@@EbiladeRita-oo2mg They changed their tax code for expats last year. Was 10% for the first ten years. That's grandfathered, but no longer available. Tax brackets escalate quickly to 47% at $70K, if I understand it correctly. Also, housing costs have sky-rocketed the past five years, and it's getting crowded in the places most people actually live (coastal cities). Traffic in the Algarve during tourist season (long) is quite heavy, even on the toll road. Do you watch Dave in Portugal's channel? Very informative. Best of luck to you.
@@aliastheabnormal There's a UA-cam video that names five countries you get a permanent visa day one. Mexico is one of them. But you must have an income of $7,300 per month and nearly $300K in savings. That's not out of reach for me, but many (most?) people. You can get a temporary visa with income of $4.3 0 $4K%.month. not sure of any savings requirement); they dramatically increased it. But I am reluctant due to the virtual hegemony of drug cartels. Dangerous to drive through the north to get through to safe havens in the center. and Trump is after Mexico. Not just mass immigration (though that is going to take significant time and money), but tariffs and other measure to hack at their economy. I think he wants to cage them into building the wall. I don't believe he will to stop at that. He genuinely hates them. So there's that. Nevertheless, as a backup to moving to Spain, I am considering going back and forth between Canada and Mexico, on passive income, for at least a couple of yeats, since both countries allow you since months at a time as a tourist, without a visa. There are many, many places you can get a visa. Many have specific requirements. Some have visas for retirees (with certain levels of income and/or savings), some have visas for digital nomads, some have visas for certain types of workers, refugees, etc. Search your questions on google and UA-cam. There are helpful people and $ advisors out there. You can piece together your answer. Many countries in Europe (Spain and France, possibly Ireland--though they have a housing crisis; and Southeast Asia. Look at Panama, even maybe Columbia--people are going there; Uruguay is politcally stable and economically the best country in S. America; many people are going to Thailand, Vietnam, Phiippines (English speaking), Malaysia. The European countries, Uruguay, the Phillipines and Malaysia have excellent, affordable healthcare. Look at medical tourism. There are many places, even Mexico, where people travel to because they are so much cheaper (and in many cases better than) the U.S. I am down to Spain on a retirement visa or possible hopping back and forth between Canada (summer) and Mexico (winter), since both allow six month stays without visas. Search, search, search on Google and UA-cam. Your answers are out there. Best wishes.
I'm hoping I can figure this out I did get a hold of the Australian embassy a few years back and maybe I can try there again good luck to everybody that's leaving because hair is just lost America will never be the same again.
Anyone who has the resources to move should be working on it right now. Even if you aren't already certain it's the right move for you. Do the research. Hard. Become informed. Answer the question. Prepare yourself to act. I have been working on relocation for over a year. After months of looking at destinations, I traveled to the one that topped the list. Not because it was perfect and didn't present challenges (not at all; there are no such places) and isn't beyond the reach of far-right influence, but because it ticked the most of the highest priority boxes, as meager as that is in some ways. It'll do. It'll have to do. I have been researching the issues and processes of immigrating and identifying the advisors I will need (I have even had the free consultation with Kristin's relocation company to look at her offerings; they're not cheap, but they do look like they would be really useful resources to have to address all of the big and many of the little issues). I have been weeding my belongings and deciding what to trash, donate, bequeath, sell, and take with me, and deciding when/how to do each. Preparing my house for sale. Unfortunately, despite all my hard work to date, it's still going to be difficult on many levels. So, don't delay. My one mistake is that I did not relocate already. Now more people wll be competing for the resources I need to make it happen. And driving up the costs. SMH. Oh well. As for the digital nomad approach, I have learned from some digging on the digital nomad websites and perusing visa/residency requirements of various countries, it is not so easy. In most cases, you need an established, going concern in the online gig economy earning $2-$3K. In some you need adequate savings, say, a six month buffer ro cover expenses if things go awry. In many others you actually need to be employed by a company. You're a remote worker, not a gig worker. These two things constrain a lot of people, those who could afford to move to another country, attempt to build a digital business on their own resources (or with funding), etc. So there's that...
I have to stay til my husband's & mom's cancer treatments either succeed or don't. I'm just hoping no one, them especially but me too, loses their healthcare before that. All 3 of us will die without healthcare.
@ellageiger1993 really not sure. Closest is Canada. I'm an engineer so hoping I can do this via skilled worker route. I want to make sure my kids will have a similar environment to grow up in, but I guess no matter where it'll be hard to totally escape the effects.
I have no marketable skills. No one needs someone who speaks multiple languages thanks to google. I have 0 cash reserves to make sure a huge move but i def need to figure something out soon or risk being part of one of history's biggest downfalls since the roman empire.
My great grandparents moved from Bohemia to North Dakota in the 1880s seeking a better life. My wife and I moved from Texas to Spain in 2017 for the same reason.
The youtube algorithm must have been reading my mind, or this is just the most searched topic this morning(probably the latter), considering today's news. Thanks for the advice Kristin, as I'm sure I'll be visiting your channel more in the future.
I live in a small town in Georgia and called the city Clerk's office to get a passport last week. Their first available is December. We have to go 20 miles to a USPS to apply next week.
My dream was to move to Vermont over the next year, now I just want to leave the US and not look back. Yesterday was a day of mourning and disbelief for half of this country. Thanks for the video I’m taking notes it’s bizarre how it popped up in my feed last night, the UA-cam algorithms are on point!
My wife and I just spent close to 15 or so thousand to move to Vermont August last year, got fucked by Trumps repeal of tax credits for moving for a job now we’re out all that money and feel we’re going to need to move cause I need medical care that RFK will try to end. I can’t believe Trump is putting a man who had a brain worm in charge of healthcare. Anyway my suggestion is if you can get out do, don’t waste money moving here. It’s super expensive and you might find your stuck here.
Expat here in Pura Vida Land, Costa Rica. Made the change after much research over 10 years ago. Have never regretted it! I have a house in the central valley with a 1 bedroom rental apt. I purposely chose this situation so I could offer a beautiful, peaceful safe place for people like me to live while they traveled & researched this exceptional country. I have welcomed people from (mostly) the US & Canada over the years who were looking to move here. Have a big expat community here & the people of CR are truly kind, gracious, hardworking individuals. As a retiree I could not afford to live in the US. Now? I am very comfortable living with only my SS income. If you want it enough…you can get it done. I am proof of that.
@ Only that with children the educational system of wherever you choose is another priority. With CR not having a military force to support, this country chose many yrs ago to put money into education & healthcare. I know many Americans w/families here who send their children to multi-language schools & are very happy. There are many International schools. Research is key.
@@slayer1084learn a valuable skill to be desired by other countries. For instance, Canada wants Millwrights. Check the country that you want to go to see what skill they need and go learn that skill.
Advice for pet owner with 5 dogs and 4 cats, all vaccinated and neutered? Is there a company that anyone can recommend that gets them out of the United States to Costa Rica or Europe?
My Wife/I moved to Panama/we couldn't be happier. We live a simple, stress free lifestyle/the lunacy going on in the States don't factor into our daily lives.
She didn't mention it, but one of the first steps should be to pay off all outstanding debt within the USA. That was probably my greatest mistake in 2017, when the company I worked for had layoffs.
I made 3 long term visits to Congo and Uganda from 2009-2018. I’m now selling my house and moving back. I’m single without family. I’m 73 and very proud of myself. 😊
I've been devouring these videos. IDK why but NOBODY talks about money. This is the first video I've seen that discusses work, money and budgeting at length. SO helpful. Liked and subscribed.
I’m so glad you found the information helpful! It’s important to consider the financial implications. Also thank you for subscribing, so glad I could help.
