Thinking about moving abroad? These are 10 of the best countries for American who wants to live abroad.
After enduring the unique challenges of 2020, packing up and moving to another country may not seem like such a far-fetched idea. At present, there are more than nine million American expats living abroad, according to the State Department, and that number is growing, especially given the new freedoms and flexibility many of us have been awarded and grown accustomed to in terms of working and learning remotely. There’s also a decision to be made for future retirees who want to make the most of their later years.
travel and leisure.com have narrowed down this list of the best countries for American expats by prioritizing safety, economic and political stability, quality of life, and access to culture and the great outdoors. To clarify, an expatriate is someone who moves to another country and pays taxes there (and no longer pays taxes at home). Of course, repatriation is always an option if and when you decide to head back, but that’s a conversation for a later date. (Tip: With constantly changing rules and regulations in each country, consider hiring an expat-friendly immigration lawyer for a smooth transition abroad.)
Ghana is the sixth out of the ten countries selected. And just as the naysayers say size matter.
Portugal topped the list, followed closely by Costa Rica, South Korea, Canada, and Austria. Kweme Nkrumah’s Ghana preceded Singapore, Sweden, New Zealand, and Spain.
Settling on Ghana, they highlighted Ghana as a quick-paced country in West Africa is rolling out the welcome mat for American expats seeking the affordable cost of living, booming business opportunities, low crime rates, and stable democracy. There’s a program to fast-track citizenship for African Americans planning to leave the U.S., and a new program to entice residents to keep their talents in the country for at least 10 years. The cosmopolitan capital of Accra offers reasonable rents, while job hunters will have their pick of social support groups, networking events, and associations to join. Outside of the city, you can explore the country’s tropical beaches, national parks, and waterfalls, as well as one of the many UNESCO-listed forts and castles. An additional plus: Ghana uses English as its official language.