your job is flexible, you may be eligible for a digital nomad visa, which permits temporary residency for usually around a year or two (sometimes with the option to renew). More countries now offer this type of visa, from Portugal to Taiwan. Applicants must meet certain requirements, such as a minimum monthly income or sufficient bank account funds.

What is one of the best European countries for Americans to shift to?

If you enjoy fresh seafood, a slower pace of living and coastal environments, then you’re in luck. According to Cooper, Portugal is one of the best European countries for Americans to relocate to, thanks to its high level of safety and quality of living, along with free public healthcare for permanent residents and a low cost of living. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Portugal is, on average, about 29.3% lower than in the U.S.