{"id":3172,"date":"2025-01-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/?p=3172"},"modified":"2025-10-24T08:08:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T08:08:47","slug":"best-countries-for-catholics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/?p=3172","title":{"rendered":"These Are the 12 Best Countries for Catholic Expats"},"content":{"rendered":"

More and more Americans are embracing the idea of setting down roots in another country for various reasons. Whether a college student, already retired or somewhere in between, read on if you’ve considered immigrating and wondered where you may feel most at home as a Catholic. Here are 12 amazing options and why these best countries for Catholics might include the next place you\u2019ll call home:<\/span><\/p>\n

East Timor<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Starting with the most exotic location on the list, this former Portuguese colony has only gained its independence within the last 25 years. Officially called \u201cthe Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste,” 97% of this southeast Asian country identifies as Catholic\u2014one of the highest population percentages in the world. East Timor ranks as Southeast Asia’s only free and fair democracy in 2023. It also uses the U.S. dollar as currency, making this island country an enticing option for expats seeking familiar features abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brazil<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Brazil is said to have the highest Catholic population worldwide, with about 54.2% of residents identifying as Catholic\u2014roughly 126.8 million people. Since the Portuguese conquered Brazil in the 16th century, the Catholic Church has shaped Brazilian culture. Events like the Patroness festival honor Catholic saints or relate to events in the holy calendar. Outside of metropolitan cities like Brasilia, S\u00e3o Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, countless towns and villages beckon you to see why over 200 million people call Brazil home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Brazil<\/a><\/p>\n

Mexico<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Our southern neighbor Mexico has a substantial Catholic population; approximately 82.7% of Mexicans identify withe the religion. Mexico\u2019s is home to many famous Catholic sites, including the Basilica de Guadalupe, Teotihuacan Pyramids, and the Templo Mayor. These locales represent the blend of pre-Hispanic and Christian traditions in Mexico. The warm climate and proximity to the United States help keep Mexico a popular destination to start a new life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Mexico<\/a><\/p>\n

Philippines<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Another island nation making our list, an estimated 85% of Filipinos identifying as Catholic. The Philippines’ rich Catholic heritage stems from its long history as a Spanish colony, with Catholicism playing a significant role in its colonial, post-colonial, and present-day eras. A relatively low cost of living, friendly people, and warm climate keep the Philippines a popular expat destination.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to the Philippines<\/a><\/p>\n

Italy<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Italy is our first recommendation in Europe, where a strong Catholic presence and rich Catholic history extends back to the religion’s beginning. Home to Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and more, Italy is an obvious choice for any Catholic seeking a new country to call home. With its Mediterranean climate, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and culinary delights, the possibilities of a life in Italy remain enticing for devout Catholics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Italy<\/a><\/p>\n

Poland<\/span><\/h2>\n
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The next European country is Poland, where 85.8% of the population identify as Catholic. Poland has a deeply rooted Catholic tradition, known for its religious devotion and being the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. With a lower cost of living<\/a> than many other European countries, Poland\u2019s growing job market, good quality of life, and rich cultural heritage may be exactly what you are looking for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Poland<\/a><\/p>\n

Spain<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Spain remains a popular destination for American expats. With about 71.8% of Spaniards identifying as Catholic, the religion’s influence can be seen throughout Spain\u2019s churches, museums, and everyday life. There is even a patron saint for every village, town, and city in Spain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Spain<\/a><\/p>\n

Argentina<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Catholicism is the dominant religion in Argentina, with approximately 66% of the population identifying as Catholic. Countless churches, parishes, and cathedrals can be found throughout the country. With a rich culture, incredible wines and culinary delights, low cost of living and welcoming citizens, Argentina could be just what you are looking for.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Argentina<\/a><\/p>\n

Ireland<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Ireland has strong ties to Catholicism: 69% of its population reported to be Catholic in the 2022 census. With 3.7 million members, the Irish Catholic Church is the largest Christian church in Ireland. The country has four officially canonized Irish saints and many other commonly recognized saints, including St. Patrick and St. Brigid. With a great work-life balance, high-paying jobs, mild climate, and breathtaking scenery, it\u2019s easy to see how you could feel right at home on the Emerald Isle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Ireland<\/a><\/p>\n

Portugal<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Approximately 80% of Portugal\u2019s population identifies as Catholic. Many famous Catholic sites and shrines can be found throughout Portugal: the pilgrimage site F\u00e1tima in central Portugal, honoring the Virgin Mary; Lisbon Cathedral; and Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the fourth largest Catholic Church in the world. Along with world class healthcare, affordable cost of living and public transportation, rich culture and pleasant climate, Portugal may be your dream come true.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Portugal<\/a><\/p>\n

Malta<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Malta is considered one of the most Catholic countries in the world, with Catholicism being the state religion. There is a high level of religious freedom and a strong Catholic community throughout Malta, with more than one church per square kilometer. Malta\u2019s patron saints are St. Agatha, St. Paul, and St. Publius. Malta was the first European nation to embrace Christianity. Today, expats embrace Malta\u2019s low cost of living, excellent healthcare, low unemployment and rich culture, where 90% of the population speaks English.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 Learn more about moving to Malta<\/a><\/p>\n

Ivory Coast<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Catholicism came to Ivory Coast via French settlers in the mid-17th century; today, approximately 3 million baptized Catholics in Ivory Coast. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, located in the city of Yamoussoukro<\/a>, is the largest church in the world. Known as the \u201cLand of Opportunities\u201d to expatriates around the world, this country’s mix of African and French cultures, vibrant economy, low cost of living, and diverse population make this West African country a worthy contender for your next home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u27a4 The Best Cities for Jewish Expats<\/a>
\n\u27a4 The Best Cities for Muslim Expats<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

More and more Americans are embracing the idea of setting down roots in another country for various reasons. Whether a college student, already retired or somewhere in between, read on if you’ve considered immigrating and wondered where you may feel most at home as a Catholic. Here are 12 amazing options and why these best […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3179,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[176],"tags":[24,9,187,40,119,188,43,44,12,69,48,51],"class_list":["post-3172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-religion","tag-argentina","tag-brazil","tag-east-timor","tag-ireland","tag-italy","tag-ivory-coast","tag-malta","tag-mexico","tag-philippines","tag-poland","tag-portugal","tag-spain"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3172","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3172"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3172\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3178,"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3172\/revisions\/3178"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3172"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3172"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expatsi.devstudio.work\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3172"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}