More Americans are choosing to leave the United States in search of a better quality of life, lower cost of living, more travel opportunities, and increased personal freedom. Working from anywhere is no longer a rare lifestyle. It’s a realistic option for those willing to plan ahead, learn the right skills, and take intentional steps toward a remote career.
I went through this process myself. Before moving abroad, I spent a full year preparing, saving, and researching. I learned new skills, improved my résumé, searched remote job listings, and built a plan that allowed me to relocate to Thailand and work fully online. If you’re serious about leaving the U.S. to live or work abroad, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the transition successfully.
Understand Visa Requirements Before You Go
Every country has different rules for long-term stays, and it is essential to check visa requirements before making any major decisions. Tourist visas, long-stay visas, digital nomad visas, work visas, and retirement visas all have different purposes, limits, and eligibility requirements.
Before choosing a country, research:
-
Maximum stay duration
-
Whether you can work online legally
-
Visa extensions or renewals
-
Proof-of-income requirements
-
Health insurance requirements
-
Residency or re-entry rules
Most immigration departments or embassies list the requirements in detail on their official websites. Never rely solely on Facebook groups or secondhand information. Visa regulations change frequently.
Digital Nomad Visas Are Becoming More Common
Many countries now offer digital nomad or remote work visas. These visas allow people with foreign employers or online income to live legally in the country for an extended period.
Examples of countries offering digital nomad visas:
-
Portugal
-
Spain
-
Croatia
-
Indonesia
-
Malaysia
-
Japan (new digital nomad visa)
-
Thailand (multiple long-stay visa options)
Digital nomad visas generally require:
-
Proof of income
-
Remote employment or online business
-
Health insurance
-
Clean background check
Digital Nomad Visa Options in Thailand
Thailand offers several pathways that work well for remote workers and long-stay travelers.
Thai Education Visa
Allows people to stay long-term by enrolling in classes such as language, cooking, or cultural courses.
Thai Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
Designed for high-income earners, remote executives, and global professionals.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Allows up to six months of stay with border runs and extensions.
While Thailand does not have a traditional digital nomad visa, these options still work for many remote workers. Always verify current rules through official consulates, as laws change frequently.
Save Enough Money to Have a Backup Plan
One of the most important steps in leaving the U.S. is having a financial cushion. Costs such as unexpected travel, medical needs, accommodation changes, or job transitions can happen at any time.
Before moving abroad, it is wise to save enough to cover:
-
Three to six months of living expenses
-
Emergency flights
-
Deposits for housing
-
Visas, insurance, and initial travel costs
-
Unexpected job gaps
Savings don’t eliminate risk, but they significantly reduce stress and allow you to make decisions from a place of stability rather than panic.
Test the Area Before Signing a Long-Term Lease
Do not sign a year-long lease the moment you arrive. Cities, neighborhoods, and even individual streets can have completely different vibes, noise levels, and price points.
A better approach is to:
-
Book an Airbnb or hotel for two to four weeks
-
Explore nearby cafés, coworking spaces, grocery stores, and gyms
-
See how safe and comfortable the neighborhood feels
-
Decide if it matches the lifestyle you want
This small amount of flexibility can prevent costly mistakes and help you settle in the right area for your needs.
Learn Remote-Friendly Skills Before You Leave
Certain skills make it much easier to secure remote work, including:
-
Customer support
-
Virtual assistance
-
Writing and editing
-
Social media management
-
Digital marketing
-
Web design
-
Technical support
-
Project coordination
These skills can be learned online at your own pace, and they open the door to remote-first companies and freelance clients.
Reliable Places to Find Remote Work
There are many legitimate remote job platforms, and new ones appear every year. Below are trusted places to search for real, vetted remote positions.
SolidGigs
A curated service that sends high-quality freelancing and remote job leads directly to your inbox.
https://solidgigs.com?via=maggie51
LinkedIn Jobs
One of the strongest platforms for remote roles across all industries. This is where I personally found my remote job before moving abroad.
RemoteOK
A global job board with “work from anywhere” listings.
WeWorkRemotely
A long-standing remote job board with consistent postings.
AngelList (Wellfound)
Ideal for early-stage companies and stealth startups that often offer greater flexibility.
Freelance Platforms
Websites such as Fiverr and Upwork help beginners gain experience and build portfolios.
These websites can lead to legitimate, long-term opportunities when paired with consistent applications and a strong online presence.
Consider TEFL as a Backup Plan
Even if you don’t intend to teach English long-term, holding a TEFL certificate can provide a useful safety net. Many Americans earn income through online teaching while building up other remote skills. It can be a temporary or emergency income stream, especially while traveling.
TEFL certification is not required everywhere, but it is preferred by many online educational companies.
Build Multiple Backup Plans Before You Take the Leap
Moving abroad is not something to do blindly. The people who transition successfully usually have several backup plans, including:
-
Savings
-
Skill-based remote work
-
Freelance opportunities
-
Teaching English as a temporary option
-
Remote job platforms to fall back on
-
A clear visa plan
-
Travel or medical insurance
Preparation creates safety, but over-planning can delay action. At some point, the deciding factor is simply making the leap.
Take the Leap Anyway
No amount of planning removes all uncertainty. Leaving the U.S. to live abroad or work from anywhere requires trust in yourself and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Money can always be earned again, but time is the one thing you cannot get back.
If you have prepared, saved, researched visas, tested your destination, and developed your skills, then you are already far ahead of most people who dream of this lifestyle.
Working from anywhere is possible. Thousands of Americans do it every year, and with the right preparation, you can too.