7 Countries That Make Moving Abroad a Breeze

• Originally broadcast via email on November 14, 2024 •

There’s a lot of talk out there about how moving abroad is “just too hard” or “not realistic.”

But honestly? Living abroad isn’t nearly as complicated as people make it out to be.

Today, I’m breaking down some of the easiest ways to live and work abroad.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, a retiree, or hoping to find local work, these options are more accessible than you might think, and could open up a whole new chapter in your life (they did for me anyway!):

1. Svalbard

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located far north in the Arctic Ocean, and it’s one of the most unique places we’ve ever been.

It’s known for its rugged terrain, polar bears (there are legitimately more polar bear than people here 😜), and small community, especially in Longyearbyen, which is the capital of the island.

Because of the Svalbard Treaty, they have an unusual rule where citizens of any country, including Americans, can live there without needing a visa or residency permit.

You can literally just show up and stay indefinitely.

Now, I have to be transparent.. Svalbard isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

In fact, for several months of the year, you’d be in complete darkness. And the weather is quite harsh.

But we enjoyed it, and if you can brave the winter cold, you could do well in Svalbard.

2. Thailand

Thailand is an amazing place to live and it’s quite easy if you decide to teach English.

I can definitely vouch for this experience; I was there in 2014 doing exactly that and absolutely loved it!

With just a bachelor’s degree in any field, getting a job as an English teacher is very simple.

Plus, once you’re there, you’re pretty set: schools sponsor your working visa, which makes the whole process pretty straightforward.

Here are some websites to help you find teaching jobs in Thailand (and other places abroad):

Ajarn
Teast

3. Ecuador

Ecuador currently offers two very promising visas, one for digital nomads and one for retirees.

Personally, we loved Ecuador because of the incredible outdoor adventures (soooo many mountains to climb), and the low cost of living (we lived in a beautiful 3-bedroom house for a month for $900 total).

The minimum monthly requirement to be accepted for one of these visas is low, approximately $1400 per month.

And processing times are quick, only taking about 8-15 days to complete.

4. Portugal

Portugal has become a prime spot for Americans looking to live abroad while working remotely.

They currently offer several digital nomad visas with relatively low barriers to entry. Portugal is also one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, which allows you to enjoy a high quality of life with a lower cost of living.

Note: You do NOT need to speak Portuguese to apply for a digital nomad visa.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand’s visas have always intrigued me. They call them Working Holiday Visas and Americans (and many other nationalities) can live, work, and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months.

The catch is that you need to be between the ages of 18-30 to apply for this visa.

We spent over a month in a campervan in New Zealand back in 2017 and it was fantastic. I can only imagine the kind of adventures you could have with an entire year to explore.

Click here to read more and apply!

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a welcoming option for those looking to live abroad as it offers multiple visa options tailored to different lifestyles.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, or someone seeking a slower pace in a beautiful setting, Costa Rica might be the place for you.

As a digital nomad, you’ll need to show proof of a monthly income of at least $3,000. For retirees, a stable income of $1,000 per month from sources like a pension or social security is required.

Costa Rica’s visa options are straightforward and come with access to the country’s excellent healthcare system, beautiful landscapes, and eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s a perfect place to enjoy Central America!

7. Albania

Whenever I recommend Albania as a travel destination, I get a lot of funny looks.

Movies like “Taken” have unfairly cast Albanians in a negative light, but the reality is that this stunning Balkan country is an absolute gem.

From dramatic mountain landscapes to beautiful beaches and one of the lowest costs of living in Europe, Albania offers a unique and rewarding experience for travelers and digital nomads alike.

Albania has introduced the Unique Permit, a visa tailored for digital nomads and remote workers. This permit allows you to live and work in Albania for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years.

Securing this visa is fairly simple; as long as you have a clean background check, an annual income of at least $9,800, and health insurance, you’ll be all set!

You can learn more and apply here!

If any of these visa options seems daunting, look into hiring a company to walk you through the steps and do it for you. There are lots of companies like this who are willing to help for a fee.

💡 Blog Posts For Travel Inspiration

Want more travel inspiration?

Here are a few of my favorite blog posts that I’ve written:

Have a great week and happy travels!

Laura

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