35 Expats Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

Are you an expat looking for fresh business ideas you could start in 2024? Whether you're seeking financial independence or simply want to pursue a new passion, there are numerous opportunities suited for different skill sets and backgrounds. This article will outline 35 expat-friendly business ideas that you could put into action today.

From online ventures to local services, these ideas cater to various interests and resources. Many of these options require minimal investment and can be easily managed from anywhere in the world. Read on to find out which of these possibilities align with your strengths and aspirations.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other expats businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog as an expat offers a unique opportunity to share your journey, culture, and experiences with a dedicated audience while generating income. By focusing on a specific topic—whether it’s local travel tips, cultural insights, or expat living advice—you could tap into an underserved niche that appeals to both fellow expats and those considering moving abroad. You could then monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and collaborations with brands related to your blog's focus. For more insights on profitability, you could explore Starter Story's ideas to get started.

Why start a niche blog?

• You could easily share your expertise and experiences, building a community of engaged followers.
• It offers flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere, which is perfect for expats constantly on the move.
• By tapping into a specific niche, you could create multiple income streams, from affiliate marketing to brand collaborations.

2. Start a travel blog ($119K/month)

If you are an expat with a passion for travel, starting a travel blog can be a great way to supplement your income or even turn it into a full-time business. Living in exotic locations gives you unique insights and firsthand experiences that could attract readers who are eager to learn about hidden gems, local culture, and must-see destinations. Your blog could highlight the stunning scenery, vibrant local communities, and thrilling activities available at your tropical island home.

Why start a travel blog?

• You have unique experiences to share. Your perspective as an expat makes your content more authentic and relatable to a diverse audience.
• It can be a lucrative side hustle. Through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and advertising, your travel blog could become a significant source of income.
• It builds an engaged community. Sharing your adventures helps you connect with like-minded travelers and expats around the world.

For more ideas on starting a travel blog, visit /ideas/travel-blog/tips.

3. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Starting an ecommerce store can be an ideal business venture for expats seeking to supplement their income, make extra money, or launch a side business. With lower overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses and the ability to manage operations remotely, ecommerce offers the flexibility that expats often require. Additionally, the global reach of online stores empowers you to target a wider audience, both in your new country of residence and internationally.

The convenience and efficiency of online shopping are more popular than ever, making this a lucrative time to enter the ecommerce market. You could sell a wide range of products or services, from handmade crafts and vintage goods to drop-shipped items and digital products, all from the comfort of your own home. For detailed success stories and tips on running an ecommerce store, check out these ecommerce success stories.

Why start an ecommerce store?

• Low startup costs make it easier to begin without significant financial risk.
• The flexibility to manage your business from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Access to a global market allows you to reach more customers than local or brick-and-mortar stores.

For more tips and insights on starting an ecommerce store, you can explore this guide on ecommerce profitability.

4. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)

Starting an online retail store could be a fantastic opportunity for expats to supplement their income or launch a full-fledged business. Given the straightforward nature of setting up an online store—all you need is a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service—you could easily manage your business from anywhere in the world. Determining a niche and conducting thorough product research will help you identify opportunities that align with local and international markets.

Whether you choose a drop shipping model or decide to sell self-made products, an online retail store offers flexibility and reach that traditional brick-and-mortar businesses can't match. For entrepreneurial expats, this model provides an ideal way to capture a global customer base without the need for a physical presence.

Why starting an online retail store?

• You could manage it from anywhere, offering great flexibility for expats who may move frequently.
• With the drop shipping model, you don't have to worry about inventory and warehousing, keeping overheads low.
• You could easily target both local and international markets, maximizing your business potential and reach.

For more detailed insights and success stories, you can check out this page on starter story.

5. Start a travel agency ($174K/month)

As an expat, starting a travel agency could be both a fulfilling and profitable venture for you. Leveraging your local knowledge and personal experiences as someone who has navigated living in a new country, you can provide personalized travel services that cater to the needs and interests of fellow travelers and expats. Running an online travel agency can be done with relatively low startup costs, and with the right marketing strategy, you could turn your passion for travel into a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time business.

Why start a travel agency?

• You bring unique expertise. Your local insights and firsthand experience make you an invaluable resource for other travelers and expats.
• Flexible setup. An online travel agency allows you to work from anywhere, offering you the flexibility to live and work from multiple countries.
• Low startup costs. You can start with minimal upfront investment, focusing on market research, certifications, and effective marketing strategies to build your client base.

