More Americans Are Moving To Spain Than Spaniards To America

“ Everybody wants to move here is a myth.”

Back in 2018, I was a nurse consultant at the Directorate of Hospital Operations at Walter Reed Military Medical Center, Bethesda. I announced to my colleagues that I would be leaving my job and relocating abroad.

After my return from a vacation in Italy, I decided to change my life. My time spent there observing daily Italian life left a lasting impression on me.

The coffee and food culture, people-watching, and wandering through the winding streets while taking in the stunning architecture and rich history all contributed to my realization.

One night, I was moved to tears by the lively atmosphere of families and children in the squares even past midnight.

And then, at the House of Romeo and Juliet in Verona, I learned about the tradition of making a wish while touching the golden breast on Julia’s statue; it is said to come true.

So, I did just that and wished to move to Europe and have the best job ever. Surprisingly, less than a year later, my wish became a reality.

I moved to Spain and I am a SAHM.

But let’s return to my job in Bethesda. Many of my coworkers were shocked when I announced I was leaving my permanent federal position, especially since I was a G12, with the potential to earn up to a G14.

Some even mentioned, that so many people would do anything for such a cushy job. As an immigrant, it was difficult for me to explain why I was leaving America when all of my coworkers around me were telling me how so many people dream of moving here.

It’s a sentence that has been repeated to me countless times, and it still echoes in my mind: “Everybody wants to move here.”

Well, I have news for you.

Recent statistics show that more Americans are applying and relocating to Spain compared to Spaniards moving to America.

Only a small percentage (2%) of Spaniards choose to permanently emigrate from their home country.

This is due to the high quality of life enjoyed by Spaniards, which is considered one of the best in the world.

Even those who had previously left for work opportunities, such as nurses in the UK, are now returning to Spain due to worsening working and living conditions after Brexit. It seems that Spain’s quality of life is preferred over other countries by Spaniards.

During my time living in Granada, I had a neighbor who was an AI software engineer. He had a contract job in San Antonio, TX for over a year.

When the contract ended, the company offered him a full-time position and even offered to provide a green card for his entire family.

They also promised to cover housing expenses and private school tuition for their son.

However, he turned down the offer explaining that they could never match the quality of life he enjoyed in Spain, with 30 days of paid vacation and 12 bank holidays each year.

In recent years, there has been a 13% increase in Americans applying for long-term visas in Spain, and an 88% increase in buying property in Spain. However, it’s not just Spain that is popular among American immigrants, as Italy also sees a high number of applicants.

A friend of mine who lives in California applied for Italian citizenship almost two years ago through her Sicilian grandfather’s connections and paid $10k to have an Italian lawyer handle the paperwork.

The process took about two years but was delayed due to the backlog of American citizens seeking Italian citizenship.

Who is mostly moving to the US?

Based on data from the Migration Policy Institute, Mexicans are the largest group of immigrants in the US. The primary countries of origin consist of Latin American and Asian nations. The majority of immigrants from the EU come from Eastern European countries, although this number has been decreasing in recent years.

Why are Americans moving to Spain?

Most Americans move to Spain for a higher quality of life, safety, and affordability.

I have written many articles about Spain and many other writers wrote about the lower cost of living, better safety, and quality of life being much higher than in the States.

In conclusion, it is evident that the notion that “everybody wants to move here” is indeed a myth.

While America may have been the ultimate dream destination for many, it seems that the tides are shifting, and more Americans are seeking a better quality of life abroad.

The allure of countries like Spain and Italy lies in their rich culture, affordable living costs, and safety.

Even, Americans are drawn to the slower pace of life, where they can truly savor each moment and prioritize their well-being over the constant hustle.

For me personally, the decision to leave my stable job in America was not an easy one, but witnessing the vibrant lifestyle in Italy ignited a fire within me.

It made me realize that there is more to life than just a job. I wanted to immerse myself in a culture that values family, leisure time, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life every day.

And so, here I am in Spain, living my dream as a stay-at-home mom and a part-time writer.