How To Move To Another Country With No Money. It Can Be Done!

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How to move to another country with no money. I’m going to start this by saying that you shouldn't move to another country with no money. However, for the purposes of this post, I'm going to explore the possibilities of how to move to another country with no money.  The way I see it, you basically have three options that can allow you to move to another country with little to no money. These are: Student Exchange Program. Moving to another country as a student on some kind of foreign exchange program. Volunteer. Becoming a volunteer, for example, with the Peace Corps. New Job. Lining up a job that will include your transportation to the country as well as accommodations before you go. Perhaps a fourth, you have a trust fund that you can access if you need to. Other than that, the three situations I have listed above are probably the best ways of moving to another country with no money. Let's explore this topic even further. Where and how can I find these opportunities to move to another country with no money? Here are the three ways which I had listed above where you can find opportunities to move to another country with no money. Student Exchange Programs. Whether you are currently at University or even have recently graduated, you still may be able to utilize various student exchange programs within that university.  This can allow you to move to another country with little or no money. The best place to start would be the foreign language faculties within the University itself.  Many of these allow for a year abroad where you can study a language in another country. Many of these programs include housing and food as well.  So you can literally move and study in another country with little to no money.  Volunteering. Many of us have reasons why volunteering may be an attractive option.  Perhaps you have a lot of experience out in the workplace, you've made your money and you want to give back to society in some way.  Maybe there's a cause that you are truly passionate about. Perhaps you’ve just finished university and you want to take a gap year abroad.  There are no better ways to move abroad to another country with little to no money and be able to experience life and culture as well as contributing to the society of the country you are in, than by volunteering.  A simple Google Search for “International Volunteer Programs” will give you seemingly unlimited websites that offer international volunteering opportunities. However, some of these may require a fee.  Always start with the feeless websites first before venturing onto those that may require a fee.  In addition, before paying any fee to any company offering to set you up with a volunteer job, always check their reviews online first.  If the reviews check out, and the fee is reasonable, then it may well be worth it. Jobs. If you have just graduated university and are in a desirable in demand profession, you can approach recruiters at your university's job fairs and recruitment seminars about job opportunities in other countries.  Many of the companies represented will be multi-national and may offer opportunities for you to move to another country right from University, again with little to no money.  These corporations will normally take care of all the legal issues including visas, work permits as well as residence permits, housing etc.  I shouldn't need to tell you that getting a job with a multinational corporation where they send you to another country abroad is probably one of the best ways to experience life living in another country.  Best of all, they take care of most of your logistics and setup costs. However, you don't need to go to a University job fair recruitment seminar in order to take advantage of and benefit from international corporations who have offices throughout the world.  If you have a skill, experience etc. in a well in-demand field, you too can probably get a great job abroad with all the costs and other issues taken care of by that corporation.  The best way to find these types of opportunities would be to look at recruiting websites on the internet, especially those within your field. Try this Google Search for “International and Remote Job Boards” and you’ll literally find hundreds of job and remote working opportunities you can do abroad.  This is also a great way to line up a source of income before you go abroad.  You can begin right work right away and this will allow you to eventually pick up and move to another country with little to no money as well as with a source of income already coming in. Can you move to another country without a job? You can move to another country without a job. Though, you will need money. Please do not make the mistake of moving to another country without a job or money and resort to begpacking. I've done a whole post on begpacking and you don't want to be one of those.  However, if you insist on moving to another country without a job, you will need money.  If you plan on moving to another country without money then you will need a job either lined up before you go or have some way of earning money remotely from your home country.  Those or having a nest egg of savings that you can draw upon while living in another country will be the minimum you’ll need to move to another country. How much money do you need to move overseas? My advice would be to evaluate the costs of living in your new country. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation and other incidentals, possibly clothing etc.  Once you've calculated an average monthly budget and costs, then I would go about and save at least 6 months worth of these expenses before moving to another country or series of countries.  This will give you a nice cushion and should give you plenty of time to get situated until you find a more consistent and steady source of income. How to move to another country with no money. Conclusions. As you can see although it is possible to move to another country you will be quite limited in the ways in which you can do so. The more marketable your skills are as well as the money you have, the more opportunities you'll also have.  It is possible to move to another country with little to no money, but you're going to have to line up something beforehand in the country in which you would want to move to first. If you plan your move right, you can, however, move to another country with little to no money.

Contents

5 Realistic Ways to Move to Another Country With Little to No Money

Explore the tried-and-true strategies for relocating abroad without draining your savings—insider tips on student programs, volunteering, job opportunities, and remote work.

When I first thought about moving to another country with little to no money, it seemed like a far-off dream.

How do you navigate relocation without the cushion of savings? While it’s certainly not the easiest path, it’s entirely possible with the right planning.

This guide breaks down five practical ways you can move abroad even if you’re tight on funds.

From student exchange programs to remote work, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Leverage Student Exchange Programs

For current students or recent graduates, one of the most affordable ways to move abroad is through student exchange programs.

These programs, often organized by universities, allow students to study or gain work experience abroad, with many offering scholarships, stipends, or free accommodation.

Key Benefits:

  • Affordable Education: Many exchange programs cover tuition, housing, and sometimes even meals, allowing you to study in another country without worrying about day-to-day expenses.
  • Cultural Immersion: Living abroad as a student provides a deep dive into the culture and language of your new country while giving you a solid social network through the university.
  • Scholarships and Grants: Depending on your university, you may qualify for grants that cover your airfare and additional expenses.

