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I help Americans move abroad—5 of the most welcoming European countries

I knew I wanted to live abroad as soon as I set foot in the Netherlands on a trip at 17. I chased that dream for years — studying Spanish in Spain at 21, teaching English there at 26, and pursuing a master’s there at 29 — but I kept ending up back in Texas. 

At 35, I tried again, arriving in Spain with doubts and no clear plan. But the positive shift was immediate. Outside the 9-to-5 grind, I discovered my passions of writing, content creation, and community building.

Within 18 months, I launched She Hit Refresh, a resource and community helping women over 30 figure out and fast-track their moves abroad. Ten years later, I’m still living in Spain, and I’ve directly helped hundreds of women make their moves abroad.

So many people who want to leave the U.S. start with a seemingly simple question: Where should I go? I can help with that. 

What makes some European countries more ‘welcoming’ to American expats

If you want to make starting over feel less overwhelming, look for countries that check most of these boxes:

  • Visa options: If there’s a visa you qualify for — whether as a remote worker, retiree, or self-employed person — that’s already a huge win. 
  • Cost of living: Many Americans are looking for places where their dollars stretch further and where quality of life doesn’t mean financial stress.
  • Cultural openness: Feeling welcomed by locals can ease culture shock and smooth your transition.
  • A solid expat community: At the same time, having access to other Americans or foreigners who understand your journey can give you a sense of belonging, especially in the early months. 
  • Language: Look for places where people speak English at a high level and/or the local language is relatively easy to pick up.

Here are five European countries that consistently make it easier for Americans to land, live, and thrive:

1. Spain

2. Portugal

3. France

One of my upcoming podcast guests, Mary Alice Duff, decided to swap the hustle of life in Philadelphia for the slower pace of southern France. She now enjoys the calm of the French lifestyle, like biking to the beach with her daughter; perks of her tax dollars, like free public transportation; and quality time with a diverse, close-knit international friend group.

For those wanting to follow a similar path, the profession libérale visa is a great option for freelancers and small business owners, offering flexibility to work remotely. France also has affordable, high-quality healthcare and is incredibly family-friendly. It has one of the highest fertility rates in Europe, which may be related to generous tax breaks for families and affordable childcare. 

The downside is that France does not yet offer a digital nomad visa, making it challenging for remote employees to find a way to stay long-term.

4. The Netherlands

5. Albania

Albania allows U.S. passport holders to stay for up to a year without a visa. With easy entry and a low cost of living, it’s perfect for budget-minded remote workers. 

Many Americans live in the capital city of Tirana, where the expat community is strong and English is widely spoken. But the Albanian Riviera is not to be overlooked; its coastline along the Ionian Sea has some of the most beautiful beaches and landscapes in all of Europe. 

I’ve seen many Americans use Albania as a soft landing, staying one to four years before moving on to their next destination.

Taking the leap

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2025-05-18 12:30:01

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