Goni
Woodpecker
In FYROM , Albania, Montenegro and Serbia as an American you have a 6 month free visa.There is a lot of information in the previous posting meant to discourage people from considering a move to CE/EE/Balkans. I'm going to address some of it below:
So far, I am not aware of any PR or temporary residency permits that require proof of vaccination. Of course, this will likely happen in the future, however, its just as likely (probably more so) that Western countries will mandate that all citizens take the vaccine. In that case, you're facing the needle either way (unless bugging out, in either place). I'm not onboard with the vaccine now, but after a few years will give it a second look. As it is, it wouldn't be hard to get some official-looking but bogus documentation stating that you've been vaccinated to pass since the document, along with the rest of the residency application, is just going to get thrown in some random, unorganized file in the back of some dumpy government office (and it will, possibly after the brief examination of a low-level, chain-smoking bureaucrat).
Your information on Montenegro is incorrect. 5 years of temporary residency can lead to PR. Residency can also be acquired by forming a shelf company (this is true for Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria*, and a host of other CE/EE countries) which can, in many cases, ultimately lead to PR.
If you're American, Albania essentially lets you stay indefinitely (thanks, Kosovo!) without a visa. If you want something more definite, your first permit is valid for five years.
Healthcare is normally a prerequisite to attaining residency. Basic plans in Balkan countries might set you back $30 USD a month for the basic plan (those big ballers have to pay closer to $50 for the premium plans!), although I've personally receive medical care in the region without having to pay (I tried to after receiving a series of examinations, tests, and IVs, but they said it would be too much trouble for them. Of course, your mileage may vary). If you're worried about the level or quality of coverage, purchasing insurance through international providers for an additional nominal fee (which, combined with the country-specific plan would be exponentially less than what you'd pay in the US) is an option.
I don't want to downplay any personal experiences you've had since we are all leading different lives.
However, all of the assimilation stuff you mention here could easily be apply to justify NOT moving within one's own country. Should the guy from the Northeast not move to the South because he has a "NeY Yorker" accent and people will never treat the Yankee like all of the other good ole' boys? Should the guy from 'Bama stay out of Boston because he's just some dumb redneck who talks too slow to everyone in the big city?
Guess people are just stuck!
I'm still waiting for the discrimination based on lack of citizenship to kick in. If anything, I have experienced more advantageous outcomes in situations as a result of authority figures (no, I'm not doing anything illegal) initially assuming I'm a local (and taking a stern tone with me) before smiling widely and asking me "where in USA" I'm from before sending me on my merry way (back in the US, the cops would at least check my ID or something). Do I get taken advantage of by some taxi drivers and those in similar positions to scam me/overcharge me? Of course. Do I still come out ahead by not getting scammed to the tune of ridiculously high COL, tax on worldwide income (FEIE, everyone), astronomical health insurance rates, car insurance rates, etc. I think so (one of my lawyer friends in the region does research or small jobs for me every once in a while. I have to sneak money in his car or folder because he refuses to let me pay him for such services. Lawyers in America would charge hundreds an hour just for "thinking" about my cases).
I'm sure the day will come where there is some negative ramification for not being a local. Looking at Biden's first 100 days agenda, I think such a ramification would be more a certainty back "home", though.
Why are we talking about the "average" person in the US here who has no interest in leaving America, doesn't have a passport, and can't find Florida on the map? Anyone thinking about moving to one of the above-mentioned countries shouldn't really consider it if they're in such a dire situation where they couldn't even put up a few grand to set up a shelf company (for residency purposes). However, they don't have to have "wealth" or a job; a decent amount of savings (which could be put aside in a year or two of cutting costs, even on a low US salary) and a desire to learn how to make money online will do just fine.
In Serbia is 3 months + 3 others easily while in Albania is 6 months + 6 others months easily ( not indefinitely). The same in Kosovo.
In Montenegro and Bulgaria you get citizenship if you invest 200,000 euros.
However residency permits are easy.
Residency permits are easier in Serbia than in Albania but Albania has more laid back curfew, no forced vaccination and no tests entry.
The same with FYROM Macedonia.