If you’re considering moving abroad after the recent U.S. election results, you’re certainly not alone. The election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States has sparked a significant wave of U.S. citizens seeking new opportunities in various political and cultural climates.
As an American contemplating relocation, you might be wondering: Where are other Americans relocating to? What are my visa options? In this article, we’ll delve into the increased interest among Americans in moving abroad following the election, where they’re doing it, and the top visa options for those looking to move to Europe. Let’s dive in.
The Surge in Interest for Moving Abroad
The recent U.S. presidential election has sparked significant interest among many Americans in relocating abroad. Donald Trump’s election has prompted many to rethink their future and consider new possibilities outside the United States.
Growing Interest in Moving
A survey by Redfin shows that over one in five Americans are now more likely to consider moving after the election. Similarly, Google Trends data reveals that searches for “move to Europe” soared by 400% right after the election results were announced. This indicates a strong shift towards many Americans considering life abroad.
Lexidy’s Observations
Here at Lexidy, we’ve seen firsthand how the election results have influenced decisions to move overseas. On the day of the election, the number of Americans contacting us for help doubled, with a 100% increase in daily inquiries. Additionally, website traffic from the U.S. jumped by 326% in the week following the election.
Determining how many Americans are seriously considering moving abroad is challenging. While interest spiked immediately after the election, it gradually returned to pre-election levels in the following weeks. As we move past the holiday season and into the new year, we will gain a clearer understanding of the true extent of Americans’ interest in relocating overseas.
Reasons Behind the Trend
Many factors are driving this trend. Beyond the immediate reaction to political changes, many Americans considering moving abroad are looking for stability, better quality of life, and a community that aligns more closely with their values.
For many who are seriously contemplating a move, the election results might not be the sole reason but rather a catalyst pushing them towards achieving their life goals of living abroad. And what better destination than Europe? With its rich cultural diversity, top-notch healthcare, and stunning landscapes, Europe presents a host of appealing options.
Next, let’s explore the top European destinations that are attracting Americans.
Exploring New Destinations: Where are Americans Moving Post-Election?
As the dust settles from the recent U.S. election, many Americans are setting their sights on Europe—a continent known for its cultural richness and quality of life. Lexidy has observed significant increases in interest across several key destinations:
- Portugal: 152% increase
- Spain: 121% increase
- Italy: 102% increase
- France: 73% increase
- Greece: 61% increase
Portugal and Spain stand out as the clear top choices for Americans looking to relocate abroad after the election. However, the data shows that interest in relocating to all our serviced jurisdictions has seen a significant uptick following the election results.
Each of these countries not only offers unique cultural experiences but also provides various residency programs designed to make the transition smoother for expatriates. Let’s explore some of them.
Visa Options for Americans Relocating to Europe
For those in America seriously contemplating a move to Europe, the question often arises: What visa options are available to me? How do I qualify? Navigating the many visa types and requirements can seem daunting. To simplify the process, we’ve broken down the most popular visa options available in key European destinations:
Portugal
Increase in Inquiries: 152%
- Digital Nomad Visa: Portugal offers a promising option for digital nomads with its new visa category. To qualify, you need to show an average monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, which as of 2024, amounts to €3,280 per month. Full requirements here.
- Retirement Visa: This visa requires proof of regular income from passive sources such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or investment returns. The main applicant must earn at least €9,840 per year, equivalent to the current minimum wage in Portugal. Full requirements here.
- Golden Visa: Portugal’s Golden Visa offers residency to those who make significant investments, such as investing €500,000 in qualified investment funds or incorporating a commercial company in Portugal with a €500,000 minimum investment. Each option provides a clear path to residency and potential citizenship based on additional criteria. Explore all your golden visa pathways here.
Spain
Increase in Inquiries: 121%
- Digital Nomad Visa: Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers with a stable income. Applicants must earn at least twice the Spanish monthly wage, which is €2,646 in 2024. Full requirements here.
- Retirement Visa: For retirees, Spain offers a visa that requires proof of regular passive income such as pensions, rental earnings, dividends, or investment returns. The primary applicant must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €2,400 or show sufficient savings, calculated at €28,000 per year. Full requirements here.
- Golden Visa: Spain’s Golden Visa offers residency to those who make significant investments, such as, investing €500,000 in Spanish real estate properties, or depositing €1 million in a Spanish bank account. Explore all your golden visa pathways here.
- *The Spanish Golden Visa is set to undergo big changes that will come into effect in 2025. If you’re interested in this pathway for your Spanish residency, reach out to us right away to ensure a smooth application.
Italy
Increase in Inquiries: 102%
- Digital Nomad Visa: Italy welcomes digital nomads who are freelancers or highly qualified remote workers with an annual income of at least €25,500. Full requirements here.
- Elective Residence Visa: The Elective Residence Visa is aimed at applicants with a steady passive income. You must show you earn at least €31,000 per year from sources such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or investment returns. Full requirements here.
- Investor Visa: Italy’s Investor Visa offers residency to those who make significant investments, such as investing €250,000 in a registered innovative startup or €2,000,000 in Italian government bonds. Explore all of your investor visa pathways here.
France
Increase in Inquiries: 73%
- Visitor Visa: The Visitor Visa in France is ideal for individuals who either earn passive income or work remotely with clients outside of France. To qualify, you need to demonstrate financial independence by showing funds equivalent to at least the French minimum wage for one year, around €17,000. This can be presented through a lump sum in your bank account or via regular monthly income statements. Full requirements here.
- Entrepreneur Visa: For those aspiring to start or join a business in France, the Entrepreneur Visa is an excellent option. Applicants must provide evidence of an economically viable business plan. If joining an existing company, the company must offer a salary at least equal to the French minimum wage, currently €21,204 annually. Full requirements here.
- Talent Passport Visa: The Talent Passport Visa is a broad category designed to attract individuals with specialized skills or talents highly valued in France. Some of the pathways available under this visa include highly skilled workers, company creators, researchers, and artists and cultural professionals. Explore your talent visa pathways here.
Greece
Increase in Inquiries: 61%
- Digital Nomad Visa: Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa caters to freelancers or remote workers from non-EU countries. Applicants must prove a steady net income of at least €3,500 per month. Full requirements here.
- Financially Independent Visa: For those not looking to work in Greece but who wish to enjoy its lifestyle, the Financially Independent Visa is ideal. It requires showing a regular passive income of at least €3,500 per month from sources such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or investment returns.Full requirements here.
- Golden Visa: Greece’s Golden Visa program offers a straightforward path to residency through real estate investment, appealing to many expats. The investment thresholds vary:
- Invest at least €400,000 in one or multiple properties.
- Invest a minimum of €800,000 in a single property located in prime locations such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, or Mykonos.
- Explore all the golden visa pathways here.
Ready to Start Your European Journey?
The recent U.S. election has prompted many Americans to explore relocating to Europe. With appealing destinations like Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and Greece, each offers distinct visa options for digital nomads, investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees.
At Lexidy, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these opportunities with ease. Our expert legal team is ready to provide tailored advice and comprehensive support to ensure your relocation process is smooth and successful.
If you’re considering making Europe your new home, fill out the form below and kickstart your journey. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and guide you through every step of your relocation journey.
