Leave the US for Another Country in 3 Steps
- Justin Zipprich
- Jul 5
- 6 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of living abroad, you’re not alone. Thousands of Americans each year decide to leave the US and move to another country for work, retirement, love, or simply a fresh start. But making such a major life change can feel overwhelming without clear guidance.
Here are the three essential steps to move to another country from the United States confidently and successfully.
Step 1: Prepare Your Finances and Research Your Destination
Before you book your plane ticket, the first critical step to leave the US and move to another country is preparing your finances and thoroughly researching your future home.
Key actions:
✅ Choose your country wisely. Consider:
Cost of living vs. your current income or savings
Language barriers
Local culture and attitudes toward foreigners
Climate and environment
Healthcare quality and costs
Safety and political stability
✅ Calculate the real cost of moving. Include:
Shipping belongings or buying new items abroad
Temporary housing upon arrival
Deposits for rent, utilities, and internet
International health insurance
Visa application fees
Emergency funds in case of delays or unexpected costs
✅ Organize your finances.
Inform your bank and credit card companies of your move.
Ensure online banking is set up for all accounts.
Consider opening an international bank account or an account in your destination country to avoid excessive foreign transaction fees.
✅ Minimize debts. If possible, pay off outstanding debts before you move to another country, or set up automated payments to avoid penalties.
✅ Downsize your belongings. International moves are expensive per pound shipped. Selling, donating, or storing items you don’t need will save you money and stress.
Thorough preparation ensures your move to another country begins smoothly without financial surprises draining your excitement or security.
Step 2: Handle Visa, Legal, and Healthcare Requirements
One of the biggest obstacles when you move to another country is dealing with immigration laws, work permits, and health insurance regulations.
Key actions:
✅ Understand visa requirements.
Research the exact visa type you need (work visa, student visa, residency permit, retirement visa, digital nomad visa, etc.).
Check official government websites for up-to-date application processes and timelines.
Prepare required documents, which often include proof of income, health insurance, criminal background checks, passport photos, and a valid passport with ample expiration time.
✅ Consider hiring an immigration lawyer or consultant if your situation is complex. They can prevent errors that delay or deny your application.
✅ Get health insurance.
Some countries require proof of health insurance before granting a visa.
Research whether your US insurance covers you abroad or purchase international health insurance plans for expats.
✅ Check tax obligations.
The United States taxes citizens on worldwide income, so consult an expat tax advisor to understand how to remain compliant while minimizing double taxation.
✅ Handle legal logistics at home.
Update or cancel subscriptions and memberships.
Inform the USPS of your address change and set up mail forwarding or use a virtual mailbox service.
Update voter registration if you intend to vote from abroad.
Securing the right visa and legal documentation is the backbone of any move to another country and ensures you remain legally protected while abroad.
Step 3: Settle In and Build Your New Life
After arrival, the final step of to leave the US and move to another country is creating a stable, fulfilling daily life in your new home.
Key actions:
✅ Find permanent housing.
If you haven’t secured housing beforehand, use temporary accommodations (Airbnb, hostels, or extended-stay hotels) while searching locally.
Understand local rental laws, security deposit norms, and lease terms to avoid scams.
✅ Register with local authorities.
Many countries require you to register your address or residency status with the police or city hall within days of arrival.
✅ Set up essential services.
Internet, phone SIM card, bank accounts, and utilities are critical for daily life.
Bring all required identification and proof of address when opening accounts.
✅ Start building a community.
Join local expat groups or hobby clubs.
Attend language classes to integrate faster.
Explore local cafes, gyms, and coworking spaces to meet people.
✅ Adapt to cultural differences.
Observe local etiquette, customs, and unspoken social rules.
Embrace differences as learning opportunities rather than frustrations.
✅ Stay mentally and emotionally healthy.
Moving abroad can trigger culture shock and loneliness. Stay connected with family and friends back home, but also invest time in new local relationships to build your support network.
Settling in well transforms your move to another country from a stressful relocation into an empowering life chapter filled with growth and adventure.
