How to Get Out of America Fast (5 Safe Haven Options in Europe)

Need to get out of America? I get it, absolutely. In 2020, I watched Brexit strip away the EU citizenship rights I was born with.

Freedom to live, work, and build a future across 27 countries, just gone overnight. That same pit in your stomach you’re feeling now? That urgent need to secure your rights before they vanish? Yeah, I’ve been there.

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be wealthy or wait years. Americans can still enter several European countries immediately, and even the stricter EU member states offer surprisingly accessible paths to residency.

I’ve helped hundreds leave the US and UK since 2020. I’ll walk you through your five best options, ranked by speed, affordability, stability, and strength of rights protections.

Quick country comparison

Immediate entry options

Factor	Georgia	Albania
Entry Timeline	Same day	Same day
Income Requirement	None	None
Stay Duration	365 days	1 year
Political Stability	⭐⭐☆☆☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Women’s Rights	⭐⭐☆☆☆	⭐⭐☆☆☆
Abortion Access	Legal to 12 weeks	Legal to 12 weeks
LGBTQ+ Rights	⭐☆☆☆☆	⭐⭐☆☆☆
Healthcare Quality	⭐⭐☆☆☆	⭐⭐☆☆☆
Minimum Monthly Budget	$800	$700
Path to Citizenship	10 years	5 years
EU Status	Not member/candidate	EU candidate

EU member state options (visa required)

Factor	Portugal	Spain	Luxembourg
Application Timeline	4 months	3 months	3-6 months
Income Requirement	€820/month	$2,400/month	€3,200+/month
Initial Stay	2 years	2 years	1 year
Political Stability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Women’s Rights	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Abortion Access	Free to 10 weeks	Free to 14 weeks	Free to 12 weeks
LGBTQ+ Rights	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Healthcare Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Minimum Monthly Budget	€1,500	€2,000	€3,500
Path to EU Citizenship	5 years	10 years	5 years
Tax Benefits	Some (NHR 2.0)	Limited	Some (no wealth tax)

#1. Georgia: The “get out now” option

The bottom line

Georgia is your best bet if you need to leave America immediately and can work remotely. But the trade-off is clear: what you gain in speed and affordability, you lose in political stability and social protections.

If you’re LGBTQ+, need comprehensive healthcare, or want long-term EU options, it’s best to treat Georgia as a temporary solution while you work on entry to more progressive European countries.

Political reality

Georgia sits at a crossroads – both geographically and politically. Many of its people are strongly pro-EU and take to the streets regularly to protest Russian influence. But the current government shows troubling signs of democratic backsliding.

Press freedom is under pressure, and the ruling party “Georgian Dream” hangs onto power through a system that international observers say falls short of true democratic standards.

Getting in: almost too easy

Here’s the great part: Americans can enter Georgia instantly and stay there for 365 days. No visa. No minimum income. No proof of housing. Just book a flight and go.

You can land in Tbilisi with just your passport, rent an apartment within days without complex paperwork, and open a bank account quickly. Remote work? No special permits needed. It’s as simple as it sounds – you can stay for a full year without jumping through any bureaucratic hoops.

Rights and social reality

Now for the tough part. Georgia has basic protections on paper, but the reality is complex and often challenging.

Abortion is legal up to 12 weeks, but social stigma means access can be difficult. Birth control is available over-the-counter, but options are limited compared to what you’re used to in the US.

If you’re LGBTQ+, you need to know that Georgia isn’t progressive. Public attitudes tend to be conservative, and while basic protections exist on paper, the lived reality is very different.

As for healthcare, don’t count on the public system. You’ll want private insurance, which (thankfully) is affordable.

Costs and practicalities

Most Americans head straight for Tbilisi, but its also worth checking out other options. For example, Batumi offers beach living on the Black Sea coast with a growing international scene, though it gets quiet in winter.

Kutaisi, the former capital, gives you a more authentic Georgian experience at lower costs than Tbilisi. Both cities have direct budget flights from Europe, though you’ll find fewer English speakers and modern amenities than in the capital.

Still, for most Americans, especially first-timers, Tbilisi makes the most sense with its established international community and modern infrastructure.

In Tbilisi, a decent apartment in the popular cosmopolitan areas of Vake or Saburtalo will set you back $400-850 monthly, depending on size and condition. Private health insurance (which you’ll want) runs $50-100 per month.

