Best Places to Move Abroad with Family (Based on Experience)

The best place to move abroad with a family depends on many factors.

With raising a family in the U.S. becoming increasingly more challenging, today, many parents are moving to Europe from the U.S. (1)

Families that successfully move abroad often note an improved work-life balance and increased sense of safety. By this metric, many countries within the EU are attractive to American parents due to the bloc’s emphasis on community, safety, and quality of life.

How can an American family move to Europe?

There is an increasing need for highly skilled migrants (HSMs) throughout Europe. This need is reflected in the increasing number of immigration pathways, such as Germany’s “skilled worker visa.” (2)

For qualified Americans possessing a valued skillset, there has arguably never been a better time to move abroad.

What constitutes a valued skillset?

In many countries (including the United States), there is a growing need for highly skilled workers in certain sectors.

While needs vary by country, typically, engineers and software developers of all types are always in high demand.

Euronews also reported in April 2024 that the following professionals are in high demand throughout the EU:

Technicians,
research and development experts,
IT experts,
Backroom and administrative staff (such as accountants), and
Marketing and human resources. (3)

Mary Poppins might have said it best: “Think of the children!”

As a parent planning to move family abroad, it’s important to consider your children when planning.

A few questions to ask yourself and discuss with your partner may include:

What are their personalities like?
Do they have much experience traveling?
How do they react in new or unfamiliar situations?

Choosing the right place to relocate with your family can open the door to transformative opportunities for everyone involved. Going further, dual citizenship, international connections, and a greater appreciation for multiculturalism.

Below, we highlight two of the most family-friendly destinations for parents moving abroad with children: Switzerland and Germany.

As you’ll read, both are countries with strong reputations for safety, education, and professional opportunities.

Top Factors for Choosing a Family-Friendly Destination

Relocating with a family involves a lot of logistical planning, but before any boxes are packed, you need to decide where you’re going.

That process involves some soul-searching, in addition to undertaking practical research.

Here are some key factors to consider.

Immigration Pathways

As we mentioned earlier, many countries offer expedited visas for certain types of workers who can help fill a labor shortage.

But what if you don’t fit the criteria for a certain highly skilled migrant visa?

With some research and flexibility, you can likely still secure a visa for somewhere within the EU. In addition to highly skilled visas, many countries offer renewable long-term visas colloquially referred to as “digital nomad visas.”

Digital nomad visas tend to offer viable immigration pathways for:

Americans employed remotely
Freelancers and small business owners

Cultural Integration

Consider the degree to which the language barrier will be an issue for you and your family.

These considerations may also influence the best-fit city for your family. Typically, larger cities will have larger expat communities, which can ease the transition.

Larger cities may also have more prominent digital footprints you can pick up and track via social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads.

Safety and Healthcare

While gun violence and high healthcare costs are often considered facts of life in the U.S., most countries in Europe have low crime rates and accessible healthcare systems in comparison.

With respect to healthcare, be sure to research your target country’s system well in advance to familiarize yourself with important vocabulary. Check that your children are up-to-date on both the vaccines required by the U.S. and your new country.

Education Options

When you decide to raise American children abroad, you will need to decide whether to send them to public school or an international school.

Before making a decision, it’s always helpful to speak with fellow U.S. parents with similarly-aged children, and bonus points if they have similar temperaments to yours.

You may also want to ask school administrators about cultural differences to be aware of. These cultural nuances often manifest in the expectations teachers have of their students.

Understanding how culture can inform the educational expectations teachers abroad have for your children ahead of time will help you be able to equip them to succeed in their new environment.

A Note On Homeschooling Children in Europe

It’s worth noting that, in most cases, homeschooling is more restricted in Europe than in the U.S. (4)

Even if you think homeschooling would be in their best interest, you likely cannot just pull your child out of the school system if they are having trouble settling in.

Work-Life Balance

For working parents, Switzerland and Germany offer the opportunity to continue pursuing careers while having generous parental leave policies and paid vacation days.

Spotlight on Switzerland

Switzerland is synonymous with safety and efficiency, high living standards, and stunning landscapes, making it an exceptional choice for families. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world and well-perceived by people worldwide. (5,6)

With respect to healthcare, Switzerland has guaranteed comprehensive medical treatment to all residents since the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act went into effect in 1996. (7) Working parents will pay into the Social Security system (Swiss Pillar 1), and learning about the other Swiss Pillars i.e. Swiss health insurance will be important, too.

Switzerland is an excellent option for parents who value raising their children in proximity to nature

Kids can enjoy year-round outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and lake swimming. Moreover, these activities are often integrated into school programs, fostering a love for nature and active living.

Swiss culture also fosters independence and autonomy in their children, which aligns well with many American parenting values.

Best Cities for Families in Switzerland

Zurich

Offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere with exceptional schools, plenty of parks, and a thriving international community. The international airport is also well-serviced, with regular flights to major American cities.

Lausanne

A smaller city on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and scenic charm.

Geneva

A hub for international organizations (the United Nations is headquartered here), Geneva is culturally diverse and offers many English-speaking services.

Basel

Located at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong expat community. It offers excellent international schools and plenty of outdoor activities along the Rhine River.

