About ExpatSetup
ExpatSetup helps people navigate the practical realities of moving abroad by explaining what matters, in what order, and why. The focus is on sequencing, tradeoffs, and the dependencies between decisions like visas, banking, healthcare, and cost of living.
Why this site exists
Information about moving abroad is scattered. Visa rules live on government websites. Banking guidance is often written to sell products. Healthcare explanations assume local knowledge. ExpatSetup exists to connect these pieces, explain how they depend on each other, and help readers avoid decisions that create problems later.
"Most expat decisions go wrong because they're made in the wrong order."
What ExpatSetup is
- A structured research guide for people considering or planning an international move
- Focused on sequencing: what to decide first, what can wait, and what depends on what
- Neutral and non-promotional: options explained, not sold
- Organized by countries and decision areas (visas, cost of living, banking, healthcare)
What ExpatSetup is not
- Legal, tax, immigration, or financial advice
- A relocation service or agency
- A lifestyle blog or influencer site
- A source of guarantees or outcomes
How to use this site
Most readers start with:
- 1 A country overview to understand the practical landscape
- 2 Visa and residency pathways to confirm what's realistic
- 3 Cost of living to sanity-check budgets and timelines
- 4 Banking and healthcare to plan the setup steps that follow legal status
You don't need to read everything. The goal is orientation: understanding what matters now, and what can wait until you've made the right upstream decisions.
Editorial oversight
ExpatSetup is curated and maintained by John Spencer, with an editorial focus on accuracy, sequencing, and practical decision-making for international moves.
Sources and updates
Information is compiled from official government sources, financial institutions, and publicly available data. Where relevant, sources are linked and assumptions are stated. Rules change, so use this site for orientation and always confirm details with official sources for your situation.