Best Countries to Move to if You Love Mountains
22 November 2024
Google searches for “best countries to move to” have peaked recently. In fact, it happens after most elections. However, there are more than just political reasons for moving to another country; this essay is geared toward those who work remotely, love the mountains, and want to explore a lifetime of peaks in a new country.
Maybe you want to find bigger and better peaks. Perhaps the cost of living in the mountains is the primary factor. Maybe you’re looking for a cultural shift—a healthier lifestyle, for example—or a slower pace of life. Maybe you just want to have an adventure; after all, moving to a faraway land is like signing up for a new life. Either way, there are a few options out there.
PeakVisor’s readership is primarily from Western countries, where we have the luxury of visa-free travel and the opportunity to be considered for various long-term visas and citizenship paths. Still, no country will just hand you citizenship (unless you’re very wealthy, in which case there are a plethora of investment visas you can qualify for). In every other instance, you’ve got to work for it. The vast majority of countries only allow you to stay temporarily, even if you have a remote job in a different country.
The unique countries on this list have options allowing you to move there for an extended period, with the possibility of renewal. If you’re hoping to move permanently, there’s good news. Even though most options are initially temporary, they open pathways to longer residencies and, eventually, permanent residency and citizenship. Here are a few of the many ways your long-stay visa could end up in permanent residency:
* Unique to the countries on this list
* The best options for countries not on this list (but also possible for countries on the list)
Moving to another country is like marriage: a massive commitment that often doesn’t work out. Though it seems like a drag, the layers of bureaucracy you will inevitably encounter serve to filter out those who…well, aren’t quite committed enough. And fair enough. Countries should only give residency to those who are committed to their society (unless, of course, they buy their way in—see below).
Other popular ways to get visas:
The Washington Post reports that, according to Gallup polls, as many as 15% of Americans want to expatriate. However, the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO) estimates that 5.5 million U.S. residents currently live abroad, about 1.5 % of the population. So, most people never make it past the first step of just dreaming.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor estimates that the number of people who work remotely is 18-20% of the total workforce in the states. I imagine that is similar to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K., which together comprise the bulk of PeakVisor’s readership.
These tens of millions of remote workers now have an exceptional opportunity to permanently relocate to a select number of countries, mainly within the E.U. It’s no wonder that employees view remote opportunities favorably.
This guide aims to point you to countries where you can move for an extended period, possibly even settling down. You probably don't need to apply for special visas if you’re more interested in the “digital nomad” life. Most Westerners can stay in another country for 90 days with no questions asked. Moreover, an ever-expanding list of “digital nomad” visas allow people to stay in a country for up to a year at a time, but usually with no option for renewal. They’re temporary. After all, “nomad” implies continuous travel.
For me and many others, the prospect of having to move every few months is daunting. I prefer to settle down, outfit a space to call home, invest in learning the culture and language, and make local friends. Also, if you like skiing, biking, or any number of other gear-intensive, PeakVisor-y mountain sports, traveling around the world with your stuff will be a challenge.
That said, many extraordinary countries, such as Namibia, now offer digital nomad visas. It’s never been a better time to be a digital nomad. PeakVisor will also be writing an article on this lifestyle and the best destinations for digital nomad mountain lovers.
…and how to get your visa sorted.
There were four main factors I looked at when building this list.
Ease of Visa: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Georgia has become a hub for expatriate tech workers. Notably, several members of the PeakVisor team have relocated here in recent years.
Georgia absolutely wants you to move to their country. Their laws regarding entry are the most lax out of any country out there! Right now, you can move to Georgia and stay for up to a YEAR, no questions asked. There’s no paperwork involved; that’s just their standard tourist visa. It’s applicable to residents of 98 different countries, not just the usual Western nations. After that, you can apply for a 360-day residence permit by showing an income of at least 2,000 USD per month—and you can do it online without leaving the country. Through this program, Georgia has amassed a sizable and vibrant digital community.
The residence permit can be renewed annually, making Georgia one of the few countries with a path to permanent residency through remote work.
Mountains (and infrastructure): ⭐⭐⭐
Georgia’s mountains are spectacular—follow the link to read our PeakVisor guide on the country. With several 5,000-plus meter peaks, the Caucuses make the Alps look like aspiring foothills (Europe’s highest mountain, Mt. Elbrus (5,642 m / 18,511 ft), is just north of the border in Russia).
