If you’ve been wondering how to be an expat in today’s political and economic climate, you’re not alone. After Trump’s reelection, The Guardian reported a surge of Americans fleeing to Europe, many saying they no longer felt safe staying in the U.S. But before you wire half a million euros to some European government fund for a Golden Visa, it’s worth asking: is Europe really your best option?
In many cases, Latin America—particularly Mexico—offers far more freedom, lower costs, and a simpler path to residency. Let’s explore why.
How to be an expat without paying half a million euros
Europe loves to market its Golden Visa programs, but they come at a steep price. In Portugal, you’ll need to invest at least €500,000 (over $540,000 USD) in government-approved funds or real estate. Spain requires major job creation or hefty deposits. By contrast, in Mexico you can qualify for residency by showing around $4,200 USD in monthly income or maintaining roughly $70,000 in savings.
That difference alone makes Latin America a much more accessible starting point for anyone figuring out how to be an expat.
Soft freedoms: daily life when learning how to be an expat
Beyond the money, there’s the question of lifestyle. Europe is heavily regulated—everything from business permits to walking your dog off-leash can involve red tape and fines. Latin America, on the other hand, tends to offer what I call “soft freedoms.”
In Mexico, I’ve personally rewired a rental property without having to battle city inspectors. Setting up small businesses like salons or spas often takes four to six weeks, not the six to twelve months common in Europe. These kinds of everyday flexibilities make a big difference when you’re navigating how to be an expat.
Taxes: the hidden cost of being an expat in Europe
Another major challenge is taxation. Spain’s top tax rates climb to nearly 50%, and many European countries enforce wealth taxes on worldwide assets. That means your U.S. or Canadian property could get taxed again simply because you moved to Europe.
Latin America is different. While Mexico technically taxes foreign income, enforcement is light unless you’re earning locally. There’s no wealth tax, and with U.S. programs like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, many expats keep their effective taxes relatively low. For anyone learning how to be an expat while building a business, that flexibility is invaluable.
How to be an expat in Mexico: residency made simple
Residency pathways are another huge advantage. In Mexico, the process is straightforward: prove income or savings, pay government fees that are typically just a few thousand dollars over the whole process, and you can transition to permanent residency within a few years.
Unlike Europe, you don’t need to tie up massive investments or meet strict physical presence rules. Mexico even allows “paper residency,” where you maintain status without living full-time in the country. For many people exploring how to be an expat, that flexibility provides peace of mind and a strong backup plan.
Lifestyle benefits: why Latin America works
Practical lifestyle factors also tilt the scale toward Latin America. Mexico shares U.S. time zones, making it easy to work with American clients. Flights back home are shorter and cheaper—often just a few hundred dollars round-trip. Costs for office space, staff, and daily life are significantly lower than in major European capitals.
Yes, you’ll need to learn Spanish if you want to fully integrate, and you’ll have to adapt to cultural differences. But that’s part of the expat journey—and often what makes it rewarding.
Final thoughts on how to be an expat today
Europe might look appealing in glossy headlines, but high taxes, strict regulations, and expensive residency schemes make it a difficult option for many Americans. Latin America, especially Mexico, offers a faster, more affordable, and freer path.
If you’re serious about how to be an expat, grab our free Moving Abroad Checklist and consider booking a one-on-one consult with our team at EntrepreneurExpat.com/consult. We’ll help you map out your move, avoid costly mistakes, and create the lifestyle you’re dreaming of.