Top Destinations to Move to in 2027

This list is an early look at the top countries to move to in 2027, based on the visa programs, costs, and conditions in place as of late 2026. Each country was evaluated on several practical factors: how accessible its visa and residency options are for Americans, how achievable its proof-of-funds or income requirements are, overall cost of living, quality and affordability of healthcare, safety and political stability, and how easy it is to settle in with the language and culture. Countries that offer clear pathways for different types of movers, such as retirees, remote workers, and skilled professionals, ranked higher than those with only narrow or hard-to-qualify options. Because immigration rules, income thresholds, and tax policies can change quickly, as Portugal's citizenship change in 2026 showed, these rankings should be treated as predictions rather than guarantees, and anyone planning a move should confirm the latest requirements with official government sources before applying.

1. Portugal

Portugal remains one of the most popular choices for Americans thanks to its mild climate, relatively affordable cost of living, and friendly English-speaking expat communities. The D7 Passive Income Visa is popular with retirees and anyone with consistent passive income, while the D8 Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live legally in the country. One major change to know is that Portugal's naturalization residency requirement doubled from five to 10 years for non-EU nationals, including Americans, as of May 19, 2026. That makes Portugal a great lifestyle choice but a slower path to an EU passport than it used to be.

2. Spain

Spain offers excellent food, vibrant cities, and a strong public healthcare system, with care available to legal residents. Its Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2023, allows remote workers and freelancers to live legally in Spain, and the Non-Lucrative Visa is another option for those who can show passive income or savings. Keep in mind that the Non-Lucrative Visa doesn't allow you to work locally, so it fits retirees and people living off savings or investments best. Spain ended its golden visa investment program in 2025, so older articles recommending it are out of date.

3. Mexico

Mexico is often called the simplest move for Americans because it's close to home, affordable in many areas, and has huge established expat communities. To qualify for its Temporary Resident Visa in 2026, applicants must show approximately $4,400 per month in income over the prior six months, or savings of around $74,000 over the prior 12 months. Those thresholds are tied to Mexico's minimum wage and vary by consulate, so they tend to rise each year. Popular spots include Mexico City, Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica attracts Americans with its natural beauty, political stability, and laid-back "pura vida" lifestyle. Its Pensionado program is designed for retirees with a steady pension or Social Security income, while the Rentista Visa allows residency with a monthly income of $2,500. Once you become a resident, you're generally required to enroll in the national healthcare system, known as the Caja. It's especially well suited to retirees and nature lovers, though costs in popular areas have risen in recent years.

5. Panama

Panama is a favorite for retirees because it uses the US dollar, has modern infrastructure in Panama City, and offers one of the most generous retiree programs in the world. The Pensionado Visa requires proof of a lifetime pension, such as Social Security, and gives holders discounts on things like healthcare, travel, and entertainment. The Friendly Nations Visa is another popular route for Americans, typically tied to employment or a real estate investment. Its location also makes trips back to the US relatively quick and easy.