Top 10 Reasons To Become An Expat In 2025

Moving to another country is a dream for many, and becoming an expat has never been more accessible. With advances in remote working technologies and global innovations, relocating to a new destination has never been easier. Every year, millions of people migrate to pursue better opportunities, adventure, or simply a change of pace.

The COVID-19 pandemic also brought about a profound shift in priorities, prompting many to reflect on how—and where—they want to live. For some, the allure of immersing themselves in a new culture and lifestyle is simply too enticing to resist.

The reasons for becoming an expat are as varied as the individuals who take the leap. Whether it’s for career advancement, a better work-life balance, or the thrill of exploring the unknown, each expat’s journey is personal and unique. Drawing on over 30 years of experience with the global expat community, we’ve compiled the top reasons why people choose to make the move abroad.

Top 10 reasons for becoming an expat in 2025

Wondering how to become an expat and relocate abroad? While becoming an expat offers exciting opportunities, it’s important to prepare for the practical aspects of making such a big change.

From securing the right visa to navigating the job market, the process can feel very daunting. To make the transition smoother, it’s important to explore resources on overcoming the challenges of moving abroad, understanding the visa requirements, and finding a job abroad.

With the right planning and preparation, the benefits of becoming an expat far outweigh the hurdles. Whether it’s about creating a better work-life balance, improving your quality of life, or embracing a new culture, the journey can lead to incredible opportunities and unforgettable experiences.

Main reasons for becoming an expat

Becoming an expat in 2025 offers exciting opportunities for personal and professional transformation. Whether you’re seeking career advancement, a lifestyle change, or the chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, moving abroad can open up a world of possibilities.

Could 2025 be the year you take the leap and embrace the expat lifestyle? Discover the top 10 reasons to become an expat!

1/ Becoming an expat: broaden your horizons

Moving abroad gives you the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in new cultures, experiences, and people. By becoming an expat, you open the door to endless possibilities, where you can truly learn about different ways of life, unique cuisines, and exciting adventures. Whether you’re exploring cities, meeting locals, or experiencing festivals, this is an opportunity to broaden your horizons in ways you may have only seen in movies or on Instagram.

2/ Becoming an expat: get busy

Relocating to a new country is an adventure that will keep you busy, especially during your first year. There are numerous things to tackle—from securing housing and learning a new language to navigating local customs and managing bureaucracy.

While the tasks at hand may seem overwhelming at first, the process of adapting to your new surroundings can also be incredibly rewarding, ensuring you’re constantly learning and seeing life from a new perspective.

3/ Becoming an expat: enjoy a lower cost of living

Moving abroad often comes with the financial benefit of a reduced cost of living. If you’re currently living in an expensive city like London or New York, you may find that your money stretches much further in other locations. Many expats cite the lower cost of living as a major reason for their decision to relocate, as the extra disposable income allows for more travel, dining, and exploring new hobbies. Find out where the cheapest places to live in and relocate to are here.

Additionally, some countries offer more affordable and accessible healthcare systems, which may reduce medical expenses with a greater overall quality of care. However, to ensure you won’t be left out-of-pocket by unexpected and potentially huge healthcare bills, it’s highly recommended that you look into international health insurance for complete peace of mind when moving abroad.

4/ Becoming an expat: new culinary adventures

Food plays an integral role in every culture, and becoming an expat offers the chance to experience authentic, local dishes. Whether you’re moving to a place known for its street food or its fine dining, you’ll find that exploring local cuisine will be an exciting part of your expat journey. Eating out becomes not just a necessity but an adventure, allowing you to connect with the local culture.

Maybe you’re looking at moving to one of the healthiest countries in the world? Even if you’re moving abroad alone, eating out becomes the de facto shared experience of expats, and a great way to meet new people who share your love of food.

5/ Becoming an expat: access better education

If you’re moving abroad with your family, access to quality education is often a key consideration. Many countries offer excellent educational opportunities, and by becoming an expat, your children may benefit from world-class institutions or even bilingual education.

Living abroad also offers them the unique experience of learning a new language and immersing themselves in different cultures, which can set them up for a brighter future.

6/ Becoming an expat: work matters

Employment is a major driving force for many expats. Whether you’re transferring within your company, seeking new job prospects, or taking advantage of remote working opportunities, moving abroad can offer a wealth of career options. Countries around the world have booming economies and are often more welcoming to foreign workers, making this an ideal time to explore international career paths. As a digital nomad, the world can become your office, offering flexible work arrangements and opportunities for growth.

We have a full guide on how to find a job abroad, and a list of the best international jobs for expats you can consider, if you decide to become an expat. And not forgetting our full list of countries who are welcoming digital nomads with their special digital nomad visas.

7/ Becoming an expat: master a new language

While English may be widely spoken in many countries, one of the most exciting aspects of becoming an expat is the chance to learn a new language. Immersing yourself in a new language helps you connect with locals, enrich your experience, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. Whether you’re taking formal lessons or practicing daily interactions, learning a new language is one of the most rewarding aspects of life as an expat.

You should be able to find lessons for non-native speakers in your new home, or in a city nearby if you’re living in a more remote area. Failing that, there are online programs available through either personal tutors, or language websites like Babbel and Duolingo.

8/ Becoming an expat: embrace a more relaxed lifestyle

Relocating abroad presents a unique opportunity to let go of stress and adopt a more relaxed pace of life. Whether it’s the laid-back atmosphere of coastal towns or the slower pace of rural areas, many expats find that life abroad helps them slow down and appreciate the simpler things.

Focusing on what you can control and allowing yourself to adapt to your new environment can be both liberating and fulfilling.

9/ Becoming an expat: boosting your confidence

Living abroad pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and face new challenges, which can significantly increase your confidence.

When you move abroad, you’re making a huge achievement: you’ve moved away from friends and family, you’ve temporarily cut ties with your home country, you’re moving into new accommodation and taking a new job. Ordinarily these are significant changes, but taken together and combined under the context of moving abroad, they take on massive proportions!

From navigating a new city to making new friends and learning how to live in an unfamiliar culture, becoming an expat tests and strengthens your independence. Every accomplishment, no matter how small, boosts your self-assurance and empowers you to tackle new challenges with ease.

10/ Becoming an expat: lose your attachment to things

One of the unexpected benefits of becoming an expat is the opportunity to declutter, sell or store some of your belongings and embrace a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle. Moving abroad often means downsizing, which can be incredibly freeing.

You’ll find that you can live with less, focus more on experiences and relationships, and place less importance on material possessions. This shift in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life abroad.

Wherever you move, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of helping expats and digital nomads settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class global health insurance.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. William Russell offers international health insurance that can cover you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays, and we even offer medical evacuations to patients who require treatment in other countries. Speak to us today to find out more about how expat health insurance could support you.