What are my options?
One does not simply move to another country. Due to millennia of policies restricting foreigners that evolved into our current global capitalist surveillance states, every nation has rules about who can enter, for how long, and under what conditions. The following is a general overview of your options.
In addition to this guide, see the Country list for the raw list of each country's visa options. Once you decide on a visa type and a country, see Getting_Started_with_Visas_and_Immigration to start your visa process.
Claiming Asylum
There is currently no known case of a US citizen that has successfully claimed asylum based on LGBTQ+ status anywhere in the world. As of now, no government of any country has publicly stated that they would grant asylum to a US citizen on the basis of their LGBTQ+ status.
That said, for those who have no other options, claiming asylum in a country like Canada may be the least worst option. If you would feel safer leaving the US now and living in a foreign country while waiting for your asylum decision to be processed, and understanding the chance that your claim could be rejected and you would be forced to leave, then it is an option worth considering.
Internationally, the US is still regarded as having a functional legal system that theoretically gives us recourse to discrimination and violence. It's also assumed persecuted minorities can simply flee internally to a "blue state." But this is changing as events develop and other governments' attitudes toward US refugee acceptability may change by the time an asylum application is fully processed.
We will continue to share updates on this topic as they develop.
Work Permit
You can apply for a job with a company in your desired country. Certain qualifications in healthcare and tech are very sought after. Typically there is an extra process/registration the company has to complete that will allow you to obtain a work permit and immigrate to that country. Most work permits are for 1-3 years and can be renewed.
Some countries like Canada have special agreements (CUSMA) that allow employers to skip some of the paperwork for US candidates, such as having to justify that they couldn't find anyone else in-country for the job.
If you work for a company with international offices, you may be able to obtain a work permit via an intra-company transfer, as well.
University or Student Visa
Obtaining a student visa is another path you might consider. Many countries have programs for international students and provide long-term visas that allow individuals to live, study, and sometimes even work part-time during their stay. Tuition fees are generally lower than in the United States. Depending on the country, enrolling in a university program, language course, vocational school, or even performing volunteer service may be a viable way to obtain a student visa.
Some countries like Spain offer a student visa with an Au Pair option for those who are willing to do house work/childcare while studying that pays for room and board.
Remote Worker / Digital Nomad
Some countries offer "digital nomad" visas that allow you to work remotely for a job based outside of the country you're staying in. These visas are typically valid for stays up to 180 days to one or two years. Some are renewable. Many countries will want to see proof of employment and that the employer specifically allows you to work remotely.
In many cases, these can be limited with respect to access to healthcare, pathways to permanent residency/citizenship or have other limitations. But they can offer a comparatively quick exit-strategy to buy some time, depending on the country.
Here's a summary of countries with digital nomad options:
| Country | Term Length | Income Required | Employer Letter Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 180 days, renewable | Yes (references) | ||
| Brazil | 1 year, renewable for 1 more | $1,500/mo or $18,000 saved | Yes (contract) | |
| Canada | 180 days, it's actually just a tourist visa | N/A | Border control may ask | |
| Costa Rica | 1 year, renewable for 1 more | $3,000/mo | ||
| Estonia | 1 year, renewable for 1 more | €4,500 net/mo | ||
| Iceland | 180 days | ISK 1mil | ||
| Japan | 6 months, non-renewable | ¥10mil yen (~$70,000) | ||
| Malta | 1 year, renewable | €42,000/yr | ||
| Mexico | 1 year, renewable indefinitely | $4,200/mo or $73,235.29 saved | Yes | |
| New Zealand | 1 year | |||
| Portugal | 1 to 5 years | €3,480/mo plus €10,440 in savings | ||
| Romania | 90 days | RON 8,355 | ||
| Spain | 1 year, renew up to 5 | €2,368 | Yes | |
| Taiwan | ||||
| Uruguay | 180 days, renewable once | None |
Family Reunification
Many countries offer a way to obtain a residence permit by proving you have an immediate relative legally living in the country. This includes spouses and sometimes parents or children or other relatives.
Permanent Residence
Many countries offer permanent residence once you have lived there for a certain number of years under a temporary work, retirement, or study visa. Typically permanent residence is a pathway to citizenship by naturalization. For example, if you are in Spain on a digital nomad visa for 5 years, you can gain permanent residence which means you no longer have to renew your visa and prove remote work income. You will just need to renew your ID card every 5-10 years. Once you are in Spain for 10 years you can apply for citizenship.