There are a handful of ski resorts, but on the whole, lift infrastructure doesn’t compare to Europe or North America. Snow quantity is impressive, though; these resorts probably receive more average snowfall than many parts of the Alps. Backcountry skiing is endless.
Various medieval villages snake up the valleys, though expect heinous roads driving up. Ultimately, with only a handful of ski resorts, mountain infrastructure is limited compared to Western countries. I’m not sure how quick a rescue would be; I imagine there will be some lag time.
Cost of Living: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Georgia is seriously cheap compared to Western countries. Expect to pay 15 USD for a great meal at a restaurant or 2 USD for a glass of wine. Perhaps more importantly for prospective residents, real estate sells at about 1,000 USD per ㎡, even in Tbilisi, the biggest city.
Quality of Life: ⭐⭐⭐
Georgians are super friendly and welcoming to foreigners, who now make up a large part of their economy. The food and wine are of top quality. Cities are relatively safe. The Human Development Index (HDI) is relatively high (.81) but lower than that of other countries on this list.
On the other hand, living here is challenging if you can’t speak Russian or Georgian, both of which are hard to learn (although English is becoming more prevalent). Georgia is a developing country, so basic infrastructure like roads, schools, and health care may be of inferior quality. Mountain infrastructure is limited.
Despite the fact that it’s a republic, the Economist Democracy Index considers the country a “hybrid regime.” There may be a long-term threat from Russia.
Ease of Visa: ⭐⭐⭐
Italy has a range of visa options for those looking to relocate here. Likely, the most useful one for most people reading this article is their new (April 5, 2024) Digital Nomad visa. This visa is a misnomer because it actually affords you residency in Italy (you’re no longer a nomad). You can reapply each year online without leaving the country. You will also be considered a tax resident in Italy.
The visa guidelines are straightforward. You must earn about 30,000 euros annually, have a place to stay in Italy, and have requisite EU health insurance. One slight twist is that you must also have a college degree (or five years of work experience in your field). After five years you can apply for permanent residency.
I give this three stars because Italian bureaucracy is notorious for being frustrating. Processing times may be within the range of several months. Communications will be in Italian once you arrive in the country. Unless your Italian is fluent, you may have to hire someone to assist you—or saddle up a friend for the task.
Still, Italy is one of the few countries in the world with a path to permanent residency as a young remote worker.
Mountains (and infrastructure): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Italy’s mountains are some of the world’s finest. From the summit of the Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) to the Dolomites to the Alpennines to the volcanoes of Sicily and Sardinia, Italy is covered head to toe in mountains.
The infrastructure is equally as good. With nearly 300 ski resorts scattered throughout the country, many of which run in the summer for lift-access hiking and mountain biking, you simply cannot run out of things to do. Some of my all-time best ski days have been in Italy.
Ecosystems are still largely intact here. Italy was the last bastion of European wolves in the 90s before they recolonized the Alps. It’s also got the highest density of Brown bears. Don’t worry; you’re highly unlikely to have any contact with these animals, but they showcase the still-wild nature of these mountains.
Cost of Living: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Italy is the most affordable country in Western Europe. Expect to pay 5-10 euros for lunch, 20 for dinner, and 5 for a glass of wine. Because Italy is experiencing a population crisis, mountain real estate—especially in the smaller villages—is astonishingly affordable.
There’s one significant caveat to all of this. Italy has one of the highest tax rates in Europe, which may offset the lower cost of living, depending on your income. Those making more than 55,000 euros a year must pay a set 43% national income tax, plus a regional and municipal tax—brutal. Various tax incentives exist for new residents, but ultimately, you can expect to pay higher taxes in Italy.
Quality of Life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Even more than its mountains, Italy is famous for its laid-back lifestyle and quality of life. From espresso in the morning to wine and dinner in the evening, everything here is drawn out, as if there was all the time in the universe.
Italy is the land of Michaelangelo and Leonardo di Vinci. The entire country is an open-air museum. Putting Italian food in your mouth, whether it’s a 1-euro espresso, gelato, or pinsa (pizza), is a revelation to your taste buds. Nor will you be dissatisfied if you can afford Prada or a Ferrari, two of Italy’s most valuable companies. Regarding measures of health and education, Italy’s HDI is .906, 30th in the world.
