10 Reasons People Are Becoming Expats In 2026

Moving to another country is a dream for many, and becoming an expat has never been more accessible. With advances in remote working technologies, global mobility programmes, and international visas, 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.

While the COVID-19 pandemic triggered an initial shift in priorities, ongoing economic pressures, housing affordability challenges, climate concerns, and changing work expectations are now key drivers behind expat moves in 2026. Many people are rethinking not just where they live, but how they want to live.

The reasons for becoming an expat are as varied as the individuals who take the leap. Whether it’s for career advancement, a healthier work-life balance, improved healthcare access, or the freedom to live more intentionally, each expat journey is personal. 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 to become an expat

1. Broaden your horizons
2. Get busy
3. Enjoy a lower cost of living
4. New culinary experiences
5. Better education prospects
6. Work matters
7. Learn a new language
8. Embrace a slower pace of life
9. Build confidence and resilience
10. Let go of material attachment

Two expats enjoying the tropical lifestyle / GETTY IMAGES

Top 10 reasons for becoming an expat in 2026

Wondering how to become an expat and relocate abroad in 2026? While moving overseas offers exciting opportunities, it’s important to prepare for the practical realities.

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, purchasing property abroad and finding a job abroad.

With the right planning, the benefits of becoming an expat often outweigh the challenges. Whether you’re aiming for a better quality of life, career flexibility, or a new cultural experience, becoming an expat can lead to incredible opportunities and unforgettable experiences.

Main reasons for becoming an expat

Becoming an expat in 2026 offers the chance for both personal and professional transformation. From flexible working and global career paths to lifestyle upgrades and cultural immersion, moving abroad can open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Could 2026 be the year you take the leap? We explore the most common and compelling reasons people decide to become expats, based on real-world trends we see across the global expat community.

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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, perspectives and experiences. From local traditions and festivals to day-to-day interactions, becoming an expat offers a deeper understanding of how people live around the world.

In 2026, many expats value this cultural exposure as much as financial or career benefits, particularly those seeking more meaningful, experience-led lifestyles.

Trying new flavours when you are an expat in Bali, Indonesia / GETTY IMAGES

2/ Becoming an expat: get busy

Relocating to a new country is an adventure that will keep you busy, especially during your first year. From setting up a home and navigating local systems to building a new social circle, life abroad offers constant opportunities to learn.

This sense of purpose and momentum is often cited by expats who felt “stuck” or disengaged before moving abroad.

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

Moving abroad can still offer financial advantages, particularly if you’re relocating from high-cost cities like London, New York, or Sydney. Many destinations allow your income to stretch further, supporting a better lifestyle rather than simply lower expenses.

Rising global inflation means expats are increasingly focused on overall value, not just affordability. This includes housing costs, transport, food, utilities, and access to reliable services. Exploring the cheapest places to live abroad can be a helpful starting point when comparing destinations and understanding where your money may go further.

Healthcare costs are another key factor. While some countries offer affordable public healthcare, others rely heavily on private systems or require contributions from residents. Understanding how healthcare systems around the world work can help you assess potential costs and avoid unexpected medical expenses when living abroad.

To protect against sudden or high-cost treatment, many expats choose to arrange international health insurance before they move, giving them peace of mind and access to care wherever they are.

Experience new food as an expat living abroad / GETTY IMAGES

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.

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5/ Becoming an expat: access better education

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

In 2026, expat parents are also paying closer attention to mental wellbeing support, class sizes, and international curriculum recognition.

Getting to know a new culture is one of the main reasons people become expats / GETTY IMAGES

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.

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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 slower pace of life

For many people, moving abroad is as much about well-being as it is about location. Life in another country often comes with a gentler daily rhythm, less emphasis on constant productivity, and more time to rest, connect, and enjoy everyday life.

In many destinations, work-life balance is approached differently, with shorter working hours, longer breaks, or a stronger cultural focus on time outside of work. This shift can help reduce stress and support recovery from burnout, particularly for those coming from fast-paced or high-pressure environments.

Adjusting to a new pace takes time, but by focusing on what you can control and easing into local routines, many expats find a healthier, more sustainable way of living abroad.

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Young expat woman on double decker cable car in Hong Kong / GETTY IMAGES

9/ Becoming an expat: boosting your confidence

Living abroad naturally builds resilience. Navigating unfamiliar systems, cultures, and challenges strengthens independence and adaptability.

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.

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10/ Becoming an expat: let go of material attachment

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.

Remember

Moving abroad doesn’t have to be a forever decision.  Living abroad doesn’t have to be permanent. Many expats relocate for a chapter rather than a lifetime.

While challenges are inevitable, living abroad can offer valuable clarity, helping you decide what truly matters and where you feel most at home.

While you should always make a good go of any time spent away, if you’re feeling truly unhappy – it is possible to return home again.

Frequently asked questions on becoming an expat

Is becoming an expat worth it in 2026?

For many people, becoming an expat can be worth it, depending on personal priorities and circumstances. Common motivations include lifestyle change, work opportunities, lower living costs, improved work-life balance, and access to different cultures or healthcare systems.

However, the experience varies widely by destination, income, family situation, and visa status, so it’s important to weigh both the benefits and challenges before moving abroad.

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What are the downsides of becoming an expat?

While expat life can be rewarding, it also comes with challenges. These may include language barriers, cultural adjustment, distance from family and friends, complex visa rules, and navigating unfamiliar healthcare or tax systems.

Some expats also experience loneliness or stress during the adjustment period, particularly in the first year. Understanding these realities can help set realistic expectations when moving abroad.

Find out more about expat loneliness

Is it cheaper to live abroad?

Living abroad can be cheaper than staying in your home country, but this depends on where you move and how you live.

Housing, food, transport, and healthcare costs vary significantly between countries and even between cities.

While some destinations offer a lower cost of living, others may be more expensive overall, especially when private healthcare, schooling, or imported goods are factored in.

Explore the cost of living in the UK vs living abroad

Do expats need health insurance?

Health insurance requirements for expats vary by country. Some destinations require proof of health insurance as part of the visa or residency process, while others provide access to public healthcare once certain conditions are met.

Many expats choose international health insurance to help cover private medical care, treatment abroad, or healthcare not fully covered by local systems.

Discover more on the importance of health insurance

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 life or limb-saving treatment in other countries where it’s not available locally. Speak to us today to find out more about how expat health insurance could support you.

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