Gaining Citizenship by Descent or Naturalization
This is a long term goal for anyone seeking to permanently escape the US. Gaining citizenship may allow you to ensure you have documentation that matches your proper name and gender. It is usually a process that takes years to attain. There are also many pros and cons to doing this and methods of doing this that are specific to particular countries.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Many countries allow foreigners to apply for citizenship after living in-country for a set number of years. Some, such as Canada, require you to have permanent residency in addition to living for a certain number of years. If you marry a German citizen, you can naturalize after 3 years of residence with your partner.
Citizenship by Descent
Some countries (especially in Europe) allow you to gain citizenship if you can prove you're a direct descendant of a citizen. Typically you must have a parent or grandparent who was a citizen but some countries have complex rules and exceptions that can allow access if you are linked to more distant relatives. It's usually a good idea to seek legal help. These processes are generally very drawn out and can take a substantial amount of time.
The following is an incomplete list of countries that grant citizenship by descent under certain criteria. See each country's page for further information.
Pros of Foreign Citizenship
- Protection by a country other than the USA when overseas, and unfettered access to the country that recognizes your foreign citizenship.
- Visa free travel to additional countries that your US passport may not provide access to.
- Potential right of abode/work/study in common areas such as the EU or the Australia/New Zealand Trans-Tasman Area.
- The ability to access government benefits and documentation in a foreign country that affirm your identity .
Cons of Foreign Citizenship
- Potential Foreign Military Service Obligations
- Inability to hold certain US government-related and private contractor jobs that require a high level security clearance (such as in or related to the Intelligence Community, e.g. NSA/CIA/FBI, or certain positions in the military).
- Inability to hold certain public offices in the United States.
- Potential Tax Obligations to the Foreign Country.
- Potential loss of US Citizenship if the other country doesn’t recognize dual citizenship (or the US outlaws dual citizenship).
- Need to maintain a foreign passport for certain travel.
Wandering Nomad
This option is very risky as you will be continually moving and subject to the whims of border agents who may question whether you are truly a "tourist" visiting their country.
In theory you can wander from country to country as a tourist and will have a limited time to stay in each country. Some countries offer US citizens up to 180-day stays, but many offer only up to 90 days.
Note that when you enter a country as a tourist, border agents may want to see round-trip tickets in/out of the country as well as reservations for lodging.
Also note that performing work while in the country typically will require a visa that specifically allows for that.
Independent Means / Retiree / "Rentista"
Some countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Portugal offer temporary residence visas (that can be renewed indefinitely) for those who can prove they have a certain amount of money in the bank or earn a certain level of passive monthly income. You may or may not be allowed to work for local companies on these types of permits, so check the rules for whatever country you are considering if obtaining local work is important to you.
| Country | Term Length | Income or Savings Required |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 2 years | Pension: $1,000/mo Rentista: $2,500/mo or $60,000 in special account |
| Cyprus | 1 year, renewable | €24,000 |
| Mexico | 1 year, renewable | $4,200/mo or $73,235.29 saved |
| Portugal | 1 to 5 years | €3,480/mo plus €10,440 in savings |
| Spain | 1 year, renew up to 5 | €2,400/mo or €28,800 saved |
Golden Visa
More formally known as "Immigrant Investor Programs," These visas allow you instant permanent residence or citizenship if you make a cultural, business, or real estate investment in-country. The EU is trying to phase this out among its member states.
Citizenship by Investment
| Country | Price |
|---|---|
| Dominica | $100,000 economic diversification investment, or $200,000 real estate investment |
| Malta | $870,000 business investment (ruled illegal by the EU May 2025) |
| Nauru | $105,000 climate action contribution |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 economic contribution, or $400,000 approved real estate investment |
| Saint Lucia | $240,000 economic contribution, or $300,000 approved real estate investment |
| Vanuatu | $130,000 economic development contribution |
Residence by Investment
| Country | Price | Type of Residency |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus | €300,000 | Permanent residence |
| Greece | €250,000 real estate investment, or €400,000 in securities or bank deposit |
Permanent residence |
| Hungary | €155,000 real estate investment | Temporary residence, can get PR after 3 years |
| Italy | €250,000 startup investment gives 2yr residence permit | Temporary 2 year residence |
| Latvia | €50,000 to a Latvian company that pays at least €40k in taxes | Temporary, renewable |
| Portugal | €250,000 cultural donation, or €500,000 business investment |
Temporary 5 year residency, PR after those 5 years |
| Spain | €500,000 investment[1] | Temporary 1 year residence |