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Local Spain
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Local Spain
The reasons why Spain is a top choice for American digital nomads
According to a survey by the Expatsi website, a company which helps Americans move abroad, over the past year more than 113,000 respondents said they were considering leaving the US to work remotely from other locations around the world. Sixty-eight percent of them preferred a European destination and Portugal and Spain ranked first and second place when it came to choosing a favoured country to work from. It's worth keeping in mind that the profile of the digital nomad looking to leave the US isn't the traditional type of remote worker that stays in a country for a few months and then continues travelling. Many of them want to stay in Spain for several years. In fact, 44 percent are professionals with partners and 39 percent are between 25 and 44 years old. There is also a high number of workers between 55 and 65 years old. And 30 percent of them have confessed that they intend to stay indefinitely in their chosen countries, in which case they can't technically be considered digital nomads at all, despite the fact that they work remotely. So why is Spain such a popular destination for Americans to come to live and work? A more stable political climate A total of 56 percent of respondents said that the US has become too conservative and that the political climate is too polarised (53 percent) - these both being the reasons that have grown most over the past year for those wanting to leave the US. Although Spain has had its fair share of divisive politics, many believe that the country is currently in a better and more stable position since than the US under President Donald Trump. Less gun violence Forty-eight percent of respondents say that one of their reasons for wanting to live outside the US is to avoid the threat of gun violence. According to website Nation Master, the US ranks first in the world when it comes to gun crime, while Spain ranks 59th, and the homicide rate was nine times higher in the US than in Spain. This makes Spain a much safer destination and one of the reasons people want to move here. Universal healthcare Two thirds or 68 percent of respondents said that they wanted to move to a country with universal or public healthcare. Spain has a very good public healthcare system, which is ranked 8th in the world by the Health Care Index. It's important to remember though that only self-employed digital nomads in Spain who pay their own social security will be able to access it. Those who are employed by companies abroad will either have to get their company to register with social security and pay it for them or get private health insurance. Having said that, both social security and private health insurance are much cheaper than health insurance in the US. Greater acceptance of homosexual relationships The fourth most popular reason (48 percent) of respondents gave for wanting to leave the US is that they are allowed 'different freedoms'. A total of 60 percent said they were looking for a country where homosexual relations (60 percent) and same-sex marriage (56 percent) are permitted. In 2005, Spain became the third country in the world to legalise gay marriage, following the Netherlands and Belgium. Spain is a progressive country when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights and generally people here are very open and accepting of homosexuality. Language Language is another reason why many Americans choose Spain. A total of 51 percent of those surveyed said that they would be willing to learn Spanish, while only 27 percent said French and 23 percent said Italian, even fewer said they would be willing to learn German. Spanish is the second most common non-English language spoken in the US and according to Forbes, the US also has the 2nd largest population of Spanish speakers in the world. Around 43 million people speak it the US already. Landscape When it comes to landscapes, Spain seems to tick all the boxes for Americans too. A total of 55 percent of those surveyed said they wanted beaches and coastlines in their new chosen countries, while 47 percent said mountains. Spain has both of these in abundance with a long coastline and the most Blue Flag beaches in the world, awarded to those beaches that meet demands of hygiene, water quality and accessibility. Spain is also home to countless mountain ranges, from the Pyrenees in the northeast to the Sierra Nevada in the south and the Picos de Europa in the northwest. Many of them boast excellent hiking trails, ski resorts and epic landscapes. Right to self-determination of gender A total of 58 percent of respondents said they wanted to move to a country where they had the freedom to determine their own gender. In early 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order proclaiming that the US will only recognise two sexes – male and female. While in early 2023, Spain passed its Ley de Trans or Trans Law, which states that 'No person may be pressured to hide, suppress, deny, modify, or forcibly make visible their sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, sexual characteristics, or membership in an LGBTQIA family'. The law recognises the right of trans people to self-determine their gender identity, and depathologises trans people so that it's not seen as an illness, but a personal decision.
