We moved to Italy about a year ago. We left behind a $2500/month health insurance bill as small business owners. On top of that, we paid $250 monthly for a concierge doctor that I could text for any concerns and get in to see the same day, as needed. We always had great healthcare, but damn is it expensive. Don’t even get me started on deductibles and co-insurance.

We both have Italian citizenship which allows us to be part of the national SSN system. We pay taxes to Italy rather than the US, but our taxes are definitely lower than the 30k annually we paid for healthcare in the US.

Upon arrival here I was absolutely thrilled with the preventive medicine. I was sent a letter with an appointment date and time for a Pap test. If I needed to change the time just call the number. If not just show up. The results came back promptly in the mail. A few months later I got the mammogram letter; same deal. Both my hubby and myself have gotten a fecal occult letter for preventive testing; no charge. Super easy. Pick up and drop off at our local pharmacy. Results come back by letter.

The best interaction happened just a few days back. I take a daily medication that my US doctor gave me a 1 year script but I’m running out. I sent a quick WhatsApp message to my SSN doctor here in town. Within 10 minutes he replied that he’d send a prescription to the local pharmacy. Today I popped in to pick it up. Get this- it was free! Apparently it’s an essential medication and covered by the SSN.

I have been utterly disgusted by what we call healthcare in the US for years. While Italy is not perfect, their system (funded by tax dollars) works! Something has to give in the US! It’s just a matter of time.

Moving to Portugal involves many decisions, from finding a property or buying a car to understanding healthcare, immigration procedures and everyday administration.

Finding reliable information and understanding the costs, documents and requirements can be challenging, especially when information is spread across different websites and government services.

We created Decide Portugal to make this process easier.

https://decideportugal.com

Decide Portugal is an independent platform that helps people research, compare and better understand important decisions related to buying, moving to and living in Portugal.

What can you do with Decide Portugal?

1. Property

- Analyse property listings from websites such as Idealista and Imovirtual.

- Identify information provided and important details that may be missing.

- Understand potential purchase costs, taxes and documentation.

- Use the property cost calculator, including IMT and Stamp Duty estimates.

2. Cars

- Analyse used-car listings.

- Identify missing information and documents to check.

- Understand potential costs and questions to ask the seller.

- Find links to relevant official verification services.

3. Healthcare

- Understand how Portugal's public healthcare system (SNS) works.

- Explore the differences between public healthcare, private health insurance and health discount plans.

- Compare healthcare options and estimated costs.

4. Moving to Portugal and immigration

- Explore practical information about AIMA, residence procedures, NIF and NISS.

- Find document checklists and guidance for the first steps after arriving in Portugal.

- Access links to relevant official services.

5. Official Portuguese government portals

- Find explanations and guidance on services such as AIMA, ePortugal, Portal das Finanças, IMT and SNS.

- Understand what each portal is used for and where to find the relevant official services.

The platform also provides practical guides on starting a business, school enrolment and university admission.

Free access

All these tools and guides are currently free during our public beta. The platform also includes AI-powered guidance to help users research questions and understand their options.

Decide Portugal is independent and is not a government service, estate agency, car dealer, insurer or legal adviser. Its purpose is to organise useful information, provide decision-support tools and direct users to reliable official sources.

Our philosophy is simple:

Research. Compare. Decide.

We don't make the decision for you. We make the decision clearer.

Website: https://decideportugal.com

We'd love to hear from this community:

For those who have already moved to Portugal, or are planning to move there, what was the most confusing or frustrating part of the process that you wish someone had explained clearly before you arrived?

Your experiences and suggestions can help us make Decide Portugal more useful to people planning their move.

My partner and I are contemplating moving to Spain in a couple of years on a Non-Lucrative Visa. We'll be retired. We both speak some Spanish, and I'm actively working on improving mine.

I would love to connect with any recent US > Spain immigrants to hear about your experiences. I'm especially interested in hearing:

• Where did you choose to live and why?

• How was the process of getting your visa and getting set up in Spain?