@@BruceHamilton great, doing the same, waiting for my youngest to finish high school, we already have the spanish citizenship, so that part is checked.... good luck and looking forward for your YT channel
I left the US and now live in Prague. Czech Republic is very strict with their residencies. But I have mine, am married to a Czech. Working now on my EU citizenship. Leaving the US was the best thing I've ever done. I served my country 21 years, am a Vet. The US is cray cray! My new channel is about leaving the US and other Expat stuff.
Kristin, you make a lot of quality content. This one ranks with your best. Simple, clear, doesn’t try to cover everything, but covers enough that someone who’s brand new to the idea of moving abroad can start doing their homework. Kudos for making this and for making it freely available on UA-cam!
Thank you so much for your kind words @shinyshinythings! 😊 I’m really glad to hear that you found the content helpful and accessible. It’s my goal to make moving abroad feel more attainable for everyone, and I appreciate your support! Kudos to you for taking the steps toward your own adventure! 🌍✨
I arrived where I am after a travel epiphany. I am retired and I’ve done some traveling in my life. Pre-retirement I had been to Jamaica, Mexico, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain. I have done a few road trips around the US as well. After I retired, in 2014, I went to Berlin and really liked it, thinking it reminded me of the San Francisco Bay Area. I just never occurred to me to move overseas until my first day in Bangkok. Even that first trip I didn’t think about moving but as soon as I returned home I was planning my next trip to Thailand. Two more trips later, in 2017, I moved to Thailand permanently. It is only in hindsight that the reason for my move was more about boredom in the US. Or at least that made it easy to leave. I also didn’t mind leaving the chilly-damp Bay Area for a tropical climate. It seems a little shallow to say Thailand had an exotic appeal but the culture, food, modernity of Bangkok, the tropical climate, the people . . . it all just worked for me. I’m retired with a pension income. I sold my possessions pretty quickly and felt a sense of relief getting rid of all that stuff. I knew I could continue to visit the US to see friends and family, I just didn’t need to be here 24/7. Getting settled in Thailand went pretty smoothly. I have no regrets about moving here.
My wife loved her visit to Thailand on work so we looked into it. It does come up frequently on lists of best places to move abroad. I hear the roads are ridiculously dangerous due to the way people drive. Lawless and reckless. People passing you on the right only to veer across in front of you to make a left turn through heavy intersection traffic. Just mayhem. The descriptions remind me of Naples when I visited in 1992. And letting someone else drive doesn't necessarily reduce the stress or risk. I guess if you live rural that might be a solution. But we're hoping for walkability, no car. Another issue is the distance from the U.S. So far, so expensive to visit family back here from there. There were one or two other things that gave me pause, coming from people who did videos on why they left; but that research was a while ago, so I've lost track. But best wished to you.
@@izzytoons I bought a car in 2022. I drive all the time. The driving culture is definitely something to get used to but in general I like it. I am fully comfortable with driving on the left side of the road. The dangerous aspect of it has to do with the motorbikes. 70-80% of the traffic fatalities are motorbikes accidents.
Well, the worst has happened. I am 76 and need to get our of here. I get 1550 a month social security and I have modest savings . Cheap rent is my goal.
Unfortunately, that blocks many more places than you think. Lots of places are touted as being cheap, but when you go look at actual costs for housing, food, clothing, consumer electronics, and put it all together, not nearly like what they say. You hear things like: "live HERE for $500 a month! Here for $800/month. Here for $1,500/month. Here for $2,000/month." My own follow-up research always says differnet, usually starting with housing. Sometimes the visa requirements themselves require too much income for some. I think Southeast Asia is probably your best bet now.
@@jonathanbowden6313 Yeah, I'm well aware of that. I keep telling people that too. The rich want those dollars to Wall Street and the zoomers want to shrug off the expense... Fortunately, while SS will make our lives more comfortable, we have substantial passive income.
Yea I did, but most of Donald's cult are not IN the market, it means NOTHING to them, they don't even get it, so hope that's not "IT". His DONORS are very happy of course.
I would also recommend researching occupational shortage lists in the countries that you are interested in. If your skills/experience match occupations on the government shortage list, there is a good chance of getting a work visa that can lead to permanent residency later on.
Those lists aren't really helpful unless you speak the local language though (minus tech jobs apparently). If you speak a second language, apply for jobs in that country(ies)! haha
@@HomeWorkouts_LSSure, but language is a factor no matter where you move or what you do. Even moving to another English speaking country has some challenges. Healthcare is usually tops on most lists.
@@pumuckl0 I mean if your job is on a shortage list you probably don't qualify anyway. For example, I work in architecture which is on the lists in Austria but it doesn't apply to me because I'm not fluent in german. It's probably the most limiting factor. Hence, why I was able to get a job in Ireland.
@@shinyshinythings A lot of researching first - see Critical skills jobs list & the not allowed jobs (like barbers, receptionists, etc.) These lists only apply to non-EU citizens. If you’re EU it’s sooo much easier. If your job is on the allowed lists then you can start applying to Irish jobs (there are minimum income requirements based on critical skills or not). 👍🏻 Once you have a job offer it takes about 6 weeks for critical skills application to be approved & double that for normal work visa to be approved.
I have to say it’s nice to wake up, and realize I’m already living abroad. Thank you Kristen for inspiring me to keep at it until I could wake up in a different environment for real.
The first reason, is the reason I think people fail at moving abroad. If you don’t have a good reason to leave, you will have several reasons to fail. You should never move a broad because of someone else, it should only be about you, and should be more beneficial than where you’re coming from.
It's very important to think about reasons that are important to you. I actually have a video about why digital nomads fail that could be helpful as well! ua-cam.com/video/NWiy5wbzPCs/v-deo.html and Expat Mistakes: ua-cam.com/video/9lUzvrm5k74/v-deo.html
I am at retirement age with no pension forced to depend on social security that will not come close to live on. Now you will be jailed if you become homeless, so my new American dream is to find an affordable country to live just like everybody else my age. Thanks for the information.
Where did u get the info from about if somebody becomes homeless they get jailed? I never heard anything about that and im on the current news all the time. Theres homeless people all over the US and i doubt there would be enough jail cells to put them all in.
@@dawnac6453 I think it’s in his T47 plan. Homeless rounded up, jail or rehab. Rehab will have social workers to help get into house. I think centers will be located away from cities but not sure abt that, and he prob isn’t either.
@@dawnac6453 There are plenty of cities now criminalizing homeless people by simply not allowing them anywhere to actually sleep. It is a disgrace. Housing, and a job and health care should be a human right, and civilized people actually do that in other countries. We are a disgrace here. The rich have multiple homes, yachts, an nauseam, and we allow them to rip the rest of us off. Immoral, and against all religious values.
@@dawnac6453 No problem, they'll gladly build more jails. I'm also up on the current news and i see more and more cities are making it illegal to sleep in public. Who do you suppose that is geared for? I love the US, but it's over and I'd rather be someplace else when the incoming administration gives the death knell.
I took two years of French in college. I can still do Star Wars and Star Trek lines in it! That's how I got my last job, teaching ESL back in the '90s! 😀
@@darlalathan6143 I actually barely know a lick of French. Most of the French Language does not sound the way it is spelled, which makes it hard to get used to. Whereas English, German, and Spanish are! I wanted to learn French, German, and Spanish in high school, but there were schedule conflicts. So I took only German because my best friend was...Germanic in descent! He was a much better student, obviously. But now, I remember some of it, and he barely remembers shite! So ironic, right?
When I google countries that respect women, they all seem to be cold and expensive and not welcoming in terms of citizenship. Could you do a video on affordable countries, where women are safe and respected?
My dream for a very long time is to live in London for six months, three months in Berlin and the rest of the year in my current home in California. I am slowly working on it and I am also planning to retire next year, in Fall. I am excited, but very nervous. I have travelled quite a bit in UK and Europe, but never more than three weeks and always stayed in a city center hotel, as a solo female traveller, that suits me the best, with security, convenience of moving around in public transportation, etc. I don't have a car or a home now, but it is a huge process to travel long term, leaving your comfort place. Particularly, when you live in beautiful California. Thanks for your videos, Kristin, always appreciate it. I would love it if you make a video about long term stays in London and Berlin!