New York Post
31-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Here's the country that Americans want to leave the US for the most
Americans are itching to move, and they have their sights on a small, stunning, beach-filled country on the west coast of Europe: Portugal. Portugal topped expat resource group Expatsi's recent survey of where Americans most hope to move, fleeing what they say is political divisiveness, a high cost of living, and too much daily stress. The coastal country has become so popular that even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly snapped up a home there, where Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie also lives. 'Portugal rose to prominence by offering friendly programs for taxes and visas for foreigners, including allowing them to gain residency through buying homes,' explains Expatsi co-founder Jen Barnett. 'The country has removed a lot of those benefits, but now people are more aware of what else it has to offer: lower cost of living, better quality of life, more safety, and warm and welcoming people.' 4 Portugal topped expat resource group Expatsi's recent survey of where Americans most hope to move. rudi1976 – Right behind Portugal for where Americans would most like to relocate are Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand, and Costa Rica. Americans dream of Portugal Elizabeth Burke of Washington, DC, is one of the many dreaming of Portugal. She has been visiting the country annually since 2016 and plans to retire there within the next five years or so. 'No matter where you go in Portugal, there's a sense of calm,' she tells 'You land in Faro, and you feel like you can breathe. There's a feeling in the air of happiness and peace.' That's a far cry from the atmosphere of the politics-driven city she resides in, especially these days. The Expatsi survey found that about 56% of respondents think the U.S. has become too conservative while about 53% think it's too divided politically—and that's why they'd like to leave it behind. Burke also points to how the country is small enough that one can get from the wine region to expansive beaches to green mountains to the bustling hub of Lisbon, all within a few hours. You can easily drive to Spain or take a ferry to Gibraltar, and there's also the island of Madeira and its famous wines. 4 Right behind Portugal for where Americans would most like to relocate are Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand, and Costa Rica. Jacob Lund – From Porto with its port-producing hills to Sintra with its colorful castles, the various regions offer vastly different appeal, yet all are nearby, so a day trip can be made of it. Let's not forget the locals. 'They are the nicest people,' Burke says. 'They want to make sure you have everything you want.' She even praises law enforcement—not just for keeping the country's crime rate low, but also for their good looks. 'They are some of the most handsome men I've ever seen,' she says, laughing. 'No matter where you go in Portugal, there's this sense of peace, enjoyment, and excitement for tomorrow.' Getting residency in Portugal is not as easy as before With all of this on offer, it's no wonder that Portugal became almost too popular. In 2024, the country phased out its Golden Visa through real estate investment. But if you have the capital, you can still get residency through another qualifying investment. Visa-qualifying investments include funds, donations to the arts or science, or job creation. The minimum amounts vary, so speak to an immigration attorney or do your due diligence. 4 In 2024, Portugal phased out its Golden Visa through real estate investment. Shutterstock The country's D7 retirement visa is still an option, which requires proof of sufficient passive income (approximately $980 per month at today's currency conversion rates), a place to stay, and minimum stay requirements. You'll also have to pass a criminal background check and have proof of health care coverage. Global Citizen Solutions says Portugal is the second most compelling place for U.S. retirees, behind Spain. Its top benefits include a pleasant year-round climate, good public health services, and affordable private health care options. It's also known for the high quality of its educational institutions. While by now Portugal might seem like paradise, it's that appeal that drove up property prices, causing locals to complain to the point where the real estate Golden Visa was revoked. A one-bedroom in Lisbon can easily run $600,000 or more, which is what it can cost to live in New York City or Los Angeles. 4 Portugal is the second most compelling place for US retirees, according to Global Citizen Solutions. Balate Dorin – Other countries, such as Panama, Malta, and Cyprus, offer much more affordability when it comes to real estate. However, for Europe, Portugal remains comparatively reasonable. And what do the locals think of all of this attention? Friendly and welcoming though they are, some are beginning to entertain wariness about their home country's newfound popularity. 'There's a risk that the newcomers will drive up the price of housing, swarm all over the local eateries and clubs, and insist on driving hulking SUVs everywhere,' says Consumer Affairs. For her part, Burke is taking Portuguese lessons and plans to assimilate as best she can—provided she can score a visa when the time comes. While Mexico is her backup plan, Portugal remains her No. 1 choice. 'If I can't get a visa, I'll be devastated,' she says. 'But I'll still visit every year.'
