Expat Visa Guide: Residency & Visa Options for Americans
Choosing the right visa is one of the most important steps when moving abroad.
This guide provides an overview of some of the most popular visa and residency pathways available to Americans looking to live overseas.
Disclaimer: Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify requirements with the appropriate government authority before applying.
Italy
Digital Nomad Visa
Best for:
Remote workers
Freelancers
Business owners
Requirements generally include:
Proof of income
Remote employment or self-employment
Health insurance
Clean criminal record
Length:
Typically renewable residency.
Elective Residency Visa
Best for:
Retirees
Passive income earners
Requirements generally include:
Significant passive income
Health insurance
Housing arrangements
Employment is generally not permitted under this visa.
Portugal
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Best for:
Remote workers
Freelancers
Requirements generally include:
Proof of remote income
Housing arrangements
Health insurance
Portugal remains one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads.
D7 Visa
Best for:
Retirees
Investors
Passive income earners
Requirements generally include:
Recurring passive income
Housing in Portugal
Health insurance
Spain
Digital Nomad Visa
Best for:
Remote workers
Freelancers
Requirements generally include:
Proof of income
Remote work documentation
Health insurance
Spain has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations for remote workers.
Non-Lucrative Visa
Best for:
Retirees
Individuals with savings or passive income
Employment in Spain is generally not permitted under this visa.
Malta
Nomad Residence Permit
Best for:
Remote workers
Entrepreneurs
Freelancers
Requirements generally include:
Minimum income requirements
Health insurance
Remote employment
Malta’s English-speaking environment makes it attractive to Americans.
Greece
Digital Nomad Visa
Best for:
Remote workers
Requirements generally include:
Minimum monthly income
Health insurance
Remote employment
Financially Independent Person Visa
Best for:
Retirees
Passive income earners
Requires proof of sufficient income and healthcare coverage.
Quick Comparison
| Country | Digital Nomad | Retirement / Passive Income | English Friendly | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Moderate |
| Portugal | Yes | Yes | High | Moderate |
| Spain | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Moderate |
| Malta | Yes | Limited | Very High | Moderate |
| Greece | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Lower |
Which Visa Is Right For You?
Remote Worker
Consider:
Italy
Portugal
Spain
Malta
Greece
Retiree
Consider:
Italy Elective Residency
Portugal D7
Spain Non-Lucrative
Greece FIP
Passive Income Earner
Consider:
Italy
Portugal
Spain
Greece
Before You Apply
Always verify:
☐ Income requirements
☐ Health insurance requirements
☐ Criminal background requirements
☐ Residency obligations
☐ Tax implications
☐ Processing times
Moving to Italy From America