Add about $400 for food and utilities, and many Americans I work with find they can live comfortably on $800-1,500 monthly. That’s a fraction of US costs, which is why many use Georgia as a base while planning their next moves in Europe.

Remote worker scene

There’s a reason Tbilisi has become a remote worker hotspot. The internet is fast and reliable, and you’ll find co-working spaces and wifi-equipped cafes everywhere.

The international community is active and welcoming, which makes it easier to build a social circle quickly. Many Americans I’ve helped relocate have found this community super helpful for navigating their new life.

The long-term view

Georgia isn’t in the EU, and citizenship takes 10 years (and it’s not especially beneficial for a US citizen).

Hence, most Americans I know view Georgia as a temporary haven, a place to catch their breath while building more permanent European options, waiting out political situations back home, or developing their remote income streams.

Think of it as a launching pad, not necessarily your forever home (although of course, it can be if you want).

#2. Albania: A quick exit with EU potential

The bottom line

Choose Albania if you need a quick US exit and feel comfortable with a country in transition. The combination of low costs, Mediterranean lifestyle, and potential EU future makes it appealing for many.

But if you need solid stability or comprehensive healthcare right now, I recommend seeing Albania as a stepping stone rather than a long-term destination.

Political reality

Albania’s democracy is young and still finding its feet. The current center-left government pushes hard for EU integration, but corruption remains a significant challenge. Press freedom faces some restrictions, but Albanian civil society is active and growing.

What’s more, unlike Georgia, there’s no looming Russian influence. Albania is firmly aligned with the West and NATO, though its EU candidacy progress has been slower than hoped.

Getting in: Simple and straightforward

The entry process is refreshingly simple. Americans get visa-free access for a year, with no minimum income required.

You can just fly into Tirana, find an apartment within days, and set up a bank account with minimal paperwork. Remote work is welcomed with open arms, so you won’t face any bureaucratic hurdles for your first 12 months in-country.

Rights and social reality

Women’s rights exist on paper but may face cultural barriers in practice. Abortion is legal up to 12 weeks, but access can be limited outside major cities.

Birth control is available but expect fewer options than you’re used to. LGBTQ+ rights have improved recently, especially in Tirana, but Albania remains socially conservative.

Healthcare in Albania deserves a special mention – while the public system is improving, most international residents opt for private care. The good news? Private healthcare costs a fraction of US prices.

Costs and practicalities

Tirana’s getting pricier as more people discover it, but we’re still talking bargain prices by US standards. City center apartments run around $400 monthly, or opt for up-and-coming neighborhoods just outside the center for better deals at about $250.

Add $50-100 for private health insurance (yes, really – that’s not a typo), and your total monthly costs might hit around $750 before rent. In fact, many Americans spend less on their entire Albanian life than they did on healthcare alone back home.

The capital Tirana hosts the biggest international community, but it’s also worth considering Saranda for Mediterranean beach living or Korça for mountain views and cooler summers. Albania’s coastal cities offer a different vibe, though services become more limited there.

Durres gives you beach access just 30 minutes from Tirana, making it popular with remote workers who want both city amenities and sea views.

Remote worker scene

Tirana’s remote work scene isn’t as well-established as Tbilisi’s, but it’s gaining momentum. Fast fiber internet has reached most city neighborhoods, and you’ll find an emerging cafe culture that caters to laptop workers.

The city’s coworking spaces are multiplying – though don’t expect the slick WeWork-style setups you might be used to. More exciting is the growing community of tech workers who bounce between Tirana and coastal spots like Saranda during summer.

Albania sits in a convenient time zone for working with both US and European clients, and power cuts are way less frequent than they were even a few years ago.

The long-term view

Unlike Georgia, Albania may offer you a path to EU citizenship – eventually. The country is officially a candidate for EU membership, and citizenship is possible after 5 years of residency.

But let’s be realistic here: Albania’s EU accession timeline remains uncertain. Most Americans I know use Albania as a temporary haven while keeping other options in mind for longer-term living.

#3. Portugal: A progressive path to EU citizenship

Bottom line

Choose Portugal if you’re ready to truly invest in building a European life in the long-term. It offers an incredible combination of stability, rights protections, and quality of life. I’ve called it home for almost 5 years, and I’m friends with many internationals who have called it home for decades.

While Americans earning US salaries can live comfortably here, Portugal is presently grappling with serious housing pressures and cost of living concerns that deeply affect local communities.