The Herald Scotland
29-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Americans want to move most to this country, survey finds
Visitors to Expatsi's website answered the 20-question assessment based on factors like preferred climates, monthly budget and languages. Using publicly-available data, the survey generates top suggested countries for the prospective expatriates. After that, respondents can indicate which countries they're most interested in moving to. Portugal was the No. 1 country request for Americans, according to the survey results. Several other popular European nations also made the list. Here's a look at the data. Which countries do Americans want to move to? See 2024 survey results After completing Expatsi's survey, the following countries were the most requested spots for Americans to move to: Portugal Spain United Kingdom Canada Italy Ireland France Mexico New Zealand Costa Rica Why are Americans choosing to move out of the country? Expatsi's survey also tracked prospective movers' top reasons for wanting to leaving the U.S. The top reason people reported wanting to move abroad was for adventure, enrichment or growth - 61% of survey respondents chose that reason. More than half of survey respondents respectively also selected political reasons, like ultraconservatism and divisions around the country. More Americans are visiting Portugal than ever: report Portugal has become a hotspot for American tourists, according to reports. Reuters, citing data from the National Statistics Institute, reported that more than 140,000 Americans visited Portugal in November 2023, marking a monthly record. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Canada not the top choice, why Americans are skipping Trump's '51st state' for a much smaller country
For decades, Canada has been the default fantasy for Americans seeking a fresh start abroad—so much so that US President Trump has evidently desired to make it the '51st state.' But in 2025, a new trend is emerging: Americans are increasingly bypassing their northern neighbor and setting their sights on Portugal , now the undisputed top pick for US expats. A major survey by Expatsi , a relocation services company, polled over 116,000 Americans considering relocation, found that Portugal is now the number one country Americans want to move to, outpacing Canada and every other destination. While Canada still makes the top four, it no longer dominates the American imagination as it once did. Instead, the list of most-desired countries for relocation in 2025 reads: Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A brain tumor threatens his life. Please save him. Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Portugal Spain United Kingdom Canada Italy Ireland France Mexico New Zealand Costa Rica Canada, once the perennial favorite, now sits at number four—behind three European reasons are as diverse as the destinations. According to the Expatsi survey, 61% of Americans cited adventure and personal enrichment as their main motivation, while over half pointed to political division or ultraconservatism at home. Affordability, safety, and quality of life are also key drivers, and Portugal's cost of living—about 35% lower than the U.S.—is a major call. Recent migration data supports this trend. Portugal has seen a 239% increase in American residents since 2017, with over 14,000 Americans now calling it home and a record 585,800 overnight stays by U.S. visitors in May 2024 alone. Americans have also become the leading nationality for Portugal's coveted Golden Visa program. Live Events Reuters recently noted that Portugal's 'blend of affordability, safety, and lifestyle is drawing a new wave of U.S. arrivals, both tourists and long-term residents,' a sentiment echoed by Expatsi's CEO, who said, 'Once Americans discover the ease of Portuguese residency and the quality of life, it's hard for other countries to compete.' The idea of Canada as the '51st state,' floated by President Trump, has been met with skepticism and even resistance among Canadians and Americans alike. Canadians overwhelmingly value their independence, and the practicalities of such a merger are daunting. Moreover, many Americans are seeking a more dramatic change in lifestyle, climate, and culture than Canada can provide. So while Canada remains a solid choice, the American dream of relocation is now painted in the pastel hues of Lisbon and Porto, not the maple red of Montreal. Maybe the 51st state is just a little further east than anyone expected.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Americans want to move to this European country, new survey says
American visitors have flocked to Portugal in record numbers in recent years, and a new report indicates that more travelers could be there to stay. Expatsi, a travel company for those looking to emigrate, conducted a survey of more than 116,000 Americans to determine which countries are the most desirable to those looking to move out of the United States. Visitors to Expatsi's website answered the 20-question assessment based on factors like preferred climates, monthly budget and languages. Using publicly-available data, the survey generates top suggested countries for the prospective expatriates. After that, respondents can indicate which countries they're most interested in moving to. Portugal was the No. 1 country request for Americans, according to the survey results. Several other popular European nations also made the list. Here's a look at the data. After completing Expatsi's survey, the following countries were the most requested spots for Americans to move to: Portugal Spain United Kingdom Canada Italy Ireland France Mexico New Zealand Costa Rica Expatsi's survey also tracked prospective movers' top reasons for wanting to leaving the U.S. The top reason people reported wanting to move abroad was for adventure, enrichment or growth – 61% of survey respondents chose that reason. More than half of survey respondents respectively also selected political reasons, like ultraconservatism and divisions around the country. Portugal has become a hotspot for American tourists, according to reports. Reuters, citing data from the National Statistics Institute, reported that more than 140,000 Americans visited Portugal in November 2023, marking a monthly record. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Americans want to move most to this country, survey finds
