【Living Abroad Guide 2026】What do you need to prepare? 7 key considerations + a full look at residency visas

“Long-stay living abroad” is not simply long-distance travel, but a way of living overseas for months at a time. Generally speaking, the requirements for long-stay living include budget, a long-stay visa, accommodation, healthcare and sources of income. This time, 10Life has compiled the 7 key considerations you must think through before embarking on a long-stay stay abroad, as well as the latest popular long-stay visa information for 2026, to help you move from “wanting to go” to “actually setting off”.  

• Long-stay living is not just about travelling, but a long-term overseas lifestyle centred on “living + working”  
• The main requirements for long-stay living include: budget, sources of income, long-stay visa, accommodation and insurance arrangements  
• For budget planning, it is advisable to set aside at least a 20% buffer and three months of emergency funds  
• A stable remote income is key to whether long-stay living can be sustained over the long term  
• Different long-stay living models (base-based, digital nomad, etc.) will affect lifestyle stability and costs  
• Travel insurance is an essential part of long-stay living and helps to cover unexpected medical expenses, luggage loss or equipment loss  
• Most annual travel insurance policies have a 90-day limit per single trip, which requires special attention for long-term long-stay living  
• Visa requirements and income thresholds for long-stay living vary considerably from country to country, so advance planning is necessary before departure 

Travelling is a short stay, primarily for sightseeing; living abroad temporarily means living locally for weeks or even months, and truly becoming part of the daily rhythm.  

• Travelling: sightseeing, short-term stay  
• Living abroad temporarily: living, working, and establishing a daily routine  

Simply put: travelling means passing through a place, while living abroad temporarily means temporarily “moving in” to a place.  

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to living abroad; different choices will directly affect visa requirements, budget levels and lifestyle stability. Before setting off, it is advisable to first consider your source of income, length of stay, and the balance you need between stability and flexibility.  

The first step in a nomadic lifestyle is to clarify “how much living expenses are needed each month”. The cost of living varies greatly from city to city; for example, expenses in Chiang Mai are relatively low, whereas Japan is clearly much more expensive. Therefore, budget is one of the core considerations when choosing a destination.

Main expenses include:

• Accommodation (accounting for around 40–60% of the overall budget)  
• Food and transport  
• Work-related costs (co-working spaces, internet, software subscriptions)  
• Emergency reserve fund  

Budget planning suggestions:

• Income ≥ budget × 1.2 (allowing around a 20% buffer)  
• Set aside at least 3 months’ living expenses as an emergency reserve  
• Before departure, reserve initial expenses such as flight tickets and accommodation deposits  

In addition, before departure, you may consider opening an overseas account with low fees, such as a Wise, Revolut or HSBC Global Money account, to reduce foreign exchange and transfer costs. Moreover, opening a bank account is essential. Digital nomad life requires handling cross-border payments and receiving electronic payments, among other financial matters. Choosing an international bank and opening an account suitable for digital nomads makes it easier to carry out financial transactions and manage funds in different regions.  

Whether a nomadic lifestyle can be sustained in the long term depends largely on having a stable source of income. Before setting off, you should confirm whether your job can be done fully remotely, or whether you have already built a sustainable side income, to ensure financial stability during your stay abroad.

Common feasible types of work:

• Technical roles such as software development and design  
• Content creation and digital marketing  
• Online teaching and consultancy services  
• Data analysis and freelance work  

Time difference considerations:  

• If your work requires communication with clients or teams, time differences will directly affect your daily schedule:
• Southeast Asia: 0–1 hour difference from Hong Kong, making it easier to maintain your usual work rhythm  
• Europe: around a 7–8 hour difference, requiring adjustments to meeting and working hours  

Points to note:

• Some countries do not permit any form of work, including remote work, while holding a tourist visa  
• Income from freelancing or contract work may not be stable, and payment may also be delayed  

Accommodation for remote stays is not just about “living”; it also serves as daily living and work space, so both comfort and practicality should be considered.