My great grandparents moved from Bohemia to North Dakota in the 1880s seeking a better life. My wife and I moved from Texas to Spain in 2017 for the same reason.
I'm seriously thinking of moving to Taiwan after last night! Taiwan is an open border country that's well developed, very affordable and extremely safe!
Probably the biggest hurdle is the distance, which can be an issue depending on your ties to family. There were a couple of others, for me, but I am blanking right now; my review of Taiwan/Asia was a while ago now.
Careful. China is watching what happens in Ukraine. If the US backs off, they'll just ask Trump for Taiwan like it's his to give. And he'll tell them to go for it.
Lol Canada. Why?!? If you are a Democrat then I say give her. You will fit in perfectly with the woke liberals. The negatives of Canada are the high cost of living, bad weather, bad medical system, bad schools, high taxes, and expensive fuel and energy. Lol that is quite a criteria that you have for moving to Canada. You can drive there and keep your truck.
I feel bad for those of us who are strapped to a job here in the US. I am not, though I am long in the tooth and need to be here for my elderly mother for time being. Am looking at getting German US dual citizenship as they changed the laws recently. This would allow me to live anywhere in the EU. Don't think things will change much for the better here in the US before I die so time to move on.
After living in LA for 20 years, I needed a change, thought about several places in the US, but decided on Australia as a former employer was finishing a new facility there, and I was one of 60 managers, knew the system, etc. Decided to take a vacation in Europe for a month since it was closer than from Australia. I had previously lived in 3 other countries under other circumstances. Meeting an old friend in Munich who was to be there for a few days, we met. While he worked, I visited the city and while in a park, suddenly a loud voice in my head said I was home. Long story short, two years later I revisited Europe to see if my destination would ultimately be there or Australia. I decided on Europe, but the question was where. After evaluating 3 possibilities, I decided on Vienna. I saved as much money as possible, moved hook, line, and sinker, no permission, no job, no place to stay, shipping things there, with a resolution to not have a reason to go back. 32 years now in Austria, the past 5 years in the Carinthian Alps. No regrets, best decision of my life. My method is not for anyone, but worked out well for me, now having lived on 4 continents, in 6 countries and on an island. LG aus Villach.
Thank you for this excellent video! I just booked my exploratory trip back to France. I'm excited to visit new cities and see if this can be my new home. 😊😊
Best of luck to you. France has so much to offer. We've traveled Chamagn, Paris (several times), the route to Geneva (through Dijon), the Southern French Alps (skiing), and Lyons (outstanding, especially the food). The far-right is making gains there as well... We are currently focused on Spain... (the right is making gains there, too; ugh).
Thanks to Kristin's videos for inspiring us and all of the information she's provided we've been traveling full time for 5 years and living abroad for the last 3 slow traveling through Europe and now Asia. It's way more affordable than most people think, especially if you're an American. There's pros and cons for living this way but the pros far outweigh the cons. We've met amazing people, lived in countries we never thought we'd visit and have had great experiences. 😃If you can figure out how to make this lifestyle work, it's worth it!
Kristin, please do a poll on how many actually live abroad and work, don’t life abroad, planning to, retired, and retired and living abroad not working.
Hi Kristin....Thank you kindly for your well organized, informative videos. This is Gabriel of Las Vegas, 69 years young retired (my neighbors said I look like a teenager with no car insurance) keen on possibly moving to another country. Moving from California to Las Vegas was time consuming enough. Now possibly moving to another country. I am hoping to make a decision this year 2025 if I will sell everything, then travel light to my new destination. Thank yousss again for your help.
This is such a practical and timely topic! 🌍 I'm curious-what are the most common challenges people face when following these steps to move abroad? Are there specific countries that are easier for Americans to relocate to, based on visas or work opportunities? It would also be great to hear tips on how to adapt to a new culture once you've made the move!
Great video. I’m planning to live in different cities around the world for a few months at a time based on the season: New York City in the fall, Panama Dec - Mar, Chicago Apr - May, Buenos Aires Jun - Aug, Vienna the following fall, Paris in the spring and so on. I already sold my house and have passive income lined up. Just waiting for our son to start college.
I was told by an administrator at Trinity College (Dublin) years ago that I could get my grandmothers and great-grandmothers birth certificates and apply for dual citizenship. Now, that would probably require hiring an investigator to get the actual copies, if they exist. You're talking late 1800s! You also need to remember that while living in some small Irish villlage might seem like a wonderful idea, you need to ask how long an ambulance takes to get there. If you're having a heart attack or stroke, minutes count.
This was an excellent video. For years, the north of Sweden is I have wanted to relocate to. It's one of the few places that I've traveled to in my life where I feel completely at home. It's absolutely gorgeous and mostly forested. Part of my ancestry comes from there and I can speak the language well enough to get by. We have good friends there as well, scattered about the country. In the winter, I will be outside in the wilds looking for the northern lights and in the summers I will be hiking and taking in the midnight sun. It's close enough to Iceland to take quick trips there to explore more. However, getting into the country is not easy now and the immigration agency you have to deal with - Migrationsverket - is known for taking a long time, so I have my challenges.
Offhand, my Top 3 Destinations are New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada, because a couple of friends lived in NZ, and I've visited Mexico, and Canada as a child. I want to live there permanently on either a Retirement, Digital Nomad, or Freelancer Visa, then a Residency, and citizenship!
I definitely think this could be an option for me and my family ! I Can’t bare living here in another Trump four years ! America doesn’t feel like my country anymore ! It is very sad !
We are a family of four with two little boys and have decide to leave the us. We are in a deep red state. It seems that it may be more difficult with a family
I’m Native American and even I’m seriously considering leaving. Hoping that first 24 hour voter mirage (extreme right wing voters tend to vote only on the day and not request a paper ballot) is still a thing, like in past elections. Even if it is, and everything ends up being ok for now, it’s time to see more of the world.
My mother was born in Germany so I figured on getting dual citizenship. Turns out that's much harder than I figured and will take some time and money. Now thinking about Portugal which has fairly liberal D7 visa requirements. I have a good pension and a good amount of savings. Not sure if I want to live through four more years of Trump. I guess 248 years for the US was a nice run.
Well said. I'm retired and I don't think things are going to get better in this country (thanks to Project 25, Trumpism, a rogue U.S. Supreme Court, and the "MAGA Maggots" Party) before I die, so I want out. Ms. Kristin is a great resource for helping with that.
Think hard re: the D7 and D8 visas of Portugal. Their bureaucracy is inundated with applications & the process takes a long time, anywhere from 6 to 18 months. In the meantime when there's no progress on your papers, you can't leave the country, you can't travel to neighbouring countries. Rents have also increased in major cities due to expats. Do your due diligence. Good luck!
@@kitty_s23456 Actually I've pivoted back to plan A and am working towards dual citizenship with Germany. It's probably going to take as long and cost as much as waiting for the D7 process. Also looking at house and apartment prices in Portugal that window has probably closed. Regardless of what I do I'm here for at least another year.
I keep hearing the reference to pensions, but not social security. Is social security considered a pension with regard to satisfying the income requirements?
I’m planning on leaving for Europe (Portugal, Croatia,or Albania?) sometime next summer. I’m not sure I’ll stay there but it’s a place to start. My UA-cam channel was just monetized and is now getting sponsors. I would like to set up a business structure for it and eventually use it for my primary source of income. Any tips or videos on the best places to set a small business like that? I’d prefer to not set it up in the U.S. but am willing to do that if necessary.