Work-Life Balance for Parents

Swiss work culture may be demanding, but employees often benefit from significant vacation allowances and clear boundaries between work and personal life. Adults over 20 receive a minimum of four weeks’ vacation each year, while those under 20 receive a minimum of five weeks. (7)

Additionally, salaries in Switzerland are among the highest in Europe, which can offset the country’s higher cost of living, particularly when someone works in an industry with high “value creation.” (8)

Potential Challenges

Families should be aware of the high costs of housing and childcare, particularly in major cities. While not impossible to overcome in a dual-income household, some parents may find themselves having similar conversations of the kind they’d have in the U.S. around childcare costs and planning.

For more information on the cost of living, check out our guide to the Switzerland tax rate vs US.

Additionally, while many Swiss residents speak English, proficiency in French, German, or Italian (depending on which Swiss canton you live in) is necessary for full integration.

Spotlight on Germany

Germany offers an outstanding education system, accessible healthcare, and a family-oriented culture. Public schools are well-regarded, and affordable childcare makes it easier for parents to pursue careers while raising children.

Germany’s emphasis on extracurricular activities, such as sports and music, creates a well-rounded environment for children. The country’s public healthcare system, Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV), ensures comprehensive and affordable care.

Additionally, Germany dual citizenship became easier to obtain for qualified applicants following updates to the rules in 2024.

Best Cities for Families in Germany

Berlin

Germany's capital is renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. In recent years, Berlin has emerged as a leading tech hub, often referred to as the "tech capital of Europe," with a new startup founded approximately every 20 minutes. This dynamic environment has attracted a diverse international community, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for expats.

Munich

Nestled in Bavaria and not far from the Alps, Munich offers a picturesque setting with excellent educational institutions and abundant green spaces. The city is home to esteemed schools such as the Munich International School, which boasts a 26-acre campus in a nature preserve near Starnberg.

Frankfurt

A financial and professional hub that offers family-friendly neighborhoods and great international schools.

Stuttgart

An expat hub with many American families, in part due to the U.S. military base. The city has many beautiful areas for walking, and is near many other exciting destinations in Europe, making it a great home base for adventurous families. (8)

Freiburg

Nestled at the edge of the Black Forest, this mid-size city offers expat families a harmonious blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. It boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theaters, concert halls, and festivals. Additionally, Freiburg's proximity to France and Switzerland allows for easy exploration of neighboring countries.

Work-Life Balance for Parents

Germany’s parental leave policies are among the best in the world. Parents can take up to 14 months of Elterngeldgesetz (paid leave), shared between both partners. (9)

Additionally, German employers are generally supportive of family needs, and many offer flexible working hours. Additionally, if your child is born in Germany after 2000, they may be eligible for German citizenship. (10)

Potential Challenges

While the country is welcoming to expats, bureaucracy is often cited as one of the most common pain points of American expats living in Germany.

Securing a visa, enrolling children in school, and navigating healthcare paperwork often requires persistence and patience.

Proficiency in German is also beneficial for navigating daily life, especially outside major cities.

Wrapping up: Honorable Mentions for Portugal, Spain, and France

While Switzerland and Germany offer standout opportunities, other European countries deserve consideration, too.

Portugal

Known for its relaxed pace of life and affordability, Portugal offers warm weather and welcoming communities for American families to join.

While traditional Portuguese salaries and tax brackets aren’t very attractive by American standards, the digital nomad visa can offer qualifying self-employed parents the opportunity to provide for their families on a U.S. income while residing in Portugal with a favorable tax rate.

Spain

With a family-centered culture, excellent healthcare, and an array of large and mid-size cities and charming villages, Spain is a wonderful place to move with a family.

Barcelona and Madrid stand out as hubs for professional opportunities, and Spain offers both a digital nomad visa and a non-lucrative visa, which serve as popular immigration pathways today.

France

With free or low-cost education starting at age three, generous parental leave policies, and a world-class healthcare system, France is a strong contender for families seeking a high quality of life.

While France does not offer a digital nomad visa, it does offer self-employment visas and opportunities for traditional employment, particularly for executive-level or C-Suite workers.

In Conclusion

Relocating to Europe as a family is a major decision that requires thoughtful planning, but the rewards can be life-changing.

Countries like Switzerland and Germany offer exceptional opportunities for children’s education, parents’ work-life balance, and overall family well-being.

Ultimately, the best destination will depend on your family’s unique needs and priorities. It’s important to remember that your U.S. financial plan will likely need to be evaluated for cross-border viability. Financial planning for moving abroad with children can feel overwhelming, but with the right professional, you can feel confident about the moves you’re making.

At Connected Financial Planning, we specialize in serving Americans launching their next chapter in Germany or Switzerland

Working with cross-border financial planners can help ensure a seamless transition by addressing U.S. expat taxes, currency risk management, and financial goals.

Schedule a virtual meeting today to say hello and gain a deeper understanding of how proactive financial planning can set you up for long-term success as a U.S. expat.

Moving somewhere else but still looking for advice?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to request a recommendation.

References

Meet the Author

Arielle Tucker is a Certified Financial Planner™ and IRS Enrolled Agent with Connected Financial Planning. She's spent over a decade working with U.S. expats on U.S. tax and financial planning issues. She is passionate about working with U.S. expats and their families to help secure a financial future that is reflective of their core values. Arielle grew up in New York and has lived throughout the U.S., Germany, and Switzerland. Connected Financial Planning offers a complimentary introduction call for individuals and families seeking ongoing, comprehensive planning. You can schedule a call here.