A record number of Americans are moving to Europe. Here’s how.

Americans are moving to Europe in record numbers.

In the past two years, it seems like there is a new story in the news every week about this phenomenon.

It should come as no surprise that people are seeking to expand their global mobility in a modern, interconnected world.

According to our partner, Geostrata, many Americans believe that a better lifestyle awaits them in countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and the Netherlands.

The challenge for Americans

Americans who are curious about moving to Europe typically find themselves immersed in weeks, months, or even years of research on message boards, social media sites, AI tools, and search engines. They discover that the process is more complex than grabbing their passport and going, and European countries have hard requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for a long-stay visa.

There's also the stress of navigating a move abroad on their own, while family, their business, and their career all compete for their attention.

The requirement for every visa: Health insurance

Each European country has its own requirements that must be met for an American’s visa application to be approved.

Private health insurance is required for all of the visas listed in this article. Many Americans are attracted to the universal healthcare systems in European countries, but eligibility is not automatic, and European governments want to make sure that you are covered if you need healthcare. Each country has its own requirements for joining public healthcare systems, usually based around a buy-in or by becoming a tax resident. Interestingly, many Europeans keep a private “top up” policy to pay for medical expenses not covered by public plans.

Geostrata CEO, Andrew Primavera, notes that European private healthcare plans differ from U.S. private healthcare plans. “A lot of our clients are concerned that their health insurance costs will be as high as they are accustomed to paying in the U.S. Once we go over the pricing and quality of the coverage, they are very excited and relieved.”

Why Americans Are Moving to European Countries

From Andrew’s perspective, the record-breaking numbers of Americans moving abroad can be explained, in part, by new visa opportunities and incentive programs being offered by European countries. “There are a lot of underlying reasons why people are looking for a change, but until recently, it wasn’t feasible for mid-career professionals and younger Americans. Digital nomad visas, like those offered in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, enable professionals and business owners to move to a European country while keeping their U.S.-based income.”

Andrew says that the demand is not slowing down any time soon. “Americans are looking for walkable, safe, and open-minded destinations that center around community, have strong institutions, affordable healthcare, and prioritize the simple joys of life. The 40%-50% lower cost of living in parts of Italy and Spain are a huge draw too.”

It’s worth taking a closer look at some of the programs Andrew mentioned. Digital nomad visas, retirement visas, and the Netherlands-specific Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.

Digital Nomad Visas

Digital nomad visas enable Non-E.U. nationals, like Americans, to move to European countries without having to find a job in the local labor market (which can be quite difficult). Digital nomads and remote workers keep their American income from their business or remote employment while living in Europe. Popular destinations for remote workers and digital nomads are Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Americans enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle while stretching their income much farther.

Digital nomad visas all have income requirements that differ from country to country. Generally, the income must be derived from your online business or remote employment, not other sources like investments or pensions. It is important to note that digital nomads and remote workers are typically prohibited from working in their new country when they arrive. These visas are designed to give an economic boost to the local community while preserving the job market for local residents.

Here’s a breakdown of the income requirements for digital nomad visas in Italy, Spain, and Portugal:

*Income shown in the table is for a single applicant.

Retirement Visas and Passive Income Visas

Retirement visas, typically called “elective residence visas” or “non-lucrative visas” are designed for people who don’t work and support themselves through their passive income. These pathways typically don’t have any age restrictions. The important factor is that your income is passive, which means you cannot work to support yourself. Social Security, real estate, investments, pensions, and retirement plans are all examples of qualifying passive income. Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal are Geostrata’s most popular destinations for retirees according to Andrew.

Retirement visas have income requirements just like digital nomad visas. They are similar to digital nomad visas in that they exist to stimulate the local economy, so it is important that applicants can comfortably support themselves.

Here’s a breakdown of the income requirements for retirement visas in Italy, Spain, and Portugal:

*Income shown in the table is for a single applicant.

It is important to remember that these numbers are guidelines and consulate officials will review your entire financial picture. If your obligations threaten your financial security, you are likely to face hardships during the application process.

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (commonly referred to as the “DAFT”) is a bilateral treaty that is designed to foster economic exchange between the Netherlands and the United States. Within the treaty are immigration provisions that allow Americans to move to the Netherlands and start a business. The low capital requirement (€4,500 deposited in a Dutch business bank account) and lack of a language requirement or points system makes the DAFT the most accessible way for an American to move to Europe and start a business. Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it is a real business. Businesses that are created solely for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit will be rejected by the Dutch government. The DAFT is a unique opportunity that many Americans take advantage of.

Will The Trend Continue?

Opening any social media app reveals a swath of posts from friends and influencers hiking in the Dolomites, eating dinner in Sorrento, or posing for pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower. It seems like everyone is going to Europe. If you feel like this is a relatively recent phenomenon, you’d be correct. From 1969 to 2011, the percentage of Americans visiting Europe annually rose from about 1% to 3.5%. In 2025, 7% of Americans visited a European country. Demand to travel to Europe has been explosive in the past decade, with no signs of slowing down. The same is true for Americans permanently making the move. From 2019-2024 residence permits issued to Americans in Portugal quadrupled and Spain saw a 63% increase.

Andrew offers his perspective. “We live in a globalized and interconnected world. Americans want to meet people from other countries, hear their perspectives, and experience their culture. A rapidly growing number of Americans feel like their best life is waiting for them in Europe, and they are attracted to lifestyles that center around community and culture rather than work.”

About Geostrata

Geostrata is a full-service relocation consultancy built specifically for Americans moving to Europe. From digital nomad visas, investor visas, and retirement visas to complete end-to-end relocation support, Geostrata guides clients through every stage of the process: visa strategy, in-country legal support, housing, and settling in after arrival. Backed by partnerships with top immigration attorneys across more than 20 European countries, Geostrata acts as a single point of contact and project manager for your entire move, so nothing falls through the cracks. Visit Geostrata to schedule a free consultation and start planning your move to Europe with confidence.