Plan B Countries: Your Emergency Exit Strategy When Home Gets Complicated

Let's be honest—life doesn't always go according to plan. Political upheaval, economic collapse, personal circumstances, or simply waking up one morning and realising your home country has become unbearable. This is why the internationally mobile need a Plan B.

But not just any Plan B. You need countries that combine accessibility, stability, decent quality of life, and ideally, a welcoming immigration environment. Here's where to look when things go sideways.

Portugal: The Obvious-But-For-Good-Reason Choice

Portugal has become the unofficial capital of Plan B relocation. Why? Straightforward D7 passive income visas, reasonable cost of living, fantastic healthcare, and a climate that doesn't want to kill you. The Golden Visa programme offers residency in exchange for property investment or business creation. Lisbon and Porto have thriving expat communities, so you won't be starting from absolute zero. The main catch: property prices have inflated considerably, though the interior remains genuinely affordable.

Mexico: Proximity Meets Practicality

For North Americans especially, Mexico offers geographical convenience without sacrificing infrastructure. Temporary residency visas are straightforward if you can demonstrate monthly income (around $2,700 USD currently). Cities like Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, and Oaxaca host substantial expat populations. Healthcare is excellent and cheap. The downside? Security varies wildly by region, so due diligence is essential.

Spain: The EU Safe Bet

EU citizenship offers remarkable freedom, and Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa requires only €27,792 annually in income—less than many Mediterranean destinations. You get world-class healthcare, excellent food, genuine seasons, and a functioning bureaucracy (mostly). Barcelona and Madrid have cosmopolitan infrastructure, whilst smaller cities offer authentic living at bargain prices.

Mexico: Proximity Meets Practicality

For North Americans especially, Mexico offers geographical convenience without sacrificing infrastructure. Temporary residency visas are straightforward if you can demonstrate monthly income (around $2,700 USD currently). Cities like Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, and Oaxaca host substantial expat populations. Healthcare is excellent and cheap.

Georgia: The Dark Horse

Georgia—the country, not the state—deserves serious consideration. Visa-free for most nationalities for a year, incredibly cheap (Tbilisi costs less than many second-tier European cities), surprisingly cosmopolitan, and fiercely entrepreneurial. Infrastructure is solid, healthcare is improving, and the government actively courts expats. The catch: you're geopolitically close to Russian instability, and it's definitely not "tried and tested" for long-term expat communities.

Malaysia: The Balanced Approach

Malaysia's MM2H programme offers 10-year renewable residency for retirees and those with substantial savings (around $70,000). Kuala Lumpur is remarkably developed, English is widely spoken, and healthcare is exceptional and affordable. The climate is relentlessly hot and humid, but that's hardly unique in Southeast Asia.

The Plan B Mindset

Choosing a Plan B country isn't pessimism—it's sensible risk management. The best Plan B location depends on your nationality, income, dependents, and tolerance for unfamiliar systems.

Start researching before you need to leave. Visit for extended periods. Connect with existing communities. And remember: the best Plan B country is one you've already fallen slightly in love with.

Because when you're forced to leave home, the last thing you need is buyer's remorse—geographical edition.