Your Guide to Moving Abroad and Building an Online Career: Expert Tips and Personal Insights

With the recent election results, it’s understandable that many people are feeling uncertain and are considering relocating for a fresh start. It’s a big move that requires careful planning, especially if you’re new to remote work or haven’t traveled extensively.

However, if you’re open to new opportunities and willing to put in the preparation, making such a move is possible. Here’s how you can prepare yourself for a successful transition.

1. Research Visa & Residency Requirements

Every country has its own visa regulations, so thorough research is essential. For example, in Thailand, we navigated multiple visa options before settling on one that fit our lifestyle. Some countries offer digital nomad visas or freelancer permits. Portugal’s D7 visa, for instance, caters to those with passive income.

2. Financial Planning for a Smooth Transition

Make sure you have enough savings to cover living expenses, emergencies, and initial settling-in costs. When we moved to Thailand, we planned carefully to ensure that unexpected expenses, like setting up our home or emergency medical appointments, were manageable. Many countries also require proof of financial stability to grant visas, so it’s wise to prepare for this.

3. Exploring Online Work Options

Working online is a game changer for expats, and there are plenty of ways to start:

- Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great for offering services such as copywriting, design, or virtual assistance. When we began working remotely, leveraging these platforms helped us gain traction.

- Remote Job Boards: Websites like We Work Remotely and FlexJobs can connect you to remote job opportunities across industries.

- Starting an Online Business: This is where our journey truly transformed— through our agency we created digital products and automated our business which allowed us to scale and travel freely.

4. Pet Relocation: Preparing for Your Furry Friends

Relocating with pets can be daunting. Before moving from Thailand, we made sure our cats, Snowball and Biscuit, were up-to-date with vaccinations and met all import regulations for France. This preparation ensures our pets’ safety and comfort throughout the transition.

5. Learning New Skills to Work Remotely

If you don’t have a remote job yet, consider learning new skills:

- Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare offer courses in web development, digital marketing, and more. When we started our journey, upskilling in digital marketing opened doors we hadn’t considered.

- Certifications: Adding certifications such as project management or digital advertising can enhance your remote job prospects.

6. Network with Expat and Digital Nomad Communities

Before moving to Chiang Rai, we connected with local and online expat communities for advice and support. These groups provide invaluable tips for everything from finding housing to understanding local customs. Engaging in communities like expat Facebook groups can help you transition more smoothly.

7. Transitioning to Remote Work: Tips for Beginners

- Start as a Side Hustle: If you’re still employed, start your remote work journey as a side project. This is how we began—experimenting with different online ventures until we found what worked.

- Portfolio Building: Create a strong online portfolio showcasing your work, especially if you’re looking into freelancing or creative roles.

- Test Different Avenues: Try various online income streams, such as teaching English, affiliate marketing, or consulting.

8. Remote-Friendly Careers to Consider

Some roles are particularly suited for remote work:

- Virtual Assistant: Provide administrative support from anywhere.

- Content Creation: Whether through blogging, YouTube, or creating digital products, this can become a profitable endeavor. Our business model started with a $37 digital course and evolved into a full suite of digital products that now support our family and lifestyle.

- Tech Roles: If you have a tech background, consider roles like web development or IT support, which are in high demand.

Final Thoughts

Moving overseas can be life-changing, especially if it’s driven by the desire for a fresh start. It’s crucial to research, plan, and prepare for the practical aspects while also being flexible and open-minded. The journey isn’t always easy, but with the right strategy, it can be incredibly rewarding—for both you and your furry companions.

Our story of moving from New Zealand to Thailand, and now embarking on a new chapter in France, showcases that with determination and careful planning, this lifestyle is attainable.

We’ve managed to create an online business that supports our family and aligns with our goal of exploring the world. We hope our experience and tips help guide your own journey to living abroad and working online.

Need Help Getting Started?

If you’re looking for guidance to make your move or start working online, here’s how we can help:

- Instant Storefront: Get a fully built eCommerce store with ready-to-sell digital products.

- Start Your Own Online Marketing Agency: Learn how to set up a successful agency like ours, offering automation and marketing solutions.

- Become a Coach or Consultant: Create and sell your own digital course to share your expertise.

Having lived this lifestyle since 2022, we know how rewarding it can be. If you'd like our help get in touch - we’d love to help you take the first step toward your new life.