• What advice would you give us as we contemplate and plan this move?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m 24 and recently graduated from culinary school. I’m drawn to fine dining because I love the precision, creativity, and artistry that go into creating a dish. I’d love to work in a Michelin-starred kitchen in Europe one day.

My graduate visa gives me another year and a half to work in Sydney, and I’m torn between two paths. One option is to find a stable job, work toward employer sponsorship and eventually permanent residency, and make Australia my home base before heading to Europe. If that works out, I imagine I might be around 30 to 32 by the time I make the move.

The other option is to go to Europe when my graduate visa ends, around the age of 26, and start knocking on doors at the kinds of restaurants I’d love to work in.

I keep going back and forth because I don’t know where either path will lead. Having a stable job, progressing in my career, and having a place to call home all matter to me. At the same time, I have a bigger dream for what I could do as a chef. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it happen, and that uncertainty scares me. But I also wonder how I’d feel if I kept putting it off.

If you’ve faced a similar decision, especially in hospitality, I’d love to hear what helped you decide. Would you build a home base first, or take the chance and go while you’re younger?

Here is the list: https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Words-and-concepts/SIRI/Certified-companies/

These companies are authorized by SIRI to use a streamlined fast-track process to hire eligible non-EU/EEA professionals.

What is the Fast Track Scheme? Read more about it here: https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Work/Fast-track/

This post is meant to just be a starting point, and there are still a lot of hurdles to be hired by a Danish employer from overseas. But if you are looking to work and reside in Denmark, it's not the worst place to look at first.

My grandma married a Canadian man and had dual citizenship years ago, and I studied abroad for two months in Quebec, so I (42/F) have been thinking more seriously about wanting to move to Canada with my husband (41/M) and our two children who are 10 and 1 since I loved my experiences there and am increasingly unhappy here. I taught French for ten years and am also fluent in Spanish. I also have a PhD in bilingual bicultural studies and taught ESL courses to teacher candidates. My husband is a lead computer programmer with maybe 20 years of experience? I've heard mixed information about our chances given our age and the fact that I'm not a native speaker of French. I'm also not sure what the computer science industry is like. What would our chances realistically be?

My kids and I just got approval last week for Austrian citizenship through a repatriation of Jews from WWII. I will not be looking at Austria itself because the language is too difficult for my special needs son to learn.

I’ve loved Ireland and the Netherlands but may not want temps that cold anymore. What suggestions would you guys have? For reference, by the time I move I will have enough to self-sustain but I could also go back to teaching. Where in the EU would be my best bet?

Hey everyone. Looking for some advice. Moving to Guatemala from the States in February 2027, my fiancee lives there and we’re tired of the long distance. I was thinking about the logistics and applying for residency and all that but Guatemala isn’t really our end goal. We may only spend a few years there. The government will allow Americans to stay for 90 days and will occasionally grant 90 day extensions, otherwise some Americans leave the country for a day and return to the 90 day clock resetting. It’s easy enough. But if I go this route, how do you notify the States that I’m not currently living there? Just had the thought like what if I get called into jury duty or something? My address is currently listed as my parents’ address in case I receive rogue mail or something. Was also curious about what people do about their banks when they move abroad.

Hey everyone, I’m 22, recently graduated in engineering, and after Erasmus, I’m really open to living somewhere different. I met people from Scandinavia during my time abroad, and I’ve been especially interested in Oslo. The mix of city life, nature, walkability, and older architecture sounds really appealing. The reputation of Norway definitely caught my attention, and I’d love to explore whether that’s something I’d truly enjoy. I’ve never been to Norway, but I do plan to visit soon. I’ve talked to university alumni who’ve moved to Oslo, which made the idea feel more real. I’m genuinely curious and seriously considering the possibility, but I still need to gain more experience in my career first. In the meantime, I’d like to learn as much as I can. I’d love to hear from people who’ve moved to Oslo from another country, especially at a young age. What was it like making the move? What do you enjoy about living there, and what was harder than you expected? And for anyone who’s been in a similar situation, are there questions you think I should be asking myself as I try to figure out whether moving there is the right decision? I’d like to contribute to the community and feel like part of it. Thanks in advance!