For more detailed tips on how to get started, check out this Starter Story on travel agencies.

6. Start a travel guide website ($14.2K/month)

For expats looking to supplement their income, starting a travel guide website is a practical and lucrative option. By leveraging your on-the-ground experience and local knowledge, you could create a platform that provides valuable insights and tips for travelers interested in your region. This online venture allows you to share unique aspects of your destination—whether it’s local culture, hidden gems, or travel logistics—while potentially earning through advertisements, affiliate marketing, or membership fees.

Why consider starting a travel guide website?

• You can utilize your unique local knowledge. As an expat, you have insider information that many travelers seek but can't easily find elsewhere.
• You can work flexibly from anywhere. Running a website allows you to manage your business online, giving you the freedom to travel and work on your own schedule.
• You can build multiple revenue streams. From ads to affiliate marketing and memberships, there are various ways to monetize a travel guide website effectively.

For more details on starting a travel guide website, check out success stories from others who have successfully launched similar ventures.

7. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)

Starting a blog as an expat can be a flexible and rewarding business venture. Blogging allows you to share your unique experiences and insights while living abroad, and you can do it from anywhere in the world. With a growing audience for travel, lifestyle, and niche blogs, there are ample opportunities to monetize through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

Why start a blog?

• Blogging is location-independent, perfect for expats. You can work from any place with an internet connection.
• It provides a creative outlet to share your unique experiences and connect with a global audience.
• Blogging offers multiple income streams through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

8. Start a digital marketing business ($119K/month)

Starting a digital marketing business as an expat could be a smart move for supplementing your income or turning it into a full-time venture. Given that the field is constantly evolving and relatively easy to learn, you could quickly adapt to provide valuable services to both local and international clients. Moreover, the flexibility of a digital marketing business allows you to operate from virtually anywhere, making it an ideal choice for those leading a nomadic lifestyle. For more insights, check out these success stories.

Why consider starting a digital marketing business as an expat?

• You could work remotely and maintain flexibility, no matter where you are in the world.
• The demand for digital marketing services is high, offering numerous opportunities to generate income.
• As an expat, you could leverage your unique international perspective to serve a diverse clientele.

9. Start a newsletter ($221K/month)

Starting a newsletter is an excellent opportunity for expats looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or even start a full-fledged business. Newsletters are one of the few marketing tools that can establish you as a trusted expert while building connections with your audience. The past five years have seen a more than 50% increase in newsletter readership, making it a timely and effective strategy for reaching a potentially global audience.

Creating a newsletter allows you to share your unique experiences and insights as an expat, educating and engaging your subscribers. To get started, consider what niche you are passionate about and can provide valuable content for, whether it's travel tips, language learning, or cultural insights.

Why start a newsletter?

• Newsletters build trust and authority. Sharing your expertise and experiences can establish you as a respected voice in your niche.
• Minimal startup costs. Compared to other businesses, starting a newsletter requires minimal investment, making it accessible and low-risk.
• Engaging a global audience. As an expat, you have a unique perspective that can attract readers from around the world, expanding your reach and influence.

For practical tips and success stories, explore how to start your own newsletter here.

10. Start a saas product developer business ($245K/month)

As an expat, starting a SaaS product developer business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even become your primary source of revenue. The low barrier to entry and the global accessibility of cloud computing make it a viable option irrespective of where you are located. With the right skills in database management, programming languages, and cloud computing, you could tap into the exponential growth potential of this market.

Before embarking on this venture, ensure you conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify profitable niches. Choosing a suitable monetization model and technology stack will set you on the right path to build a successful SaaS solution. For more detailed insights on starting a SaaS product developer business, you can explore various resources on Starter Story, like this one: SaaS Product Developer Business Startup Costs.

Why consider starting a SaaS product developer business?

• You could operate from anywhere, allowing for location independence and flexibility.
• The potential for recurring revenue through subscription models can provide a stable income stream.
• As an expat, you can leverage global talent to build and grow your SaaS product efficiently.

11. Start a skills training business ($94.8K/month)

Starting a skills training business as an expat offers a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise and cultural insights to help others learn new abilities. This venture can be started with minimal investment, primarily focusing on creating an engaging online presence to attract a global audience. With the global skills training market forecasted to reach $47.2 billion by 2027, there is substantial potential for financial freedom and career fulfillment through this path.

