A Guide to Global Life: Living, Working, and Investing Overseas
- International Property Alerts
- October 6, 2025
The world has never felt more open. From digital nomads setting up in Bali cafés, to retirees enjoying a slower pace in Spain, to investors unlocking double-digit rental yields in Dubai — millions are choosing to live beyond borders. More than 300 million people now live outside their country of birth, and the numbers grow each year.
At International Property Alerts (IPA), we believe global life is about more than owning property abroad. It’s about designing a lifestyle that blends freedom, opportunity, and security. Whether you’re seeking a second home, a stronger return on investment, or a complete relocation, this guide will show you what it takes to thrive overseas.
1. Choosing Your Destination
The first step is finding a place that fits your vision.
For Retirement: Spain, Portugal, and Greece remain the most popular, combining affordable living, sunshine, and excellent healthcare. Spain, for instance, consistently ranks in the world’s top 10 for life expectancy and healthcare standards.
For Strong ROI: Dubai offers average rental yields of 6–9%, some of the highest in the world. Bali and Phuket can achieve even more — 10–15% in prime tourist areas through short-term rentals.
For Lifestyle Freedom: Mexico, Thailand, and Cyprus attract those seeking a blend of low costs, vibrant expat communities, and relaxed visa options.
IPA Tip: Spend time “test living” in your chosen destination — shop in local markets, visit doctors, explore neighbourhoods — before committing.
2. Visas and Residency
Residency is the foundation of any long-term move. Here are the most common pathways:
Golden Visas: Countries like Greece and Malta allow you to secure residency (and sometimes citizenship) through real estate investment.
Digital Nomad Visas: Croatia, Estonia, and Costa Rica welcome remote workers with one-year to multi-year permits.
Retirement Visas: Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico offer schemes tailored to retirees with steady pensions or savings.
Fact: Portugal’s Golden Visa no longer includes property as a qualifying route — investors now turn to funds and job-creation schemes instead.
3. Managing Your Money Abroad
Living globally means handling your finances with confidence.
Banking: Multi-currency platforms like Wise or Revolut reduce transfer costs and simplify payments, but many expats also keep local accounts for day-to-day bills.
Taxation: Most countries tax residents if they spend more than 183 days per year there, though double taxation treaties often prevent you paying twice.
Cost of Living: A one-bed apartment in Valencia may cost €800–€1,000/month, while the same in central London averages over €2,500.
4. Currency & Money Exchange
One of the most overlooked areas of global life is money exchange. Getting it wrong can cost thousands in fees and poor rates.
Don’t rely on your high street bank: Their international transfer fees and margins can be steep.
Specialist FX services: Dedicated currency providers often secure much better exchange rates.
Timing matters: Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Even a 1–2% change can mean big savings (or losses) on large property transactions.
Regular payments: If you need to send a monthly pension, salary, or mortgage payment abroad, setting up forward contracts or automated transfers can lock in favorable rates.
IPA Can Help: Through our trusted partners, we guide clients in managing currency transfers safely, securely, and cost-effectively — whether you’re moving funds for a property purchase or managing everyday living costs abroad.
5. Healthcare and Peace of Mind
Healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for anyone relocating.
Spain and Portugal: Offer high-quality public healthcare, accessible once you become a legal resident.
Asia: Countries like Thailand and Malaysia have excellent private hospitals at lower costs, but require private insurance.
Global Cover: International health insurance ensures peace of mind, especially if you travel across borders frequently.
6. Property as Your Anchor
Property often serves as the cornerstone of global life — it gives you a base, builds equity, and can generate rental income.
Holiday Lets: A villa in Bali or Phuket can return 10–15% annually in high-season rentals.
Steady Growth: Homes in Spain, Greece, or Cyprus may deliver lower yields, but offer long-term capital appreciation and lifestyle value.
Second Homes: A base in the Algarve or Costa Blanca lets you enjoy Europe’s sunshine while offering the flexibility to rent it out when you’re away.
IPA Tip: Always work with independent legal advisors and ensure contracts are translated into a language you understand.
7. Living the Global Lifestyle
Once the paperwork is done, global life comes down to how you live it:
Cultural Connection: Learn simple phrases — locals appreciate the effort.
Community: Join both expat and local groups. It’s the fastest way to build a support network.
Adaptability: Expect the unexpected. From delayed visas to language barriers, resilience is your best asset.
8. Looking Ahead
The future of global living is only expanding. With new digital nomad visas, affordable property still available in emerging markets, and improved global connectivity, there has never been a better time to live life internationally.
At International Property Alerts, we help people every day to:
Discover the best destinations for lifestyle and return on investment
Connect with trusted developers and agents worldwide
Navigate visas, taxes, money exchange, and compliance with confidence
Whether your dream is sipping espresso in a Lisbon square, renting out a beachfront villa in Bali, or retiring under Mediterranean sunsets, IPA is here to guide you every step of the way.
✨ Your Next Step: Download our free country guides or contact us to discuss tailored property opportunities in Spain, Greece, Portugal, Dubai, Thailand, and beyond.
📧 elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
🌐 www.internationalpropertyalerts.com
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7796 174253
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
Media Contact:
Phone: +4420 3627 0106
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Email: office@internationalpropertyalerts.com
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