I've been researching leaving the states for over 3 yrs. I've kind of decided to do short-term stays (2-3months at a time) throughout Europe until I can decide for sure where I might want to live full time. I've looked at Portugal/Spain/Denmark, ect. But I've also looked into Asia. Tailand/Vietnam/ect. I think getting out and seeing the rest of the world is very important. The U.S. has become a cesspool of hatred, predjudice, crime, and horrendous health care costs. It's constant stress. My friends around the world have begged me to leave for my mental health, and I'm FINALLY gonna take the plunge at 55. Luckily I have a decent retirement and am a full time 100% disabled veteran. It means guaranteed income, for now. We shall see. I'd honestly rather be poor somewhere other than the US, should my funds be cut off. I currently live in an rv, so moving around is something I enjoy. Exploring frees the mind. For those considering this, please give it a try. Dont let fear stop you.
It doesn't cost nearly as much to live abroad (even slow travel like we do). YOu will not be poor with full disability alone (fellow vet here) in a all of the countries you mentioned. With an additional retirement you will doing far better than almost all of the locals. We travel full-time on far less than a full military disability. Good luck!
FYI for those who are looking for a landing spot, if you have friends in Canada you can stay there with just a passport for 6 months, which you can apply to be extended. (You can’t work during that time thought)
So i done some research and i found out that in Canada u can reside there as an immigrant for up to four years before u must apply for citizenship. Heres the info i got from my research: an immigrant can live in Canada for up to three years (1,095 days) before applying for citizenship, as they need to be physically present in Canada for that duration within the five years prior to applying for citizenship as a permanent resident; meaning they can live in Canada for four years without applying, but must apply within that five-year period to meet the residency requirement. Thats what im thinking on doing because of the trump mess the US will be going into. Now i need to find out how i can get my US Social Security to there.
@@dawnac6453 it’s slightly different for US citizens. But we don’t need a Visa to enter the country but at the same time they will deny entry if they don’t think you will come back. But you can also apply for things like express entry, study visas, work visa etc from inside the country, it’s weird.
I have a friend in Edmonton who already said I could come up there if I had to. I way already planning on leaving the U.S. after finishing my Masters but I might have to transfer to a Canadian School.
@@BSuydam99 if decide to make that my destination then i doubt ill be leaving. Especially if i can get settled in pretty good. My biggest worry THERE is the cold. Im used to the desert heat so i may not adjust too well but well see.
@@dawnac6453 I lived in the Midwest my whole life, just make sure you have enough layers and keep emergency supplies in your car and things like cat litter for traction while driving and KEEP AN ICE SCRAPER IN THE CAR. The cold sucks but if you prepare properly, you’ll be fine. Plus most cold climates the store will have AMPLE cold weather supplies toward the end of fall.
I'm really interested in moving to Europe. Mostly German, Spain, Franch, or England. I don't mind some rain although southern Spain, I believe, does not have a lot of rain. It gets pretty hot there. I'm considering Albania too.
I want to move to the lake chapala area, in the very near future, I have a passport card, I think I can travel to canada and mexico on just that, I do want to visit it first this comming year, I not bringing anything but some cloths and artwork, and hopefully Seawella, my beloved only friend, shes just happens to be a chihuahua!! lol
The first 500 people to use my link skl.sh/travelingwithkristin10241 will get a 1-month free trial of Skillshare premium!
Portugal
@@EbiladeRita-oo2mg They changed their tax code for expats last year. Was 10% for the first ten years. That's grandfathered, but no longer available. Tax brackets escalate quickly to 47% at $70K, if I understand it correctly. Also, housing costs have sky-rocketed the past five years, and it's getting crowded in the places most people actually live (coastal cities). Traffic in the Algarve during tourist season (long) is quite heavy, even on the toll road.
Do you watch Dave in Portugal's channel? Very informative.
Best of luck to you.
Where can you even get a visa?
@@aliastheabnormal There's a UA-cam video that names five countries you get a permanent visa day one. Mexico is one of them. But you must have an income of $7,300 per month and nearly $300K in savings. That's not out of reach for me, but many (most?) people. You can get a temporary visa with income of $4.3 0 $4K%.month. not sure of any savings requirement); they dramatically increased it. But I am reluctant due to the virtual hegemony of drug cartels. Dangerous to drive through the north to get through to safe havens in the center. and Trump is after Mexico. Not just mass immigration (though that is going to take significant time and money), but tariffs and other measure to hack at their economy. I think he wants to cage them into building the wall. I don't believe he will to stop at that. He genuinely hates them. So there's that.
Nevertheless, as a backup to moving to Spain, I am considering going back and forth between Canada and Mexico, on passive income, for at least a couple of yeats, since both countries allow you since months at a time as a tourist, without a visa.
There are many, many places you can get a visa. Many have specific requirements. Some have visas for retirees (with certain levels of income and/or savings), some have visas for digital nomads, some have visas for certain types of workers, refugees, etc.
Search your questions on google and UA-cam. There are helpful people and $ advisors out there. You can piece together your answer. Many countries in Europe (Spain and France, possibly Ireland--though they have a housing crisis; and Southeast Asia. Look at Panama, even maybe Columbia--people are going there; Uruguay is politcally stable and economically the best country in S. America; many people are going to Thailand, Vietnam, Phiippines (English speaking), Malaysia. The European countries, Uruguay, the Phillipines and Malaysia have excellent, affordable healthcare. Look at medical tourism. There are many places, even Mexico, where people travel to because they are so much cheaper (and in many cases better than) the U.S.
I am down to Spain on a retirement visa or possible hopping back and forth between Canada (summer) and Mexico (winter), since both allow six month stays without visas.
Search, search, search on Google and UA-cam. Your answers are out there. Best wishes.
No thank you
Requires a cc.
All us normal Americans are watching this video right now peace out America
I'm hoping I can figure this out I did get a hold of the Australian embassy a few years back and maybe I can try there again good luck to everybody that's leaving because hair is just lost America will never be the same again.
exactly
Yes we are.
True, I don’t want to be in the crossfire for nuclear war
Anyone who has the resources to move should be working on it right now. Even if you aren't already certain it's the right move for you. Do the research. Hard. Become informed. Answer the question. Prepare yourself to act.
I have been working on relocation for over a year. After months of looking at destinations, I traveled to the one that topped the list. Not because it was perfect and didn't present challenges (not at all; there are no such places) and isn't beyond the reach of far-right influence, but because it ticked the most of the highest priority boxes, as meager as that is in some ways. It'll do. It'll have to do.
I have been researching the issues and processes of immigrating and identifying the advisors I will need (I have even had the free consultation with Kristin's relocation company to look at her offerings; they're not cheap, but they do look like they would be really useful resources to have to address all of the big and many of the little issues). I have been weeding my belongings and deciding what to trash, donate, bequeath, sell, and take with me, and deciding when/how to do each. Preparing my house for sale.
Unfortunately, despite all my hard work to date, it's still going to be difficult on many levels. So, don't delay. My one mistake is that I did not relocate already. Now more people wll be competing for the resources I need to make it happen. And driving up the costs. SMH. Oh well.
As for the digital nomad approach, I have learned from some digging on the digital nomad websites and perusing visa/residency requirements of various countries, it is not so easy. In most cases, you need an established, going concern in the online gig economy earning $2-$3K. In some you need adequate savings, say, a six month buffer ro cover expenses if things go awry. In many others you actually need to be employed by a company. You're a remote worker, not a gig worker. These two things constrain a lot of people, those who could afford to move to another country, attempt to build a digital business on their own resources (or with funding), etc. So there's that...
For any of you able to leave I wish you the very very best of luck. Those of us who can't afford to leave.... we get to see how bad it's going to get.
Same.
I have to stay til my husband's & mom's cancer treatments either succeed or don't. I'm just hoping no one, them especially but me too, loses their healthcare before that. All 3 of us will die without healthcare.
