How to Become an Expat: A Step-by-Step Guide with The Good Life Abroad

Becoming an expat—living, working, or retiring in a new country—is becoming increasingly popular. For many, the idea of immersing themselves in a new culture is thrilling, but taking the first steps can feel overwhelming. With The Good Life Abroad, you can experience a structured and supportive path toward this lifestyle, making it easier to test the waters before committing to long-term relocation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your expat journey.

Self-Reflection: Why Do You Want to Become an Expat?

Before jumping into the logistics of becoming an expat, it’s important to understand why you want to make this change. Are you seeking adventure, a lower cost of living, or a cultural experience? Perhaps you’re looking for a change of pace during retirement. Whatever your reasons, defining your motivation will help guide your decisions about where to go and how long to stay.

At The Good Life Abroad, we offer 30, 60, and 90-day stays, giving you the chance to experience life in a new city without the long-term commitment. These immersive stays provide the perfect opportunity to "try out" the expat lifestyle and see if it’s right for you. By living like a local, you can understand the rhythms of daily life in your chosen destination and decide whether or not you’d enjoy making the move permanent.

Research and Choose Your Destination Carefully

When choosing where to become an expat, research is essential. You need to consider factors like the cost of living, healthcare, lifestyle, and language. Some cities may suit your needs better than others, depending on your preferences and the type of lifestyle you envision.

The Good Life Abroad offers stays in a variety of vibrant cities across Europe, including Florence, Lisbon, and Paris. Each destination offers unique experiences, from the art and culture of Florence to the seaside beauty of Lisbon and the cosmopolitan charm of Paris. Take time to visit your chosen destination before committing to it. Our extended stays allow you to live in the city, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in the culture—far more valuable than just passing through as a tourist.

Visa and Residency Requirements

Understanding the visa and residency requirements for your chosen country is a crucial step in becoming an expat. The type of visa you’ll need depends on your purpose for relocating—whether for work, retirement, or long-term travel. Some countries have special programs for retirees or digital nomads, while others may require you to have a job lined up before applying for a work visa.

The Good Life Abroad can assist by connecting you with local experts who can help navigate these often complicated processes. For more information on visa applications, it’s always a good idea to visit government websites like the U.S. State Department’s travel page or the respective embassy of your desired destination.

Managing Your Finances Abroad

Budgeting for your expat journey is one of the most important factors to consider. You’ll need to account for the cost of living, which includes housing, healthcare, insurance, and transportation. The cost of living can vary greatly depending on the country and city. For instance, cities like Lisbon or Palermo offer a lower cost of living compared to more expensive destinations like Paris.

When you choose The Good Life Abroad, our local Community Managers provide invaluable advice about banking, local costs, and budgeting, making it easier for you to manage your finances while living abroad.

Learn the Language and Culture

Learning the local language is not only practical but also essential for making a smooth transition into expat life. While many people speak English in popular expat destinations, having even basic language skills can significantly enhance your experience and help you connect with locals. Alongside the language, understanding the culture and social norms of your new home is critical to fully enjoying life as an expat.

The Good Life Abroad provides cultural immersion programs that help you navigate your new environment, including language tips, local customs, and advice on adjusting to your new surroundings. This includes group classes, tours, and one-on-one interactions with locals.

Build a Support Network

Building a support network abroad is key to feeling at home in a new country. Connecting with locals and fellow expats will help you integrate into the community and provide social support. Attend meetups, join local groups, and frequent places like cafés, markets, and restaurants where you can interact with people regularly.

At The Good Life Abroad, you’ll join a cohort of 10-15 travelers, many of whom are also testing out the expat lifestyle. This group offers a built-in support system. Additionally, our Community Managers help introduce you to local events and expat gatherings, making it easier to form friendships and connections.

Health and Travel Insurance

Healthcare can vary widely from country to country, so it’s important to ensure you’re covered during your stay. Travel and health insurance are essential, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are planning to stay for an extended period.

The Good Life Abroad offers optional travel insurance, providing peace of mind that you’re covered in case of any health-related emergencies. It’s also a good idea to research local healthcare options before making the move. You can find more information on travel insurance options on our insurance partner.

Testimonials from Expat Participants in The Good Life Abroad

"The Good Life Abroad helped me test out expat life without the commitment. I spent 90 days in Lisbon and loved every moment of it. It gave me the confidence to pursue a permanent move!"

— Sharon A., Lisbon

Becoming an expat is a major life decision that requires careful planning and consideration. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be on your way to making the transition smoother and more enjoyable. The Good Life Abroad provides a perfect introduction to the expat lifestyle through its structured, extended stays in vibrant cities. Whether you're considering a permanent move or just testing the waters, our programs offer the support, flexibility, and community you need to succeed as an expat.

Ready to explore expat life? Browse our locations today to start your journey.

andrew

Andrew is the Founder of The Good Life Abroad and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. His first experience living abroad was as a Peace Corps volunteer. He is also the Founder of Discover Corps, a company specializing in meaningful vacations for families.