Ever find yourself wondering, “Am I too old to move abroad?” You’re definitely not alone.
Maybe you’ve scrolled through social media, seeing younger people starting fresh in new countries, and thought, Did I miss my chance? Or maybe you’ve spent years building a career, routines, and friendships, and now the idea of uprooting feels scary, even if it’s something you’ve always wanted. You might worry about fitting in or having to “start over” when others your age seem settled.
I’ve been there. I asked myself that same question each of the three times I packed up my life and moved to new countries—at 26, 31, and 33.
The thing is, moving abroad is exciting and challenging, no matter your age. Sure, there are extra considerations when you’re no longer in your early twenties. But does that mean it’s too late? Absolutely not. In fact, moving later in life often brings unexpected rewards, like deeper connections and richer experiences. It’s easy to think you’ve missed your chance if you didn’t move abroad in your twenties or for studies, but trust me, the window is still wide open.
So, are you ever "too old" to start your expat journey? Let’s find out, starting with the core question: why move abroad in the first place?
But Why Should You Move Abroad (Regardless of Your Age)
There are endless reasons to move abroad—and not one of them requires being in your 20s.
Maybe it’s practical: you want to earn more, open new career doors, or swap gray skies for sunshine. Or maybe you have personal reasons to move abroad: to be with someone special, reconnect with family, or finally answer that inner voice nudging you to explore. And then there’s pure curiosity—because who hasn’t dreamed of waking up somewhere new, tasting different foods, and fumbling through phrases that’ll come out wrong at first?
Whatever the reason, it’s valid. That urge to move? It’s there for a reason.
What Is The Best Age to Move Abroad?
"Best age" or "perfect time" to move abroad? It’s less about a number and more about your readiness. Still, that question crossed my mind every time I packed up and moved. And I’ve seen others wrestle with it too.
Like a man in his 40s who I met in Poland. He wanted a better life for his family, so he moved abroad alone for a year to set things up before they joined him. Or a woman in her 50s who moved across Europe with her two teenage daughters. Stories like these show that age is only as limiting as we make it.
So, is there a perfect age to move abroad?
Not really. Each stage of life brings its own strengths.
Older? You’re likely bringing life experience, patience, and a steady perspective that makes adapting to a new culture smoother. Younger? Maybe you’ve got agility, fewer attachments, and a fresh curiosity. But neither has a monopoly on adventure.
Whether you’re looking to move long-term or just live and work abroad for a year, it’s about courage, curiosity, and the readiness to take the leap, not your birth year.
So, at the end of the day, the perfect time to move abroad is when you feel ready. And the best age is whatever age you choose.
5 Undeniable Benefits of Moving Abroad in Late 20s, 30s, and 40s
Moving abroad in your late 20s, 30s, or 40s isn’t about missed chances. It’s about diving into new ones with all the wisdom, life experiences, and confidence you’ve gained along the way.
Here’s why taking the leap can be extremely rewarding at any stage of adult life.
1. Moving abroad is like hitting the fast-forward button on personal growth.
Stepping out of your comfort zone into a whole new world—where nothing’s quite familiar—brings surprises every day. Even simple things, like grocery shopping or finding your way around, become little adventures. It’s challenging, and some days will be tough, but you’ll learn things about yourself that you’d never discover at home.
You’ll find yourself learning, growing, and changing in ways you didn't think possible anymore—every single day, especially at the start. And honestly? It’s exhilarating. If personal growth is what you’re after, moving abroad is the ultimate way to level up.
2. Moving to a new country as an adult helps you build a global circle of friends who get who you are now.
Moving to a new country later in life isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about finding a whole new circle of friends who get where you’re at right now.
Take me as an example. Back in Croatia, most of my friends are Croatian, and we’re close because of all the memories we’ve stacked up over the years. But since I started moving around, I’ve built friendships with people from all over the world. I’ve learned so much, like the little quirks of different cultures and new ways of seeing things. Funny enough, now half of my stories start like a joke, “A Croatian, a Pole, and an American walk into a bar…”
Living abroad has given me a community that fits the person I’ve become, not just the one I used to be. These friendships are fresh, rooted in where I am now in my 30s, and somehow just as strong. It’s like adding a whole new layer to life that’s all about shared dreams, present goals, and just getting each other in a way that feels totally natural.
