The stampede to Europe as Americans escape the turmoil at home

Since Donald Trump has polarized American politics, an increasing number of Americans are moving to Europe, viewing it as a safe haven. In 2023, they moved mainly to Germany (238,652 data from AARO) and France (117,462) But more – particularly students – are now moving to Spain (108,684).

After France, Spain is the most popular European country. But Portugal has also become a hotspot, especially Lisbon and the Algarve.

The Spanish news site El Español writes that a successful American TikToker finds Spain to be very supportive compared to the US. Many American students love the secure environment, but also the cheap alcohol and nightlife.

In 2023, Spain welcomed more international students than ever before: 122,460 student visas were issued. Americans were among the largest group. Wharton from Pennsylvania now has its own alumni club in Madrid. The University of Saint Louis also has installations in Madrid.

Not only is a Florida cruise company offering a “Skip Forward” trip to sidestep Trump’s election victory and spend his four years in office traveling around the world, but Forbes magazine now sees Spain and Europe as one of the hubs for digital nomads from the US.

Americans value the European social system and stable healthcare. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of Americans in the Netherlands rose from around 15,500 to 24,000. In Portugal, the number tripled to almost 10,000, and in Spain it grew from 20,000 to around 34,000, according to The Economist.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for American families to finance their children's education given the rapidly rising cost of living and studying in the US. One cheaper option for studying in English is Holland. Maastricht and Amsterdam are particularly popular.

US celebrities also know that life is quieter in Europe. Amber Heard, Richard Gere, Josh Hutcherson and Viggo Mortensen, among others, live in Madrid. The American hype about Berlin is already over, however. According to Invest in Bavaria, 25,000 Americans live in Bavaria, 6,000 in Munich alone.

The US TV channel Fox11 has also pointed out that Americans have been migrating to Europe since 2016. Many want a life without arms. A rising number of mass shootings coupled with political frustration have prompted people to flee.

International Living compiled a list of the five best places in the world to retire. Two of these communities are in the province of Málaga, where US Democrat supporters have built a world of their own in recent years.

Many US citizens visit Spain as tourists and are then enthralled by Spanish culture. The daily newspaper El Mundo reports a 35% increase in American tourism this summer. An actress from LA has even set up a film festival on the Balearic island of Mallorca with a strong American influence.

Spain's pull is also due to the very advanced and relatively inexpensive reproductive medicine in Mallorca, Alicante, Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona. The Spanish chain IVI is now owned by the US investor KKR.

Expatsi is the name of the company founded by John & Brett in response to increasing demand. They themselves emigrated to Mexico because they could no longer stand their life in Alabama. They help with visas and all other administrative procedures. A life in Europe is in high demand.

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