It’s no coincidence that PeakVisor is an Italian company; our offices are in a beautiful restored 19th-century factory building. Once you come to Italy, you’ll understand why it couldn’t be any other way.
Ease of Visa: ⭐⭐⭐
France has made headlines for its anti-immigrant sentiment in recent years, and the subject of immigration is shifting the political environment. However, France remains one of the few countries in the world with a path to permanent residency as a young remote worker. In fact, anyone who can afford to live in France without working inside the country for a French company can move here, whether you’re working remotely for a foreign company, retired on a pension, or just independently wealthy.
France doesn’t have a digital nomad visa. Instead, if you don’t have a direct connection to the country, like an immediate family member, you apply for a long-stay tourist visa (“Visiteur” visa). Like any other Schengen country, you have to prove an income (or resources) of about 30,000 euros per annum, Schengen insurance, a place to stay in France, and a written declaration that you won’t work in France (again, remote work for a foreign company is accepted).
You don’t pay taxes in France, but you also don’t receive social benefits. You can, however, pay to get on their national health plan. Foreigners must first register and then renew their residence annually; after five years, they can apply for permanent residency.
Having done this process myself, I’m not going to say it’s easy, hence the three stars. But it’s achievable for those who want to move to France.
Mountains (and infrastructure): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The French Alps are the ultimate mountain playground. The country has three ranges: the Alps, The Pyrenees, and the Massif Centrale.
The French invented winter sports tourism when they hosted the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix in 1924. It’s hard to say how many “ski resorts” there are in France because it seems like every little alpine village has a lift out the back; unfortunately, many of these baby ski areas have shut down due to climate change. Still, the biggest and most famous resorts remain open for business, offering some of the world’s most unique ski experiences.
In the summer, France becomes a mecca for hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, climbing, and paragliding; nature and mountains seamlessly interconnect with ancient villages and refuges. In the unfortunate case that you might need one, rescues are among the world’s best.
Cost of Living: ⭐⭐⭐
France is cheaper than the U.S., Canada, Norway, and the U.K. However, it’s far more expensive than countries like Italy, Greece, and especially Georgia.
Living here, I’ve found that things like restaurants, groceries, and wine and beer are affordable. However, buying, maintaining, and driving a car is expensive. The highways are impeccable, but tolls average about 10 euros per 100 km (60 miles). National taxes make gas expensive. The electrical grid is almost entirely de-carbonized, a massive achievement, but as a result, electricity is costly. Robust international buyership drives the mountain real estate market, so renting and buying is expensive compared to the average French salary.
Quality of Life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In my humble opinion, the quality of life in France is unmatched. The meats, cheeses, wine, and regional and national culinary identity are superlative. The villages are quaint, the ski resorts efficient, and the roads smooth. The trailheads are accessible, and hiking trails are ubiquitous and generally well-maintained. The cities are world-class and don’t forget about the sea either.
France’s schools and hospitals function well. France is one of 24 “full democracies” in the world, and its HDI is .91.
Through the layers of bureaucracy that you’ll have to deal with if you move here, France maintains an organized and effective society. With 100 million tourist entries a year, they know how to host: just look at their superb handling of the Olympics.
One caveat? They agree that they’re the best and love letting you know. Even if they tell you they want to move to Australia to “be free,” there is an ingrained love of their own French culture. They love Americans and Australians; if you can help it, try not to be British. Most of all, they love it when you speak French, even if it’s not perfect.
Ease of Visa: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Like Georgia, Italy, France, and Greece, Spain is one of the few countries in the world with a path to permanent residency as a young remote worker. The Digital Nomad visa (again, a misnomer) will be even more valuable now that Spain, like other EU countries, is getting rid of its Golden Visa program.
The visa is straightforward. Income requirements weigh in at 2,700 euros/month, and residents will pay a flat tax rate of 24% up to 600,000 euros. Residents get health insurance and access to schools. After five years, you have the option to obtain permanent residency.
One great aspect of Spain’s digital nomad visa is that you can include your family on the application. That makes this visa far more straightforward for families than the French and Italian options. Children born in the country will be given citizenship if they stay for at least one year.
