How to Earn Remote Income & Move Abroad
Your Guide to Location Freedom
Moving abroad is a dream for many, but one major hurdle stands in the way—income. How do you make money while living in another country? The good news is that with today’s digital economy, there are more ways than ever to earn remote income and achieve location freedom.
When we moved to Portugal, I decided that I wanted to quit working for other people and do something on my own. It’s been a winding road, but now I’m earning remote income while enjoying life in Portugal and spending more time doing what I love and less time doing what I don’t.
Whether you want to freelance, start a business, or build passive income, there’s an option for everyone. Here are some of the most effective ways to make a living remotely and turn your dream of living abroad into reality.
1. Remote Work & Freelancing
One of the easiest ways to start earning remotely is by leveraging your existing skills in a freelance or remote job. Many companies now offer fully remote positions, and freelancing allows you to work on your own terms.
Popular Remote Job Fields:
✔️ Marketing & Social Media Management
✔️ Graphic Design & Web Development
✔️ Writing & Editing
✔️ Virtual Assistance
✔️ Online Customer Support
✔️ Software Development & IT
Where to Find Remote Work:
Freelancing Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal
Remote Job Boards: We Work Remotely, Remote.co, Worktugal
💡 Pro Tip: If you have expertise in a particular area, consider offering consulting services for higher pay.
2. Online Teaching & Coaching
If you enjoy teaching, you can turn it into a remote income stream. With high demand for English teachers, business coaches, and skill-based instructors, online education is a growing field.
Ways to Teach & Coach Online:
✔️ Teaching English: Platforms like iTalki, VIPKid, and Cambly let you teach English remotely with the right certification.
✔️ Creating Online Courses: Sell courses on Udemy, Teachable, or Kajabi.
✔️ One-on-One Coaching: Offer coaching sessions in fitness, business, life skills, or other areas of expertise.
How to get certified:
Get certified by the world’s most awarded TEFL course provider The TEFL Academy.
💡 Pro Tip: You can create passive income by selling pre-recorded courses instead of live sessions.
3. Content Creation & Passive Income
Do you enjoy writing, photography, or making videos? Content creation can generate multiple income streams over time.
Ways to Make Money as a Creator:
✔️ Blogging & Affiliate Marketing: Write helpful content and earn money by recommending products (check out Amazon Associates or ShareASale).
✔️ YouTube & Video Content: Monetize YouTube videos with ads, sponsorships, or memberships.
✔️ Social Media Influencing: Grow a niche audience and work with brands for paid collaborations.
✔️ Selling Digital Products: Offer e-books, presets, printables, or memberships.
Check out this opportunity:
With this company, you can start creating content and getting paid commissions immediately!
If you want to get started, get in touch!
💡 Pro Tip: Content creation takes time to build, but once established, it can generate passive income while you enjoy life abroad.
4. E-commerce & Online Business
Starting an online business can be one of the most rewarding ways to earn remotely. Whether you sell physical or digital products, e-commerce offers incredible flexibility.
Types of Online Businesses:
✔️ Dropshipping: Sell products without holding inventory using platforms like Shopify.
✔️ Print-on-Demand: Create designs and sell them on t-shirts, mugs, and more via Printful or Redbubble.
✔️ Handmade & Custom Goods: Sell handmade items on Etsy.
✔️ Subscription Boxes & Digital Memberships: Offer exclusive content, coaching, or curated product boxes.
💡 Pro Tip: Starting small with low-investment businesses (like digital products or dropshipping) is a great way to test the waters before committing fully.
5. House Sitting & Pet Sitting
Want to reduce living expenses while traveling? House sitting and pet sitting allow you to stay in beautiful locations for free in exchange for caring for someone’s home or pets.
✔️ Find house-sitting gigs on: TrustedHousesitters, Nomador.
✔️ Get paid for pet sitting on: Rover.
💡 Pro Tip: House sitting can be a great option before fully relocating abroad, giving you time to explore different areas while saving money.
6. Starting a social commerce Business
For those who want a low-risk, high-reward remote income opportunity, starting a social commerce business is a smart choice. These types of businesses offer a way to build an online business that fits into your lifestyle, allowing you to earn income by sharing an established company’s brand, products, and/or services.
✔️ No need to store inventory or handle shipping.
✔️ Work from anywhere with just a phone or laptop.
✔️ Earn through commissions, bonuses, and business growth.
✔️ Get training and support from an established company.
This is a perfect plug-and-play business model for expats and digital nomads who want location freedom without the complexities of running a traditional business.
🔹 Curious to learn more about the social commerce business I work with?
Watch this short video and get in touch if you’d like to know how to get started earning extra income or building your own business!
Final Thoughts
Moving abroad doesn’t mean sacrificing financial stability—in fact, it can be the best motivation to create a more flexible, fulfilling income. Whether you choose freelancing, e-commerce, content creation, or starting a social commerce business, there are endless possibilities to support your dream lifestyle.