@@evientually I am so sorry that things are so difficult, prayers for you and yours
I'm staying. I'm in this for the long game. We'll be here after he is gone to clean up their messes... again.
You can't really beat a cult.
why can't you leave? I mean if it was as bad as that, I'd sell everything to get a ticket...
Democrat=Socialist=Communist. Because,,, history.
I bet this video suddenly gets a lot of views today.
😂
I didn’t really consider it seriously, until last night 😢
Where we going, y'all? Lol
Lmao
🫡 🚢🛫🚣 🤗
I came to the US when I was a teenager. Well, here I am watching this to leave the US in my middle age year.
Same here. Where are you thinking to move?
@ellageiger1993 really not sure. Closest is Canada. I'm an engineer so hoping I can do this via skilled worker route. I want to make sure my kids will have a similar environment to grow up in, but I guess no matter where it'll be hard to totally escape the effects.
I have no marketable skills. No one needs someone who speaks multiple languages thanks to google. I have 0 cash reserves to make sure a huge move but i def need to figure something out soon or risk being part of one of history's biggest downfalls since the roman empire.
My great grandparents moved from Bohemia to North Dakota in the 1880s seeking a better life. My wife and I moved from Texas to Spain in 2017 for the same reason.
@@Eric-Marsh How do like living in Spain?
I bet this video is going viral today!
My wife and I moved to Europe seven years ago. We've had a lot of people reach out to us asking what it takes to do the same thing.
The youtube algorithm must have been reading my mind, or this is just the most searched topic this morning(probably the latter), considering today's news. Thanks for the advice Kristin, as I'm sure I'll be visiting your channel more in the future.
I live in a small town in Georgia and called the city Clerk's office to get a passport last week. Their first available is December. We have to go 20 miles to a USPS to apply next week.
The new american dream is to leave america.
Hahahahaha so true.
And then come back.
@@alfredrivera4895, come back to what, living under a bridge.
@@kennyroberts2703 I'm very sorry to hear that, hang in there.
Check out my Americans Living Abroad Series
Damn now I have to rewatch this and actually take notes
Yep
My dream was to move to Vermont over the next year, now I just want to leave the US and not look back. Yesterday was a day of mourning and disbelief for half of this country. Thanks for the video I’m taking notes it’s bizarre how it popped up in my feed last night, the UA-cam algorithms are on point!
Vermont is a great place to live
Ya got the talkin' part done comrade.....
@frankmorris4790 you don't know what that word means. You're the one who likes Russia comrade.
My wife and I just spent close to 15 or so thousand to move to Vermont August last year, got fucked by Trumps repeal of tax credits for moving for a job now we’re out all that money and feel we’re going to need to move cause I need medical care that RFK will try to end. I can’t believe Trump is putting a man who had a brain worm in charge of healthcare.
Anyway my suggestion is if you can get out do, don’t waste money moving here. It’s super expensive and you might find your stuck here.
I share the same sentiments I feel the Voters of trump are Traitors and Selfish people Ignorant!
Expat here in Pura Vida Land, Costa Rica. Made the change after much research over 10 years ago. Have never regretted it! I have a house in the central valley with a 1 bedroom rental apt. I purposely chose this situation so I could offer a beautiful, peaceful safe place for people like me to live while they traveled & researched this exceptional country. I have welcomed people from (mostly) the US & Canada over the years who were looking to move here. Have a big expat community here & the people of CR are truly kind, gracious, hardworking individuals. As a retiree I could not afford to live in the US. Now? I am very comfortable living with only my SS income.
If you want it enough…you can get it done. I am proof of that.
Any advice for a father of three looking to vacate the US before it gets bad?
@ Only that with children the educational system of wherever you choose is another priority. With CR not having a military force to support, this country chose many yrs ago to put money into education & healthcare. I know many Americans w/families here who send their children to multi-language schools & are very happy. There are many International schools. Research is key.
Can I email you?
@@slayer1084learn a valuable skill to be desired by other countries. For instance, Canada wants Millwrights. Check the country that you want to go to see what skill they need and go learn that skill.
Advice for pet owner with 5 dogs and 4 cats, all vaccinated and neutered? Is there a company that anyone can recommend that gets them out of the United States to Costa Rica or Europe?
Well Kristin, the worst thing possible has happened. And I need to move to Panama ASAP. Help
ps...love your insights and your smile.
Go to her website. Get a free consult. Find out the service and resources she has. And the cost. It's not cheap, but it does look very useful.
My Wife/I moved to Panama/we couldn't be happier. We live a simple, stress free lifestyle/the lunacy going on in the States don't factor into our daily lives.
Just saw the election and I’m working on leaving now! Thankyou for this video🙌
Good idea, the question is, where will you go? South America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, you have many options.
She didn't mention it, but one of the first steps should be to pay off all outstanding debt within the USA. That was probably my greatest mistake in 2017, when the company I worked for had layoffs.
Me too!
Me, too!
You won't be missed😂
My father, may G_D rest his soul, used to say, "it's OK to run away, as long as you know what you are running to."
Love it!
Leaving America is the new American dream
I made 3 long term visits to Congo and Uganda from 2009-2018. I’m now selling my house and moving back. I’m single without family. I’m 73 and very proud of myself. 😊
I admire your courage and spunk and survival skills!!
That's awesome 🎉
I've been devouring these videos. IDK why but NOBODY talks about money. This is the first video I've seen that discusses work, money and budgeting at length. SO helpful. Liked and subscribed.
I’m so glad you found the information helpful! It’s important to consider the financial implications. Also thank you for subscribing, so glad I could help.
We have a visa application in to a European country now and plan to leave the US in January! Woo (family of 3 with a toddler)
Just curious, where are you headed?
@moneymoco trying for Spain due to our language skills and available visas we qualify for. Will be documenting it on YT most likely. Very excited 😊
@@BruceHamilton great, doing the same, waiting for my youngest to finish high school, we already have the spanish citizenship, so that part is checked.... good luck and looking forward for your YT channel
@b2balliance I'm jealous, glad you have an easy path though! Thanks 🙏
I left the US and now live in Prague. Czech Republic is very strict with their residencies. But I have mine, am married to a Czech. Working now on my EU citizenship. Leaving the US was the best thing I've ever done. I served my country 21 years, am a Vet. The US is cray cray! My new channel is about leaving the US and other Expat stuff.
Kristin, you make a lot of quality content. This one ranks with your best. Simple, clear, doesn’t try to cover everything, but covers enough that someone who’s brand new to the idea of moving abroad can start doing their homework. Kudos for making this and for making it freely available on UA-cam!
Thank you so much for your kind words @shinyshinythings! 😊 I’m really glad to hear that you found the content helpful and accessible. It’s my goal to make moving abroad feel more attainable for everyone, and I appreciate your support! Kudos to you for taking the steps toward your own adventure! 🌍✨
Got my passport ready.
I'll get mine, as soon as my birth certificate copy arrives in the mail!
I arrived where I am after a travel epiphany. I am retired and I’ve done some traveling in my life. Pre-retirement I had been to Jamaica, Mexico, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain. I have done a few road trips around the US as well. After I retired, in 2014, I went to Berlin and really liked it, thinking it reminded me of the San Francisco Bay Area. I just never occurred to me to move overseas until my first day in Bangkok. Even that first trip I didn’t think about moving but as soon as I returned home I was planning my next trip to Thailand. Two more trips later, in 2017, I moved to Thailand permanently.
It is only in hindsight that the reason for my move was more about boredom in the US. Or at least that made it easy to leave. I also didn’t mind leaving the chilly-damp Bay Area for a tropical climate. It seems a little shallow to say Thailand had an exotic appeal but the culture, food, modernity of Bangkok, the tropical climate, the people . . . it all just worked for me.
I’m retired with a pension income. I sold my possessions pretty quickly and felt a sense of relief getting rid of all that stuff. I knew I could continue to visit the US to see friends and family, I just didn’t need to be here 24/7. Getting settled in Thailand went pretty smoothly. I have no regrets about moving here.