Mountains (and infrastructure): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spain is a country of mountains, with a lifetime of adventures. The Pyrenees in the north are the most famous; here, you’ll find big ski resorts and towering peaks, some of which still have small glaciers.
There are several lesser-known ranges with even more mystery. Wherever you end up in Spain, you’re never far from the mountains. The Sistema Ibérico and Sistema Centrale both top out well over 2,000 meters in the center of the country. In the south, most people don’t know that the highest peak in mainland Spain is actually Mulhacén (3,479 m / 11,414 ft) in the Sierra Nevada. There’s the massive ski resort only a couple hundred kilometers from Africa. Perhaps best of all is Spain’s highest peak, Pico del Tiede (3,715 m / 12,188 ft), on the Spanish Canary Islands. It’s one of the highest mountains in the world, as measured from the sea floor, where this volcano starts.
Spain has invested a ton of resources into mountain biking, with thousands of trails and “MTB centers” across the country, from north to south and in between. You can ride in the lower ranges all winter but stay high in the summer because it gets hot. Lots of pros train in Spain during the winter.
The road cycling is even more famous, with Girona serving as the epicenter of professional cycling. They say over 200 professional cyclists are based out of Girona. The surrounding countryside is a haven of serene mountain roads and medieval villages, and the city is proximate to many professional races.
If rock climbing is your thing, Spain is among the finest destinations in Europe (and that’s saying something). The country features mainly limestone sport climbing, ranging from simple cragging to huge multi-pitch routes.
If you’re just looking for somewhere to get outside and stretch your legs, the country’s hiking trails are just as developed as everything else.
Cost of Living: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spain is relatively affordable, maybe a bit more so than France. Prices depend drastically on the time of year and location. My experience in Girona and the Costa Brava during August was that Spain was NOT as cheap as everyone says it is. According to movingtospain.com, Spain is 32% cheaper than the U.S. and 24% cheaper than the U.K.
Quality of Life: ⭐⭐⭐
Like France, Italy, and Greece, Spain is a Mediterranean country with culture, cuisine, and a high standard of living. It’s one of 24 “full democracies” in the world, and its HDI is .911—very important if you’re considering moving here. However, as much as I can rave about the mountains in Spain, I wasn’t as much of a fan of the quality of life.
Personally, I don’t like Spanish food as much as French or Italian food. I found eating at restaurants to be expensive, much more so than in France. And tapas seemed rather unhealthy; lots of grease. And on the whole, I found the cities to be much less attractive than French and Italian cities.
I also had the unfortunate experience of getting accosted by the police for accidentally riding my bike down a one-way street in Girona. They took my bike and wouldn’t return it until I paid them 100 euros…in cash. Yes, that actually happened.
Barcelona has been in the news lately for anti-tourist demonstrations, and I must say, I felt despised as a foreigner, at least in Girona and Costa Brava. That’s not good if you are considering moving to a country. I suppose you ought to try to learn Spanish. I’ve heard there are huge expat communities in the bigger cities where you tend to make your friends.
Ease of Visa: ⭐⭐⭐
Like Georgia, Italy and France, Greece is one of the few countries with a path to permanent residency as a young remote worker. Previously, it also had one of the most lenient “golden visas,” requiring a mere 250,000 euro real estate investment. However, they’ve raised it to 400K and up to 800K in the cities where real estate speculation was most rampant.
Greece’s “digital nomad” visa, like Italy’s and Spain’s, is a bit of a misnomer because this visa serves as a pathway to permanent residency rather than a “nomad” lifestyle. The visa has all the typical EU requirements, like proof of insurance, a place to stay, and proof of funds. The only twist is that the income requirement is higher: 3,500 euros a month, which is quite a bit higher than the average Greek citizen. They are more overtly trying to attract a professional crowd.
One great aspect of Greece’s digital nomad visa is that, like Spain, you can include your family on the application, provided you have additional income (for example, 4,750 euros/month for a dependent spouse and two kids). That makes this visa far more straightforward for families than the French and Italian options.
Greece is one of the countries on this list that saw the writing on the wall and is better off because of it. Just a few years ago, they defaulted on their debt, precipitating an economic crisis. Now, their economy has recovered, and they are one of Europe's fastest-growing countries (along with other Balkan states). It’s a complex story, but some of the boom can be attributed to a swarm of real estate investment and an influx of relatively high-income residents.
