Lately, we’ve been having a lot of conversations with friends, family, and clients about the idea of moving abroad and starting a brand-new chapter in life. As world travelers and explorers, this topic is especially close to our hearts! Whether you’re dreaming of retiring to a sunny beach or you’re a digital nomad ready to work from a cozy café in a vibrant city, the idea of living abroad is an exciting one. And the best part? Both retirees and remote workers now have the freedom to live almost anywhere!
But, as thrilling as the idea sounds, making the leap to a new country isn’t always as simple as packing your bags. There’s a lot to think about— from choosing the right destination based on things like climate, amenities, and affordability, to figuring out how to sell your current home and settle into your new life. It’s a big decision, but we’re here to help you every step of the way.
If you’re feeling the itch to make the move, let’s chat! Whether you’re ready to start a new adventure in retirement or as a digital nomad, we’ll help guide you through the planning process so you can make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Choosing the Right Destination: Lifestyle and Cost of Living
- Where do you want to live—and why?
Whether you’re retiring to relax and explore or you are moving abroad as a digital nomad to pursue new adventures, your destination will have a big impact on your day-to-day life. Are you looking for an affordable, peaceful place to retire? A city buzzing with inspiring working spaces and digital nomad communities? The single biggest factor is cost of living, especially for retirees. For digital nomads, internet reliability and accessibility to safe and productive workspaces are key considerations.
- Where do you want to live—and why?
- Visas and Legal Requirements
- What kind of visa will you need?
Moving abroad includes more than settling on cost, destination, and packing your bags—different countries have different visa requirements. Some countries offer special retirement visas for people who want to spend their retirement years abroad, while others have digital nomad visas designed specifically for remote workers. Understanding these requirements ahead of time is key to avoiding any surprises and planning out fees, timelines, and resources (i.e., legal assistance) that may be necessary. It can also determine how you choose a destination beyond costs and climate.
- What kind of visa will you need?
- Healthcare and Insurance
- How will healthcare work in your new home country?
Healthcare is an important consideration for both retirees and digital nomads. As a retiree, you’ll want to ensure you have access to accessible, affordable, and quality care. For digital nomads, learning whether your destination offers reliable healthcare, how your current healthcare policy covers you abroad, and if you need international health insurance, is equally important. With a legal status abroad, you may find that your care costs are less due to universal healthcare coverage at your destination.
- How will healthcare work in your new home country?
- Cost of Living and Budgeting
- Will your retirement savings stretch further? Or can you afford to live on your remote work income?
The cost of living varies widely depending on where you choose to move. In many countries, retirees can live comfortably on a smaller budget. Digital nomads often move to places where their income goes further (like in Southeast Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe). It’s important to research housing costs, food, transportation, and overall living expenses.
- Will your retirement savings stretch further? Or can you afford to live on your remote work income?
- Internet and Work Setup (For Digital Nomads)
- Is the internet fast enough for your work needs?
If you’re a digital nomad, reliable internet is essential for remote work. Whether you’re in a trendy city or a quiet rural area, make sure your new location has the digital infrastructure you need. Look into coworking spaces, cafes with good Wi-Fi, and whether you’ll need to invest in a mobile hotspot or additional tech to stay connected.
- Is the internet fast enough for your work needs?
- Taxes and Finances
- How will your taxes work abroad?
Moving abroad often comes with new tax rules to consider. Some countries have tax treaties with the U.S., while others have specific rules for retirees or digital nomads. It’s worth checking into how your income and savings will be taxed in your new home country, and whether you need to make any changes to your financial setup before moving. You may be surprised to learn your dollars stretches much further when you factor in tax incentives abroad!
- How will your taxes work abroad?
- Safety and Political Stability
- Is the country safe, and is it politically stable?
Safety is always top of mind when moving to a new country. Research crime rates, political stability, and any areas that may be off-limits due to unrest. Both retirees and digital nomads should take time to ensure their new country offers a secure and stable environment for living and working.
- Is the country safe, and is it politically stable?
- Travel and Connectivity
- How easy is it to travel home or stay connected with loved ones?
Whether you’re planning to visit family, return home for the holidays, or stay connected with friends and clients, it’s important to think about how easy it is to travel back and forth to stay in touch–this works both ways: for you to return or for others to visit. Digital nomads especially need to think about the availability of flights and staying connected with work if a quick return is called for outside of plans.
- How easy is it to travel home or stay connected with loved ones?
- Community and Support Networks
- Are there local or expat communities to help you settle in?
Whether you’re a retiree or a digital nomad, having a support system in your new home can make the transition much easier. Research local expat communities or digital nomad hubs where you can connect with others, share advice, and make new friends. These communities will help fill in information voids and give you unvarnished accounts of the locale and its pros and cons.
- Are there local or expat communities to help you settle in?
- Exit Strategy
- What if you want to move again or return home?
Even if you plan to stay abroad long-term, life can be unpredictable. Whether you’re a retiree thinking about returning home or a digital nomad looking to switch locations, it’s important to have a plan in case things change. Understand the logistics of selling your home or renting it out in the future. It may be a good idea to also research how you get back to the US if you need to for unforeseen life events like illness, family emergencies, loss of job, etc.
- What if you want to move again or return home?
Ready to Start Your Adventure Abroad? Let’s chat!
We’ll help you plan your home sale in a way that gives you flexibility, so if you decide to move again or return home, you’ll be in a good position. Whether you’re staying for a few years or planning a permanent move, we’ll make sure you’re set up for success. Once you’ve picked your dream location, we’ll help you sell your current home quickly and efficiently. From pricing your home to managing showings, we’ll make sure you get the best value, so you can make your move without the hassle. We’re here to help make selling your home as easy as possible, so you can focus on what matters most—your next chapter. Reach out today to start the process, and let’s make your dream of living abroad a reality!