7 Ways Expats Earn Money Abroad
Living abroad is a dream for many, and for some, it’s a lifestyle they make a reality. But how do they sustain themselves financially while navigating new countries, cultures, and currencies? Before diving into the details, let’s clarify: an expat, short for expatriate, is someone who lives outside their native country, often for extended periods or permanently. Whether they move for work, adventure, or a fresh start, expats often find creative ways to make money while exploring the world.
Here are 7 ways expats earn money abroad, from leveraging digital tools to pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.
1. Content Creation
What It Is:
Expats often turn their experiences into income by creating content about their journeys. This includes blogs, YouTube channels, podcasts, or social media platforms where they share travel tips, lifestyle insights, and cultural experiences.
How They Earn:
Ad Revenue: Platforms like YouTube pay creators through ads.
Sponsorships: Collaborate with brands for sponsored content.
Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by recommending travel gear, accommodations, or services.
📖 Example: A travel vlogger in Southeast Asia might share tips on hidden destinations while earning from ads and promoting products like travel backpacks or SIM card services.
🔑 Takeaway: If you love storytelling and have an eye for engaging content, turning your expat life into a revenue stream is a great option.
2. Dropshipping
What It Is:
Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where you sell products online without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, the supplier ships the product directly to them.
How They Earn:
Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
Promote your store through social media or digital ads.
Keep the profit margin between the wholesale price and what the customer pays.
📖 Example: An expat living in Spain could run a dropshipping store focused on travel accessories, marketing to fellow globetrotters.
🔑 Takeaway: Dropshipping lets you build a business anywhere in the world with just a laptop and internet connection.
3. Affiliate Marketing
What It Is:
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale or lead generated through your referral links.
How They Earn:
Partner with companies offering affiliate programs, like Amazon, Booking.com, or niche-specific brands.
Share links via a blog, YouTube channel, or social media posts.
Create content like product reviews, travel tips, or “how-to” guides to encourage clicks.
📖 Example: An expat running a food blog in Italy could recommend local cooking classes or wine tours, earning affiliate commissions for every booking.
🔑 Takeaway: Affiliate marketing is a passive income stream that scales as your audience grows.
4. Remote Jobs
What It Is:
Remote work allows expats to keep their jobs while living abroad. Thanks to the rise of remote-friendly companies, many professionals can work from anywhere with reliable internet.
How They Earn:
Find remote roles in fields like marketing, programming, customer service, or design.
Use platforms like We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, or Remote.co to find opportunities.
Work for your current employer remotely, negotiating terms before relocating.
📖 Example: A software engineer from Canada moves to Thailand while continuing to work for their Canadian company remotely.
🔑 Takeaway: Remote jobs provide stable income while giving expats the freedom to live anywhere.
5. Teaching English (or Another Skill)
What It Is:
Teaching is one of the most common ways expats earn abroad. English, in particular, is in high demand globally, but expats can also teach other languages or skills like yoga, music, or art.
How They Earn:
Online: Teach English through platforms like VIPKid or iTalki.
In-Person: Work with schools, language centers, or private clients.
Workshops: Host skill-specific classes in your local community.
📖 Example: An expat in Japan might teach conversational English to adults in person while offering private lessons online.
🔑 Takeaway: Teaching is a versatile income stream for expats with skills or certifications.
6. Freelancing
What It Is:
Freelancing lets expats leverage their skills to offer services directly to clients, working independently on projects. Popular freelance industries include writing, graphic design, web development, and consulting.
How They Earn:
Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal to find clients.
Build a personal portfolio to showcase your expertise.
Network with local businesses in your new country to offer your services.
📖 Example: A digital nomad in Bali might freelance as a graphic designer, creating logos and branding for small businesses worldwide.
🔑 Takeaway: Freelancing offers flexibility and scalability, making it ideal for expats with in-demand skills.
7. Selling Digital Products
What It Is:
Expats can create and sell digital products, like eBooks, templates, or courses, sharing their expertise or passion with a global audience.
How They Earn:
Use platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, or Shopify to sell digital products.
Focus on products that solve problems or teach something valuable.
Market your products through social media, blogs, or email newsletters.
📖 Example: An expat in France could sell an eBook on “How to Navigate French Culture” or digital templates for language learning.
🔑 Takeaway: Selling digital products creates a passive income stream that grows with your audience.
Conclusion: Opportunities Abound for Expats
Being an expat doesn’t mean struggling to make ends meet. With creativity, determination, and a little tech-savviness, you can earn money abroad through content creation, dropshipping, affiliate marketing, remote jobs, teaching, freelancing, or selling digital products.
The key is to find what aligns with your skills and passions while taking full advantage of the digital tools and global markets available today.
