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The 10 Best Countries to Move to From the US That Speak English

Want to move to another country but don’t want to learn another language? Then here are the 10 best countries to move to from the US that speak English.

January 17, 2025

By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP

best countries to move to from us that speak english

How many people speak English? Well, today, over 1.5 billion people in the world speak it, and this language is spoken in 186 countries. So if you’re an English speaker, then you have easy access to pretty much the entire globe.

If you want to move away from the United States, then you might find this new adventure daunting. But with so many English-speaking countries around, you can easily find a nation that’s accommodating in terms of language.

Below, we’ll list the 10 best countries to move to from the US that speak English to help you make a less stressful transition.

Best English Speaking Countries To Live

1. Canada

If you want to stay close to home and on the same continent, then Canada’s your best bet. This nation’s official languages are English and French, which means that English is widely spoken. In addition, the shared culture and proximity to the US make adaptation much easier.

Canada also has a progressive tax system that’s similar to the US’s, so it’s not too difficult to learn the tax regulations here. While there aren’t significant tax benefits for Americans, you can still get credits and deductions for various expenses.

To move here, you can use numerous visa programs, such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program. It’s relatively straightforward for skilled workers, students, and family reunifications too.

2. United Kingdom

Many Americans have ancestry in the United Kingdom, and you might be one of them. This can make you particularly interested in the UK, as you can explore your heritage.

You can still find the UK a pleasant place to live, even if you don’t have a British background. Not only is the official language English there, but you’ll have access to the National Health Service (NHS), which makes healthcare significantly more affordable than in the US.

What’s great is that the UK has double taxation treaties with the US, so you’ll avoid dual taxation. And if you’re a non-domiciled resident, you can take advantage of favorable tax schemes on foreign income.

Your options for moving to the UK include the following visas:

  • Work
  • Spousal
  • Student

Do note that there’s a new points-based immigration system that prioritizes skilled workers.

3. Ireland

Another option close to the UK is Ireland, where English and Irish are the official languages. English is predominantly spoken here, and you’ll get excellent access to other European countries since Ireland’s a member of the EU.

Personal tax rates in this country are moderate, but you can benefit from generous deductions. Plus, there are low corporate tax rates of 12.5%.

If you have Irish ancestry, then it’ll be easier to move here through special visa programs. Otherwise, you can use work visas or residency permits available for skilled workers.

4. Australia

Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth, so its official language is English. There’s a similar culture and lifestyle here to the US, so you’ll feel at home in no time.

While there are high income tax rates in Australia, there are several exemptions and deductions you can take advantage of. In addition, foreign income isn’t taxed for temporary residents, so that’s something to keep in mind.

There’s a strong demand for professionals in healthcare, IT, and engineering; those who work in these industries should find a job easily. Through these jobs, you can get a skilled worker visa. Other methods to move here include family sponsorship and investment visas.

5. New Zealand

Neighboring Australia is New Zealand, which also has English as its official language. There’s a high quality of life in the country, and there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore.

New Zealand is one of the best places to retire overseas in terms of taxes. There’s no capital gains tax, and any foreign income is tax-exempt for the first four years of your residency.

Another advantage of moving to New Zealand is that the visa processes are straightforward for skilled workers, investors, and retirees. Also, there’s a points-based residency system that allows you to make calculations easily.

6. Singapore

Do you want to go outside of your comfort zone, and do you love Asian countries? Then Singapore is definitely one to consider. 

It’s a large melting pot and the official languages are Malay, Tamil, and Singaporean Mandarin, in addition to English (the lingua franca). You’ll find an international hub with excellent infrastructure too.

Like in New Zealand, there’s no capital gains tax here. Singapore also uses a territorial tax system, meaning that any income earned outside of the nation isn’t taxed.

Admittedly, immigration to Singapore is highly competitive, but the policies are transparent. Consider using the long-term Employment Pass if you’re a professional or the EntrePass if you’re an entrepreneur.

7. Malta

Malta was a Crown Colony and is now part of the British Commonwealth. So alongside Maltese, English is the official language there, with most of the population being fluent in it.

It’s a fantastic place for offshore business and has attractive programs for retirees with low tax rates. Plus, non-domiciled residents are only taxed on income remitted to Malta.

Those who are remote workers will be pleased to learn that Malta has a digital nomad residence permit. You can also move to this country with long-term visas and citizenship-by-investment options.

8. Barbados

The official language of Barbados is English since it’s an independent British Commonwealth nation, and it’s an absolutely gorgeous Caribbean island. You’ll feel like you’re in paradise while enjoying laid-back island time.

It’s one of the best English-speaking countries to live in if you’re after a digital nomad visa. You can get the special Welcome Stamp visa that exempts remote workers from local taxes. Also, the nation uses a territorial tax system, which means you pay no taxes on foreign income.

It’s relatively easy to move to Barbados too. There are friendly immigration policies for both remote workers and retirees.

9. The Bahamas

Are you searching for yet another tropical island you can move to? Then you’ve got it with the Bahamas. It’s also part of the Commonwealth, which means the official language is English.

This island country has a territorial tax system, so you don’t have to pay taxes on foreign income. On top of that, there are no income taxes, as well as no capital gains or inheritance taxes.

As long as you’re a high-net-worth individual or retiree, it’s an easy process to move to the Bahamas. There are also annual residency permits available.

10. Portugal

Last on this list is Portugal, which doesn’t actually have English as its official language. However, it’s widely spoken in urban areas and among younger generations, so you shouldn’t struggle too much with communication.

The highlight of living in Portugal is its non-habitual residency (NHR) program. Those eligible get significant tax benefits for the first 10 years of residency, as well as:

  • Foreign income often being exempt or taxed at a flat rate of 10%
  • No wealth tax
  • No inheritance tax

Do note that as of 2024, it’s much harder to qualify for this program; but if you do, you’ll benefit hugely. This, plus the lower cost of living compared to Western Europe and the US, will make your bank account very happy.

To move here, you can use the Golden Visa if you’ve got the money to invest. Otherwise, other options include the D7 visa (passive income) or the D8 visa (digital nomad).

These Are the Best Countries to Move to From the US That Speak English

With this list of the best countries to move to from the US that speak English, you have an excellent starting point if you want to relocate.

Generally speaking, if you’re a skilled worker, retiree, or investor, you’ll usually have easier pathways. Also, most countries have agreements with the US to prevent double taxation, so always check for a specific destination.

Contact us today if you’d like more information about protecting your assets when moving out of the country. Global Wealth Protection is here to help with tax minimization and more.

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