Getting Started with Relocation
What does it really take to move abroad?
Moving abroad can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning, it becomes a clear, exciting journey.
You’ll need to understand visas, housing, healthcare, and local customs. That’s where SettleAway helps — with practical tools and real-world advice.
How do I become an expat?
An expat is someone living outside their home country — often long-term. To get there, you’ll need a visa, a plan, and a mindset ready for change.
We walk you through each step, from choosing your destination to finding a path to legal residency.
Can families relocate abroad too?
Yes — and many do. With the right destination, moving as a family can be a life-changing experience.
We offer guides that explain schooling, healthcare, safety, and budgeting for families on the move.
Destination Guides
How can I move to Spain?
Spain offers multiple pathways — like the non-lucrative visa or digital nomad visa.
Our guide breaks down what’s required, how much it costs, and what cities are best for expats.
Is Portugal a good country for expats?
Absolutely. Portugal is welcoming, affordable, and known for great weather and lifestyle.
We cover everything — from the D7 visa to long-term rental tips and healthcare access.
What do I need to move to Mexico?
Mexico is popular with digital nomads and retirees alike.
Our Mexico relocation guide explains temporary and permanent residency options, visa timelines, and cost of living by region.
Visas, Residency & Legal Basics
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa lets remote workers live in a different country while working online.
Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Mexico now offer options. We help you compare and apply. (Residency informations provided by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the INM and the SEF)
Which countries offer easy retirement visas?
Several countries make it simple to retire abroad.
We compare visa options for retirees in Portugal, Spain, and Latin America, including income requirements and benefits.
How do I compare visa types?
Our visa comparison charts help you weigh options like:
- Residency by income
- Digital nomad status
- Investment routes
- Retirement-based visas
Each guide includes pros, cons, timelines, and links to official sources.
Budgeting & Cost of Living
How much does it cost to live abroad?
Costs vary widely. But we provide real examples from actual expats.
From monthly rent to groceries and transportation, our guides help you build a realistic budget.
What are the cheapest countries for expats?
Looking for value without sacrificing quality of life?
We cover affordable options in Europe, Latin America, and Asia — places where you can stretch your budget and still live well.
How do I plan my expat budget?
Start with our free checklists and sample budgets.
Then, adjust for your lifestyle, destination, and goals. We give you tools to do just that.
Tools & Resources
What’s in your moving abroad checklist?
Our checklists are easy to follow and packed with essentials:
- Visa prep
- International banking
- Housing tips
- Health insurance
- Schooling (for families)
What’s the best country for remote work?
It depends on your needs. We highlight countries with fast internet, co-working spaces, expat communities, and helpful visa programs.
Spain, Portugal, and Mexico often top the list.
How do I choose where to move?
Use our country comparison guides.
We factor in cost, safety, weather, visa types, and lifestyle. It’s like matchmaking — but for countries.
About SettleAway
Do you offer personal advice or legal help?
No. We are not a relocation agency or law firm.
SettleAway is a content hub. We provide tools, guides, and newsletters so you can make informed decisions.
How do I access your guides?
All of our digital guides are sold via Gumroad.
Once you buy, you’ll receive instant access — and free updates whenever we revise the guide.
Who writes your content?
Everything you read is written by Hermann, a long-time expat with 45+ years of experience across multiple countries.
No fluff — just real-world knowledge.
Have More Questions?
Still need help deciding where or how to go?
While we don’t offer one-on-one support, our email newsletter is full of fresh tips, updates, and deep dives — straight from Hermann’s desk.
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