To get started, you could create a comprehensive website that hosts your training materials, from videos to downloadable resources, catering to a diverse range of skills and professional development areas. This kind of business not only supplements your income but also supports your dream of living and working from anywhere in the world. For more insights on skills training business profitability, you can check out our page on skills training business profitability.

Why start a skills training business?

• Leverage your unique background and expertise to serve a global audience.
• Build a flexible, location-independent business that aligns with your expat lifestyle.
• Tap into a booming market with minimal initial investment.

12. Become a ghost blogger ($12.2K/month)

As an expat, starting a business as a ghost blogger could be an ideal way to supplement your income or establish a full-fledged venture. This remote-friendly business allows you to leverage your writing skills and produce content for others without becoming the public face of the blogs. With the potential to earn between $300 and $1,500 per week, depending on your expertise and the complexity of the topics, ghost blogging offers substantial income opportunities while giving you the freedom to work from anywhere.

Take advantage of your unique perspectives and experiences gained from living abroad to offer fresh and engaging content that clients find valuable. Explore the potential of ghost blogging and see how it can transform your expat life. For more information on starting a ghost blogging business, check out this link.

Why consider becoming a ghost blogger?

• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the world, making it perfect for expats.
• High earning potential with minimal upfront investment.
• Opportunity to tap into your unique experiences to create valuable content for diverse audiences.

13. Start an ecommerce platform ($202K/month)

Starting an eCommerce platform as an expat offers a unique opportunity to create a global business from anywhere in the world. With more than 2 billion people preferring online shopping, the potential customer base is vast and continually growing. Whether you're looking to supplement your income, make extra money, or build an entire business, eCommerce provides a flexible and scalable option that aligns with the modern retail framework.

Why consider starting an eCommerce platform?

• Tap into a global market: eCommerce allows you to reach customers from all over the world, regardless of your physical location.
• Low overhead costs: Avoid the expenses and logistics of running a brick-and-mortar store by operating entirely online.
• Flexibility and scalability: You could start small and gradually expand your product range or market reach as your business grows.

For more insights on starting an eCommerce platform, check out this success stories page.

14. Start an online language services ($134K/month)

As an expat fluent in another language, launching an online language services business is a practical and profit-generating venture. The increasing globalization of businesses has spiked the demand for translation, interpretation, and language tutoring services, offering you an opportunity to monetize your linguistic skills from home. Platforms like Upwork facilitate client connections, enabling you to translate documents or provide real-time interpretation efficiently. With strategic marketing and a professional online presence, you could start small and expand by hiring additional specialists.

Why start an online language service?

• You’ll benefit from the high demand for language services in our increasingly global business world.
• Your flexibility to work from anywhere can lead to a balanced work-life integration.
• Starting with low overhead costs, you can scale your business at your own pace.

For further information, check out this link on pros and cons of the business.

15. Start a tradeshow booth business

If you're an entrepreneurial expat looking to delve into a dynamic and interactive industry, starting a tradeshow booth business could be a fantastic opportunity. By designing, constructing, and setting up striking tradeshow booths, you can help businesses capture attention and showcase their brands effectively. This venture not only leverages your creativity and organizational skills but also taps into the constant demand for well-executed booths at trade shows and exhibitions.

With trade shows playing a crucial role in lead generation and networking, there's a steady demand in the market. Although the initial investment in materials and equipment can be significant, the potential for recurring income through regular events and repeat clients makes it a worthy endeavor. Skilled craftsmanship coupled with strategic project management will help your business stand out in this competitive market.

Check out our detailed guide on starting a tradeshow booth business here.

Why starting a tradeshow booth business?

• As an expat, you could capitalize on your unique design perspectives that cater to diverse markets, giving your business a distinct edge.
• The flexibility of managing trade show installations allows you to juggle other commitments, making it ideal as a side hustle or supplementary income.
• Building a tradeshow booth business in a new country could help you integrate into the local business community, providing valuable networking opportunities.

16. Start a game store ($232K/month)

Starting a game store could be a thrilling and rewarding business venture for expats who are passionate about gaming. A game store offers a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and cultivate a space where gamers of all talents and interests can come together. As an expat, running a game store allows you to bring your love for games to a new audience, bridging cultural gaps and building a loyal customer base.

Whether selling board games, card games, or video games, your store could become a hub for local gamers, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Offering tournaments, game nights, or other events could further enhance your store's appeal and help you maintain a thriving business while making meaningful local connections. For more detailed insights, check out Starter Story's tips for starting a game store.

