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Thanks to the proliferation of remote work, new visa programs, and tax incentives that governments are using to attract digital nomads and investors, there are more opportunities for people considering moving abroad.
The list of suitable countries for expats compiled by CNN Travel is mainly aimed at US citizens, but it will be useful for those moving from anywhere in the world.
Mexico
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Mexico now attracts not only American retirees, as it used to. Families and digital nomads flock here.
Mexico City is the largest city in North America. The population of the agglomeration is about 22 million.The metropolis has become particularly popular, and between 2019 and 2023, the capital's population grew by 3%, by about 600,000 people.
Other cities, including Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende and Playa del Carmen, also attract expats.
Positive:Mexico took first place in the Expat Insider survey from InterNations in 2023 and has been among the top five countries since 2014.According to the latest results, foreigners value factors such as ease of adaptation, a rich social life, and strong connections.The affordability of housing and a relaxed lifestyle in Mexico also received high marks.
Cons: as in other countries of the world, where Americans have recently flooded in, there is a negative reaction to foreigners in some Mexican cities with large expat communities. Another point is that the state has a high crime rate.
How to move:Mexico does not offer a digital nomad visa, but those who are considering moving permanently can apply for a temporary resident visa, which allows them to stay in the country for up to four years. Pensioners can apply for a permanent resident visa.
Portugal
Portugal's popularity among expats has increased dramatically since the country introduced the Golden Visa program in 2012.The scheme became successful and inspired other countries to develop their own plans to attract foreign investment.
However, in the spring of 2023, Portugal made significant changes to the program, effectively ending real estate investments.She also changed the tax regime for non-residents, says Alex Ingrim, a licensed financial consultant and president of Chase Buchanan, an international asset management company in the United States.
"It's a little more difficult to immigrate to Portugal [now] if you need the flexibility of a golden visa," Ingrim says in an interview with CNN Travel. "It's not as attractive from the point of view of tax jurisdiction.And we see that many people are losing interest in Portugal and are starting to plan to move to other European jurisdictions.
Positive:Portugal is distinguished by affordable housing, quality of life, mild weather all year round, and a high-quality healthcare system.The cost of living is generally lower than in most European countries. Portugal ranks seventh in the world in terms of security.
Cons: as in Mexico and other countries with a large number of expats, discontent with the influx of foreigners, especially Americans, is growing in Lisbon.Critics say that as a result of the sharp rise in rents and property prices, many local residents have been forced to leave, and some areas have changed.
How to move: The Golden Visa program is still in effect, although the country has ruled out the possibility of investing in real estate. Popular digital nomad visa.
Spain
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The magnificent climate, low housing prices in Western Europe, and vibrant, culturally rich cities and towns from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic: it's no surprise that more and more foreigners are choosing Spain as the next chapter of their lives.
Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Bilbao boast large communities of English-speaking expats, while the coastal city of Valencia is rapidly gaining popularity as a desirable place to move: in 2022, it took first place in the InterNations Quality of Life Index and topped the annual ranking."Live and invest abroad in 2024."Positive:Spain has a lot to love: modern cities and quaint little towns, high-quality medical care, and world-famous restaurants and nightclubs.
Cons: English is usually not widely spoken outside of major cities (and in the northeastern region of Catalonia, the official language, which is often preferred by locals, is Catalan).Foreigners also need to get used to the Spanish way of life. The working day usually lasts from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a long lunch break during the afternoon siesta (many businesses are closed at this time), and Spaniards usually have dinner no earlier than 8:30 p.m.
How to move: There are several options for expats who want to move to Spain.Anyone with sufficient means to provide for themselves and their dependents can consider a non-commercial visa (or NLV), which is ideal for retirees and those who receive passive income abroad.(However, you will not be able to work in Spain with this visa.) Spain also offersa digital nomad visa and an entrepreneur visa. The country of bicycle lovers ranked fifth in the "World Happiness Report" for 2023. The Gallup study assessed various indicators of life satisfaction, as well as social and economic well-being.The Netherlands also topped the Numbeo survey on quality of life in 2023. The capital Amsterdam is especially popular due to its picturesque canals, historical architecture and relaxed atmosphere, attracting many tourists from all over the world. Positive:It's hard for active lifestyle enthusiasts to find anything better than the Netherlands with its world-class cycling infrastructure and culture. In fact, the country is said to have more bicycles (fietsen) than people.The Netherlands is also known for its strong education system, with most of it at least partially funded by the state. One of the main tax advantages for expats: Highly skilled workers can qualify for the so-called 30% rule, a tax advantage in which they receive a tax-free supplement of 30% of their gross salary for five years.However, the Dutch government has recently introduced a salary cap that is subject to this rule. Cons: compared to some other European countries, the Netherlands is expensive to live in: according to Statista, in November 2023, the rent for furnished apartments reached an all-time high.Outside of major cities, small towns and cities, including Haarlem, Delft, Leiden and Maastricht, are significantly cheaper to live in. In addition, the income tax is high: the rate is 49.5% on income exceeding 73,031 euros.This can come as a real shock after five years of paying a 30% tax, and often makes many expats think about moving after the benefits expire. Finally, it may be difficult for some to adjust to the weather. It's dark and rainy in winter (which makes cycling less enjoyable) and constantly windy (there are so many windmills here for a reason). How to make the move:The Netherlands does not issue a digital nomad visa, but you can apply for a long-term visa, also known as a temporary residence permit (called an MVV in Dutch). Germany is the largest economy of the European Union. A strong labor market and a reliable social security system, not to mentionNot to mention the heritage-rich cities and towns that are attractive to foreigners. Positive:Germany is great for families thanks to universal health insurance and social benefits such as monthly payment of kindergarten("children's money"), subsidized childcare services and generous parental leave for the child. In addition, compared to some other European countries, it is quite easy to get a freelance visa in Germany, says Ariel Tucker, a certified financial consultant from Switzerland, in an interview with CNN Travel.
