Are Americans looking to leave? And where to?

The 2024 U.S. presidential election brought along new conversations about Americans moving abroad. After the election, Google Trends reported a 5,000% jump in searches like “how to leave the US” and “how to move to [country name].” But will google searches turn into real moves? Immigration professionals think they might.

Financial advisors and immigration experts warn of a potential wave of people leaving the U.S.—and not just because of the election. While 1 in 5 Americans say they’d consider relocating after an unfavorable election, a recent Casino.org survey shows broader motivations. Culture is the top reason for moving, followed by job opportunities and healthcare. And while neighboring Canada is still the most popular destination, it’s not the only one. The UK ranked second, Japan third, and six of the top ten preferred destinations were in Europe, suggesting a shift in migration trends.

American travel to Europe has grown, with visits up by 55% in the past year. What was once a dream destination is now within reach for long-term stays. While many might stop at searching, a growing number seem ready to take the next step - and Europe’s popularity is growing. For those ready to make a change, countries like Spain, Portugal, Germany, or France rank high on the list, offering not just culture, safety, and easy access to healthcare, but also welcoming immigration policies designed to attract skilled workers.

So, could highly skilled American professionals help fill Europe’s skill gap?

Skill shortages in Europe

Skill shortages in Europe have steadily increased over the past decade, driven by rapid digitalization, green transition goals, and an aging population, according to CEC European Managers.

In 2024, nearly 80% of EU companies reported difficulties in hiring skilled workers across multiple industries. Throughout the EU, one in three employees is in a role that doesn’t fully match their skills—17% are overqualified, while 13% are underqualified.

Sectors like construction, healthcare, software development, and different manual trades are struggling to find qualified workers. These shortages present both immediate and long-term challenges. While early 2020s shortages were partially connected to the post-COVID recovery, Europe is also looking ahead to a future where over a quarter of its population will be past retirement age. Meanwhile, education and training systems have not yet fully adapted to fit younger workers with the skills needed in high-demand fields like IT and healthcare.

Germany stands out as one of the hardest-hit EU countries, with shortages in over 70 occupations. According to the European Labour Authority (ELA), the country needs close to 400,000 new skilled foreign workers annually to keep its economy stable.

France, too, is actively recruiting skilled foreign workers across 21 critical job sectors, including IT, healthcare, engineering, and agriculture. Portugal faces shortages in construction, healthcare, IT, and engineering. A University of Porto study found that more immigration will be essential for the country’s economic growth and its goal to rank among the EU’s wealthiest nations by 2033.

Meanwhile, the UK is facing its most severe skills shortage in 18 years. According to Manpower’s 2024 report, 80% of employers are struggling to find qualified candidates. This has forced over a third of businesses to slow down their growth plans, with one in ten even downsizing due to labor shortages.

How can skilled American professionals fill the gap? 

The demand for talent in fields like IT, healthcare, construction, and engineering in Europe matches areas where American workers excel—and European countries are rolling out visa options to attract them.

For example, Germany's Skilled Worker Visa simplifies the immigration process for qualified professionals, while France has programs targeting talent in high-demand sectors like engineering and healthcare. Portugal and Spain, in turn, offer simplified residence permits tailored for digital nomads and highly skilled workers. Many of these visa pathways are not only faster and simpler to complete, but also allow professionals to bring their families along.

Each country has its own qualifications and requirements, such as proof of employment, relevant work experience, or education credentials, but most are increasingly focused on making the relocation process simpler and faster.

Get details on Europe’s visa options

Visit our blog for details on the main visa and permit options for European countries like Germany, Spain, France or the UK. Need personalized support? Contact our team for a one-on-one consultation.