Why start a game store? - You tap into a growing market of passionate gamers and collectors. - You create a welcoming space that fosters community in your new locale. - You can turn your personal gaming passion into a sustainable business.

17. Start an online community ($21.6K/month)

Starting an online community can be an excellent way for expats to supplement their income or even launch a full-time business. By leveraging a shared interest or common experiences, you could bring together like-minded individuals across the globe, offering platforms for discussion, advice, and support. Whether you decide to sell products, promote affiliate links, run ads, charge for membership, or sponsor content, there are multiple revenue streams you could explore while helping build a sense of belonging.

For expats, online communities are especially meaningful due to the unique challenges and experiences faced while living abroad. Such platforms can offer valuable resources and monetization options, transforming your expat journey into a lucrative venture. If you want to see how others have succeeded with similar ventures, check out these online community success stories.

Why consider starting an online community?

• You could build a support network that benefits both you and others with shared experiences.
• Monetizing platforms through ads, memberships, or sponsored content can create multiple revenue streams.
• Running an online community allows you to work from anywhere, making it ideal for an expat lifestyle.

18. Become an online fitness coach ($21K/month)

Starting an online fitness coach business makes a lot of sense for expats looking to supplement their income or create a flexible side hustle. With internet usage and the number of hours people spend online soaring, this market is ripe for anyone with a passion for fitness and a desire to help others achieve their goals. As an expat, the ability to operate your business from anywhere is a significant advantage, allowing you to take on clients worldwide without being bound to a specific location.

Leveraging video content to offer live or recorded classes can not only help you expand your reach but also establish your brand as a credible figure in the online fitness community. By focusing on client needs, setting clear goals, and communicating effectively, you could ensure that your business thrives while providing meaningful value to your audience. Check out these online fitness coach marketing ideas for insights on how to start.

Why become an online fitness coach?

• It provides the ultimate flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.
• You can tap into a growing market of health-conscious individuals, maximizing income potential.
• Minimal startup costs make it an accessible business idea for entrepreneurs.

19. Start a baby equipment rental business

Starting a baby equipment rental business could be a lucrative opportunity for expats looking to supplement their income or dive into a new entrepreneurial venture. The demand for baby equipment is often high among traveling families and locals alike, making this a promising niche. As an expat, you could leverage your unique insights into both local and visiting families' needs, ensuring you provide the right products to the right audience.

Why consider a baby equipment rental business?

• High demand and low competition: You could fill a market gap by providing much-needed baby equipment to families who are visiting or newly settled in your area.
• Flexible and scalable: This business offers the flexibility to start small and expand based on demand, making it ideal for expats who may have less initial capital.
• Networking and community integration: Running a baby equipment rental business could help you build valuable connections within the local community and fellow expats, enhancing your personal and professional life.

For more details, you can check out startup costs and pros and cons specific to this business idea on Starter Story.

20. Start a property listing app business

Starting a property listing app business can be an ideal venture for expats looking to supplement their income or establish a side business. As an expat, you're well-placed to understand the nuances of relocating and finding suitable housing, making you a valuable resource for others in similar situations. By creating a user-friendly platform that connects property seekers with sellers or landlords, you could leverage your unique perspective to address common challenges in the real estate market.

With the growth in digital platforms and the increasing demand for convenient housing solutions, a property listing app offers a potentially lucrative opportunity. You can attract a diverse range of users by incorporating features like high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and user-friendly search filters. Learn more about starting a property listing app business here.

Why start a property listing app business?

• Digital platform offers a convenient solution for property seekers, making it easier for expats to find suitable housing.
• Leverage your unique perspective as an expat to address housing challenges and provide local insights.
• Potential for high profitability due to the growing demand for online real estate platforms and the flexibility to work from anywhere.

21. Start a google sheets tool ($19.7K/month)

As an expat, developing a Google Sheets tool can be a fantastic business venture to supplement your income or start a side business. Google Sheets tools are scripts or add-ons that enhance the functionality of Google Sheets, allowing for more efficient data management, analysis, and collaboration. This business idea offers flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for addressing diverse needs across various industries. Plus, as businesses continue to rely on cloud-based solutions, the demand for innovative tools in this space is only set to grow.

Consider targeting specific problems like automating repetitive tasks, visualizing data in meaningful ways, or integrating with other platforms and APIs to provide valuable solutions. For more insights and inspiration, check out these success stories.

Why start a Google Sheets tool?