Cons: There are no 24-hour grocery stores or self-service pharmacies in Germany.Most shops are closed on Sundays (with the exception of restaurants and bakeries).And the bureaucracy in the country can be maddening: many government processes depend on official documents that are delivered by mail. The country's popularity among foreigners has led to a shortage of housing in major cities, especially in Berlin, where finding an apartment is one of the most stressful aspects of moving. Another point is that English is not so widely spoken outside of major cities. How to move: iniza for qualified workers allows people with the appropriate degree or certificate to search for six months work in your specialty. It is also quite easy to get a visa for the self-employed. Many foreign citizens praise Singapore: in 2022, this developed city-state ranked third in the InterNations Basic Needs Index. The country is considered one of the best for living and working due to its strong labor market, excellent education and healthcare, as well as one of the best transportation systems in the world. Positive:Singapore is Asia's leading financial and investment center with excellent employment prospects and economic stability.Gourmets, however, will enjoy the excellent local cuisine, from lively night markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. Travel enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to one of the most prestigious aviation hubs in the world - Changi Airport. Cons: Singapore is very expensive, and some people may have trouble adapting to its humid tropical climate. How to move:Singapore does not offer a digital nomad visa, but those who have been employed can apply for a work permit.Entrepreneurs can obtain a business permit in Singapore. Costa Rica's rich nature, tropical climate and low cost of living have long attracted expats who are looking for their piece of pura vida, which literally translates as clean living and is both a national slogan and a way of life. Positive:Costa Rica has an excellent healthcare system, which consistently ranks high in the ratings.It is also one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world.Locals tend to lead a healthy lifestyle by practicing physical exercise, whether it's year-round surfing or daily yoga classes on the beach.Netherlands
Germany
Singapore
Costa Rica
Cons: A relaxed lifestyle in Costa Rica can have a negative impact on doing business. Locals often refer to their habit of being late as "Tico Time."
In addition, the development of communications and amenities often lags behind.For example, in old buildings, it is often customary to throw toilet paper into trash cans instead of flushing it down the toilet.
It is impossible not to mention the peculiarities of the geographical location of the country. Costa Rica is located along the infamous Ring of Fire. This area is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. There are six active volcanoes here.
How to move: The new digital nomad visa allows you to stay in the country for up to a year with the possibility of an extension for another year.
Italy
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It is difficult to imagine a country that would be more romantic in the minds of foreigners. Expats now have more opportunities to fulfill their dreams of a sweet life, partly due to the popularity of investment schemes such as a one-euro house that have appeared in many small towns.
Positive:Access to the world's most popular tourist cities, picturesque rural landscapes, and immersion in a culture that values family, food, and wine. What's not to like about Italian life?The healthcare system in Italy is strong. Many visitors highly appreciate the friendliness of the Italians.
Cons: Employment prospects in Italy are not as great as in other European countries.Outside of major cities, English is generally not widely spoken, and you will probably need to hire a lawyer to help you navigate legal processes such as buying a house.And be prepared for Italy's infamous state bureaucracy.
How to move: you can get a long-term or short-term visa for the self-employed, or a lavorno autonomo, as well as a visa for startups and digital nomads.
France
Although real life in France is very different from what is shown in the films of Emily in Paris, there is still something to say oui!Yes: universal healthcare, a culture of work-life balance (remember all those protests in response to the French government raising the retirement age?) and some of the most desirable gastronomic and trendy locations in the world.
Despite the fact that France is quite an expensive country, it also offers extensive social programs and benefits for the population. The state holds high positions in the quality of life ratings compiled by InterNations.
Positive:Residents can benefit from a variety of social benefits, including universal health insurance. The advantages include economic stability and numerous public holidays, not to mention the 35-hour work week.
Cons: income and social taxes in France are high: up to 45% (and high-income individuals may also need to pay an allowance of 3% of their income).
Outside of major cities such as Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg, the language barrier can become a problem if you don't speak French very well.How to make the move:Anyone who wants to stay in France for a long time will need to apply for a long-term visa.France does not offer a visa for digital nomads. If you plan to work or study,вам понадобится долгосрочная виза одной из предусмотренных категорий.
По материалам CNN Travel
Использованы фото: Depositphotos.com
