Expat life starts with a bold decision—and often, one half of a couple is ready before the other. If you’re dreaming about making the leap and planning to move abroad, but your spouse isn’t quite on board yet, you’re not alone. Many couples face this exact dynamic.
At Entrepreneur Expat, we’ve helped dozens of individuals and couples successfully plan their move abroad, navigate the transition, and create a thriving life overseas. Today we’re diving into how to talk to your partner about this major lifestyle change – and how expat life can actually strengthen your relationship.
Start the Conversation Early if You Want to Move Abroad
If you’re dating or engaged, the best time to talk about the desire to move abroad is now. Too many people fall in love, settle down, and only years later realize that their values around travel, culture, and freedom don’t align.
Make it part of your dating values: Do they dream of international travel? Are they excited by the idea of living overseas? Bringing up your desire to embrace expat life early on helps you avoid conflict later.
For married couples, the approach should be more nuanced. You’re building a life together, and any major change – like a move abroad – has to be a joint decision. Your spouse may not be unwilling; they may just need more information, reassurance, or time to warm up to the idea.
Understand and Validate Their Fears Around Expat Life
Most spouses who are hesitant about a move abroad aren’t against the idea of adventure—they’re afraid of the unknown. Common concerns include:
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What about the kids’ education?
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Is it safe to raise a family overseas?
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Can we bring the pets?
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What about aging parents?
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How will healthcare work?
These are valid fears. But the truth is, expat life can offer better solutions to all of these issues than what many people experience in their home country.
International schools often provide bilingual, globally competitive education. Many countries are actually safer for kids than major U.S. cities. Pet relocation is easier than ever. You can afford higher-quality elder care for a fraction of the price. And private healthcare abroad is often more accessible, affordable, and personalized.
Once your spouse sees the real data – and understands how expat life actually works – they may shift their mindset dramatically.
Don’t Drop the Bomb—Bring a Plan
One of the biggest mistakes we see is when a spouse says, “We’re moving to X country,” without any planning or research. This makes the other person feel like they have to figure everything out – and that’s overwhelming.
Instead, do the homework. Present your spouse with:
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A list of potential cities to move abroad to, with pros and cons.
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School and healthcare options.
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Cost comparisons showing how expat life reduces your monthly bills.
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Immigration steps and timelines.
When you take initiative and show that the move abroad is a thought-out strategy—not just a whim—it creates trust and removes stress.
Compromise Is the Secret to Thriving in Expat Life
Maybe you pick the country, and your spouse picks the city. Maybe they agree to try it for six months and reassess after that. Maybe they want a soft landing in a place like Guadalajara before trying smaller towns or multiple countries.
That’s what Amanda and I did. We traveled around Mexico, and she chose Guadalajara as our home base for the first two years. It gave her a sense of stability while still allowing us to explore.
The same can be true for you. If you approach your move abroad as a team, it becomes a bonding experience rather than a point of conflict.
What If You’re Not Aligned on the Move Abroad?
Let’s be honest: sometimes couples realize they want different lives. If you’re fully committed to expat life and your spouse is adamantly opposed, it may be time for serious conversations or even therapy. But often, it’s not an incompatibility – it’s a lack of education, reassurance, or vision.
Help them understand that you’re not running away—you’re running toward something better. And if you need help with the how, that’s exactly what we do at Entrepreneur Expat.
The Benefits of Expat Life for Couples
Far from breaking couples apart, expat life can actually bring you closer. Why?
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You learn to solve problems together.
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You share unforgettable adventures.
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You grow together through new experiences.
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You create a lifestyle on your own terms.
When you’re discovering new cultures, learning new languages, and navigating a move abroad together, you’re constantly deepening your bond.
Final Thoughts: Make the Move Abroad Together
Convincing your spouse to embrace expat life doesn’t mean coercing them into a decision. It means listening, validating their concerns, and building a shared vision of the future. With the right planning, communication, and support, the move abroad can become the best decision you make—not just for you, but for your marriage.
If you’re serious about making this leap and want expert help with immigration, taxes, logistics, and everything in between, we’d love to support you.
👉 Book a free consultation today at entrepreneurexpat.com/consult and let’s make your dream of expat life a reality – together.