How to Move Abroad from the U.S. in 2025: A Practical Starter Guide
Thinking about leaving the U.S. and starting a new chapter abroad? Whether you're chasing adventure, financial freedom, or simply looking for a fresh start, moving abroad is more possible than you might think.
There’s a growing trend of Americans seeking life beyond U.S. borders, motivated by factors like flexible remote work, rising living costs at home, and a desire for new experiences. But if you think relocating is only for the ultra-wealthy, you’re in for a surprise. Most Americans who move abroad don’t renounce their citizenship or cash in a fortune; they follow proven systems to make the process manageable, one step at a time.
This guide, combined with our free Relocate Ready Starter Kit, will get you 80% of the way there.
Can You Actually Leave the U.S.? (Spoiler Alert: Yes)
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. But there are a few legal and logistical hurdles to clear first.
No, You Don’t Have to Renounce Your Citizenship
Yes, you can live abroad while keeping your U.S. citizenship. This means you can still enjoy your citizenship benefits while residing in a different country.
You’ll Likely Still Owe Taxes
Even if you live abroad, as a U.S. citizen you’re required to file taxes in the U.S. (thanks to citizenship-based taxation). The good news? The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) may help you reduce or eliminate your U.S. taxes on foreign income. Talk to a tax professional to understand your obligations.
You Can’t Just Pack Up and Go
You’ll need a visa to live and work abroad. Short-term visas are common, but long-term visas, like remote work or residency visas, are the better choice if you’re planning to stay for an extended period. Popular examples include Portugal’s D7 visa, Mexico’s Temporary Resident visa, and Estonia’s e-Residency for digital entrepreneurs.
Pro Tip: Need help navigating paperwork? Tools like LegalZoom make it easier to stay compliant.
Decide Where to Go
Moving to another country is exciting, but choosing the right destination is crucial. Here are five key factors to consider before packing your bags.
Key Factors to Help You Decide
1. Cost of Living
Countries like Mexico, Thailand, or Portugal can offer a much lower cost of living compared to the U.S., without compromising quality of life.
2. Visa Requirements
Each country has different visa requirements. Some, like Georgia, offer easy access for digital nomads. Others, like New Zealand, require more extensive paperwork.
3. Language
Do you want to immerse yourself in a new language or stick to an English-speaking destination? This will significantly influence your experience abroad.
4. Timezones
For remote workers, consider how the timezone overlaps with your U.S.-based clients or team.
5. Community
Is there an expat community where you’re going? It can make the transition smoother to have a local network of people who’ve been through the same process.
Three standout destinations for U.S. expats? Portugal, Mexico, and Georgia. Each offers accessible visas, affordable living, and vibrant cultures.
➡️ Download our Free Starter Kit to compare five popular countries side by side.
Handle the Paperwork
Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to tackle the logistics. Staying organized here is key.
Visa Basics
Research and apply for the right visa based on your goals (working remotely, retirement, family reunification, etc.). Keep track of deadlines and required documents for submission.
Passport Validity
Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Many countries won’t grant entry if your passport is close to expiring.
Proof of Income
For many long-term visas, you’ll need to prove stable, remote income. Bank statements, client contracts, or pay stubs are commonly accepted.
Manage Mail & Insurance
Digital Mailbox: Services like Earth Class Mail or Anytime Mailbox forward your U.S. mail to your new residence overseas.
Nomad Insurance: Coverage like SafetyWing protects you internationally, offering peace of mind for health and travel emergencies.
Bonus tip? For international banking and transfers, tools like Wise make managing money across borders much simpler.
Plan Your Exit Timeline
Moving abroad is not a decision you make overnight. A well-structured timeline ensures a smoother transition.
A 3–6 Month Roadmap
Plan
Decide on your destination, research visa options, and evaluate your budget.
Prep
Complete any necessary paperwork (e.g., visa applications), arrange housing, and notify employers or clients of your plans if you're working remotely.
Launch
Book your flight, pack strategically, and set up essential services abroad (like local banking).
➡️ Use the checklist in our Free Starter Kit to stay on top of every detail.
Set Up Remote Income
To live abroad sustainably, you need a source of income you can earn from anywhere.
Options for Generating Remote Income
Freelancing
Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr make it easy to find clients globally.
Remote Jobs
Look into remote job boards like We Work Remotely or Remote OK.
Online Business
Launch a Shopify store or create digital products that can be sold online.
Make sure to also set up tools to manage international income and expenses. Services like Payoneer or Wise simplify banking for expats, ensuring you get paid quickly and securely.
Your Move Is Closer Than You Think
Most Americans moving abroad aren’t ultra-wealthy or fearless. They’re ordinary people who took the time to organize and plan. You can, too.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Our Relocate Ready Starter Kit is a downloadable 10-page guide with practical advice, timelines, and checklists to make your relocation process a breeze.
🎒 Download the Starter Kit now
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Moving abroad is more than a dream. With the right approach, it’s an achievable, life-changing reality.