Top reasons Americans are moving abroad

Here are some of the key drivers behind the U.S. expat surge:

• Political and Social Polarisation: Deepening divisions in the U.S. political system continue to push citizens to seek stability abroad.
• Tax Optimization: Countries like the UAE and Monaco offer tax-efficient residency programs with no personal income tax.
• Affordable Healthcare and Education: Many countries offer universal healthcare systems and lower education costs.
• Remote Work Flexibility: With more employers supporting remote work, Americans can now live and work from anywhere in the world.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: From safety to infrastructure and cultural vibrancy, many international destinations offer an improved lifestyle.

Top Countries U.S. Citizens Are Relocating To in 2025

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai & Abu Dhabi

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The UAE continues to attract U.S. citizens with its zero income tax, Golden Visa opportunities, and modern infrastructure. Dubai, in particular, is a favorite for business owners, remote professionals, and high-net-worth individuals.

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Benefits:

• 10-year Golden Visa and remote work visa options
• Tax-free income
• Global business hub and luxury lifestyle

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Lugano, Switzerland – A Safe European Haven

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Located in the Swiss Italian region, Lugano offers a serene lifestyle with world-class banking, education, and healthcare. Americans are increasingly attracted to Switzerland’s economic stability and political neutrality.

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Benefits:

• High quality of life
• Favorable residency programs for wealthy individuals
• Central location in Europe for travel and business

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Italy – The Elective Residency & Digital Nomad Dream

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Italy's Elective Residency Visa is ideal for retirees and financially independent individuals, while its new Digital Nomad Visa (2025) supports remote workers. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence remain popular among expats.

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Benefits:

• Rich cultural heritage and affordable living
• Accessible long-term visa options
• Excellent healthcare and public infrastructure

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Monaco – Luxury, Prestige, and Zero Income Tax

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Monaco is a premier destination for high-net-worth U.S. citizens seeking a prestigious address with excellent tax benefits. Although the cost of living is high, Monaco offers unparalleled luxury, security, and international prestige.

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Benefits:

• No personal income tax
• Political stability and privacy
• Elite schools and global connectivity

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Portugal

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Known for its warm climate, affordable cost of living, and friendly visa options (like the D7 or Portugal Golden Visa), Portugal is increasingly popular among retirees and digital nomads.

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How Hudson McKenzie supports U.S. Citizens with Global Relocation

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At Hudson McKenzie, we specialise in U.S. expat immigration, international relocation, and bespoke legal solutions for individuals and families looking to move abroad.

Our services include:

• ‍Immigration and Visa Support: We manage complex immigration processes for countries like the UAE, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, and Monaco, ensuring a seamless application experience.‍
• Citizenship & Dual Nationality Advisory: Our legal team advises on dual citizenship, renunciation, and tax implications of holding multiple passports or residencies.‍
• Investor and Business Visas: From Golden Visas to business immigration, we assist entrepreneurs and investors in relocating strategically and legally.‍
• Family Reunification: Relocate with your loved ones with full support on spouse and dependent visas.‍
• Relocation Management: In conjunction with our relocation partners, we offer full-scale relocation services, including housing, documentation, local registration, and more - so you can focus on starting your new life.

Considering a move abroad? Let Hudson McKenzie Help

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Whether you're looking to move to the UAE from the U.S., retire in Italy, or secure tax residency in Monaco, Hudson McKenzie is your trusted legal partner in global relocation.

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Book a confidential consultation today to explore your relocation options with our international immigration experts.

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Contact and Disclaimer

Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794.

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For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.

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The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

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