More and more U.S. citizens are choosing to establish a new life outside of their home country. Currently, there are approximately 5.5 million Americans living abroad, with an estimated 180,000 U.S. citizens moving abroad in 2025 alone. As more Americans — including students, professionals, and families with young children — take the leap toward life in a new country, here are five countries that are becoming increasingly popular (and why). 

Spain

Spain has nearly doubled its American expat population since 2010, growing from an estimated 35,560 U.S. citizens residing in the country to 68,613 in 2024, according to World Population Review. Much of Spain’s appeal lies in its easygoing Mediterranean lifestyle, where sunny weather, walkable neighborhoods, and work-life balance take precedence. 

Although Barcelona has proved popular in recent years — with the total number of foreign nationals from around the globe making up nearly a quarter of the city’s population — smaller cities like Málaga are becoming hot spots for Americans, too. The latter boasts a relatively low cost of living, warm climate, and lively food scene. Spain is also particularly popular with remote workers, thanks in part to its international Digital Nomad Visa, which offers eligible non-EU professionals an opportunity to live and work in the country.

Ireland

More Americans with Irish heritage are choosing Ireland as their new home. According to World Population Review, an estimated 36,363 Americans lived in Ireland in 2024, with growing interest in Irish citizenship adding even more momentum to the country’s appeal. Applications from Americans to enter Ireland’s Foreign Births Register rose to 63% in 2025, with the number of Americans who moved to Ireland doubling in just a year. 

Not only does Ireland provide an easy transition for English speakers, but those with qualifying Irish citizenship through their ancestry also become members of the EU and are able to work across the European Union. For those still in the workforce, Dublin is a major international business hub, while Irish cities like Cork and Galway are a draw for Americans seeking quieter alternatives.

Malta

Malta — a Mediterranean island nation located south of Italy — has emerged as an unexpected option for Americans seeking an alternative European lifestyle. As of 2024, there were 6,313 Americans living on Maltese soil. Since then, the island has experienced long-term growth in its American immigrant community.

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit grants remote workers residency as long as they earn at least 42,000 euros annually. Other pathways include finding Maltese employment, which allows for a work-based residence permit, or, for retirees, applying for Malta’s Permanent Residence Program, which allows you to live but not work in the country. Malta’s increased popularity is due not only to its numerous visa options, but also to the country’s official use of English, warm climate, and fascinating history. For those seeking a calmer and more relaxed European destination, Malta’s coastal lifestyle definitely fits the bill.

The Netherlands

More and more Americans moving abroad are choosing the Netherlands as their European country of choice, with 6,690 Americans having applied for work, family, or study migration in the first 11 months of 2025, according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS. The data notes that families in particular are choosing the Netherlands as a place to raise children, though permits for highly skilled workers were popular as well. 

The Netherlands appeals to Americans with its job market, widespread use of English, cycling-friendly cities, and reputation for work-life balance. America’s rising health care costs are also cited as a reason why some families are choosing the Netherlands as an alternative home. Although Amsterdam is the country’s biggest city, other cities appeal to recent transplants, too: Rotterdam is similarly cosmopolitan, Utrecht is utterly charming, and The Hague is a haven for global career opportunities.

Japan

Japan might seem a surprising pick for Americans moving abroad, but according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 69,787 American nationals were living in Japan in December 2025, up from 66,111 at the end of 2024. The country’s total foreign-resident population has also been growing, with Japan reporting nearly 3.96 million foreign residents by June 2025, a new record high. 

For Americans, Japan’s appeal lies in its reliability, cleanliness, safety, and culture. Added bonuses include lower medical costs, as well as a more affordable cost of living. However, moving to Japan isn’t easy. Not only is the language barrier a problem for many, but long-term residence also depends on visa qualifications, which vary between a work visa (requires Japanese employment), a digital nomad visa (a nonpermanent solution), or a highly skilled professional visa (requiring you to have a desirable skill and major earning potential).