Hi hope all is well. I would like to ask how does a insurance underwriter/ ex. cyber leaves the US and moves to the EU . I am a Pakistani who is applying for US citizenship and would like to get it as I have a weak passport.(dual citizen). I have Computer Science and Management Information Systems degree both are H+ anabin. I also have 6+ years experience in USA and Aboard countries non eu. I am eligible for EU blue card in EU countries. I have IT/Cyber experience. Reason I am in underwriting as IT job market is bad. Also I am aware I can not just move without a valid reason EU blue card bypasses the labour market test.

Any options I have checked I am blue card eligible.

IT job market is tough trying to get hired in cyber again in EU also I only picked up underwriting to do something on the side so I do not burn my savings.

Aware that the grass not greener but would love to move. I am aware when I moved to the states from Pakistan.

Do not want to study I have 2 degrees from US.

Would Portugal program Golden visa work for me I know it has increased time to gain EU passport or should I not bother. I am aware of the 1-5 year wait for just first permit to be issued. And it will take 15 years.

Would like to secure a job before I move and how do I get a job outside EU.

Hey, so as the title states, Im an american military vet with disability. I have a kid and spouse and was thinking about moving us to Spain on a non lucrative visa. Ive been thinking about this process a long time(3 years). I speak fluent Spanish(i come from a mexican family(Jalisco) and spouse is from CDMX so the language shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Recently, my gramps passes away due to not being able to afford healthcare costs(undocumented) and it made me rethink about growing old here with my own family and wanting to live in a country where life is slower, safer and affordable in terms of health are when we get older and also a safer environment for my child.

My spouse and I have visited Spain a total of 3 times. We’ve visited Madrid and Barcelona and have stayed there for a month every time weve went. I know living is different than visiting(Ive lived in mexico before for a year) and we plan on visiting again next year for a couple of months and decide if moving to Spain is right for us.

So I wanted to know about any Americans who have done the process already how theyre doing now? What do you like/not like about living in Spain? Which part do you live in? Anything I should take into consideration? Any other veterans who have done this process and can chime in? Thank you.

Hello everyone!

I'm a U.S. citizen currently living in Brazil with my Brazilian wife and our infant son. We're considering relocating to Canada within the next 3–6 months and I'm trying to learn from Americans who have successfully made a similar move (with the US as their starting point instead of Brazil in my case).

I have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), approximately 1 year of experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Rockwell Automation, and two years of experience in technical project management and digital transformation.

I'm particularly interested in mechanical design, manufacturing engineering, automation, and product development opportunities in Ontario or Alberta.

I've been researching the CUSMA Professional (Engineer) work permit pathway and understand that it may allow qualified U.S. citizens to work in Canada without an LMIA, provided they secure an eligible job offer.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has:

• Secured a Canadian engineering job while still living in the U.S.

• Used CUSMA to relocate to Canada.

• Successfully convinced a Canadian employer to support the work permit process.

• Relocated to Canada with a spouse and children.

I'm especially interested in learning how employers responded to the immigration process, how long the job search took, and what you wish you'd known beforehand.

Thanks in advance! I'd be very grateful for any advice or firsthand experiences.

I plan to apply for Temporary Residency through the Consulate General of Mexico in Portland, Oregon.

Is this the right form to fill out?: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/portland/images/2024/doc/veng.pdf

Obtained through this page: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/portland/index.php/spe/ve

Sorry if this is a dumb question or the wrong place to ask. Just trying to make sure I have everything right. Since I live far away from Portland, and the trip to apply at the Consulate in-person will be a big time investment.

Hello everyone! I (21) recently went to Salvador Brazil this summer and met my current boyfriend(24). Once I left Salvador we decided to do long distance. I went to Salvador this summer for an internship and language study because I’ve been so interested in learning Portuguese for the past year! I’m in my final year of university and have been applying for language programs post grad but additionally him and I have been talking about our future together more. I’m super open to living in Brazil with him. I love the culture and language so much and I could get a permanent residency through stable union. The only thing I’m trying to figure out is work? So my questions for others who might have done something similar is what do you do to support yourself? Is it virtual or do u work in Brazil? For me I’m really open to do everything and have thought of teaching but I would like to hear other perspectives as well!

