A Guide to Moving Abroad with Purpose

If you don't like where you are, move. You're not a tree. - Jim Rohn

Thinking about packing up and moving to a new country? I’m having coffee in my living room on a Greek island, watching the election results and the first wave of “I’m going to leave the country” commentary has started. It seems as though more Americans than ever are actually taking those steps for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s for political reasons, cost of living, access to better medical care, weather or to squeeze more out of the time you have on this Earth, it’s a big decision! Moving abroad can be incredibly rewarding, bring fresh perspectives, a new pace of life, and experiences that expand your worldview. If you’re feeling drawn to the idea of living abroad, it’s essential to plan carefully—understanding why you want to move, where you’re aiming to go, and how to make it all happen. Let’s walk through these steps, so you can start shaping your adventure with confidence.

My Story

A few years ago, I found myself in a similar position—I was feeling unfulfilled in my fast-paced life in the States and dreaming of something different. It was a long process involving leaving corporate America, moved to a slower-paced area, and eventually my partner and I found our way to a beautiful village on the island of Lesvos, Greece. This lifestyle shift allowed us to embrace a simpler, more meaningful way of living, one focused on quality of life over constant achievement. It isn’t always easy, but it is worth every step. Now, I share my journey and tools through Eternal Recess to help others find freedom and balance.

First, Know Your “Why”

Your motivation for moving is what will keep you going when things get tough. Are you seeking a lower cost of living, a new adventure, or the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture? Knowing why you’re making this leap is critical—it helps you choose the right destination and prepares you for the inevitable challenges. Moving isn’t a magical fix for life’s issues, but a well-thought-out move can create the right environment for you to thrive. Making life decisions in an emotional state is never recommended - and it’s important to understand that there are problems and imperfections in every country. Moving allows you to trade off certain challenges and benefits for others that are higher on your values list!

Next, Pick Your “Where”

Choosing where to live affects everything: your budget, lifestyle, access to community, healthcare, and more. In the Dream City Workbook (linked below), I created an in-depth process to help you assess what factors matter most—whether it's community, safety, affordability, walkability, or access to nature. Consider what’s essential for your happiness and wellbeing. Do you crave a vibrant social scene? Are you looking for quiet and solitude? Factor in all of these considerations when choosing the right location.

Understanding Visa Options

Each country has unique requirements for allowing foreigners to live within its borders. Here are a few popular visa options that may fit different lifestyles:

Digital Nomad Visas: Perfect for remote workers who want to live abroad while keeping their existing remote job. Examples include Estonia, Portugal, Greece and Croatia.
Retirement Visas: For those who are financially stable and want to settle in a new location. Popular options include Panama, Portugal, and Thailand.
Financial Independence Visas: Many countries offer residency for those who can prove a steady income without needing local employment, such as Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa or Portugal’s D7 Visa.
Work Visas: Traditional work visas require a job offer from a local employer, which can sponsor your visa. Note - you need a sponsorship first, don’t simply arrive expecting to be hired!
Student Visas: If you want to study abroad, a student visa allows you to live in the country during your program.

Steps to Get Started

Once you’re clear on why you want to move, where you’re headed, and what visa options fit your situation, it’s time to take action. Here are the next steps to bring your plan to life:

Research Your Destination: Dive into the specifics of your chosen city or country—cost of living, cultural norms, healthcare, language, and more. This helps you set realistic expectations and understand daily life in your new home.
Create a Financial Plan: Moving can be expensive, especially if you’re setting up a new home abroad. Calculate your budget carefully, considering the cost of moving, the visa process, housing, and monthly expenses. If you need a budgeting template, the Dream City Workbook includes one to help you outline and track your expenses.
Prepare Essential Documents: Each country has its own requirements for visas, and this often involves a lot of paperwork. Gather essentials like birth certificates, passports, medical records, and bank statements, and make sure to have digital backups of everything. A lawyer may be hugely helpful. Consider reaching out to folks in your networks (below) for recommendations!
Network and Build Connections: Reach out to expat groups, online forums, or social media communities in your new country. Connecting with others who have made the move can provide invaluable insights, support, and advice.
Plan Your Move Logistically: Consider what items to bring, sell, or store. Many movers recommend only taking essentials, especially if you’re moving to a smaller space or want to simplify.

Download the Dream City Workbook

If you’re ready to take the leap, my Dream City Workbook is designed to guide you through every step of the process, from choosing a destination to creating a moving budget. This free resource will help you organize your thoughts, weigh the pros and cons of different cities, and create an actionable plan. Download it here and start planning your journey toward a life that truly excites you!

Conclusion

Moving abroad isn’t just a physical relocation; it’s a chance to redefine your life. By understanding your motivation, choosing the right place, and preparing carefully, you can create a life that aligns with your values and brings you joy. Moving can and will change your life completely and while it’s challenging at times it is a phenomenal experience that you CAN do!!! And worst case scenario? You can always move back - nothing, not even a big move like this, is permanent. Are you ready to stop dreaming and start doing? Let’s go!

PSSST HEY YOU!

Want me to go into more details on my exact experience? Let me know in the comments below! I’m working my way through the process while I live abroad!

So You Want to Leave the Country?