The expat life is calling If the latest news cycle has you dreaming of packing up your bags and moving abroad?and let?s face it, we?ve all been there?there?s a lot more to leaving than just buying a plane ticket. While most countries around the world will allow Americans to stay for around 3 months, after that things get difficult. From figuring out each country?s long-term-stay visa rules to completing all the required paperwork, moving abroad isn?t the easiest feat.
In most countries, in order to obtain a work permit you have to demonstrate "needed skills." Alternatively, you can try to get a direct transfer from your employer in the United States to an overseas branch. In either case, the key to legally living abroad is to figure out how to obtain some sort of visa. A few countries make this easier than others, so we?ve rounded up the top choices for becoming an expat. (Need even more info" Don?t miss our practical guide to moving abroad for anxious Americans). Berlin, Germany:

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A graffiti house in East Berlin, Germany.

According to Nomadic Matt, a popular travel blog, one of the easiest visas to get in Europe is a German "self-employment" visa. Contract workers, artists, and other freelancers will earn two years in the EU with a self-employment visa. Once you have the visa regulations sorted out, check out Berlin. A hub for American expats looking for cheap living, a thriving art culture, and...