Where to Start:

  • Visit your university’s international office or talk to your professors about exchange programs tied to your major. Popular programs like Erasmus+ (for EU students) and Fulbright (for U.S. students) are excellent options.
  • Check your eligibility, as some programs are open to graduates within a year or two of finishing their degree.

By taking advantage of these programs, you can move abroad with minimal costs and even receive financial support to offset any extra expenses.

2. Volunteer Internationally

If you’re not currently a student, don’t worry, volunteering is another effective way to move to another country with little to no money.

Volunteer programs often provide room, board, and sometimes even a stipend in exchange for your time and skills.

This is an ideal option for those who want to give back while experiencing life in a foreign country.

Types of Volunteering Programs:

  • Long-Term Volunteer Programs: Organizations like Peace Corps or UN Volunteers offer long-term opportunities (often one to two years) in various countries. These programs typically cover airfare, health insurance, accommodation, and a stipend to cover your basic living expenses.
  • Short-Term Volunteer Programs: If you’re looking for something less permanent, websites like Workaway and WWOOF connect volunteers with hosts in exchange for food and housing. You could be working on a farm in New Zealand or helping build eco-friendly housing in Costa Rica.

Caution: Not all volunteer programs are free—some charge placement fees, so always research and choose wisely.

Look for well-reviewed, reputable programs that offer feeless options or minimal charges.

Always verify the details through online reviews and testimonials.

Steps to Get Started:

  • Google search terms like “International Volunteer Programs with Free Accommodation” to find opportunities.
  • Reach out to NGOs or non-profits based in your home country that have international volunteer programs.

Volunteering abroad offers not just a way to relocate but also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, contribute to a cause, and have your basic living expenses covered.

3. Secure a Job Abroad Before You Move

Perhaps the most secure way to move abroad with little to no money is by lining up a job in advance.

Many multinational companies or international schools provide full relocation packages, including airfare, housing, and visa sponsorship, to attract foreign workers.

Key Opportunities:

  • Teaching English Abroad: If you’re a native English speaker, teaching English is one of the easiest ways to secure a job in another country. Countries in Asia (such as South Korea, Japan, and China) often pay well and provide perks like free housing and round-trip airfare. Certifications like TEFL or CELTA can enhance your chances.
  • Multinational Corporations: Many global corporations offer international transfers or positions in overseas offices. Jobs in tech, finance, and engineering are particularly in demand.
  • Hospitality and Tourism: If you have experience in the hospitality industry, you can often find work at resorts, cruise ships, or tourist areas. Some employers may offer perks like free accommodation.

How to Find These Jobs:

  • University Job Fairs: Attend job fairs if you’re still in school or recently graduated. Look for companies that offer international positions.
  • Job Boards: Search online job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn using keywords like “international relocation” or “expat jobs.”
  • Recruitment Agencies: Specialized recruitment agencies can help place you in international positions, especially in high-demand fields.

If you secure a job that includes a relocation package, you can move abroad without worrying about the financial strain of upfront costs like rent and transportation.

4. Become a Digital Nomad

In today’s digital age, you no longer need to rely on local jobs for income—remote work is a booming industry.

Becoming a digital nomad allows you to earn a stable income while living in countries with a lower cost of living.

Best Jobs for Digital Nomads:

  • Freelance Writing, Design, or Marketing: These fields are often highly flexible and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to connect with clients worldwide.
  • Virtual Assistant or Remote Admin: Many companies are outsourcing administrative tasks to remote workers. Becoming a virtual assistant is a great way to secure consistent income while working from anywhere.
  • Programming and Tech: If you have coding skills, you can find well-paying remote jobs that allow you to live abroad while continuing to work for companies in higher-income countries.

How to Get Started:

  • Build a portfolio showcasing your skills and experience, whether you’re a writer, designer, or developer.
  • Join platforms like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, or FlexJobs to find legitimate remote work opportunities.
  • Research countries with favorable digital nomad visas or flexible visa policies for remote workers. Places like Portugal, Estonia, and Thailand are popular choices for digital nomads.

With remote work, you can earn U.S. or European wages while living in a country where the cost of living is much lower, making this an ideal option for budget-conscious movers.

5. Use Savings or a Trust Fund as a Safety Net

While this might not apply to everyone, having a small nest egg or access to a trust fund can be a safety net as you transition to a new country.

The trick here is not to rely on savings alone but to use them strategically while setting up income streams in your new home.

How Much Should You Save?

  • Calculate the cost of living in your destination, including rent, utilities, food, and transportation.
  • Aim to save at least 6 months’ worth of expenses. This gives you breathing room to find a job or set up remote income.
  • If you’re relying on savings, prioritize affordable countries like those in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or Latin America, where your savings will stretch further.

Can You Move to Another Country Without a Job?

While moving abroad without a job is possible, it’s risky without a financial safety net. Having a remote job or side hustle lined up before you leave is crucial to avoid financial strain.

Without a job or income stream, you’ll need substantial savings to support yourself while you find work or build a business in your new country.

How Much Money Do You Really Need to Move Overseas?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the best approach is to budget for at least 6 months of living expenses.

Research the cost of rent, food, transportation, and utilities in your destination country to get an accurate idea of how much you’ll need.

Websites like Numbeo provide cost of living data for various cities.

Conclusion: How to Move to Another Country With Little to No Money

While moving abroad with little to no money isn’t easy, it’s certainly possible if you approach it strategically.

Whether through student programs, volunteering, securing a job, or embracing remote work, you can relocate without a huge upfront cost. Just remember, preparation is key.

Plan your move carefully, research your options, and line up a source of income to make your transition smoother.