• The flexibility allows you to work from anywhere, a significant advantage for expats who might be moving frequently.
• You can tap into a growing market with businesses increasingly relying on cloud-based productivity solutions.
• Tailoring solutions to specific industries can make your tools indispensable, opening up diverse revenue streams.

22. Become a stadium worker

Working as a stadium worker can be an excellent opportunity for expats looking to supplement their income or start a side business. Stadiums are lively, dynamic environments that often require various staff members, such as ticket sellers, ushers, and concession stand operators. As an expat, this can be an exciting way to immerse yourself in local culture, while also benefiting from flexible hours and part-time work.

Additionally, stadium jobs offer networking opportunities and the potential to build a local community, which can be invaluable when settling into a new country. Depending on the role, you might even gain experience in customer service or event management, skills that are highly transferrable to other industries. For more detailed advice on becoming a stadium worker, check out our startup costs guide.

Why work in a stadium?

• It provides a vibrant and exciting work environment.
• Flexible hours make it easy to balance with other commitments.
• It's a great way to connect and network with locals.

23. Start a tour operator

If you're an expat with a love for travel and a deep understanding of your local surroundings, starting a tour operator business could be a perfect fit. You could craft unique travel experiences for tourists, offering a blend of cultural insights and local knowledge that only someone living in the area could provide. This allows you to transform your passion for exploration and your intimate knowledge of a specific destination into a comprehensive and lucrative business venture.

The demand for curated travel experiences is growing, presenting a promising opportunity for entrepreneurial expats. You would need strong organizational skills and the ability to negotiate with local service providers, but the venture holds immense potential for profitability and personal satisfaction. If this piques your interest, you can explore more on how expats successfully run tour operator businesses by visiting Starter Story.

Why starting a tour operator?

• You bring a unique, authentic perspective. As an expat, you can offer tourists insider knowledge that enhances their travel experience.
• High demand and growing market. The trend towards more personalized and unique travel experiences offers significant income potential.
• Flexible and scalable business model. You could start small with localized tours and gradually expand to more extensive itineraries as you gain experience and clientele.

24. Start an equity trader business

Starting an equity trader business could be a lucrative opportunity, especially if you identify as an expat. The beauty of this venture lies in its flexibility—it's location-independent, meaning you could operate from virtually anywhere with internet access. Given that financial markets operate globally and virtually around the clock, you could manage your trades from different time zones, supplementing your income no matter where you reside.

With access to financial markets, trading platforms, and real-time financial news, your workspace as an equity trader is extremely versatile. Coupled with sharp analytical skills and a keen eye for financial trends, the potential for substantial earnings is significant, although it comes with its own set of risks. If you're ready to delve into various trading strategies and stay committed, the intellectual and financial rewards can be quite enticing. For more detailed insights, check out this resource.

Why starting an equity trader business?

• You'll enjoy the freedom to trade from anywhere, allowing you to harness opportunities across global markets.
• With the right strategies, there's significant earning potential, creating an appealing side business or even full-time venture.
• It offers a stimulating environment where you can constantly sharpen your financial and analytical skills.

25. Start a documents/attestation service business

Navigating bureaucratic red tape can be a daunting task for many. That's where starting a documents/attestation service business as an expat could make sense. This business handles the verification and authentication of personal and professional documents such as certificates, diplomas, and legal papers. By offering a service that mitigates the stress of dealing with government departments and legal entities, you not only save clients time but also provide peace of mind.

Why start a documents/attestation service business?

• You fill an essential need. The demand for verified documentation is critical in a world with increasing cross-border transactions and global mobility.
• You’ll create a niche market. Expat communities often require specialized services for document attestation, giving you a targeted customer base.
• You turn complexity into opportunity. If you have a meticulous nature and enjoy navigating bureaucratic processes, this business leverages your strengths into a rewarding venture.

For more insights on how to start a documents/attestation service business, check out these success stories.

26. Start a maternity blog

Starting a maternity blog is a practical and meaningful way for expats to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. Your unique perspective as an expat brings a valuable angle to parenting and maternity, offering insights that other blogs may lack. Sharing your experiences can connect you with a global audience, building a community and generating income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Check out maternity blog marketing ideas for more insights.

Considering a maternity blog as an expat?

• You could reach a niche market. Expats and international readers will appreciate maternity content that considers cross-cultural elements.
• Low startup costs and remote work flexibility make it ideal. You can manage your blog from anywhere in the world.
• Building a community through shared experiences can open doors. Connecting with other expats and parents globally can lead to collaborations and support networks.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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