- The number of Americans considering moving to Canada, Mexico or Europe has increased over the past 12 months.
- Some people want to move abroad for reasons such as a better quality of life, healthcare and more affordable retirement.
- There are several ways to move to Canada, Mexico or Europe, depending on your profile and the visa that suits you.
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Presidential debates, Supreme Court decisions or political differences may cause some Americans to consider – or reconsider – the idea of international action.
Attorney Jean-Francois Harvey of Harvey Law Group, a Miami-based firm that helps U.S. clients with immigration services, said his office has seen an increase in demand over the past 12 months.
“Indeed, a lot of people are wondering what’s going on in America, and most of them want a Plan B,” Harvey told USA TODAY. “As we get closer to the election, more and more people will say this may be more than a Plan B.”
However, Harvey said not all moves are driven by political uncertainty. Others want to move abroad for reasons such as a better quality of life, health care and a more affordable retirement.
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While many people want to relocate to Mexico or Canada because of their proximity to the United States, Harvey said Europe is actually the most in-demand region for his clients, particularly Spain and France. He attributes this to the fact that many Americans are fluent in Spanish and the speed of the visa application process in Spain and France, which can take up to a month.
Here’s what you need to know about moving to Canada, Mexico or Europe.
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Can I move to Canada? Can I move to Mexico? Can I move to Europe?
Yes, you can move to Canada, Mexico or anywhere else in Europe. It all depends on how you meet the requirements of that country and which visa is right for you.
“What’s the best way for them to get into the country and stay here?” Harvey asked. “It all depends on your profile, like your age and your qualifications.” For example, depending on your profession, you could open a business in Canada and move here relatively quickly to get the business up and running, and then work on getting a visa later.
Another important factor to consider is taxes, Harvey said. Many European countries, as well as Mexico and Canada, have double-taxation agreements with the United States, which will prevent you from paying the same taxes twice.
Also consider how easy it will be for you to get home and see family and friends. For some destinations in Europe, there are many flights between the United States and Mexico. For Canada, it may be a quick flight or an easy drive across the border.
How do I move to Canada as an American?
According to the Government of Canada website, the easiest way for an American to move to Canada is through the Express Entry system, which is for three types of skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada. Under the program, applicants must provide proof of at least one to two years of work experience as well as other documents such as education assessments and language tests. After completing the required paperwork, applicants will receive a score that will determine whether they can apply for residency. Unfortunately, the process can be slow, taking up to two years, Harvey said.
You may have more luck if you have relatives in Canada, such as a child or parent, who can sponsor you. Applicants can also seek a work permit if their work falls under one of the occupational categories, such as accounting, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Work permits are typically issued for two to three years and can be renewed.
How do I move to Mexico as an American?
According to Harvey, one of the easiest ways to settle in Mexico is through its retirement program. To apply for permanent residency in Mexico, you must prove that you have at least $292,858 in investments or bank accounts in the last 12 months, or at least $7,321.47 in monthly income from your job or pension after taxes.
Another way to settle in Mexico is to buy property, which is technically illegal for non-Mexican citizens, but can be done through a registered organization. In this case, you will use the name of an institution when purchasing.
How do I move to Europe as an American?
According to Harvey, there are two easy ways to settle in Europe as an American. The first method is to have ancestral ties to the country. Dozens of countries, including Portugal, Spain and France, offer citizenship by descent, but it depends on how many generations have passed.
“There are many programs based on ancestry; just the fact that your great-grandfather is Spanish is enough to obtain full citizenship in Spain,” he said.
Italian citizenship by descent “is based on the principle of swear bloody (right of blood)”, according to the Italian consulate in London. All you need to do is prove that you have an Italian ancestor who emigrated abroad and was born in Italy, even if it was more than a century ago.
France requires that you have a French grandparent and parent who will also apply for citizenship. French language proficiency is not required.
Many European countries also offer digital nomad visas, which allow you to live abroad and work remotely for a company located in another country, provided you meet a few requirements. Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal are just a few of the countries that offer this type of visa.
To obtain a digital nomad visa in Spain, you must present a work certificate of at least three months, proof of residence in Spain, and financial means of at least 200% of the Spanish national monthly minimum wage of €1,134 (or approximately $1,217), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. The applicant’s children and spouse can also apply for this visa.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com.
