117:The Income Strategy That Makes Moving Abroad 10x Easier
Why Income Matters More Than You Think When Moving Abroad
The income strategy that makes moving abroad 10x easier isn’t waiting for a job overseas—it’s building income that can move with you. If you’re planning to figure out money after you relocate, you’re likely making the entire process more stressful than it needs to be. There is an easier way!
Many assume they need a foreign job offer before they can can move abroad, and that makes sense if that type of income is what you’re used to, but that belief is often what keeps them stuck.
What if I told you there’s a simpler, more flexible approach that gives you more control and more options: building portable income before you move. In this post, we’ll break down why that strategy works and how starting now can save you years of waiting..
Why Traditional Jobs Abroad Are the Hard Way
Many people assume job sponsorship is the “right” way to move abroad. However, for most people, it’s the hardest path.
Job sponsorship is often:
- Slow and highly competitive
- Limited to specific industries
- Dependent on language fluency
- Tied to one employer and one country
From an employer’s point of view, sponsoring a foreign worker takes time, money, and paperwork. As a result, companies usually avoid sponsorship unless they truly cannot hire locally.
This is why so many people apply for jobs abroad for years without success. The system is not designed to make relocation easy. In total transparency, I have visa sponsorship. It’s worked out for me, and if that’s the path you choose, then go for it! But if you want an easier option that will get you abroad faster, I think this is a great option and is something I would have considered if I were moving abroad again.
The Visa Reality Most People Don’t Talk About
Here’s what surprises most people: many visas don’t care where your income comes from.
What immigration officers usually look for is:
- Stability
- Proof of income
- Consistency over time
This is why digital nomad visas, freelance visas, and self-employment visas have expanded so quickly. Governments want residents who can support themselves without relying on local jobs or social systems.
You don’t need to have foreign employer to move abroad. You need documented, reliable income.
Why Starting Now Makes Moving Abroad 10x Easier
Building income before you move changes everything.
When you start early, you give yourself time to:
- Build income history
- Gather the right documents
- Test what actually works
- Reduce pressure once you arrive
Instead of scrambling in a new country, you arrive prepared. You can also start to build income while keeping your current job, so it’s a risk free way to begin building income to get a visa abroad.
The most important thing to remember is this:
You don’t need a six-figure business. You need proof of income – just enough to meet the visa’s threshold which might be less than you’d expect!
Best Income Options for Aspiring Expats
Not all income strategies work well for visas. Speed, clarity, and documentation matter.
Freelancing (The Fastest Path)
Freelancing is often the simplest and quickest option.
Common examples include:
- Virtual assistance
- Copywriting
- Social media management
- Web or UX design
- Skills-based online coaching
Why freelancing works:
- Low startup costs
- Income proof quickly
- Easy to explain to immigration
Service-Based Online Businesses
For people with existing professional skills, service businesses work well.
Examples include:
- Consulting
- Niche coaching
- Done-for-you services
This path is especially good for corporate professionals who want to pivot without starting from scratch.
Slower (But Scalable) Options
Some income streams are great long-term, but slow in the short term.
Examples include:
- Content creation
- Courses
- Affiliate marketing
These can work eventually. However, if you need income proof for a visa in the next 6–12 months, they are usually not the best place to start.
Common Mistakes That Delay Moving Abroad
Many people delay themselves without realizing it.
Common mistakes include:
- Waiting for “perfect clarity”
- Starting too many ideas at once
- Underpricing services
- Not tracking income properly
- Assuming digital nomad visas are automatic
Progress matters more than perfection. One clear path beats five half-started ones.
What I’d Do If I Were Starting From Scratch Today
If I were starting over today, I would keep it simple:
- Pick one skill
- Get 1–3 paying clients
- Track income for 3–6 months
- Match that income to visa options
- Move with confidence
That’s it. No overcomplication.
Who This Path Is Not For
This approach is not for everyone, and that matters.
It’s not ideal for:
- People who want zero responsibility
- People unwilling to self-manage
- Anyone expecting instant freedom
However, for people willing to take ownership and build something stable, this path offers far more flexibility than traditional jobs abroad.
Final Thought
Moving abroad isn’t about escaping your life.
It’s about designing one that works globally.
When your income can move with you, your options expand. Visas become simpler. Stress goes down. And the move starts to feel possible instead of overwhelming.
Want Help Getting Started?
If you’re unsure which income or visa path fits your situation, start with clarity.
👉 Take the “Which European City Should you move to?” quiz and see what makes sense for you right now.
Feeling Stuck?
If moving abroad keeps crossing your mind but you haven’t taken the next step yet, these two episodes can help you get unstuck:
👉 Episode 111: The Difference Between People Who Move Abroad and the People Who Don’t — a real look at what separates people who actually go from those who keep waiting.
👉 Episode 114: The Next 60 Minutes: Quick Actions to Kick-Start Your Move Abroad Today — easy, practical steps you can take right now to get moving.
