If you’ve been thinking about a move from the US, then it seems you’re not alone. Between controversial decisions on abortion rights, gun violence, racial tensions and more, many Americans have had enough and are thinking about moving abroad to other countries, including European favourites, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

The site International Living – a leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities – has recently witnessed a surge in traffic with people searching for a number of “move to” terms – with top search volume coming under the phrase “how to move out of the United States” which spiked by a staggering 4,000%.

Marco Permunian, founder of Italian Citizenship Assistance, an agency that specializes in Italian citizenship law and immigration matters, says “The political instability, the social unrest and other political events have acted as accelerators in this process and sparked the desire in people pertaining to both sides of the political spectrum to have a plan B.”

So where are Americans interested in moving, and why? According to International Living, the biggest spike in interest for “move to” specific countries include Portugal, Spain, [Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize] and Italy.

The appeal of Europe covers a wide range of factors for US citizens. European countries often rank highly in terms of quality of life, offering a better work-life balance, shorter working hours and longer vacation time. Social welfare systems are comprehensive with an emphasis on healthcare, education and social support. Meanwhile, the Schengen Area’s open borders provide abundant travel opportunities.

Property Smith know a thing or two about Residency by Investment in Europe, so in a series of features we look at each of these markets in turn, to see what all the fuss is about.

When assessing the most optimal Residency by Investment market for our clients we focus on three main categories: The Country, The Visa and The Investment. Each market offers a different package and we assess all options before recommending the one most appropriate for an individual, and their family. Feel free to get in touch for more details.

Source: Property Smith