Nice story, I agree about Berlin feeling like SF Bay Area. We liked it more than Munich and other German cities which I didn’t expect tbh.
Congrats to you! Once your mindset changes, you drop the “can’t get out” mentality - and start looking for doors.
My wife loved her visit to Thailand on work so we looked into it. It does come up frequently on lists of best places to move abroad.
I hear the roads are ridiculously dangerous due to the way people drive. Lawless and reckless. People passing you on the right only to veer across in front of you to make a left turn through heavy intersection traffic. Just mayhem. The descriptions remind me of Naples when I visited in 1992. And letting someone else drive doesn't necessarily reduce the stress or risk. I guess if you live rural that might be a solution. But we're hoping for walkability, no car.
Another issue is the distance from the U.S. So far, so expensive to visit family back here from there.
There were one or two other things that gave me pause, coming from people who did videos on why they left; but that research was a while ago, so I've lost track.
But best wished to you.
@@izzytoons I bought a car in 2022. I drive all the time. The driving culture is definitely something to get used to but in general I like it. I am fully comfortable with driving on the left side of the road. The dangerous aspect of it has to do with the motorbikes. 70-80% of the traffic fatalities are motorbikes accidents.
How about the new tax rules for immigrants to Thailand? Do you have to do border runs?
Very relevant today.
Well, the worst has happened. I am 76 and need to get our of here. I get 1550 a month social security and I have modest savings . Cheap rent is my goal.
Unfortunately, that blocks many more places than you think. Lots of places are touted as being cheap, but when you go look at actual costs for housing, food, clothing, consumer electronics, and put it all together, not nearly like what they say. You hear things like: "live HERE for $500 a month! Here for $800/month. Here for $1,500/month. Here for $2,000/month." My own follow-up research always says differnet, usually starting with housing. Sometimes the visa requirements themselves require too much income for some. I think Southeast Asia is probably your best bet now.
Don't count on that social security money after they all take office.
@@jonathanbowden6313 Yeah, I'm well aware of that. I keep telling people that too. The rich want those dollars to Wall Street and the zoomers want to shrug off the expense...
Fortunately, while SS will make our lives more comfortable, we have substantial passive income.
@@izzytoons Yea did you see the stock market today!!!! Cheers all around.
Yea I did, but most of Donald's cult are not IN the market, it means NOTHING to them, they don't even get it, so hope that's not "IT". His DONORS are very happy of course.
welp, it happened. need help on moving to literally any other country
Actually., there are many things to consider. Dig up some videos. There's an answer out there, but it may not be as easy to find as you think.
Bonjour! Our long-stay visa appointment is on December 2. We hope to be in Perpignan, France on January 1. Merci. Dean & Cindy
Going to be a VERY popular video
Well, this is timely! If only I could convince my husband it's time to go.
Divorce him.
We were going to get a new car but my husband said “wait until the election results” , now it’s a new country instead of a new car 😮
Me too…
If he doesn’t get it, i’m sorry. He should know by now.
Gotta get out while we still can. Things are going to get real ugly here real fast. America is sleepwalking toward fascism.
I don't know, Kristin. This is the best of your videos. Very sobering and realistic. Love it. Will buy your book, for sure.
I would also recommend researching occupational shortage lists in the countries that you are interested in. If your skills/experience match occupations on the government shortage list, there is a good chance of getting a work visa that can lead to permanent residency later on.
Those lists aren't really helpful unless you speak the local language though (minus tech jobs apparently). If you speak a second language, apply for jobs in that country(ies)! haha
@@HomeWorkouts_LSSure, but language is a factor no matter where you move or what you do. Even moving to another English speaking country has some challenges. Healthcare is usually tops on most lists.
@@pumuckl0 I mean if your job is on a shortage list you probably don't qualify anyway. For example, I work in architecture which is on the lists in Austria but it doesn't apply to me because I'm not fluent in german. It's probably the most limiting factor. Hence, why I was able to get a job in Ireland.
@@HomeWorkouts_LS What was the process like of applying for work in Ireland?
@@shinyshinythings A lot of researching first - see Critical skills jobs list & the not allowed jobs (like barbers, receptionists, etc.) These lists only apply to non-EU citizens. If you’re EU it’s sooo much easier. If your job is on the allowed lists then you can start applying to Irish jobs (there are minimum income requirements based on critical skills or not). 👍🏻 Once you have a job offer it takes about 6 weeks for critical skills application to be approved & double that for normal work visa to be approved.
I have to say it’s nice to wake up, and realize I’m already living abroad. Thank you Kristen for inspiring me to keep at it until I could wake up in a different environment for real.
The first reason, is the reason I think people fail at moving abroad. If you don’t have a good reason to leave, you will have several reasons to fail. You should never move a broad because of someone else, it should only be about you, and should be more beneficial than where you’re coming from.
It's very important to think about reasons that are important to you. I actually have a video about why digital nomads fail that could be helpful as well! ua-cam.com/video/NWiy5wbzPCs/v-deo.html and Expat Mistakes: ua-cam.com/video/9lUzvrm5k74/v-deo.html
As a handicapped person i am concerned on how i am to leave the country. I live off social security and i fear losing it or worse.
I too have this question
I am at retirement age with no pension forced to depend on social security that will not come close to live on. Now you will be jailed if you become homeless, so my new American dream is to find an affordable country to live just like everybody else my age. Thanks for the information.
Where did u get the info from about if somebody becomes homeless they get jailed? I never heard anything about that and im on the current news all the time.
Theres homeless people all over the US and i doubt there would be enough jail cells to put them all in.
@@dawnac6453 I think it’s in his T47 plan. Homeless rounded up, jail or rehab. Rehab will have social workers to help get into house. I think centers will be located away from cities but not sure abt that, and he prob isn’t either.
@@dawnac6453the Supreme Court decided, it is real unfortunately
@@dawnac6453 There are plenty of cities now criminalizing homeless people by simply not allowing them anywhere to actually sleep. It is a disgrace. Housing, and a job and health care should be a human right, and civilized people actually do that in other countries. We are a disgrace here. The rich have multiple homes, yachts, an nauseam, and we allow them to rip the rest of us off. Immoral, and against all religious values.
@@dawnac6453 No problem, they'll gladly build more jails. I'm also up on the current news and i see more and more cities are making it illegal to sleep in public. Who do you suppose that is geared for? I love the US, but it's over and I'd rather be someplace else when the incoming administration gives the death knell.
I know how to count from 1 to 3 in French! Baby steps are still progress! I have two months to practice basic conversation in French!
I’m finding Duolingo surprisingly helpful, and I already knew some basics just from living in a French speaking environment.
I took two years of French in college. I can still do Star Wars and Star Trek lines in it! That's how I got my last job, teaching ESL back in the '90s! 😀
@@darlalathan6143 I actually barely know a lick of French. Most of the French Language does not sound the way it is spelled, which makes it hard to get used to. Whereas English, German, and Spanish are! I wanted to learn French, German, and Spanish in high school, but there were schedule conflicts. So I took only German because my best friend was...Germanic in descent! He was a much better student, obviously. But now, I remember some of it, and he barely remembers shite! So ironic, right?
@@samerethsalliman1881 English and German sounds like they are spelled? Since when?
Very timely subject. A lot more of U.S. will be leaving before January of next year.
I would love to see you make a video on the countries that you returned to over and over again over the years
Yep and more helpful- why...
Just look at her other videos
I appreciate how your videos are very matter of fact but in a pleasant way. You really seem to enjoy sharing your knowledge. Thank you!
When I google countries that respect women, they all seem to be cold and expensive and not welcoming in terms of citizenship. Could you do a video on affordable countries, where women are safe and respected?
