Investing Across Borders - Grow Your Money While Living Abroad

Abroad Fam,

When you move abroad, something shifts inside you. You start to see life and money from a wider perspective. I know I did. You realize that wealth isn’t just about earning more, it’s about creating a life that feels abundant, stable, and free. And the path towards this type of life is through investing.

One of the most overlooked benefits of living abroad is access to new financial opportunities. Whether it’s real estate, business ownership, or new markets, living in another country can open doors that might not exist back home. Mainly because the barrier to entry is lower. Investing abroad can be scary and of course it comes with challenges, sometimes many challenges. But it can be worth it, if done right.

This week, let’s explore what it means to invest across borders and how you can build both wealth and freedom while living the global lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.

1. Start with What You Know

If you’re new to investing overseas, start in familiar territory. Maybe you’ve bought property before, run a business, or know how to spot good deals. Use those skills in your new environment. Ask questions, learn the local systems, and find trusted advisors who can help you navigate new rules and markets. It’s always a good strategy to develop relationships with who’s who in the local business community.

If you’ve never ran a restaurant, opening a restaurant in a foreign country might not be the best of your ideas. If you sold real estate in your home country, selling real estate in your new country might be an option for you. You would only need to know how it’s done in that country, but the fundamentals are the same.

You don’t have to know everything you just have to begin where you’re confident and grow from there.

2. Explore Local Real Estate

Speaking of real estate, this can be one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to invest abroad. This is usually the first option for many people when they decide they want to invest abroad. I wish it was my first option, instead I went with the restaurant idea.

Many countries offer properties at a fraction of what they’d cost back home (DR not so much nowadays, but there are still reasonable deals in certain areas.), and rental demand from both locals and tourists can be strong depending on the area. In Dominican Republic, cities like Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Santiago you can command higher rents in these areas.

Before you buy, learn about property laws, residency requirements, and taxes for foreigners. Working with a reputable local real estate agent or attorney is worth every penny for peace of mind. I can’t stress this last sentence enough. I don’t recommend you buying real estate from your girlfriend’s uncle or the guy at the colmado selling you Presidentes.

3. Support Small Businesses or Start One

Living abroad often reveals untapped opportunities. I see these opportunities all the time in this country. There’s literally opportunity everywhere here, that if executed right could be very profitable. Maybe your city doesn’t have a certain type of café, wellness studio, or bilingual tutoring service. As an expat, you have a unique advantage: you understand both your home culture and your new one. This is the cheat code. Identify what made your life easier in your home country that is lacking here and began your research.

Remember this as you do your research just because a business works well in your home country doesn’t mean it will work in the new country. I learned this lesson the hard way and it cost me over $50,000 USD (I get sick thinking about it). Learning the culture and behaviors of your target audience in the new country is key. This is where I didn’t do enough research and my business failed.

Whether you invest in an existing small business or start something new, it’s a powerful way to build income and integrate into your local community.

4. Diversify Beyond Borders

Even when you live abroad, don’t limit your investments to one country. You can still own real estate or businesses locally, while keeping other assets in global index funds, crypto, or online ventures. The key is balance.

Each country will have a different way of doing things and also have a different need. So expected to learn the ins and outs of said country. One of my goals is to own property here in DR as well as property in Latin American.

When your income and investments come from multiple places, you gain more freedom to live life on your terms no matter where “home” happens to be.

5. Keep Learning, Keep Evolving

Global investing requires a curious and informed mindset. Stay up to date on financial news, market trends, and exchange rates. Join online expat finance groups or mastermind circles. Learn from others who are already doing what you want to do.

The more informed you are, the more empowered your decisions become.

Final Thought

Investing across borders isn’t just about money it’s about mindset. It’s about seeing the entire world as your opportunity field. The truth is, every country has something to teach you about value, risk, and reward. When you approach it with curiosity and courage, you’re not just growing your wealth you’re growing yourself.

What about you? Have you started exploring investment opportunities where you live? Hit reply and tell me what’s inspiring you most about building your global lifestyle. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time,

Always keep you goals at the forefront of your mind. Always live in the present, because that’s the only way, you’re going to live your best life.

🌴Jay