The most welcome immigrants are those who try to integrate, learn the language, and be part of the solution to, not a contributor to, domestic challenges. If you’re just looking for a quick escape from America, it’s better to go for Georgia or Albania instead.

Political reality

Portugal maintains strong democratic institutions and progressive social policies. The recent election shift hasn’t changed its fundamentally stable political landscape (despite some issues with corruption, as in many countries).

Yes, the far right has gained some ground, as seen across the EU as a whole, but Portugal’s commitment to democratic values, human rights, and social protection remains solid. The country consistently ranks among Europe’s safest, with remarkably low violent crime rates and almost no gun violence at all.

Getting in: Clear but not instant

Americans with passive income of at least €820 monthly can apply for residency using Portugal’s D7 visa pathway (athough realistically, you’ll need probably double this amount to live comfortably as a single person).

If you’re a salaried employee in the US and can work remotely, you’ll need the D8 visa instead (which has higher income requirements of €3,280 per month).

The visa application process takes about 4 months (starting at your nearest Portuguese consulate in the US), requires proof of accommodation, and yes – you’ll need to actually live in Portugal, not just visit occasionally.

Rights and social reality

This is where Portugal really shines. Abortion is free through the national health service up to 10 weeks. Birth control is easily accessible and affordable.

LGBTQ+ rights are comprehensive, including marriage equality and strong anti-discrimination laws. The national health service (SNS), while under some strain, provides universal coverage once you’re registered in the system.

Costs and practicalities

Over the last few years, Lisbon, Porto, and Funchal (Madeira Island) have seen dramatic rent increases that have pushed out many locals.

If you earn a US salary, you can afford these prices – but also consider moving to smaller cities or inland areas where your presence won’t intensify housing pressures.

Monthly costs vary significantly by location, but I recommend budgeting around €1,500-2,500 for a modest but comfortable life as a single person.

Remember, the minimum wage here is currently set at €820 monthly, and many professionals earn under €2,000. Being mindful of this economic reality will help you integrate more respectfully.

Remote worker scene

Yes, Portugal has become a digital nomad hotspot these days, especially the major cities of Lisbon and Porto. But the most successful émigrés I know have spread themselves out across the country’s smaller cities, such as Funchal, Coimbra, Braga and Aveiro.

They’ve learned a functional level of Portuguese (it really helps if you want to truly build a life here), joined local communities, and contribute to their neighborhoods. The internet is reliable nationwide, and you’ll find coworking spaces even in smaller cities.

The long-term view

Portugal offers one of Europe’s shortest pathways to citizenship, with just 5 years of temporary residency needed before you can apply (plus processing time), with relatively achievable language requirements (passing the CIPLE exam at A2 level). Dual citizenship is acceptable, so you can keep your US passport.

But living in Portugal should be a commitment, not just a convenient passport grab. The Portuguese have already welcomed many Americans (and Brits) warmly – so let’s try to keep it that way by being good neighbors and active community members.

#4. Spain: Strong rights but a longer path to citizenship

The bottom line

Choose Spain if you’re seeking top-tier social protections and are less concerned about citizenship (Spain’s takes 10 years and doesn’t recognize dual citizenship with the US). The higher income requirements and initial work restrictions mean it’s best suited for remote workers or retirees.

Come ready to learn the language, respect local communities, and contribute positively to a country grappling with its own housing and economic pressures. If EU second citizenship is your priority or you can’t quite meet Spain’s income requirements, then consider Portugal instead.

Political reality

Spain’s democracy remains resilient despite some recent political tensions. The current left-wing coalition government maintains a set of strong social protections, while regional autonomy gives places like Barcelona and Valencia significant self-governance.

And although the far-right has a presence in parliament, Spain’s democratic institutions and progressive policies stay firmly in place.

Getting in: A clear but costly path

Spain’s non-lucrative visa (NLV) requires proving around $2,400 of monthly passive income per person, plus savings. Processing takes about 3 months, but getting the required documents in order can take longer.

Unlike Portugal’s D7 visa, you can’t work in Spain with residency under the NLV. So many Americans start off with the NLV then switch over to work permits. You’ll also need private health insurance and proof of accommodation before applying.

Rights and social reality

Spain is strong on this front. Abortion is free through the public system up to 14 weeks, and birth control is easily accessible and affordable.

LGBTQ+ protections are among Europe’s strongest. Spain has had comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and full marriage equality since 2005. The public healthcare system can be sometimes bureaucratic but offers excellent care once you’re in.