Best Countries if you Leave the US
As a bonus entry, we wanted to mention some of the best countries to move to if you want to leave the US. Here are the countries and the pros and cons of each:
1. Portugal
✅ Pros:
Warm climate, beautiful beaches, and historic cities
Very friendly to Americans and expats
Affordable cost of living compared to the US and Western Europe
Offers D7 Passive Income Visa for retirees or those with stable remote income
Ranked as one of the safest countries in the world
❌ Cons:
Bureaucracy can be slow and confusing
Limited English in rural areas (though widely spoken in Lisbon and Porto)
Salaries are low if seeking local employment
📄 Entry Requirements:
For stays over 90 days, apply for a residency visa such as:
D7 Visa (requires proof of passive income or remote work, approx. €820+/month minimum plus accommodation address)
Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning ~€2,800/month minimum)
Background check, proof of health insurance, and accommodation required
2. Mexico
✅ Pros:
Close proximity to the US for visits home
Low cost of living with diverse climates (beaches, colonial cities, mountain towns)
No language requirement for residency visas
Growing digital nomad hubs like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Oaxaca
❌ Cons:
Safety concerns in certain regions
Bureaucratic processes can be lengthy and vary by state
Healthcare quality varies between public and private systems
📄 Entry Requirements:
Americans get 180 days visa-free as tourists
For longer stays, apply for:
Temporary Resident Visa (proof of monthly income ~$2,600 USD or $43,000 USD in savings)
Permanent Residency Visa (higher income/savings requirements or qualifying family ties)
3. Spain
✅ Pros:
Beautiful Mediterranean climate and lifestyle
Affordable compared to much of Western Europe
Excellent public transportation and healthcare
Offers Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees or remote workers with income
❌ Cons:
High unemployment rates if seeking local jobs
Bureaucracy and paperwork can be frustrating
Learning Spanish is essential outside major tourist areas
📄 Entry Requirements:
Non-Lucrative Visa requires proof of stable income (~€2,400/month plus ~€600/month per dependent)
Comprehensive health insurance
Background check and medical certificate
4. Costa Rica
✅ Pros:
Beautiful beaches, jungles, and wildlife
Friendly locals and established expat communities
Stable democracy with good healthcare
Easy retirement residency options
❌ Cons:
Import taxes make electronics and cars expensive
Bureaucracy is slow
Limited public transportation in rural areas
📄 Entry Requirements:
Tourist visa: 90 days for Americans
Pensionado Visa: for retirees with $1,000/month guaranteed pension
Rentista Visa: for those with $2,500/month income or $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank
5. Thailand
✅ Pros:
Low cost of living and excellent street food culture
High quality private healthcare at affordable prices
Vibrant cities and stunning islands
Growing digital nomad hubs in Chiang Mai and Bangkok
❌ Cons:
Limited long-term visa options unless retired or employed by a Thai company
Language barrier outside major expat areas
Political instability at times
📄 Entry Requirements:
Tourist visa: 30 days visa-free (can extend)
Retirement Visa (O-A or O-X): age 50+, proof of income (
$2,000/month) or bank balance ($25,000)Digital Nomad/Long-Term Resident Visa: New LTR Visa requires $80,000+ annual income plus health insurance
6. New Zealand
✅ Pros:
Incredible natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle
English-speaking
Friendly locals with relaxed lifestyle
Excellent healthcare and public services
❌ Cons:
High cost of living, especially in Auckland and Wellington
Limited job opportunities unless highly skilled
Very strict immigration requirements
📄 Entry Requirements:
Visitor visa: 90 days
Work visa: job offer required under skilled shortage lists
Investor and Entrepreneur Visas: require substantial financial investment (NZ$100,000+)
Residency: point-based skilled migrant category with strict health and character checks
7. Canada
✅ Pros:
Similar culture and language for easy adjustment
High quality of life, healthcare, and education
Welcomes skilled immigrants under Express Entry system
❌ Cons:
High cost of living in cities like Vancouver and Toronto
Long and competitive immigration process
Very cold winters in most provinces
📄 Entry Requirements:
Visitor visa: 6 months for Americans
Express Entry (Skilled Worker): point-based system considering age, education, experience, and language
Work visas: employer sponsorship needed
Provincial Nominee Programs: vary by province
Final Thoughts
Deciding to leave the US and move to another country is a bold choice that opens new opportunities for personal and professional growth. By preparing your finances thoroughly, securing the right visa and legal documents, and investing effort into building your new life abroad, you can make your international move a smooth and rewarding experience.
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