3. Living abroad later in life opens doors to unexpected career opportunities.
When you make the leap and move abroad in your late 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, you bring something invaluable: experience.
At this stage, you’ve got a career history, skills, and expertise that make you stand out. Sure, searching for a job as a foreigner and aspiring expat has its pros and cons. But you're showing up with a skillset built over the years. Employers abroad notice that.
Moving now means you get to bank on that experience and maybe even try roles you hadn’t considered back home. The global job market values diverse backgrounds and perspectives—especially from someone established. It’s like getting a second wind in your career, where all those years of hard work open new doors. Take advantage of that.
4. You develop a resilient mindset that supports you for life.
The word resilience often feels like a corporate buzzword. But if there’s one skill you’ll get from moving abroad, it’s the ability to roll with whatever comes your way.
Whether you’re trying to set up a phone plan in another language, figuring out how to register for health insurance, or tackling the public transport maze, each little hurdle teaches you to adapt. One day, you’re feeling a bit lost; the next, you’re handling it all with a little more confidence. Before you know it, dealing with the unexpected becomes second nature.
This flexibility sticks with you long after the big move. It’s a skill you’ll bring into every part of your life, giving you a sense of calm and confidence that makes life’s twists a little easier to handle.
5. Moving abroad later in life helps you step into your true self beyond past labels.
When you take the leap to move abroad later in life, you get to meet yourself in a way you never could before. It’s an opportunity to step into who you truly are—without all the labels and limits from the past. It’s freedom in the purest sense.
Think about it: What do you want to do? How do you want to dress? How do you spend your time, and who do you spend it with? Moving to a new country gives you the space to answer these questions in a whole new way. You’re no longer surrounded by people who expect you to stay the same. Instead, you’re in a place where nobody knows your history or what you “should” be doing.
It’s deeply liberating to start fresh, where your choices are based on who you are now, not on who you’ve always been. You might find yourself picking up hobbies you’d never have tried before, hanging out with people you’d never meet back home, or even dressing in a way that feels more you—even if it’s not what others would expect.
You see? Moving abroad later in life isn't a drawback. It simply means bringing along more life experiences, making the journey all the richer and more fulfilling.
What Challenges Can You Expect When Moving Abroad Later in Life
Moving abroad at any age has its challenges. Later in life, those challenges don’t necessarily get bigger. They just look a little different.
Here’s what you can expect—and how to approach each challenge.
Challenge #1: Financial Considerations
Relocating later in life means thinking through a more layered financial picture. Beyond the basics, you’ll want to consider retirement funds, pensions, and investments. Understanding taxes and the cost of living in your new country can make a big difference in feeling secure and prepared for this new chapter abroad. Want to be sure moving abroad is a smart financial move? Calculate your ideal salary in another country with Numbeo.
Challenge #2: Health and Insurance
Healthcare matters even more when you’re further along in life, so knowing the ins and outs of your destination’s healthcare system is essential. Research whether it relies on public or private insurance, how accessible emergency services are, and whether long-term care options are available. This extra layer of preparation means you can focus on enjoying your new life with peace of mind. By the way, sorting out healthcare and insurance? That’s one of the top 7 must-dos before you make the move abroad.
Challenge #3: Family and Relationship Dynamics
Moving abroad will shift the dynamics with family and friends, no doubt.
Whether you’re moving solo, with a partner, or with children, aligning your goals and expectations is essential. Staying connected with loved ones back home will take some effort, but with regular video calls and planned visits, you can keep those bonds strong, no matter the distance.
Challenge #4: Cultural Adjustment and Language
Moving abroad in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond means learning new social norms and challenges in navigating daily life that you previously took for granted, like going to a grocery shop. Plus, it often means you need to navigate it all without speaking the local language.
But here’s the thing: a little curiosity goes a long way. Small efforts to pick up the basic phrases and connect with your new community can make the unfamiliar feel more like home.