Costs and practicalities

Madrid and Barcelona have seen sharp rent increases, but Spain offers many vibrant alternatives. Cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Bilbao provide high quality of life at lower costs. Budget €2,000-3,000 monthly for a comfortable life outside the major metros.

Remember, Spanish salaries average much lower than the US (for example, a doctor might earn €3,000 monthly), so earning a US salary means you’ll have significant privilege living in Spain.

Remote worker scene

Mid-sized Spanish cities are increasingly attracting remote workers, beyond just the well-known digital nomad hubs of Barcelona and Madrid,. You’ll find reliable internet and coworking spaces nationwide.

As in Portugal, the most successful émigrés learn Spanish (and regional languages like Catalan where relevant), engage with their local communities, and build real lives here rather than staying entirely in immigrant bubbles.

The long-term view

The path to Spanish citizenship takes 10 years of residency (five of temporary, then five of permanent) – double that of Portugal.

Importantly, Spain does not currently recognize dual citizenship for US citizens, so you may have to renounce your US nationality in order to acquire a Spanish one.

Spain recently announced plans to ease citizenship requirements for descendants of Spanish Republicans who fled fascism (this is known as the Democratic Memory Law) – worth investigating if your family has Spanish roots.

#5. Luxembourg: Premium path with a price tag

The bottom line

Choose Luxembourg if you have the financial means and want Europe’s strongest social protections. It’s best suited for corporate professionals or those with substantial passive income.

Yes, the cost of entry is high, but you get what you pay for: unmatched stability, a fast path to citizenship, and a premium standard of living. If these costs are out of reach, look at Portugal or Spain for more affordable EU options.

Political reality

Luxembourg’s democracy ranks among the world’s most stable. Its coalition government maintains strong progressive policies, and extremist politics struggle to find a secure foothold.

Being home to major EU institutions, Luxembourg is deeply integrated into European governance and therefore it’s unlikely to experience dramatic policy shifts.

Getting in: High bar, clear process

Luxembourg’s passive income residency pathway is known as “residency for private reasons“.

To apply, you’ll need to prove significant income – €3,200+ monthly as a minimum, often more in practice. This income must be passive and originate from sources outside Luxembourg.

Luxembourg’s immigration office sets high standards for qualifications and financial stability. The trade-off? Processing tends to be faster and more predictable than in many EU countries.

Rights and social reality

Abortion services and birth control are fully integrated into the universal healthcare system. LGBTQ+ rights are comprehensive, including marriage equality and strong workplace protections.

Luxembourg consistently ranks at the top for women’s rights and gender equality in the EU. What’s more, healthcare in Luxembourg is world-class, with virtually no waiting lists.

Costs and practicalities

All these benefits come at a cost: Luxembourg City ranks among Europe’s top 30 most expensive capitals.

Monthly rent for a modest apartment starts around €2,000, and basic living costs for a single person hit €1,500 before housing. But salaries match these costs – Luxembourg has Europe’s highest minimum wage and highest average salaries.

Remote worker scene

Unlike Portugal or Spain’s digital nomad buzz, Luxembourg attracts more traditional professionals. The internet infrastructure is excellent, but you’ll find the work culture more corporate than casual laptop-in-cafe style. Most remote workers here are employed by major companies rather than freelancing.

The long-term view

Five years to citizenship makes Luxembourg’s path as quick as Portugal’s, with the bonus of one of the world’s strongest passports. It also allows dual citizenship with the US, so you won’t have to give up your US nationality.

In fact, when you take Portugal’s (slow) citizenship application processing timelines into account, Luxembourg offers a faster path overall.

The country is trilingual (Luxembourgish, French, and German), with English widely used in business settings. You’ll need sufficient knowledge of Luxembourgish to apply for citizenship – a requirement the country takes seriously.

Next steps: Making your move

I started this guide by sharing how Brexit stripped away my EU rights overnight. Your situation might feel just as urgent – but don’t worry, you’ve still got options.

There’s a path forward, no matter whether you feel the need to leave next week (Georgia, Albania) or have time to plan a thoughtful transition to full EU citizenship (Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg).

Remember: the “best” choice depends entirely on your circumstances. A quick exit to Tbilisi or Tirana might be perfect if you need breathing room to plan your next steps.

But if you can take a few months to prepare, investing in a long-term move to Portugal or Spain could be the first step to gaining lifetime EU rights – just don’t forget the responsibilities that come with joining these communities.

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