I want out of the America before January 20th 2025 I can't live under another Trump presidency
You are not alone! I feel the same way, but I've done the expat thing before, at 66 it seems daunting. It sucks that our country is over.
Same here.
We should leave as a group. Less scary.
Im with all of the above
Same here.
My dream for a very long time is to live in London for six months, three months in Berlin and the rest of the year in my current home in California. I am slowly working on it and I am also planning to retire next year, in Fall. I am excited, but very nervous. I have travelled quite a bit in UK and Europe, but never more than three weeks and always stayed in a city center hotel, as a solo female traveller, that suits me the best, with security, convenience of moving around in public transportation, etc. I don't have a car or a home now, but it is a huge process to travel long term, leaving your comfort place. Particularly, when you live in beautiful California. Thanks for your videos, Kristin, always appreciate it. I would love it if you make a video about long term stays in London and Berlin!
That’s a great plan. I hope you enjoy all those beautiful cities. Would keep that topic in mind! 😄
This video is so well thought out and very informative. Thank you for taking the time to do this for us!
I'm looking at leaving ASAP.
My great grandparents moved from Bohemia to North Dakota in the 1880s seeking a better life. My wife and I moved from Texas to Spain in 2017 for the same reason.
Great content! The section on [10:16] was my favorite-it really simplified the process of leaving the USA for a new life abroad!
Thanks!
You are most welcome! Thank you for the support 🙏
I'm seriously thinking of moving to Taiwan after last night! Taiwan is an open border country that's well developed, very affordable and extremely safe!
Probably the biggest hurdle is the distance, which can be an issue depending on your ties to family. There were a couple of others, for me, but I am blanking right now; my review of Taiwan/Asia was a while ago now.
Safe? China wants it back.
@@izzytoons I have been following a few Canadian UA-camrs living in Taiwan: Wes Davies, Prozzie, and Bob's Utopia. 👏👍🤗
What if it's invaded by China in two years
Careful. China is watching what happens in Ukraine. If the US backs off, they'll just ask Trump for Taiwan like it's his to give.
And he'll tell them to go for it.
Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, Germany, Scotland - I’m looking at Canada pretty hard right now bc I can drive there and have my truck.
There’s a point system for Canada, and it’s very easy to find out online whether you’d qualify to emigrate.
@ I retired early but not taking my pension yet so it’s not that easy.
@ I can stay in Canada 6 months a year so may just have to do that and one/two other countries the rest of the year
Lol Canada. Why?!? If you are a Democrat then I say give her. You will fit in perfectly with the woke liberals. The negatives of Canada are the high cost of living, bad weather, bad medical system, bad schools, high taxes, and expensive fuel and energy. Lol that is quite a criteria that you have for moving to Canada. You can drive there and keep your truck.
I feel bad for those of us who are strapped to a job here in the US. I am not, though I am long in the tooth and need to be here for my elderly mother for time being. Am looking at getting German US dual citizenship as they changed the laws recently. This would allow me to live anywhere in the EU. Don't think things will change much for the better here in the US before I die so time to move on.
Do you have any videos about moving abroad with kids? Or countries that are best with children with developmental delays?
After living in LA for 20 years, I needed a change, thought about several places in the US, but decided on Australia as a former employer was finishing a new facility there, and I was one of 60 managers, knew the system, etc. Decided to take a vacation in Europe for a month since it was closer than from Australia. I had previously lived in 3 other countries under other circumstances.
Meeting an old friend in Munich who was to be there for a few days, we met. While he worked, I visited the city and while in a park, suddenly a loud voice in my head said I was home. Long story short, two years later I revisited Europe to see if my destination would ultimately be there or Australia. I decided on Europe, but the question was where. After evaluating 3 possibilities, I decided on Vienna.
I saved as much money as possible, moved hook, line, and sinker, no permission, no job, no place to stay, shipping things there, with a resolution to not have a reason to go back.
32 years now in Austria, the past 5 years in the Carinthian Alps. No regrets, best decision of my life. My method is not for anyone, but worked out well for me, now having lived on 4 continents, in 6 countries and on an island. LG aus Villach.
My neighbor's brother is an expat in Germany! I'll have to ask him about that!
Portugal, Spain, Italy and France
Also good choices!
My wife and I are in Spain. We love it here.
Thank you for this excellent video! I just booked my exploratory trip back to France. I'm excited to visit new cities and see if this can be my new home. 😊😊
Best of luck to you.
France has so much to offer. We've traveled Chamagn, Paris (several times), the route to Geneva (through Dijon), the Southern French Alps (skiing), and Lyons (outstanding, especially the food).
The far-right is making gains there as well...
We are currently focused on Spain... (the right is making gains there, too; ugh).
betting this will be getting a surge of views now!!
Thanks to Kristin's videos for inspiring us and all of the information she's provided we've been traveling full time for 5 years and living abroad for the last 3 slow traveling through Europe and now Asia. It's way more affordable than most people think, especially if you're an American. There's pros and cons for living this way but the pros far outweigh the cons. We've met amazing people, lived in countries we never thought we'd visit and have had great experiences. 😃If you can figure out how to make this lifestyle work, it's worth it!
FANTASTIC video, as usual. Thank you so much for this content.
Kristin, please do a poll on how many actually live abroad and work, don’t life abroad, planning to, retired, and retired and living abroad not working.
Thank you for that suggestion! I will definitely be looking into that.
Hi Kristin....Thank you kindly for your well organized, informative videos. This is Gabriel of Las Vegas, 69 years young retired (my neighbors said I look like a teenager with no car insurance) keen on possibly moving to another country. Moving from California to Las Vegas was time consuming enough. Now possibly moving to another country. I am hoping to make a decision this year 2025 if I will sell everything, then travel light to my new destination. Thank yousss again for your help.
This is such a practical and timely topic! 🌍 I'm curious-what are the most common challenges people face when following these steps to move abroad? Are there specific countries that are easier for Americans to relocate to, based on visas or work opportunities? It would also be great to hear tips on how to adapt to a new culture once you've made the move!
I just found your channel. Thanks for the informative videos. You're amazing.
Great video. I’m planning to live in different cities around the world for a few months at a time based on the season: New York City in the fall, Panama Dec - Mar, Chicago Apr - May, Buenos Aires Jun - Aug, Vienna the following fall, Paris in the spring and so on. I already sold my house and have passive income lined up. Just waiting for our son to start college.
Sounds like you have a plan! I wish you good luck on your adventure :)
I was told by an administrator at Trinity College (Dublin) years ago that I could get my grandmothers and great-grandmothers birth certificates and apply for dual citizenship. Now, that would probably require hiring an investigator to get the actual copies, if they exist. You're talking late 1800s! You also need to remember that while living in some small Irish villlage might seem like a wonderful idea, you need to ask how long an ambulance takes to get there. If you're having a heart attack or stroke, minutes count.
Solid video! Plenty of good guidance in this one!
Going to explore Southern France and the French Riviera next year!
I bet this vid is TRENDING LIKE A MUG LOL. Thanks for the tips!
This was an excellent video. For years, the north of Sweden is I have wanted to relocate to. It's one of the few places that I've traveled to in my life where I feel completely at home. It's absolutely gorgeous and mostly forested. Part of my ancestry comes from there and I can speak the language well enough to get by. We have good friends there as well, scattered about the country. In the winter, I will be outside in the wilds looking for the northern lights and in the summers I will be hiking and taking in the midnight sun. It's close enough to Iceland to take quick trips there to explore more. However, getting into the country is not easy now and the immigration agency you have to deal with - Migrationsverket - is known for taking a long time, so I have my challenges.
It’s very difficult to leave with a pet, as airlines and cruise ships generally do not allow you to transport a dog, in my case a 50lb one.
Costa Rica; New Zealand; Argentina; Italy; Spain.....ok, 5...in no particular order; target date:::: Feb 2024.
