How to Create a Remote Income Stream Before You Move Abroad

Moving abroad is a life-changing decision—and it’s even more exciting when you know how you’ll support yourself once you arrive. Whether your goal is to slow down, explore a new culture, or live more intentionally, creating a remote income stream gives you the freedom to truly live your best life.

Here's how to get started:

1. Explore Online Work Opportunities

Remote work is more accessible than ever. Many companies offer flexible jobs in customer service, tech, education, marketing, and more—all from the comfort of your laptop.

Top job boards to browse:

• We Work Remotely

• Remote.co

• FlexJobs

• LinkedIn Remote Jobs

Search for “remote worldwide” to find options that support international living.

2. Freelance Your Skills

This is exactly how I got started earning online before my move abroad. I signed up on Upwork, a popular freelancing platform, and began offering services in social media management and human resources consulting. At first, I took small jobs to build my reputation—writing captions, reviewing resumes, or creating content calendars.

Over time, my client base grew, and I was able to set my own rates, choose who I worked with, and build a flexible schedule that worked around my move. That early hustle on Upwork helped me fund my relocation, gave me income stability, and most importantly—it showed me that it was possible to earn a living online doing what I already knew how to do.

Platforms to start freelancing:

• Upwork

• Fiverr

• Freelancer

• Toptal (for tech/design)

Whether you’re good at design, writing, admin work, or social media, there’s someone out there who needs your help—right now.

3. Consulting: Get Paid for What You Know

Have experience in HR, education, wellness, business, or tech? Package that knowledge into a remote consulting or coaching offer.

You can:

• Host 1-on-1 sessions via Zoom

• Create group workshops or classes

• Sell templates, guides, or strategy sessions

Apps like Calendly and Stripe make it easy to schedule and get paid.

4. Start a Remote-Friendly Business

If you’ve got the drive to build something long-term, consider starting your own business from your laptop.

Remote-friendly business ideas:

• Sell digital products (courses, templates, planners)

• Launch a dropshipping or print-on-demand store

• Create content on YouTube or TikTok with affiliate marketing

• Offer virtual services like bookkeeping or VA support

Your business can reflect your passions—and help you generate consistent, location-independent income.

5. Build Before You Go

Don’t wait until you move. Start building your income stream before you relocate.

• Set up your online accounts

• Build a schedule that mimics your future life abroad

• Get comfortable with the tools you'll need (Zoom, PayPal, Slack, etc.)

• Practice working across time zones

This gives you confidence, cash flow, and momentum going into your new chapter.

✨Final Thoughts: Your Freedom is in the Plan

Your dream of living abroad is absolutely possible—but it works best when you have a plan to support yourself. Starting a remote income stream now, before you move, gives you the financial freedom to enjoy your new home with ease and peace of mind.

If I did it—starting with freelance gigs on Upwork—you can too. Take what you know, package it with intention, and start now. Your future self (and lifestyle) will thank you.