How to Move Abroad with (almost) No Money (Yes, really)

Let's get one thing straight: moving abroad is not just for trust-fund babies and digital nomads with 6-figure incomes.

The number of people who message me saying, "I want to move abroad, but I'm broke AF," is... a lot.

And here's the thing: they're not wrong to be worried.

Relocating across the world is a logistical and financial beast. But it's also doable, even when your bank account looks like a sad little puddle.

So let's break it down. The bold, real-talk version. Because this isn't about manifesting your way to a visa. This is about strategy. Sacrifice. And getting the hell out.

1. Accept That It Prolly Ain't Gonna be Pretty

You might not get the Instagram version.

There might be roommates. And bunkbeds.

You might not fly business class with a glass of champagne in hand.

But you can get out.

This is about survival, safety, and long-term gain. Not aesthetic vibes.

2. Choose a Country Where You Can Actually Afford to Live

Europe? Possibly, but not always the France, Italy, or Netherlands fantasy.

Look at:

🇵🇹 Portugal (but avoid Lisbon and Porto)
🇪🇸 Spain (outside of the big cities)
🇭🇺 Hungary (yes, even Budapest can be affordable)
🇲🇽 Mexico (maybe not the beach towns)
🇨🇴 Colombia (yes, it's safe and it's affordable)
🇹🇭 Thailand (check out Chiang Rai or Ayutthaya)

Cost of living matters more than hype.

If your budget is tight, prioritize visa access, housing costs, and whether you can legally work or access public services.

Let your budget lead, not your Pinterest board or Instagram profile grid.

3. Know Your Visa Options (and How Much They Cost)

Some visas are free. Some can cost hundreds or even thousands.

Some require proof of income or savings. Some don't.

Do your research (and grab my free personalized visa checklist to shortcut the Google spiral).

Pro tip: Many countries offer student visas or language-learning visas that let you stay long-term for less than you think.

Some let you work part-time, which can be a bridge to a more stable work-visa.

4. Cut Your Costs at Home FIRST

You want to move abroad with no money?

Then stop spending like you're staying.

Sell stuff you no longer use.

Cancel subscriptions (seriously, how many streaming subscriptions do you actually need?)

Drive DoorDash or watch your friends' kids.

Every dollar you save now is a ticket out.

I get it, it's not glamorous. It's exhausting. But this can help when you don't have a cushion.

5. Look for Programs that Help You Move (yes, They Exist)

• Volunteer exchange programs (like Workaway or WWOOF)

• Teaching programs (JET in Japan, TAPIF in France)

• Remote jobs with relocation assistance

• Government-sponsored scholarships or jobs

Not all of them pay well, but they can cover housing, give you a visa, or buy you time while you get your bearings.

6. Get Real About Income

You don’t need a fancy remote job. You need some income.

• Freelancing

• Virtual assisting

• English tutoring

• Babysitting for other expats

• Starting a service-based business that travels well (writing, editing, coaching, admin)

If you’re resourceful, you can earn. Just remember: it might be messy at first. And that’s okay.

Grab free resources on finding a job abroad: Masterclass, Cover Letter Template, and landing the job.

7. Say Goodbye to Stuff. Seriously.

You're not taking everything.

And you shouldn't try.

Stuff costs money to store, ship, or replace. Be ruthless.

Pack what matters, sell the rest, and let the junk go.

You're not just moving.

You're changing your life.

Grab our free guide to making the move more affordable.

8. Find Community Early

Look for Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, Reddit threads, whatever.

Your people are out there.

And they'll tell you which landlord scams to avoid, how to register your kid locally for school, and which neighborhoods won't eat your whole budget.

Isolation is expensive.

Community is priceless (and necessary).

9. Budget Like Your Future Depends on It (Because it Does)

Track every cent.

Know your monthly costs.

Build a safety cushion (even if it's super small)

Moving abroad with little money isn't impossible.

But it takes clarity. And spreadsheets. Lots and lots of spreadsheets.

10. Don't Wait til You "Have Enough"

If you're hoping to feel 100% financially secure before moving abroad, you'll never go.

Make a plan. Set a target. And when you're close enough (or just now), go.

Because the real danger?

Staying stuck.

Watching your rights disappear.

Wondering if your kid will be safe in school.

Trying to afford healthcare.

Swallowing your dreams in the name of caution.

You're not reckless for wanting to leave. You're smart AF for trying.

Final Thoughts

You don't need to be rich to move abroad.

You need to be strategic. Committed. Creative.

The system wants you to believe you have to stay stuck until you can afford an exit that looks perfect.

I'm here to tell you: messy exits still get you free.

And if you want help mapping any of this out, I built a series of mini-courses for exactly this kind of move: the scrappy, budget-conscious, emotionally-heavy one.

Start with the freebies (buttons below). Then let's build you a plan.

You don't have to be rich.

You just have to be done waiting.