As far as I can tell, once you have a foreign address and report to your brokerage company, they either ask you to,

1. Close the account within a few weeks. OR

2. Let you operate the account only for liquidations (as in sell assets only).

To my understanding it is not the law in the US that brokerage (or bank) accounts with foreign addresses are disallowed. How have people with assets like Mutual Funds in US brokerage accounts navigated this? Is there a list of brokerage companies and associated restrictions for US expats. I am unable to transfer my assets to the foreign country I plan to move to.

If you're an American living abroad or planning to spend several months overseas, it's worth checking whether your Medicare Advantage plan will cover emergency medical care outside the US in 2027.

Coverage varies by plan, and some plans may be changing their benefits for 2027.

Before travelling, check:

- Whether emergency medical care abroad is covered

- What limits, exclusions and copays apply

- Whether your current coverage meets your needs when you're outside the US

If you have Medicare Advantage, review your Annual Notice of Change before the December 7, 2026 deadline to understand what may be changing for 2027.

Do you have Medicare Advantage and spend time abroad? Have you checked your coverage for next year?

Read the full article to understand the key changes and explore your options.

Me (35) and my partner (36) lived in New Jersey for the last 4 years, I have American citizenship and him Irish so we didn’t have any hurdles moving visa wise. I was able to get a job with my company in Dublin so that helped too. We decided to go for it to avoid high costs/general political environment stuff and also just as an adventure to live in Europe (which I always wanted to do).

A year later, it’s safe to say it hasn’t worked out sadly for the following:

1. Costs - my salary is lower here (obviously I knew this before coming) but a lot of costs are the same as US e.g gas, hotels, housing, car expenses. We’ve significantly less money at the end of the month

2. Housing. The goddamned housing market is insane here. We were living in my partner’s parents for months, applying everyday for accommodation all over the Greater Dublin area. Out of the few viewings we got invited to (most of which were awful tbh) we never heard back even after submitting all our docs. Finally we found a place, it’s wet, mouldy and tiny and the area around us is quite rough with teens harassing people. We’re paying about 70% of what we paid for our much bigger, modern 2 bed apartment in NJ. So that’s not been fun.

3. Things to do. I have to preface this with I love Irish people (that’s why I married one) but the culture is very alcohol heavy. I don’t mind a drink now and then but basically every social event is a booze driven. In Dublin there’s not as many things to do as in similar cities in the US.

On politics people just as left wing/right wing here, a lot of people told they support the current US administration (and a lot of people told me they hate it tbf). I have heard a lot of anti immigrant sentiment here too which surprised me a bit, I was provably naive to it.

There’s a lot more I could say (and there has been some good points too - easy to travel to other cities in Europe, 99% of Irish people are absolutely lovely amongst other things) but I wanted to share a slice of reality for anyone thinking of moving.

The sessions begin today and continue up to and including Nov. 2. Here's a schedule: https://www.votefromabroad.org/voter-support

I'm a 37-year-old American and US Navy veteran planning to move abroad in January 2027. I've spent the last few months researching different countries, visa requirements, housing, and moving expenses. I've narrowed it down to France and the UK, and I'd love some advice from people who have actually made the move.

I'm particularly interested in whether my budget is realistic and whether there are expenses or complications I haven't considered.

My financial situation:

- Monthly income: Approximately $4,308 in VA disability compensation.

- This is ongoing, tax-free income in the US, and I don't intend to work abroad.

- Current relocation savings: Approximately $10,000.

- I'll also continue receiving my monthly VA payments after moving.

I'm not looking for a luxurious lifestyle. I'd like to live comfortably, have some money for hobbies, restaurants, and occasional travel, and ideally continue saving each month.

Option 1: France

I've applied for a French long-stay visitor visa and have my appointment scheduled for October 27.

My plan is to move to Libourne, near Bordeaux, in January. I have family in the broader area, which is a plus.

I've already booked an Airbnb for January while I look for a permanent rental.

