From Dream to Departure: 10 Steps to Leave the U.S. and Begin Living Abroad
In the summer of 2025, we packed up our house in San Diego, California, and moved to Italy. The journey began almost a year prior, with careful planning and logistics to make living abroad a possibility. We researched digital nomad visa options, organized our finances, and even our hound dog was part of the plan (we’re writing a full blog on traveling with pets internationally as we’ve received so many questions!)
Step by step, the pieces came together, and we have made our dream of living abroad a reality. If you, too, have been dreaming about leaving the U.S., whether for a few months or more permanently, this blog is a comprehensive guide to help you get there.
In this blog, we share 10 steps from planning to departure:
- Define Your Why for Living Abroad
- Plan Your Income Stream
- Research Destinations and Visas
- Visa Applications and Appointments
- Plan Your Finances and Create a Monthly Budget
- How to Find Health Insurance
- Find a Place to Live
- Downsize, Digitize, and Forward Your Mail
- Build Community in the Country You Wish to Live
- Start Small, Then Expand
We know you came here for DIY steps to turn your dream of leaving the U.S. and living abroad into reality, so andiamo, let’s go!
1. Define Your Why for Living Abroad
Before diving into logistics, the first thing you need to do is to get clear on why you want to live abroad. Everyone has different reasons. America is expensive and crowded, and political sentiments are running high. Maybe you want to move for a better quality of life and a lower cost of living? Learn a new language or a new skill? Or perhaps, like me, you are nearing an age when you can begin to plan for retirement and want to set yourself up somewhere to make all those hard-earned U.S. dollars last longer.
Defining your motivation to leave the U.S. will help guide your decisions as we move through this process.
2. Plan Your Income Stream to Support Your Life Overseas
Planning your income stream takes the #2 spot on our list as it’s the foundation for your move. Once you know exactly how you’ll sustain income, you remove the biggest barrier to living abroad.
There are several options to create a sustainable income to support your new life:
- Working Remotely
- Creating a Passive Income Stream
- Using Your Retirement Savings
Working Remotely
Living abroad in the EU or elsewhere isn’t just for freelancers and digital nomads. However, if you are here for guidance on applying for a digital nomad visa to live in Europe, bookmark our last blog, The Digital Nomad Visa: The Truth Behind What it Takes to Work Remotely in Europe, and read it next!
If you’re established in your career, start by evaluating whether your current role or expertise can translate into opportunities abroad. Some employers may allow you to begin or continue working remotely outside the U.S. Keep in mind, taxes and time zones can matter.
However, if that’s not possible, consider leveraging your experience to offer consulting services or project-based work, either to U.S. clients from overseas or directly within your new country of residence.
Creating a Passive Income Stream
Passive income streams can support you while you live abroad, sometimes even covering your living expenses entirely. For some expats, a combination of solid investments and rental properties provides the security of a steady income without needing to find work overseas.
Here are a few examples of the passive income streams you can explore:
Investments
If you’ve built up a portfolio of investments: stocks, bonds, or other assets, this passive income can provide a stable foundation for living abroad. The key is to understand how your investments will be taxed once you’re outside the U.S. Some countries have tax treaties that help avoid double taxation, while others may not. Consulting with a financial advisor can also help you maximize returns and ensure your investments support your lifestyle overseas.
Rental Properties
- Property manager
- Housekeeper
- Rental contract- especially if you are renting outside of apps like Airbnb and VRBO
- Insurance- specifically for rental properties
The 1 Euro House Idea
The ‘1 Euro House‘ concept began in Sicily in 2008 to deal with abandoned homes and a shrinking population. In its simplest terms, you purchase a home for 1 euro and agree to fix it up and live in it for a certain amount of time each year. The 1 Euro House program gained international recognition in 2018-2020 in Sicily and other parts of Italy. And while this does seem like a viable option, we do not suggest planning to purchase a property and using that to develop a passive income stream.
Many have asked us if this was our plan in Italy. To buy a ‘1 Euro House‘ and convert it into a rental property. Unfortunately, purchasing a 1 Euro House often comes with a catch:
- They are often located in remote villages
- The area may be absent of young adults, nightlife, and cultural experiences
- 1 Euro houses are rarely move-in ready
- Major renovations are often needed (how about installing heat, electricity, or running water?!)