Common accommodation options

• Airbnb (monthly rental): more flexible and fully equipped, but relatively expensive  
• Co-living apartments: come with community and workspaces, suitable for first-time remote stay travellers  
• Local rental platforms: lower cost, but require language ability and local experience  
• Serviced apartments: stable and secure environment, suitable for those with a higher budget  
• It is recommended to start with a short-term rental of 1–2 weeks, experience the environment in person, and then decide whether to rent long term

Priority tasks after arrival

• Set up a local SIM card or eSIM  
• Test network speed (to ensure you can work properly)  
• Familiarise yourself with nearby amenities (such as supermarkets and medical facilities)  

When living abroad, if you fall ill or have an accident, you will need to rely on the local healthcare system, and foreigners are generally required to bear their own medical expenses. Whether in public or private hospitals, such costs are often much higher than in Hong Kong. Without adequate cover, a single unforeseen incident could affect your entire long-stay plan.

Therefore, arranging medical and insurance cover before departure is an essential part of preparing for a long stay abroad. For digital nomads, frequent long-stay travellers or those who travel often, it may be worth consideringannual travel insurance, which not only covers basic medical protection such as outpatient treatment, hospitalisation and emergency medical evacuation, but also includes accidental compensation and personal belongings cover (such as work devices like laptops), providing immediate support in the event of an emergency.

When choosing a plan, it is advisable to compare the scope of cover, territorial applicability and flexibility of use. Some products on the market charge premiums by region, and travel to places such as Europe is generally more expensive; there are also plans with a flat premium, which are suitable for long-stay travellers who need the flexibility to travel between different regions. In addition, annual travel insurance can cover multiple trips, so there is no need to arrange a new policy each time, making it more convenient for those staying abroad long term or travelling frequently.

However, please note that most annual travel insurance policies set a maximum cover period for each trip (generally 90 days). If a single long-stay trip exceeds the relevant limit, you may wish to take outsingle-trip travel insurance separately to ensure the entire journey is covered and to avoid any gap in protection. 

The source of income and work arrangements during a period of living abroad may involve cross-border tax and legal issues. Before departure, you should first understand the basic rules to avoid unnecessary risks.

Hong Kong adopts a territorial source taxation system, under which generally only income sourced from Hong Kong is taxable, while non-Hong Kong sourced income may not be subject to tax. However, different countries have different definitions of tax residency. If you stay there for an extended period, you may still be required to fulfil local tax obligations.

Please note:

• Some countries may regard you as a local tax resident  
• Working on a tourist visa, including remote work, may be in breach of local regulations  
• Therefore, if you are considering long-term living abroad or have a stable source of income, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional tax adviser in advance and, where necessary, retain your existing income structure to ensure the arrangement remains compliant.  

Life as an expatriate offers freedom and a sense of novelty, but it also requires facing the challenges of adapting to a new environment. For many people, feelings of loneliness, cultural differences and changes in pace of life are all common experiences.

Without a familiar social circle, work efficiency may also be affected, so establishing a stable daily routine is particularly important.

Recommended actions:

• Set fixed working hours and daily habits  
• Actively join communities (such as Meetup or Facebook groups)  
• Keep in regular contact with family  
• Plan time to return to Hong Kong every 3–6 months  

Travel gear should follow the principle of “lightweight + high efficiency” to ensure stable work from different locations.

Basic equipment includes a slim laptop, noise-cancelling headphones, a universal plug adapter, a power bank, and a globally usable eSIM card, all of which help maintain a stable communications and working environment.

Commonly used tools:

• Financial tools (e.g. Wise, Revolut)  
• Work tools (e.g. Notion, Toggl)  
• Security tools (e.g. VPN, password manager)  
• At the same time, it is advisable to back up important data to the cloud and keep basic copies, so as to prevent loss or damage to devices from affecting daily arrangements.