Mountains (and infrastructure): ⭐⭐⭐
Most people would be surprised to learn that Greece is one of Europe's most rugged and mountainous countries. The Pindus Mountains, the southern tip of the Julian Alps, erupt across 80% of Greece. There are a number of national parks and other protected areas. The mountains are great for hiking and road cycling, with epic limestone sport climbing scattered throughout the country as well. There are abundant ancient villages throughout the high country.
Greece’s mountains are not exceptionally high and don’t receive tons of snow; therefore, there are few ski resorts. Greece lacks much lift access, whether in the summer or the winter. But that means there is that much more wilderness to explore.
Cost of Living: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Greece is affordable for foreigners who meet the visa requirement of 3,500/month. Rents are significantly cheaper than in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Western Europe. Many Americans are moving here to improve their quality of life, so much so that housing costs are going through the roof and pricing out local Greeks.
It’s one of the reasons I disagree with Golden Visa programs. In Portugal, Spain, and Greece, Golden Visas have priced out young people from the housing market and created a bubble. Many of these houses are purchased and converted into Airbnbs.
However, Greece doesn’t have many large ski resorts, and mountain locales are much more affordable than the cities, the coast, and the islands.
Quality of Life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Like France, Italy, and Spain, Greece is a Mediterranean country with culture, cuisine, and a high standard of living. It’s one of 24 “full democracies” in the world, and its HDI is .893.
Colloquially, I’ve heard it can be difficult being a female in the bigger cities. Apparently, the men are aggressive in Greece. It’s also a focal point of discussion about over-tourism, with many of the Greek islands in particular becoming overrun.
No matter where you ultimately end up, there’s no better companion for the mountains than the PeakVisor app.
PeakVisor has been a leader in the augmented reality 3D mapping space for the better part of a decade. We’re the product of nearly a decade of effort from a small software studio smack dab in the middle of the Alps. Our detailed 3D maps are the perfect tool for hiking, biking, alpinism, and ski touring! The PeakVisor app is available for iOS and Android.
Historically, people have moved from one Western country to another for a variety of reasons. Falling in love, joining other family members, and working for multinational corporations are all high on the historical list of reasons.
However, deciding you like a country (or its mountains) and trying to move there is a different story. Permanently relocating to other countries, especially without familial connection, ranges from a “bureaucratic nightmare” to “absolutely impossible.” Nevertheless, here are a few other desirable, mountainous countries with a high HDI.
Canada:
They have an excellent working holiday program for other Western countries, and Americans and Australians can stay for six months without a visa. But after that expires, their “Express Entry” favors highly-skilled workers or those sponsored by an employer in Canada. So, remote workers are mostly out of luck. Despite that, Canada is one of the easiest countries for Westerners to move to, especially for Australians and NZers.
New Zealand:
NZ is host to one of the Western world’s most legendary working holidays. It takes about an hour to apply to stay for an entire year, and acceptance is virtually guaranteed as long as you show that you have enough money to buy a plane ticket out (and have no serious criminal record, etc.). You can also apply for a nine-month visitor visa, which is ideal for remote workers. But after that, options are limited. Get sponsored by an NZ company or get married.
Japan:
Four seasons, hundreds of ski resorts, onsens, and a vast network of hiking trails and mountain huts are just some of the appeals of Japan. Unless a Japanese company hires you or you wed a Japanese citizen, the most popular way to move to Japan long-term is to become an English teacher or teach at an international school. Suffice it to say, it's not ideal if you already have a career; I can’t imagine having to teach English 40 hours a week. The digital nomad visa lasts 6 months and is not renewable.
Australia:
Combine a seemingly endless frontier with one of the highest standards of living in the world, and you have the Land Down Unda’. You could spend the rest of your life exploring the Outback, but the government only offers a visitor visa for up to three years, during which you can spend a total of 18 months in the country.
Chile and Argentina:
The nations of the Andean Patagonia offer world-class ski resorts, hiking, alpine climbing, or any other adventure you can think of. New digital nomad visas allow for six months in Chile or a total of 12 months in Argentina but are not renewable.
Costa Rica:
It’s probably more of a laid-back surf destination, but there are also plenty of mountains here. Tourists can stay for six months without papers or apply for a digital nomad visa for up to two years. But long-term stays become far more complicated.