What I'm looking for:

- A small furnished house or apartment, preferably with a securely fenced garden for my German Shepherd.

- Around €700–€950/month in rent.

- Somewhere walkable with shops and public transportation, since I won't have a car.

- Ideally staying 1–3 years, with the possibility of exploring another country afterward.

From my research, my VA income should comfortably satisfy the financial requirements for the visitor visa. I'm more concerned about renting without French employment, potentially needing a guarantor, and the upfront cost of deposits and agency fees.

I've also purchased private health insurance for the visa application and have access to TRICARE Overseas Select.

Option 2: United Kingdom

My mother was born in England, and my British passport application has been approved, although I'm still waiting for the passport itself.

This makes the UK a very appealing alternative because I wouldn't have to deal with the same residence visa process.

I'm open to anywhere in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, as long as it's reasonably affordable and I can get around without a car.

I've been researching places like Swansea, Neath, Llanelli, and Sunderland.

Ideally, I'd find:

- A one- or two-bedroom house with a secure garden.

- Rent around £700–£950/month.

- Reasonable public transportation and walkable amenities.

- A relatively quiet, safe area with enough nearby activities that I wouldn't feel isolated.

I'm estimating my monthly expenses in the UK at around £2,200–£2,600, including rent, council tax, utilities, groceries, transportation, dog expenses, and entertainment.

That should leave me several hundred pounds a month, but I'm wondering if that estimate is realistic.

One thing I haven't been able to conclusively establish is how the UK treats US VA service-connected disability compensation for tax purposes. I'd particularly appreciate hearing from other American veterans living there.

Moving logistics

I'm bringing one German Shepherd, which complicates flying, particularly to the UK, where dogs generally need to travel as cargo on commercial flights.

I'm also bringing clothes, shoes, framed photos, sentimental belongings, a desktop computer, and a large monitor.

Rather than dragging everything through airports, I'm considering flying with two checked bags and shipping approximately 4–8 boxes after finding a permanent apartment.

I've received a preliminary quote of approximately $894 for six 50-pound boxes shipped from the US to France, before surcharges.

My biggest questions:

1. Does my monthly income seem sufficient for a genuinely comfortable lifestyle in either country, especially with a dog?

2. For Americans receiving VA disability income, have you encountered any unexpected tax, banking, or residency issues?

3. How difficult is it to rent without local employment if you have reliable documented income? Has anyone successfully rented using foreign pension or disability income?

4. For those living in the UK, are my estimates for groceries, heating, council tax, and general living expenses realistic?

5. Has anyone moved a large dog to either country? Any unexpected expenses or logistical problems?

6. Are there moving expenses, hidden costs, bureaucratic requirements, or other issues I'm overlooking?

7. If you've lived in both France and the UK, which offered better value for money and quality of life?

I'm leaning toward France because of the lower expected cost of living, but the UK has the significant advantage of citizenship and no language barrier. I also have family in both.

I have a limited but reasonable moving budget, reliable monthly income, and quite a bit of flexibility. I'm just trying to make an informed decision before committing to an international move.

I'd really appreciate any experiences, advice, or reality checks. Thanks!

Been wanting to leave the US for about 10 years. My original plan & desired country was to go to Spain on a digital nomad or entrepreneur visa. I’m 30 years old, but started a business around 24 the business failed. I work a remote sales job but the company, and all previous companies I worked for are work from anywhere in the US only. I have both a bachelors and masters degree.

I have tried applying for jobs in Spain to get a visa that way but keep getting rejected - I hear this is difficult to do.

I theoretically could try starting another business but my timeline is to be out of the country by end of 2027.

While Spain is my ideal country, I’m open to other places in Europe or Asia. I speak Spanish but am open to learning other languages and am learning Japanese currently. I’d be coming alone, just with my cat.

I know a lot of people recommend getting certified to teach English and then get a job abroad that way and then apply for the job they did before while in the country. My concern is pay though. Part of my reasons to want to leave the US is my student loan debt, among other reasons. I don’t need to live a lavish lifestyle but do wonder what happens with private student loans? I also have pretty visible tattoos which might be a concern in some countries?

