Digital Natives Going Global: Gen Z's Unprecedented Push for International Living

Unlike previous generations who merely dreamed of living abroad, Gen Z is taking concrete action:

• 25% plan to leave the U.S. within the next 5 years
• Gen Z is 2.4x more likely than Boomers to actively research visa requirements
• 62% have dedicated savings accounts for international relocation, averaging $28,292
• 78% of LGBTQIA+ Gen Z respondents report researching LGBTQ+ rights in potential destination countries

This generation isn't just considering expatriation—they're treating it as a probable life stage rather than a remote possibility.

Perhaps most revealing is how social values drive Gen Z's expatriate aspirations:

• 78% of LGBTQIA+ Gen Z believe their rights are becoming more compromised in the U.S.
• 54% explicitly cite gun violence concerns (vs. 24% of general population)
• 67% want access to universal healthcare systems
• 72% are attracted to countries with robust climate policies

For Gen Z, expatriation is frequently framed as alignment with personal values rather than purely economic opportunity.

Unlike previous generations who sought a single permanent destination, Gen Z exhibits distinct preferences for sequential international experiences:
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• 63% plan to live in at least three different countries during their lifetime
• 74% express interest in "citizenship portfolios" with multiple passports
• 47% have researched nomad insurance and portable benefits
• 81% see expatriation as reversible rather than a permanent decision

This reflects a fluid approach to nationality and residence previously unseen in American emigration patterns.

The research identifies several expatriation trends specific to this generation:
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• Communal Relocation: 57% plan to relocate with friends rather than individually
• Educational Arbitrage: 41% considering foreign universities to avoid U.S. student debt
• Climate Migration: 38% factor climate resilience into location decisions
• Digital Identity: 78% concerned about maintaining digital presence across borders
• Skill Acquisition Focus: 62% view international experience as essential for career advancement

Most profound is Gen Z's reimagining of what "American" identity means in a global context:
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• 69% believe other countries offer better quality of life
• 83% see international experience as essential to personal development
• 76% reject the notion that patriotism requires physical presence in the U.S.
• 64% plan to maintain strong ties to American culture while living abroad

For Gen Z, being American is increasingly viewed as a component of identity rather than a geographical constraint.

This research highlights how Gen Z is not merely continuing existing expatriation trends but fundamentally reinventing the concept of national identity and global citizenship. While previous generations viewed international living as exceptional, Gen Z increasingly sees it as normative.

For organizations and policymakers, understanding this shift is crucial. The economic, political, and cultural implications of having potentially 25% of an entire generation planning overseas relocation within five years demands fresh approaches to citizenship, taxation, and international relations.

The global mobility landscape is evolving more rapidly than at any point in American history, driven by a generation that views borders as increasingly permeable. For Gen Z contemplating international options, the key is leveraging their digital fluency to navigate immigration pathways, remote work opportunities, and international communities.

How is your organization preparing for this unprecedented shift in American mobility patterns? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.