Expat Livin Blogs

Welcome to the Expat Lifestyle: Your Guide by Expat Livin

What It’s Really Like to Move Abroad with Teenagers: A Real Talk from Our Family

What It’s Really Like to Move Abroad with Teenagers: A Real Talk from Our Family

Wondering what it’s like to move abroad with teenagers? Hear from two American teens who faced culture shock, learned Spanish, and found new passions while adjusting to life in Spain. ...more

Life in Spain

July 25, 20255 min read

How to Travel Europe on a Budget Without Missing the Magic

How to Travel Europe on a Budget Without Missing the Magic

Dreaming of a European adventure without the high price tag? Discover 9 smart tips for traveling Europe on a budget: perfect for families, solo travelers, and expats alike. ...more

Life in Spain

July 24, 20255 min read

The Culture Shifts Between Europe and the United States: What Moving Abroad Taught Me About Life, Work, and Family

The Culture Shifts Between Europe and the United States: What Moving Abroad Taught Me About Life, Work, and Family

Moving abroad from the U.S. to Spain completely changed how I live, work, and raise my family. In this honest reflection, I explore five major cultural shifts - from hustle culture to work-life balanc... ...more

Life in Spain

July 18, 20256 min read

From South Africa to Spain: Michelle Collison's Global Journey, Life Lessons, and the Mind Shift That Changed Everything

From South Africa to Spain: Michelle Collison's Global Journey, Life Lessons, and the Mind Shift That Changed Everything

Michelle Collison shares her expat journey from South Africa to Spain, facing health challenges, and launching a mindset-focused business. ...more

Life in Spain

July 15, 20257 min read

Our First Day in Spain: Chaos, Culture Shock, and Coastal Views

Our First Day in Spain: Chaos, Culture Shock, and Coastal Views

Our first 24 hours in Spain were full of chaos, culture shock, and unforgettable memories. From airport madness to Mediterranean views, here’s what really happens when you move abroad with four kids a... ...more

Life in Spain

July 15, 20254 min read

10 Culture Shocks That Surprised Me When I Moved to Spain

10 Culture Shocks That Surprised Me When I Moved to Spain

Moving to Spain is exciting—but also surprising. From midnight dinners to warm milk and tapas galore, here are 10 real culture shocks that caught me off guard and taught me to embrace a slower, richer... ...more

Life in Spain

July 15, 20254 min read

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What they think about Expat Livin.

Shelly L.

Indianapolis, IL

"Expat Livin guided us through purchasing our home abroad—handling the mortgage details and even helping us set up essential services we couldn’t have managed alone."

Lydia M.

Philadelphia, PA

"Thanks to Expat Livin, my husband and I successfully secured visas in two different countries, with clear guidance at every step of the process."

Ricardo C.

Tahoe, CA

"Expat Livin helped me set up a remote U.S. residency while traveling abroad, giving me peace of mind and the flexibility I needed."

FAQs

Got Questions? Find Answers to Common Visa Queries Below!

How can Expat Livin assist me in choosing the correct visa?

At Expat Livin, we help you cut through the confusion of visa options by giving you clear, step-by-step guidance for your situation. With legal and relocation expertise, plus our own experience navigating international residency processes, we break down the requirements, costs, and timelines so you understand exactly which visa fits your goals.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, student, or moving abroad with your family, we’ll show you the pros and cons of each pathway and point you toward the option that makes the most sense. Through our courses, live workshops, consultations, and concierge services, we make sure you don’t waste time or money chasing the wrong visa.

In short, Expat Livin gives you the clarity and confidence to choose the right visa and move forward with your relocation plan.

What makes Expat Livin different from other relocation and consultancy services?

At Expat Livin, we don’t just offer generic relocation advice—we give you a proven roadmap to moving abroad, built from both professional expertise and real-life experience. Unlike traditional consultancy firms, we combine expertise with backgrounds in law, real estate, and business, we understand the complex side of visas, housing, schools, and international living.

We offer flexible support options – from our self-guided Expat Essentials Plus Course, to the live Expat Mastery Program, to our 1:1 Expat Concierge Service, we meet you where you are—whether you’re just exploring, actively planning, or ready for a done-for-you relocation.

And we provide Community-driven guidance – with monthly live Q&As, expert-led webinars, and a private expat community, you’re never alone in the process.

In short, Expat Livin is more than a consultancy—it’s a step-by-step system plus a Community designed to help you move abroad and thrive in your new country with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

How long does the visa application process take with Expat Livin?