- You might be responsible for covering back taxes on the property
Retirement Savings
3. Research Destinations and Visas
Living Abroad in Europe and the UK
The rise of the digital nomad visa, available in countries throughout Europe, has opened the doors to those who can work from anywhere. Our step-by-step blog focuses primarily on EU countries, and more specifically, on Italy. There are also several visa options for Americans who want to relocate to the UK- England, Scotland, or Wales. Ireland is also a very popular destination, but that will fall under the EU and Schengen Area rules.
One thing to consider is that both the British pound and the euro are worth more than the U.S. dollar, which could make living abroad in the UK, Italy, Greece, Spain, or Portugal more challenging. Therefore, you may want to research other, less expensive destinations that have vibrant expat communities.
Living Abroad in Mexico, South America, and Central America
Many expats choose to relocate to countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, or Nicaragua due to the low cost of living, ease of travel to/from the U.S., and the language spoken, mainly Spanish. These countries also have more straightforward visa and residency options compared to Europe.
For example, Mexico offers temporary and permanent residency permits with relatively low income or savings requirements. Costa Rica has well-defined categories such as Pensionado (for retirees) and Rentista (for those with a steady income).
Here are a few blogs we’ve written on Latin American destinations that have excellent access to the outdoors, cultural experiences, plus a solid wifi signal in most areas:
Retirement Visas and the ‘Golden Ticket’ Visa
Besides the digital nomad visa, there are also retirement visas and investment visas (aka the Golden Ticket visa). A Retirement Visa, Elective Residency Visa, or Pensione Visa might be of interest if you are retired or nearing retirement age and do not plan to work while in your new country. The rules vary based on which country you apply to, so read the fine print before applying!
The Investment Visa or ‘Golden Ticket Visa’ grants foreigners the right to live in a country in exchange for a large financial investment. This was quite popular in places like Spain, Portugal, and Italy. However, the political climate and regulatory scrutiny are increasing, pushing lawmakers to balance affordable housing with foreign investment opportunities. Many countries have discontinued the Golden Ticket Visa as a result.
4. Organize Your Documents for Your Visa Application
There is a lot of paperwork that goes into ensuring a successful move overseas. Once you have selected the country you would like to relocate to, visit their Consulate or Embassy website to learn more about what is required for your visa application. There will be a long list of items, but break each item down into steps, and you’ll get through it. You may be required to get documents notarized and apostilled, so start the visa application process 6 to 9 months before your planned departure!
Here are a few common items you will need to submit with your visa application:
- Valid passport- 6 months’ validity beyond your planned stay
- Valid driver’s license in the Consulate/Embassy region where you apply
- Extra passport photos: for visas, residency permits
- Proof of Employment: contract from employer, invoices, business ownership
- Bank account statements: show you meet the Minimum Income Requirement
- Proof of Accommodation Abroad: A rental contract
- A Clean Criminal Record
- Proof of Health Insurance
Getting a Visa Appointment
One of the hardest steps in our process was getting a visa appointment at the Italian Consulate. Appointments are booked exclusively through the Prenot@mi website (which literally means ‘book me’ or reserve me’ in Italian). Begin by creating an account for each person (even as a married couple, you will each need an appointment). The Prenot@mi website also provides details on the application process and documents needed based on the type of visa you are applying for: Digital Nomad Visa, Elective Residency Visa, etc.
Keep in mind, each country will have a different process to schedule a visa appointment. Below are tips specifically for the Italian Consulate:
- Wait time for visa appointments on Prenot@mi is 4-6 weeks
- At 3:00 p.m. Rome time (ECT) cancellations and new booking days/times open
- Log in a few minutes before 3pm ECT and have your documents ready
- Refresh the page repeatedly!
Persistence pays off when you are attempting to get an appointment at the Italian Consulate through the Prenot@mi website. If you don’t see any appointments right away, keep checking daily. The Consulate only takes visa appointments on certain days and for a very limited amount of time. Cancellations can open brief windows of opportunity!
We began our application process in January, and after four appointments at the Italian Consulate, we finally received our 1-year visas in May. Expect an intense process. Lots of questions about your intent and financial capacity to sustain yourself. Bring every single document you think you may need!
