As 2026 approaches, more Americans are exploring life abroad. Rising political polarisation, concerns about economic stability, and fears over democratic decline have many retirees seeking calmer, safer alternatives. For those asking which countries are the best for Americans to move to, one destination consistently stands out: Portugal, particularly Madeira Island.
Portugal offers an inviting combination of affordable living, mild weather, world-class healthcare, and welcoming residency programs. Madeira, its stunning Atlantic archipelago, elevates that experience even further with unmatched safety, tranquillity, and a thriving expat community.
Why More Americans Are Looking Abroad in 2026
Political division has deepened across the United States in recent years. Both Republicans and Democrats share concerns about rising costs, social unrest, and the uncertainty of future elections. Many Americans, regardless of political views, feel that the nation’s social fabric is under strain. In response, retirees and remote workers are seeking new beginnings in countries that promise peace, stability, and a better quality of life. Europe has long been a preferred destination, but few nations make immigration as straightforward as Portugal.
The Best Countries for Americans to Move to in 2026
Madeira Island, Portugal
Across the globe, several countries appeal to U.S. citizens looking for safety, value, and opportunity. Nations like Greece, Malta, Spain, and Italy continue to attract retirees for their relaxed pace and Mediterranean beauty. Meanwhile, Panama and Costa Rica remain popular in Latin America for their affordability and welcoming visa options. However, Portugal has emerged as one of the most accessible and rewarding European countries for Americans to relocate to. With its friendly immigration policies, low cost of living, and reputation for safety, it offers a level of comfort that few destinations can match.
Why Portugal Stands Out for American Retirees
Portugal’s approach to immigration is refreshingly simple. For retirees, the Portugal D7 Visa, often called the “Passive Income Visa”, provides a clear path to legal residency. Applicants need only demonstrate a steady income, such as Social Security or pension benefits, of around €950 per month.
Approvals can take as little as three months, granting a renewable residence permit and the right to apply for permanent residency after five years. Holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area, access affordable healthcare, and even qualify for Portuguese citizenship down the line.
The cost of living in Portugal remains significantly lower than that of the United States. Daily essentials, healthcare, and housing cost substantially less than in most U.S. cities. Retirees often find they can live comfortably on half their American budget, without sacrificing safety or lifestyle quality.
Moreover, Portugal’s healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. Both public and private options are available, and English-speaking doctors are well-versed in significant cities and expat regions.
Madeira Island: Portugal’s Hidden Gem for American Expats
While Lisbon and Porto attract global attention, Madeira Island has quietly become one of the best places for Americans to live abroad. This subtropical paradise, located in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Portugal, offers year-round springlike weather, breathtaking landscapes, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
For retirees, Madeira represents the ideal balance of modern comfort and natural beauty. The island is part of Portugal, which means D7 visa holders enjoy the same residency rights as those in Portugal. However, Madeira’s smaller scale and friendly pace of life make integration smoother for new arrivals.
Housing remains affordable, especially compared to coastal areas of mainland Portugal. Fresh produce, seafood, and local wines are readily available and reasonably priced. Many Americans are drawn to Madeira’s strong expat network, where newcomers quickly find support and community through social clubs and volunteer groups.
Safety is another major factor. Madeira consistently ranks among the safest regions in Europe, with exceptionally low crime rates and a welcoming local culture. For retirees concerned about security and political tension, Madeira offers a sense of stability that feels almost timeless.
A Political Refuge from Division and Uncertainty
The search for the best countries for Americans to move to in 2026 isn’t only about lifestyle; it’s about peace of mind. The U.S. has seen rising polarisation, unpredictable policy shifts, and growing anxiety about democracy itself. Many Americans, from both political parties, feel exhausted by the constant division and uncertainty.
Portugal, in contrast, offers a calm and pragmatic society. It is consistently ranked among the world’s most peaceful countries. Its democratic institutions are stable, its people are open-minded, and its political environment remains remarkably civil compared to global standards.
For retirees, this means the ability to focus on what truly matters: health, family, and enjoying life, instead of worrying about social unrest or election-year volatility.
Lifestyle Benefits That Attract Americans to Madeira
Life in Madeira moves at a gentler pace. Locals greet strangers with warmth, traffic is minimal, and the ocean is never far away. The island’s healthcare infrastructure is modern, and travel connections to mainland Europe and the U.S. are reliable and growing.
Digital connectivity is excellent, making it easy for retirees to stay in touch with family or even run remote businesses. English is widely spoken, and locals often go out of their way to help newcomers feel at home.
From scenic coastal trails to world-class golf and a vibrant local food scene, Madeira provides an experience that feels exclusive yet accessible. For Americans accustomed to stress, noise, and uncertainty, the island delivers a renewed sense of balance.
A Smooth Path to Residency and Citizenship
Portugal’s immigration framework is designed to welcome long-term residents. Retirees on the D7 Visa can renew their residency every two years and apply for permanent residency after five years. After five years of legal residence, they become eligible for Portuguese citizenship, one of the most valuable in the European Union.
Dual citizenship provides access to 27 EU countries, offering unparalleled travel freedom and comprehensive healthcare benefits. For many Americans, this represents both a lifestyle upgrade and a meaningful safeguard for future generations.
Why 2026 Is the Year to Make the Move
Portugal’s immigration policies remain favourable, but competition is increasing as more Americans discover its appeal. Real estate demand in Madeira and other coastal areas has risen steadily, although prices are still modest compared to those in U.S. coastal markets.
Acting before 2026 gives retirees the advantage of locking in affordable housing, predictable visa rules, and a community that continues to grow in diversity and opportunity.
The Smart Move for a Peaceful Future
As Americans look ahead to 2026, uncertainty at home continues to prompt many to seek a simpler, more secure life abroad. While several destinations deserve attention, Portugal, and especially Madeira Island, offer a rare combination of affordability, safety, and serenity.
For retirees seeking stability beyond politics, Madeira represents not just a relocation, but a rejuvenation. Its gentle climate, strong healthcare, and welcoming spirit make it one of the best countries for Americans to move to and thrive in the years ahead.
For those ready to explore a calmer life overseas, now is the time to learn more about moving to Portugal from the USA and beginning a new chapter in Madeira. A peaceful future could be closer than it seems, just across the Atlantic.
The founding of Madeira Corporate Services dates back to 1996. MCS started as a corporate service provider in the Madeira International Business Center and rapidly became a leading management company… Read more
