Which country to live in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let’s say you are a fed+private sector fam that is thoroughly terrorized like Vought wanted and contemplating an exit.

What country would you move to for the next 20-30 years (assume visa isn’t an issue)? Two kids in two, including one going to college in 4 years. Both highly educated looking for highish income jobs.
Where would you live? Where would you want your kids to go to university?

Most EU/Canada - economy not as robust, lower salaries, could be fine

Middle East - high salaries, high standard of living, no political freedoms

SE Asia - fast growing, interesting opportunities but also authoritarianish (Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia come to mind)

I realize these are regions and big differences are exist between say Germany and Portugal

I would consider Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam. Those countries are very affordable and even though you pay for healthcare out of pocket, it costs little to nothing and most doctors are educated in the UK or US.

The "highish income" jobs may be a problem. It may be highish income for those countries, but not by Western standards.

You left out Australia and New Zealand...those would actually be my top choices.

[Anonymous]

Antarctica. Low cost of living, and little chance of the political and economic climate changing much on you to your surprise and regret after you go to the trouble of moving to avoid the current U.S. political environment. BTW, that environment will likely change after the next election cycle, but don't let that deter you from upending your lives.

[Anonymous]

We are considering Canada - British Columbia specifically.

[Anonymous]

The fact that we’re even asking this question tells us the border wall isn’t necessarily just for migrants and cartels.

[Anonymous]

Switzerland, if you can get it.

[Anonymous]

My sibling & his family are moving to Spain.

But I would ask yourself specially WHY you are moving: cheaper? Political stability? More (perceived or real) freedoms? And then look into those specific aspects of each country you’re considering. Because a lot of these places you mention are not politically stable or very “free” either.

[Anonymous]

Spain has investor visa open until April, 2025, basically you buy real estate for 500k Euro (it could be an apartment) and you and your family gets the residency. You can apply for citizenship in 10 years, I highly recommend Madrid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spain has investor visa open until April, 2025, basically you buy real estate for 500k Euro (it could be an apartment) and you and your family gets the residency. You can apply for citizenship in 10 years, I highly recommend Madrid.

They will not give you citizenship. Not Spain. No way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spain has investor visa open until April, 2025, basically you buy real estate for 500k Euro (it could be an apartment) and you and your family gets the residency. You can apply for citizenship in 10 years, I highly recommend Madrid.

They will not give you citizenship. Not Spain. No way.

Then one can stay a legal resident.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let’s say you are a fed+private sector fam that is thoroughly terrorized like Vought wanted and contemplating an exit.

What country would you move to for the next 20-30 years (assume visa isn’t an issue)? Two kids in two, including one going to college in 4 years. Both highly educated looking for highish income jobs.
Where would you live? Where would you want your kids to go to university?

Most EU/Canada - economy not as robust, lower salaries, could be fine

Middle East - high salaries, high standard of living, no political freedoms

SE Asia - fast growing, interesting opportunities but also authoritarianish (Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia come to mind)

I realize these are regions and big differences are exist between say Germany and Portugal

I would consider Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam. Those countries are very affordable and even though you pay for healthcare out of pocket, it costs little to nothing and most doctors are educated in the UK or US.

The "highish income" jobs may be a problem. It may be highish income for those countries, but not by Western standards.

You left out Australia and New Zealand...those would actually be my top choices.

Would not do Vietnam. Too tied to China.

Malaysia, I would be wary. They've only recently become a stable concern.

Thailand would be ok, politically and economically.

+1 to Auz and NZ. My SIL from the UK lived there for many years and loved it.

[Anonymous]

Even if you can bring your American job with you, wouldn't you be paying much higher taxes is EU countries/Aus/NZ?
Dubai is probably where your USD would go furthest (no income tax), safe, good healthcare, good international school for kids. Could be a nice experience, assuming you were eventually coming back.

[Anonymous]

A friend moved to Portugal with her family, but they said that they would probably send their kids to the US for college because the job market in Portugal, at least, is not great. Of course, that's now. Who knows how it will be in 8 years when the oldest goes to college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even if you can bring your American job with you, wouldn't you be paying much higher taxes is EU countries/Aus/NZ?
Dubai is probably where your USD would go furthest (no income tax), safe, good healthcare, good international school for kids. Could be a nice experience, assuming you were eventually coming back.

Would never live in Dubai. Their government suppresses women. Also, I would be wary about their water issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are considering Canada - British Columbia specifically.

That would be my first choice. Then the UK (family connection).

Unfortunately, BC is looking out of reach because we are in our 50s/60. But, the UK is still an option.

[Anonymous]

How about Afghanistan?
Biden has made it so wonderful for women and girls over there.