Pro tip: Make a copy of your visa application packet BEFORE you submit it. You will often need to resubmit the same documents for your residency permit. For Italy, you must apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno, or residency permit, within 8 days of arriving in Italy. Rules for visa applications can change, so try to be patient and don’t expect things to move fast.
5. Plan Your Finances and Create a Monthly Budget for Living Abroad
After you’ve determined your revenue stream and the country you’d like to live in, create a realistic budget. Factor in your expenses you’ll need to continue to pay in the U.S., along with the cost of living abroad.
This will include your travel and moving expenses, plus your common everyday living expenses, such as:
- Rent
- Utilities– electricity, gas, heat, AC, wifi, and parking
- Transportation– Long-term car rental, vehicle purchase, train or bus pass
- Phone Plan– Keep your U.S. number and add a 2nd line with an eSIM. 1 phone, 2 numbers!
- Healthcare
- Legal Fees, Taxes, Banking– Bank account fees, taxes, and any legal fees
- Food and entertainment
- Activities– gym memberships, ski pass, etc.
For us, our major U.S. expenses are our mortgage payment, home and business expenses, and the management of our two Airbnbs. We downgraded our U.S. phone plans from AT&T to Mint Mobile. We sold our car, and we dropped a lot of our memberships and subscriptions- you’ll be surprised at how quickly these add up to major savings!
In addition to your monthly expenses to live abroad, you should have at least 3-6 months of savings as a safety net. Also, consider opening a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card, debit card, or a global bank account for easier money management abroad.
Finally, as a U.S. citizen, you must file taxes each year regardless of where you live. In addition, you may need to pay income taxes in the country you are moving to. It may be worth hiring an expat tax advisor to ensure compliance while minimizing paying income taxes in two countries (double taxation).
6. How to Find Health Insurance for Americans Living Abroad
Healthcare is one of the most important considerations when moving overseas. As an American, the joy of dropping your expensive U.S. healthcare policy might be part of the reason you want to leave the U.S. However, while some destinations offer affordable public healthcare systems that you can eventually buy into, most countries will require proof of health insurance as part of the visa or residency process.
When searching for a plan, it’s important to distinguish between short-term travel insurance, emergency medical insurance, and full coverage international health insurance plans. The latter are designed for long-term travelers and expats. Search for international health insurance plans from GeoBlue, AXA, Cigna, and other trusted sources. We initially found Safety Wing, but the Italian Consulate said they would not accept this, so we switched to AXA. International health coverage will be more expensive than local policies, but you can choose a local plan once you settle in.
Keep in mind, if you do plan to travel back to the U.S., you will need to have sufficient coverage during your trip. This is when travel and emergency medical insurance policies from companies like Faye and Allianz are most helpful. Regardless of the path you choose, it’s essential to understand what’s covered, especially for emergency care, prescriptions, and pre-existing conditions, so you can live abroad with peace of mind.
7. Find a Place to Live: Long-Term Rentals
One of the most common requirements for visa or residency applications, whether in Europe, Central America, or other regions, is proof of long-term accommodation. Most countries will require a rental agreement that covers the full length of your intended stay. Short-term stays on a friend’s couch, hotels, or Airbnb bookings will not satisfy the requirement. This step can be one of the most challenging parts of turning your dream of living abroad into a reality, so it’s worth starting your search early!
Long-Term Rental Platforms for Living Abroad
Begin by browsing rental websites that specialize in month-to-month or yearly leases in your destination country. Many countries have local platforms listing apartments, homes, and shared rentals available for 30 days or longer. In addition, international platforms like Immobiliare, Spotahome, Idealista, or Casas Particulares often list properties across multiple countries, making it easier to compare regions.
Using Airbnb or VRBO
While platforms like Airbnb or VRBO can help you explore neighborhoods and potential homes, short-term bookings usually do not meet visa requirements. In addition, many consulates require that rental contracts be registered with local authorities. Furthermore, monthly Airbnb rates can be significantly higher than standard long-term rentals. For example, a property might rent for €3,500/month on a long-term rental site but €6,000/month on Airbnb. If you do start your search on Airbnb or VRBO, be prepared to transition to a formal long-term lease once you identify a property.
