Leaving the US — expat guide

Considering moving from the United States to another country? MigrantUSA covers both directions of US-related migration. This section is for people living in the US (citizens, residents, or immigrants looking to relocate) exploring residency options abroad.

Destinations covered

The most popular destinations for Spanish-speaking US expats:

Latin America

  • Mexico — Temporary and Permanent Resident, established expat community, US proximity
  • Costa Rica — Pensionado, Rentista, DNT, bilingual healthcare system

Europe (Spanish-speaking or accessible)

  • Spain — Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, public healthcare

  • Portugal — D7 passive income, D8 digital nomad, EU path

  • Panama — Pensionado, Friendly Nations

  • Guatemala — Pensionado

  • Colombia — M-11 Rentista

  • Ecuador — Pensionista

Single-page guides

Argentina, Belize, Chile, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Uruguay — all listed at the bottom of this page.

Obligations that DON’T disappear when leaving the US

If you’re a US citizen or permanent resident, your tax and administrative obligations to the US continue even living in another country:

  • Annual federal tax return to IRS (based on citizenship/residency, not domicile)
  • FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) if foreign accounts > $10,000
  • FATCA reporting (Form 8938)
  • Voting from abroad (annual FVAP registration)
  • Passport renewal at the US consulate in your new country

Last verified: 2026-05-24.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

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