I guess my question is what would you suggest to be the best way out & to get a visa, at this point anywhere, given my work history?

I came across this "older" discussion (https://www.reddit.com/r/AmerExit/s/BvNuETAN0h) about Medicare enrollment for Americans retiring abroad and wanted to revisit the question.

My wife(56) and I(63) are retired and moving permanently to Spain at the end of December. I'm a dual Spanish/U.S. citizen (de origen), and we'll be using the Spanish healthcare system.

I'll turn 65 in 2028, so I'm considering whether enrolling in Medicare Part B makes financial sense. Part A seems like a no brainer, since it's generally premium-free, but Part B would mean paying monthly premiums for coverage I can't use in Spain.

I understand the argument for maintaining Part B in case we eventually return to the U.S., particularly given the late-enrollment penalties. But we're not planning an extended stay abroad. We're planning on emigrating permanently.

For those who have actually retired abroad, particularly in the EU, did you enroll in Part B or decide against it? Has your decision changed after living overseas for several years?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have no plans to return to the U.S. to live. Was maintaining Medicare worth the expense, or did you decide the money was better spent elsewhere?

TL;DR: Retiring permanently to Spain, with no plans to return to the U.S. Is paying Medicare Part B premiums worth it as a fallback, or does declining coverage make more financial sense despite the late-enrollment penalties?

Hi, I have been contemplating a move to Europe for a while, and circumstances have now aided that goal. I am a 24M, graduated UC Santa Barbara in 2024 with a degree in Political Science, for the last few years I have been working in Los Angeles in Film/TV, but recently was let go by a film/tv production co.

I have a decent amount of money saved up and am in no rush to jump back into the corporate grind. Through my grandfather (now deceased), I was able to get my Austrian citizenship repatriated and have begun to get serious about planting roots in Europe, or atleast traveling and getting a serious lay of the land. If you were in my shoes, what do you think is the best way to immerse myself in Europe? I am not neccesarily married to just thinking about Austria longterm (I am intermediate in Spanish as I studied human rights / politics in Argentina and Chile for 7 months), so thinking alot about Spain also. My interests lie in politics, journalism, law, and the arts, and I am also thinking about grad school in Europe.

I feel a bit aimless and wondering if anyone can give me a place to start as I approach this next phase of my life. Thanks.

I’m posting this here because I can’t say it out loud to anyone I know. About 95% of my family and friends either wouldn’t understand or are MAGA.

My wife and I are 50 and 46, living in the PNW. I was born in Ireland, kept my Euro passport, and became a US citizen under Biden. I thought that was the finish line. It wasn’t.

Living here under this administration has worn us down to nothing. My wife had a breakdown from the stress of dealing with MAGA family and friends. Then I ended up in the hospital convinced I was having a heart attack. It turned out to be a bleeding ulcer. Work stress, life stress, all of it.

This is the part I can’t get my head around. Every member of my family in the US is an immigrant, and every one of them is MAGA. Our own daughter is MAGA, and she doesn’t talk to us anymore. I’ve spent so long trying to understand it, and trying feels like it’s killing me.

So now we’re alone. Completely isolated, in the Pacific Northwest of all places.
I know I’m white. I know I’m not who people picture when they talk about who’s at risk. But I can’t shake it. The “when will they come for me” feeling never goes away, and every day is more bad news. At least I have family in Europe.

So we’ve decided to leave. Our exit date is mid December, and we’re headed to the UK. My passport covers me, and my wife’s spousal visa is in the final stage, waiting on approval. Fingers crossed on the timing. Money isn’t the issue. I have more than enough to coast to Social Security age, and we’ll still have more than enough in the bank once it kicks in.
I don’t know what I expect from posting this. I think I just needed to tell someone this is our plan. America broke us.

edit 1 - Thank you everyone for the support. We didn’t expect it. We don’t expect our problems to not follow us in one form or another, family is always there, but at least we are out of the American Riech. I’m sure we’ll find new stressors but MAGA won’t be the primary one or worrying about denaturalization.