Working with Local Real Estate Agents
Partnering with a reputable real estate agent or agency can save time and provide guidance, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local laws, contracts, or the language. Building a relationship with an agent can also help if you have an interest in purchasing a home once you’ve established residency.
Tips for a Safe and Successful Rental Search
Here’s a quick checklist of tips we recommend to others who want to begin living abroad and find a long-term rental:
- Sign up for rental apps– Idealista, Immobiliare, etc.
- Use in-app messaging tools and WhatsApp to communicate
- Avoid sharing sensitive information: no personal or bank account details
- Verify the property’s location via Google Maps
- Check walkability, transportation options, and neighborhood safety
- Confirm the rental listing matches the photos, and ask for more photos if needed
- Are utilities included? Wi-Fi, heating, A/C, parking, etc.
- What is the cancellation policy?
- How much of a deposit is needed to guarantee your commitment?
We used Immobiliare.it and Idealista.it for our search. Once we connected with a private landlord, we arranged video calls and asked lots of questions about the home. In the end, we were so grateful that he not only agreed to provide a 12-month rental contract, but he also filed it with the Italian Tax Authority to help us meet our visa requirements! Lastly, his parents live in a downstairs apartment, they speak English, and have truly helped us acclimate to our new home.
By planning ahead, leveraging rental platforms and agents, and asking the right questions, you can secure a rental that not only satisfies visa or residency requirements but also sets you up for a smooth, comfortable life abroad.
8. Downsize, Digitize, and Forward Your Mail Before Leaving the U.S.
Simplify your life before you begin living abroad! Yes, you can rent a storage unit, but we’ve learned it’s best to sell or donate belongings you can live without. If you have a storage shed or attic space, organize items into labeled bins that you won’t need for a while.
For big-ticket items, sell what you can and store the rest. We sold our car, skis, rooftop tent, and many other large items that we didn’t have room for. Many of which can be easily purchased abroad or replaced when we return.
We brought a small packet of important documents with us, but most items we digitized, backed them up securely on our laptop, and in the cloud. For your mail, begin to cancel all subscriptions (bye Amazon!), magazines, and newspapers. Convert to paperless statements for all accounts whenever possible.
For regular U.S. mail, arrange for someone to collect your mail, set up a P.O. box, or have it forwarded to a friend or your parents. If you’ll be renting your home, it’s best not to let the mail pile up there!
9. Building and Connecting with the Expat Community
Living overseas can be isolating if you don’t actively seek connection. Especially if you do not speak the local language! We have been lucky to have our landlord’s parents nearby, who speak English and have provided us with lots of recommendations, a history of the town, and the culture. We have also connected with other expats who have relocated here through WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
Without a roommate or friendly neighbors, here are more suggestions on how to connect in your new home overseas:
- Join Facebook groups
- Sign up for email newsletters from shops, visitor centers/tourist boards, and other places in your new town
- Find a coworking space if you are a remote worker
- Sign up for language classes
- Attend local events
Making connections with both expats and locals abroad can lead to new friendships, business opportunities, and a support system.
10. Start Small, Then Expand into Living Abroad More Permanently
You don’t need to bring everything with you and make a permanent move. First, try it for a few weeks or a 3-month stay. 90 days is the maximum for Americans to stay in any EU country without a visa. The same goes for Costa Rica or Nicaragua. In Mexico, you can stay up to 6 months, 180 days without a visa!
Testing the waters may also be a great way to find a town you love and the perfect place to rent.
Final Thoughts on Living Abroad as an American
Leaving the U.S. for a life abroad may feel daunting, but breaking it down into actionable steps makes it achievable. Define your motivation, secure remote income, pick the right destination, and take care of the essentials. Then you’re free to focus on the more fun stuff!
Read our blogs on some of the most popular destinations for Americans to start a life abroad:
- Costa Rica
- Mexico: Sayulita, Ensenada (Baja), Saladita, Oaxaca, Mérida (Yucatan)
- Ecuador
- Spain: Mallorca, Costa Brava
- Northern Italy: Dolomites
And, don’t forget the top blog in this series, The Digital Nomad Visa: The Truth Behind What it Takes To Work Remotely in Europe. Thanks for taking the time to read. The world is waiting. All that’s left is to take the first step.
– Meredith Caccese McConvill, Top Rope Media
Recent Comments