How to Move to Europe as An American

Moving to Europe without an EU passport might seem impossible, but guess what? It’s totally doable.

Suddenly dreaming of sipping espresso in Italy, working remotely from Portugal, or settling into the charming streets of Prague are within reach with long-term stays—legally, of course!

This guide covers the best visa options, popular countries with “easy” pathways, and creative ways to stay beyond the typical 90-day Schengen limit.

If you want to work, study, retire, or just slow travel indefinitely, you’ll hopefully find someone on this list!

---

Countries with the Easiest Pathways for Americans

Rather than overwhelming you with every visa type, let’s go straight to the good stuff—where it’s actually easiest for Americans to move.

Of course, “easy” differs for everyone, and none of this will be actually easy—but I think you knew that!

1. Portugal – Digital Nomad & Passive Income Haven

• Best for: Remote workers, freelancers, retirees
• Visa Options: D7 Visa (Passive Income), Digital Nomad Visa
• Why It’s Great: Low income requirements, residency leads to citizenship in 5 years, affordable cost of living
• Things to Know: Requires proof of income/savings, but is one of the easiest visas to get

2. Spain – Retirement & Remote Work Perks

• Best for: Remote workers, retirees
• Visa Options: Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirees/passive income earners), Digital Nomad Visa
• Why It’s Great: Easy residency pathways, access to Schengen Zone travel
• Things to Know: Non-lucrative visa doesn’t allow you to work locally, but you can work remotely

3. Germany – Work & Study Friendly

• Best for: Skilled professionals, students
• Visa Options: Job Seeker Visa (6 months to find a job), EU Blue Card (work visa for high earners), Student Visa
• Why It’s Great: Tons of job opportunities, free/affordable university education
• Things to Know: Some work visas require German proficiency

4. France – Work & Freelance Opportunities

• Best for: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, artists
• Visa Options: Talent Passport (for skilled workers, business owners), Long-Stay Visa
• Why It’s Great: One of the easiest places to set up as a freelancer
• Things to Know: Bureaucracy can be a nightmare, but it’s worth it

5. Italy – Study & Long-Term Stay Options

• Best for: Students, retirees
• Visa Options: Student Visa, Elective Residency Visa (for retirees)
• Why It’s Great: Beautiful lifestyle, relatively easy to renew visas
• Things to Know: Some visas require proof of financial stability

6. Greece – Residency for Retirees & Remote Workers

• Best for: Retirees, digital nomads
• Visa Options: Financially Independent Visa, Digital Nomad Visa
• Why It’s Great: Gorgeous weather, low cost of living, easy residency renewal
• Things to Know: You need to show sufficient funds to support yourself

7. Georgia – Stay Indefinitely Without a Visa

• Best for: Digital nomads, slow travelers
• Visa Options: No visa needed for Americans for one year
• Why It’s Great: No income proof required, easy for freelancers
• Things to Know: Not technically in the EU, but a great long-term option

---

Creative Ways to Stay in Europe Long-Term

Maybe you’re not ready to commit to one country. Here’s how to keep the dream alive without a permanent visa:

1. The Schengen Shuffle (Border Runs & Visa Hopping)

• Stay 90 days in the Schengen Zone, then 90 days out (e.g., spend 3 months in Spain, then 3 months in Albania or Georgia, then return)
• Combine non-Schengen countries (Albania, Serbia, Turkey) to stretch your time in Europe

2. Student & Language School Visas

• Many countries offer visas for learning the local language (Spain, France, Germany, etc.)
• You don’t always need a degree—just sign up for a language program

3. Work-Exchange & Volunteering

• Programs like TrustedHousesitters, WWOOF, and Worldpackers allow you to stay longer by volunteering in exchange for housing. This is just a way to stretch your budget really!
• Some countries offer special visas for long-term volunteering

4. Getting a Second Passport (Citizenship by Descent)

• If you have European ancestry (Italian, Irish, Polish, etc.), you might qualify for citizenship by descent
• Some countries allow Americans to apply for dual citizenship through family ties

5. Marry a European (Hey, It Happens!)

• Not the fastest option, but it’s a legit way to stay in Europe long-term
• Many countries offer a spouse visa that leads to residency and citizenship

---

The Reality Check – What to Keep in Mind

• Visas come with restrictions – Some don’t allow work, others require proof of income
• Permanent residency & citizenship take time – Most require 5+ years of legal residency before applying
• Every country has bureaucracy – Be ready for paperwork, translations, and patience

RELATED: 30 Things to Do Before You Move Abroad Checklist

---

Final Thoughts – Where to Start?

If you’re serious about moving to Europe, here’s your game plan:

• Figure out what matters most – Work? Cost of living? Ease of getting a visa?
• Check visa requirements – Government websites are your best friend
• Plan for the long term – What’s your goal: 1-2 years, permanent residency, or citizenship?
• Start the application process – The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be on that one-way flight
• Go for the easy way – Find the easiest way and try going for that first, then figure out your next step.

MORE on Getting Abroad

Check out my other resources:

• How To Work Abroad & Travel The World
• How to Make Money While Traveling—73 Travel Jobs
• Longest Tourist Visas for U.S Citizens, How to Extend, & More

Read EVERYTHING about living, working, and moving abroad!

Grab my FREE guide to choosing the best TRAVEL JOB for you!

Pin this post for later!