When we first started talking seriously about moving out of the U.S., it was less about “running away” and more about “running toward” something: more travel, a slower pace of life, and a cost of living that wouldn’t keep us up at night.
Albania eventually rose to the top of our shortlist, but before we got too far ahead of ourselves, we had to ask the big question: Can we actually do this? Not just in the dreamy, Pinterest-board way, but in the “let’s be brutally honest about what this will take” way.
We quickly learned that making an international move comes down to three big pillars: legal requirements, financial readiness, and emotional preparedness.
1. Legal: The Paperwork That Makes It Possible
We can’t just hop on a flight to Tirana and decide to stay indefinitely. Even in Albania, with its generous one-year visa-free stay for Americans, there are rules to follow.
When a year is up, you’ll either need to leave for 90 days or apply for a residency permit. Albania offers several residency options: retirement visas, work permits, student visas, and even residency through starting a business (which we’re leaning towards if we decide long-term residency is for us).
Other countries are even more strict. We found that visa requirements vary wildly:
- Some want proof of steady income.
- Others require local employment.
- Many have healthcare coverage requirements.
- A few need criminal background checks or bank statements before you even land.
You may decide to choose your ideal country first, then figure out how to meet their residency requirements, or if you’re less picky you may find it easier to do the reverse: starting with countries whose requirements you can fulfill, then choosing your favorite from there. In our case, Albania seems to be the best of all worlds. It gives us amazing short-term flexibility with the visa free first year with long-term options we think we can handle and its combination of affordable living, relaxed lifestyle, and location near several European bucket list destinations made it stand out for us like nowhere else.
💡 Our takeaway: Always know the rules before you fall in love with a place. It’s heartbreaking to imagine your dream life somewhere only to find out you can’t legally live there. You can also learn to do the Schengen Shuffle (or similar dance for other regions) to extend your stay abroad without the paperwork requried for long-term visas.
2. Financial: More Than Just the Plane Ticket
When we first looked at Albania’s cost of living, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Rent for a nice apartment in a coastal city can be less than half what we pay now. Coffee and burek for breakfast is often under a dollar each. Fresh produce is ridiculously affordable.
But we quickly realized that moving there still comes with big upfront costs:
- Flights (especially if you have pets like we do)
- Housing deposits
- New furniture and household items
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Pet relocation costs
- An emergency fund for unexpected expenses
For us, income is key. Our primary plan is to make this blog and our YouTube channel our main source of income. If that doesn’t quite get us there, we’ve talked about monetizing hobbies to stretch our savings and maybe qualify for a business residency permit.
But there are numerous ways to ensure yourself an income after your move. For some, especially those with specialized skills or knowledge, it can be possible to secure employment in your new country before you even leave the U.S.. Some countries are even incentivising recruitment of certain American researchers and academics or highly skilled workers.
Folks (like us) who don’t have those coveted skills or education can supplement their income or savings with online work. Take some time to think about what skills you’ve developed (at work, during hobbies, in school, or elsewhere!) and consider if you might be able to sell your expertise. Platforms like Upwork can be a great way to begin a new career as a freelance *anything*, on your terms and from anywhere.
And then there’s healthcare. Albania has affordable medical care, but if we travel elsewhere in Europe or need something more specialized, we’ll want private insurance. That’s a recurring cost we have to plan for from day one.
There can also be some complications accessing and managing your money in American banks if you’re no longer living in the U.S. and taxes can get complicated quickly (U.S. citizens are required to pay U.S. tax, even if living abroad) It’s a good idea to speak with financial and tax professionals with international experience before you go to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Look for ones who have had clients in your new country if possible. Making connections with other American expats can be a good way to get recommendations.
☀️ A brightside: Some of these costs may not come into play depending on your destination. For example, many countries have health coverage available to all legal residents and visitors so if you do not plan to travel around (especially back to the U.S.) you may be able to save money there. Also, in some countries it’s common to find fully furnished apartments for rent. That means no need to buy all new furniture and lower costs shipping bulky belongings to your new home.
3. Emotional: The Mindset That Makes It Work
This is the part no one really prepares you for.
Leaving the U.S. isn’t just about getting rid of stuff, it’s about leaving behind family and friends and letting go of habits, routines, and familiar comforts you’ve spent a lifetime building.
We’ll be giving up:
- Favorite restaurants (we’re really hoping we can find at least one good Mexican restaurant in Albania 🤞)
- Easy and convenient access to goods and services
- Hobbies that require equipment and supplies too big to bring
- Holidays spent with family
- The comfort of knowing exactly how things work
But here’s the thing: we’re also making room for new favorites. New foods. New friends. New routines. And new hobbies we can’t even imagine yet. There’s a million different ways people live all around the world and we’re excited to learn about and be immersed in ways of life that are brand new to us!
We know there will be moments of homesickness and frustration, but we think we’re ready for that (well, as ready as we can be). For us, adaptability and patience will be the most important skills we bring with us. Plus we’ll still have each other for support and plan to seek out other expats online and in person we can lean on when we need that extra feeling of familiarity.
So… Can You Move Abroad?
Yes. But it’s not as simple as buying a ticket and packing a suitcase.
You have to check the legal boxes, get your finances in order, and prepare yourself emotionally for the biggest change of your life.
For us, Albania checks enough boxes that we’re willing to take the leap.
For you, the right country might look totally different, but the preparation process is often much the same.
✅ Next Step: We’ve put together a Free Expat Readiness Checklist that covers all the major factors we had to think through before committing to our move. Download it and see where you’re already ready… and where you might need a little more planning.