And not speaking the local language? That doesn’t have to hold you back. You can still adapt, meet new people, navigate your new location, and even land a job abroad without knowing the local language. (Case in point: I did it. Twice.)
Challenge #5: Building a Community
Even as an adult, the need for community remains. Finding meaningful connections might take a little extra work without easy access to a school or workplace, but exploring local clubs, associations, or volunteer opportunities can help you build a circle of support.
But remember that these challenges aren’t unique to any particular age. They’re part of the journey for first-time expats of all ages, from 20s to 60s. Taking on these new experiences will help you grow in ways that only a move abroad can offer, no matter where you are in life.
3 Practical Steps to Overcome Concerns about Age and Moving Abroad
Wondering if moving abroad is still on the cards for you? Many people ask themselves if it’s "too late" for any big life change, including moving to a new country. But the truth is, it’s never about age. It’s about that feeling of confidence and readiness to dive in.
Here’s how to turn those age-related concerns into confidence and take practical steps toward your move.
Embrace your unique timeline: Your journey is one-of-a-kind, and there’s no "right" time to move. Embrace your entire life timeline as uniquely yours. Your experiences and insights can make navigating a new culture smoother and more rewarding than ever.
Outline a practical plan: A solid plan puts your mind at ease and sets a realistic path. Start by mapping out the purpose of your move, financial needs, and essential logistics like visas and healthcare. Tackling these key areas early on reduces uncertainty and makes each step feel doable.
Connect with support groups: There’s a whole world of immigrants and expats who’ve been in your shoes. Join communities on platforms like Meetup or Facebook where expats in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and above share insights, tips, and real-life experiences. And who knows—connecting locally might even help you land a job abroad before moving. It’s 100% worth stepping out of your comfort zone.
Feeling confident yet? If you're still pondering if this is the right choice, head to the next section with key questions that will help you gain clarity on the right decision for you.
7 Questions to Guide Your Decision if You Feel Too Old to Move Abroad
Making a life-changing move abroad isn’t just a practical decision. It’s an emotional one, especially if you’re questioning whether it’s the right time in life. And no one can make it for you. If you need help deciding, take a paper and pen and write down your thoughts on the 7 questions listed below.
Let these questions guide you in exploring your deepest motivations, hesitations, and hopes, helping you get to the heart of what’s truly right for you.
7 Questions to Decide if Moving Abroad is Right for You
Question 1: What are the best things that could happen if I take this leap, and how would that outcome change my life?
Question 2: What am I most afraid of? What are the worst things that could happen? How am I prepared to handle those challenges if they arise?
Question 3: How will I feel in 5, 10, or even 15 years if I don’t take this chance to move? Will I regret not trying?
Question 4: Do I have a vision of the life I want abroad, and does it align with my long-term goals and values?
Question 5: Will this move bring me closer to the life I imagine, or is it just an escape from something I could address differently?
Question 6: If I don’t take this step now, will I still feel the same “itch” to explore life abroad, or will I be content where I am?
Question 7: What strengths, resources, or support systems do I have that will help me navigate the challenges of starting over in a new place?
Taking the time to reflect can help you recognize if this move aligns with the life you truly want to create. Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” decision here—only the choice that feels most authentic to you, no matter your age.
TL;DR: Answering the Question, Am I Too Old to Move Abroad?
At the end of the day, moving abroad isn’t about your age. It’s about your drive, curiosity, and readiness to embrace something new. It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed the window, especially if you’re no longer in your early twenties.
The truth is, life doesn’t stop handing out chances just because there are more than 25 candles on your birthday cake—or 35, 45, or 55. Every stage of life brings unique strengths and perspectives, and moving abroad later in life often deepens the experience in ways you might not expect. If the idea still calls to you, don’t let age hold you back. The world is still out there, waiting to be explored.
Matilda & Ana
Hi there! We're Matilda and Ana — the founders of MoreThanCareers, expats, international corporate recruiters, and HR professionals with 18+ years of combined HR experience. Since 2018, our career-building techniques, tools, and resources have helped over 500 coaching clients and 8,000 individuals worldwide land new, more fulfilling, higher-paying, and career-changing jobs.
Now it's your turn. And MoreThanCareers is here to help!