Visa is the “entry ticket” for living abroad, and it is also the area where it is easiest to fall into pitfalls. When planning, be sure to clarify:  

• Basic right of stay: How long can you stay visa-free with your passport? Are multiple entries and exits permitted? Overstaying may result in fines, detention, or even being blacklisted, affecting future entry.  
• Work authorisation: Tourist visas usually prohibit any form of paid employment, including remote work for overseas companies (some countries treat this as a grey area, but you bear the legal risk yourself).  

If you wish to work legally, you may consider:  

• Working Holiday Visa: Generally subject to age and quota restrictions, allowing short-term casual work  
• Digital Nomad Visa: Designed specifically for remote workers, usually requiring proof of stable income and medical insurance  
• Student visa: Suitable for those who want to combine further study with experience, but be mindful of weekly working-hour limits  

Different types of visas usually require proof of financial means (showing that you can afford local living expenses), a criminal record certificate, and proof of medical insurance. It is advisable to allow at least two to three months to prepare the documents, and to note the alignment between the visa effective date and the date of entry.  

When preparing for an extended stay abroad, many people focus on booking accommodation, buying flights, and arranging work, but the easiest thing to overlook is travel insurance.

During an extended stay abroad, if you encounter flight delays, lost luggage or work equipment, or even unexpected medical expenses, the related costs can often be substantial. Arranging travel insurance early can help ease the financial pressure brought about by unforeseen circumstances, making the entire plan more secure.

10Life has one-stopcompare multiple travel insurance plans to help you quickly shortlist options with suitable cover and price, and complete your purchase within minutes. Arrange your cover before departure to enjoy greater peace of mind and a more flexible, carefree journey. 

How much budget is needed for a long-stay trip?

The budget for a long-stay trip can vary significantly depending on the destination. For example, in South-East Asia, around HK$10,000 to HK$15,000 per month may be enough to cover basic living expenses, whereas Japan or Europe may require HK$20,000 to HK$30,000 or more. It is generally recommended to allow at least a 20% budget buffer, and to prepare three months’ living expenses as emergency funds to cope with unexpected situations.

Can I work on a tourist visa while staying abroad?

Most countries do not allow any form of work, including remote work, on a tourist visa. If you need to work locally for an extended period or have a stable source of income, it is advisable to apply for the appropriate long-stay visa or digital nomad visa to avoid the risk of non-compliance.

Is travel insurance necessary for a long-stay trip?

Long-stay trips involve higher risks, including unexpected medical expenses and loss of luggage or electronic devices. If such incidents occur, the related costs can be considerable. Purchasing travel insurance can provide basic protection in unexpected situations, ease financial pressure, and make the entire long-stay experience more reassuring.

Who is long-stay travel suitable for? What conditions are required?

Long-stay travel is more suitable for people with the ability to work remotely, a stable source of income, or flexible schedules, such as freelancers, digital nomads, or office workers who can work remotely. Basic requirements include a stable income, clear budget planning, and the ability to adapt to different living environments. At the same time, they must also meet the requirements of the local long-stay visa.

Is it better to choose a short-term or long-term long-stay trip?

A short-term long-stay trip (1 to 3 months) is suitable for first-time attempts, with lower risk and easier adaptation; a long-term long-stay trip (6 months or more) helps you gain a deeper experience of local life, but places higher demands on budget, visas and living arrangements. It is generally recommended to start with a short-term trip, then decide whether to extend the stay based on your actual experience. 

What visa is required for a long stay in Japan? Is long-term residence possible?

Japan has currently introduced a digital nomad visa under the category of “designated activities”, which generally allows a stay of around six months and is suitable for short-term long stays or remote workers. However, this type of visa is not yet a route to long-term residence; once it expires, you must leave the country or apply again.

If you are planning a long-term stay, you will need to consider other visa options, such as a work visa or student visa. In addition, Japan has relatively high income requirements; generally, you must be able to prove an annual income of around ¥10 million or more, and you will also need to purchase travel insurance or related coverage. It is advisable to confirm the latest visa requirements and your own eligibility before departure to avoid affecting your travel arrangements.

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.