I am jealous, I would like to go to one of those countries, but I do not have the necessary economy to do it, I wish you the best.
Thank you Kristin, I love you for all these videos and for the lovely spirit you seem to be!
Thank you Kristen- I booked a call- and now know the options you offer, super helpful. Viv
So glad it was helpful, Viv!😊
Offhand, my Top 3 Destinations are New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada, because a couple of friends lived in NZ, and I've visited Mexico, and Canada as a child. I want to live there permanently on either a Retirement, Digital Nomad, or Freelancer Visa, then a Residency, and citizenship!
Those are all great choices for a new home abroad! You can check my channel for more information on these countries.
u studied 20 years abroad, thats so cool
I definitely think this could be an option for me and my family ! I Can’t bare living here in another Trump four years ! America doesn’t feel like my country anymore ! It is very sad !
I just kept my tv on mute the first time around. And no discussing politics. Made it bearable
We are a family of four with two little boys and have decide to leave the us. We are in a deep red state. It seems that it may be more difficult with a family
Consider if you have friends that are in the same situation and you are low income could you find something together.
I will stay and fight the good fight.
I’m Native American and even I’m seriously considering leaving. Hoping that first 24 hour voter mirage (extreme right wing voters tend to vote only on the day and not request a paper ballot) is still a thing, like in past elections. Even if it is, and everything ends up being ok for now, it’s time to see more of the world.
Spoken like a true American hero! 😀😇😀
My mother was born in Germany so I figured on getting dual citizenship. Turns out that's much harder than I figured and will take some time and money. Now thinking about Portugal which has fairly liberal D7 visa requirements. I have a good pension and a good amount of savings. Not sure if I want to live through four more years of Trump. I guess 248 years for the US was a nice run.
Well said. I'm retired and I don't think things are going to get better in this country (thanks to Project 25, Trumpism, a rogue U.S. Supreme Court, and the "MAGA Maggots" Party) before I die, so I want out. Ms. Kristin is a great resource for helping with that.
Think hard re: the D7 and D8 visas of Portugal. Their bureaucracy is inundated with applications & the process takes a long time, anywhere from 6 to 18 months. In the meantime when there's no progress on your papers, you can't leave the country, you can't travel to neighbouring countries. Rents have also increased in major cities due to expats. Do your due diligence. Good luck!
@@kitty_s23456 Actually I've pivoted back to plan A and am working towards dual citizenship with Germany. It's probably going to take as long and cost as much as waiting for the D7 process. Also looking at house and apartment prices in Portugal that window has probably closed. Regardless of what I do I'm here for at least another year.
@@erichhouchens3711 OK. Good luck in your future endeavours. 🙏🍀
Lower cost of living, local farm fresh food and a community of friendly neighbors.
More greenbacks thank you. overseas or even just across state lines. Id like to afford my old lifestyle again, things have changed a lot.
You are the BEST.💥
Great information!!. Thank you.❤
Thank you so much! 🙏
Considering: Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico
Hope you get lots of views today
As a 13 yr old....my future is fucked.
Focus on building skills and learn a second language. Give yourself the tools to escape!
@@MezzoForte4 Yes 💯
Northern pin, Italy or southern France. May for exploring and November for good!
Very inspirational! I'm redoing part of he basement as my craft and things i like space
exMichigan in Spain 🇪🇸🇪🇺,been a spanish citzen for 4 years now. 👍👍
Which part of Spain do you live?
@@TravelingwithKristin Peñíscola
I keep hearing the reference to pensions, but not social security. Is social security considered a pension with regard to satisfying the income requirements?
I’m planning on leaving for Europe (Portugal, Croatia,or Albania?) sometime next summer. I’m not sure I’ll stay there but it’s a place to start. My UA-cam channel was just monetized and is now getting sponsors. I would like to set up a business structure for it and eventually use it for my primary source of income. Any tips or videos on the best places to set a small business like that? I’d prefer to not set it up in the U.S. but am willing to do that if necessary.
Great video thanks Ms Kristin
I've been researching leaving the states for over 3 yrs. I've kind of decided to do short-term stays (2-3months at a time) throughout Europe until I can decide for sure where I might want to live full time. I've looked at Portugal/Spain/Denmark, ect. But I've also looked into Asia. Tailand/Vietnam/ect. I think getting out and seeing the rest of the world is very important. The U.S. has become a cesspool of hatred, predjudice, crime, and horrendous health care costs. It's constant stress. My friends around the world have begged me to leave for my mental health, and I'm FINALLY gonna take the plunge at 55. Luckily I have a decent retirement and am a full time 100% disabled veteran. It means guaranteed income, for now. We shall see. I'd honestly rather be poor somewhere other than the US, should my funds be cut off. I currently live in an rv, so moving around is something I enjoy. Exploring frees the mind. For those considering this, please give it a try. Dont let fear stop you.
It doesn't cost nearly as much to live abroad (even slow travel like we do). YOu will not be poor with full disability alone (fellow vet here) in a all of the countries you mentioned. With an additional retirement you will doing far better than almost all of the locals. We travel full-time on far less than a full military disability. Good luck!
It has to be the UK for me. I’ve already spent extended time in England, but would also consider Scotland.
A bus, way south to Mexico, a bagdad café on the way.
FYI for those who are looking for a landing spot, if you have friends in Canada you can stay there with just a passport for 6 months, which you can apply to be extended. (You can’t work during that time thought)
So i done some research and i found out that in Canada u can reside there as an immigrant for up to four years before u must apply for citizenship.
Heres the info i got from my research:
an immigrant can live in Canada for up to three years (1,095 days) before applying for citizenship, as they need to be physically present in Canada for that duration within the five years prior to applying for citizenship as a permanent resident; meaning they can live in Canada for four years without applying, but must apply within that five-year period to meet the residency requirement.
Thats what im thinking on doing because of the trump mess the US will be going into. Now i need to find out how i can get my US Social Security to there.
@@dawnac6453 it’s slightly different for US citizens. But we don’t need a Visa to enter the country but at the same time they will deny entry if they don’t think you will come back. But you can also apply for things like express entry, study visas, work visa etc from inside the country, it’s weird.
I have a friend in Edmonton who already said I could come up there if I had to. I way already planning on leaving the U.S. after finishing my Masters but I might have to transfer to a Canadian School.
@@BSuydam99 if decide to make that my destination then i doubt ill be leaving. Especially if i can get settled in pretty good. My biggest worry THERE is the cold. Im used to the desert heat so i may not adjust too well but well see.
@@dawnac6453 I lived in the Midwest my whole life, just make sure you have enough layers and keep emergency supplies in your car and things like cat litter for traction while driving and KEEP AN ICE SCRAPER IN THE CAR. The cold sucks but if you prepare properly, you’ll be fine. Plus most cold climates the store will have AMPLE cold weather supplies toward the end of fall.
This is my country and I won't let the ones who are un-American chase me out
The un-Americans outnumber us Americans. This country is on the way out..sorry to say it.
I'm really interested in moving to Europe. Mostly German, Spain, Franch, or England. I don't mind some rain although southern Spain, I believe, does not have a lot of rain. It gets pretty hot there. I'm considering Albania too.
I want to move to the lake chapala area, in the very near future, I have a passport card, I think I can travel to canada and mexico on just that, I do want to visit it first this comming year, I not bringing anything but some cloths and artwork, and hopefully Seawella, my beloved only friend, shes just happens to be a chihuahua!! lol
I love to move to Canada. ❤
If you can stay and lend your strength to the communities of those who can't leave, please do. There is strength in numbers.
I’m US citizen living in Las Vegas NV. I want to leave the US already. I want Australia 🇦🇺
I enjoy your content. 🙌🏽👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you!
I want to leave the US. I have heard good things about Albania.
It’s a nice country. Underrated!
Dream destination dash france. Practical destination for the next 4 years- hopefully canada, if they don't restrict the Visas too much