Moving to the Mediterranean

A relocation guide for Americans: the right to stay, tax, a home, schools, healthcare and banking, in order. Checked 31 October 2026.

Visas for Americans

Paros, Greece · Photo: Patrick Lalonde / Unsplash

Relocation

Moving to the Mediterranean from the United States

Moving to the Mediterranean is a sequence: the right to stay, a home, a tax position that works on both sides of the Atlantic, then schools, doctors and a bank. This guide sets out the order and points to our detailed lists for each step.

Checked 31 October 2026. It is a general guide, not legal, tax or immigration advice; confirm each step with the consulate and with qualified advisers.

Step one

The right to stay

Praça do Comércio and the Arco da Rua Augusta, Lisbon · Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

As a visitor, an American may spend up to 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area combined, which covers Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia and Greece. Monaco applies the same rule in practice. Cyprus, Montenegro, Albania, Türkiye, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco each count days separately.

The EU Entry/Exit System has recorded every entry and exit at Schengen borders since 10 April 2026. ETIAS, the EU travel authorisation, is not yet in operation and is expected in 2027.

To stay longer you need a national long-stay visa or residence permit, applied for in the United States before you go: for example the non-lucrative visa in Spain, the D7 in Portugal, the elective residence visa in Italy or a long-stay visitor visa in France.

Visas and entry for AmericansCountry by country: stays, authorisations and passports.
Residency and golden visasLong-stay routes, investor programmes and what a home can buy.

Step two

Tax, before you move

The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income wherever they live, so every move is a two-country tax question. Some countries offer special regimes to new residents, such as Italy's €300,000 flat tax or Greece's €100,000 non-dom regime, but they depend on timing and on years of prior non-residence. Take advice before you arrive, not after.

Tax residency regimesThe flat-tax and non-dom regimes compared.
Private banks and advisersFirms used to American families abroad.

Step three

A home

A villa among pines above the rocky shore of Cap d'Antibes · Photo: avu-edm / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Most Mediterranean countries let Americans buy freely; a few, such as Croatia, Malta outside its Special Designated Areas, Egypt and Tunisia, apply permits or limits. Many families rent for a season before buying.

Can foreigners buy?The rules for American buyers in every country.
Real estateThe country buying guides: taxes, steps and costs.
Prime real estateThe leading agencies, country by country.
The 25 finest developmentsBranded residences selling now.
Architects, designers and property managersFor restoring, furnishing and running a home.
The 59 TerritoriesMeet the Founding Partners and contact them directly.

Step four

Schools

Neoclassical houses on Diogenous Street in Plaka, Athens · Photo: C messier / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

International schools teaching the International Baccalaureate, American or British curricula are found in every major centre, from Lisbon, Cascais and Marbella to Monaco, Milan, Rome, Athens and Limassol. Good schools fill early: apply a year ahead where you can.

International schoolsThe leading international schools around the Mediterranean.

Step five

Healthcare

Long-stay visas usually require private health insurance, and Medicare does not cover care abroad. Most families combine an international health policy with a private hospital or clinic near home.

Private healthcare and longevity clinicsThe leading private hospitals and clinics.

Step six

Banking

A local account is needed to buy property, pay bills and, in Monaco, to show proof of means. Because of US reporting rules, some European banks are reluctant to open accounts for Americans; a private bank used to American clients is usually the simpler route. Remember the FBAR and Form 8938 reports for foreign accounts.

Private banks and advisersPrivate banks and wealth advisers, country by country.

Write to our concierge

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