The visa process can take anywhere from 3 months to a year, depending on the type of visa, the country you’re applying to, and your unique circumstances. At Expat Livin, our expert advisors assess your individual needs and help you understand what timeline is realistic for your specific situation.

With our support, you’ll move through the process with clarity and confidence.

👉 Not sure which visa is right for you or how long it will take? Book a consultation with Expat Livin and let our experts guide you.

Can you help me choose the right country to move to?

Yes! At Expat Livin, we know that choosing the right destination is one of the biggest decisions in the relocation journey. That’s why we created a free interactive quiz to help you discover which country best fits your lifestyle, goals, and priorities.

By answering a few simple questions, you’ll get personalized recommendations on the destinations that make the most sense for you—whether you’re looking for affordability, work opportunities, family-friendly options, or retirement havens.

👉 Take the free quiz today and find out which country is your best match: Start the Quiz.

How does your support work—courses, coaching, or community?

At Expat Livin, we know that every relocation journey is different, so we’ve built a support system with multiple ways to get the guidance you need:

*Courses – Our self-guided Expat Essentials Plus and live Expat Mastery Program give you step-by-step instruction on visas, finances, housing, healthcare, and everything you need to plan your move abroad.

*Coaching & Concierge – For personalized help, you can book a 1:1 consultation or work with us through our Expat Livin Concierge Service, where we create a tailored relocation package and manage the details with you (or for you).

*Community – Every member gets access to our private Expat Livin Community, where you can ask questions, join monthly live Q&As, and learn from expert-led webinars—so you’re never navigating the process alone.

This three-part approach—courses, coaching, and community—means you’ll always have the right level of support, no matter where you are in your journey.

👉 Not sure which option is best for you? Book a consultation and we’ll help you find the right path.

Can Expat Livin assist with job hunting in a new country?

No — Expat Livin does not provide direct job placement or recruitment services. What we do is equip you with the knowledge, resources, and strategies to understand employment options abroad. Through our courses and Community, we cover topics like work visa requirements, tax implications, cultural adaptation in the workplace, and where to look for reliable job search platforms in your destination country. We connect you with local resources and networks that can assist in your job search.

Our role is to help you navigate the legal, financial, and logistical side of living abroad, so you can approach your job hunt with clarity and confidence.

What kind of post-relocation support does Expat Livin offer?

At Expat Livin, our support doesn’t stop once you’ve moved abroad. We know that the real challenges often begin after arrival—adjusting to a new culture, navigating local systems, and building a sense of community. That’s why every member of Expat Livin gets access to our ongoing Expat Livin Community. Through this private network, you can: Ask questions and get answers from other expats who’ve been in your shoes; Join our monthly live Q&A sessions to get expert guidance on real-life issues; Learn from expert-led webinars covering everything from healthcare to cultural adaptation.

Our Community ensures you’ll always have reliable support, practical resources, and a network of people who understand your journey—long after your bags are unpacked.

👉 Ready to build your life abroad with ongoing support? Join Expat Essentials Plus Membership today.

What if I have kids—can you help with schools and family needs?

Yes! At Expat Livin, we know that moving abroad with children comes with unique challenges. That’s why we provide support specifically for families, including connections with school placement experts who can guide you through local and international education options.

Beyond schools, we also help with family-focused relocation needs—from finding housing in the right neighborhoods, to understanding healthcare for kids, to tips on building a support network in your new community.

Because we made the move ourselves as a family of six, we understand what parents worry about most—and we’ve built the resources, connections, and expert network to make the transition smoother for your whole family.

Is Expat Livin only for families?

No — Expat Livin is for everyone. While our own story began as a family of six moving abroad, our resources and services are designed to support singles, couples, families, students, and retirees.

Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, moving with a partner, starting a new chapter in retirement, or relocating with kids, Expat Livin provides the tools, courses, and community to help you succeed.

👉 Wherever you are in life, if you’re dreaming about living abroad, Expat Livin can guide you from where you are to where you want to be.

What if I only want to live abroad temporarily?

That’s no problem—Expat Livin supports both temporary and long-term moves abroad. Many expats start out with a short-term plan, whether it’s studying, working on a contract, testing out retirement overseas, or simply exploring life in another country before committing long-term.

Through our courses, consultations, and concierge services, we’ll help you understand the right visa options, housing solutions, and cultural considerations for a temporary stay. And if you decide later that you’d like to extend your time abroad, you’ll already have the foundation in place to make that transition smoothly.

Office: 41 W Highway 14, PMB 1599

Spearfish, SD 57783

Call +1 267-668-0505

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