American Expats by Country 2026

Mexico and Canada Are the Top Destinations for American Expats

Mexico continues to host the world’s largest population of American expats by a wide margin. In 2024, approximately 823,502 Americans lived in Mexico, representing nearly 26% of all U.S. expats in the dataset. Canada ranked second with 256,571 American expats, although its total has gradually declined from more than 304,000 in 2010.

The popularity of Mexico and Canada reflects both geography and long-standing economic and cultural ties with the United States. Mexico has become especially popular among retirees, remote workers, and Americans seeking lower living costs, while Canada continues to attract professionals, dual citizens, and families with cross-border connections. Together, Mexico and Canada accounted for more than one-third of all American expats in 2024.

Europe Attracts Growing Numbers of American Expats

Several European countries have experienced substantial growth in their American expat populations over the past decade. In 2024, the United Kingdom hosted approximately 243,570 American expats, while Germany reached 152,501. Spain also saw especially strong growth, rising from 35,560 American expats in 2010 to more than 68,000 in 2024.

Other European countries showing notable long-term increases include the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, and Malta. Many of these countries have become increasingly attractive due to factors such as international business opportunities, retirement migration, remote work flexibility, and access to residency or dual citizenship pathways. It seems Europe has become one of the fastest-growing regions for Americans living abroad.

Asia and the Middle East Show Mixed Trends

American expat populations across Asia and the Middle East have followed very different trajectories in recent years. Japan remained one of the largest destinations in the region with 62,509 American expats in 2024, although this was down significantly from its 2020 total of more than 89,000. China and South Korea also experienced declines compared to earlier years.

At the same time, several countries recorded strong long-term growth. Bangladesh increased from 43,455 American expats in 2010 to nearly 62,000 in 2024, while the United Arab Emirates grew from fewer than 10,000 to more than 14,600 during the same period. Singapore and Turkey also saw steady increases. These shifting patterns reflect broader changes in global business, international mobility, education, and regional economic opportunities.

Europe Continues to Attract American Expats

Europe remains one of the most popular regions for American expats, with countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy all hosting large U.S.-born populations. The United Kingdom alone had more than 243,000 American expats in 2024, while Germany surpassed 152,000.

Several European countries also experienced notable long-term growth. Spain nearly doubled its American expat population between 2010 and 2024, while Poland, Portugal, and the Netherlands all saw strong increases as well. Many Americans are drawn to Europe for career opportunities, retirement options, lifestyle preferences, and family connections. In some countries, lower healthcare costs, walkable cities, and expanding remote work opportunities have also contributed to growing interest among Americans looking to live abroad.