A new survey from Expatsi, a company that helps Americans expatriate, finds that almost half of Americans are considering expatting themselves. They are looking for more fulfilling lives abroad. This once-in-a-decade survey, with responses from 116,363 Americans, reveals that in the year of largest-ever U.S. citizen expatriation in 2024, the trend is increasing. Expatsi is a family-run company dedicated to simplifying the international relocation process. This year alone, they saw a remarkable 19,632% revenue growth — a clear indicator of how badly Americans need their services right now.
In 2022, co-founders Jen Barnett and Brett Andrews launched Expatsi. Their goal was to provide unique relocation tours and useful resources for future expats. Using the company’s website, you can take a 20-question free assessment. This new tool provides users with tailored recommendations on which countries may be most suitable for their lifestyle preferences, retirement plans and budget. That unique and personalized approach has drawn more than 200 people to take part in relocation tours led by Expatsi this year.
The survey results show that adventure, enrichment and personal growth were the most common reasons for leaving the U.S. in the first place. For all respondents interviewed, there was a profound desire for more personal freedoms and the ability to flee what they saw as societal ills like gun violence. Almost half of those surveyed are currently in pursuit of greater and more varied freedoms. At the same time, 56% feel the U.S. has gone too far in the direction of conservatism and divisiveness.
What’s remarkable is how large a role finances factor into these relocation dreams. Saving money while living abroad was a goal for about 41% of those who responded. Furthermore, 30% of respondents showed plans to retire overseas. In fact, some of them already applied for digital nomad visas (18%) or skilled worker visas (17%).
If you don’t stop there, the urgency is real with expats — more than three quarters reporting they’ll be out by 2026. And alarmingly, 12% of respondents plan on relocating within that time frame. Jen Barnett noted the current trend:
“About 5% are fully moved, and another 25% are in the paperwork stage, meaning they’ve filed visa applications or have appointments to file.” – Jen Barnett
Expatsi’s resources extend beyond assessments and tours. They provide tailored one-on-one consultations, and privileged access to a wealth of unique events designed to meet the needs of today’s potential expats. The company’s meteoric rise to fame continues! Demand for their services increases following big political moments in the U.S., such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the run-up to presidential elections.
As more Americans contemplate life outside their home country, Expatsi continues to expand its offerings to meet the needs of this burgeoning demographic. The company offers essential assistance to employees who are working through the tricky process of moving anywhere abroad.