Want to Move Abroad? Here Are Five Ways to Do It.

Americans can travel to scores of countries without getting a visa in advance, making the United States passport among the most coveted in the world. But while it’s relatively easy to plan a vacation abroad, planning a permanent move is often complicated, protracted and uncertain.

Generally speaking, most people live abroad because of a job or remote work, school, a path to residency or citizenship through a relative, or personal wealth. Absent those scenarios, an American’s access to a new life in a different country narrows considerably.

Even those who do have the means to live abroad often face hurdles. A cottage industry of lawyers, accountants, coaches, health insurance experts and real estate agents can, for the right fee, help you decide where to go, how to get there, and how to navigate confusing residency rules. In recent years, top destinations for Americans include Mexico, Canada and Britain.

“It’s just a project, and you have to work through the steps like any project, but it is doable,” said Jen Barnett, a founder of Expatsi, a company that helps Americans figure out how to move abroad.

Here’s a guide on how to move abroad as an American:

Choosing Where to Go

Stroll the cobblestone streets of a picturesque seaside village and it’s easy to imagine a life stripped of the grind and responsibilities of home. But living in a place is far different than vacationing in one, and immigration rules vary tremendously.

First, do your homework.

Study the culture, customs and climate of a region. Figure out the cost of living and the exchange rate to better understand how far your dollars will go and what your daily life might look like. Learn the language, if you don’t already speak it (or at least, start taking conversational classes and arrange to continue your studies locally). Join local social media groups for Americans already living in the country. Read up on the country’s history, government, politics and culture.