Top Side Gigs for Expats: Turn Your Skills into Extra Income
We’ll explore the benefits of side gigs, how to choose the right one, and some of the best options available for expats.
Living abroad as an expat can be an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, but it also comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to finances. Whether you're looking to supplement your income, utilize your skills in new ways, or simply keep yourself engaged, a side gig can be a great solution. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of side gigs, how to choose the right one, and some of the best options available for expats.
Benefits of Side Gigs for Expats
Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of side gigs is the flexibility they offer. You can work on your own schedule and often from the comfort of your home or a cozy café. This is ideal for expats who may have varying schedules or are adjusting to life in a new country.
Skill Development: A side gig allows you to hone your existing skills or develop new ones. Whether you're writing, teaching, or managing social media, you're constantly learning and growing. These skills can be valuable in your primary career or even help you pivot to a new one.
Financial Security: Side gigs provide an additional income stream that can act as a financial buffer. This is especially helpful for expats who may face unexpected expenses, fluctuating exchange rates, or periods of unemployment.
Choosing the Right Side Gig
Assess Your Skills and Interests: Start by evaluating your own strengths and passions. Are you a natural writer, or do you have a knack for graphic design? Maybe you’re fluent in multiple languages or have a talent for teaching. Identifying what you’re good at will help you choose a side gig that’s both enjoyable and profitable.
Consider Local Market Needs: Research the demand for your services in your host country. For example, language tutoring can be highly sought after in non-English speaking countries, while digital marketing skills may be in demand in emerging markets. Understanding local needs will help you tailor your offerings and stand out.
Legal Considerations: Always check the legalities of working a side gig in your host country. Some countries have strict regulations about work permits and what types of side income are allowed for foreigners. Ensure you’re compliant to avoid any legal issues.
Top Side Gig Ideas for Expats
Freelance Services:
Writing and Editing: If you have a way with words, consider freelancing as a writer or editor. You can offer services like blog writing, content creation, or proofreading to businesses or individuals. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients, while creating a portfolio website can showcase your skills.
Graphic Design and Web Development: Skilled in design or coding? Offer your services to small businesses and startups. Many companies look for freelance designers and developers for projects like website creation, logo design, and branding materials.
Virtual Assistance: Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs, handling tasks like email management, scheduling, and customer service. This role is perfect if you’re organized, detail-oriented, and have good communication skills.
Teaching and Tutoring:
Language Tutoring: Teaching your native language can be a lucrative side gig, especially if you’re an English speaker in a non-English speaking country. You can offer private lessons or join platforms like iTalki or Preply to connect with students globally.
Subject-Specific Tutoring: If you have expertise in subjects like math, science, or music, consider offering tutoring sessions. You can teach in-person or online through platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com.
Online Courses and Workshops: Share your knowledge by creating online courses or hosting workshops. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare allow you to reach a global audience and generate passive income from your content.
Creative and Craft-Based Side Gigs:
Handmade Goods: If you’re crafty or artistic, selling handmade products on platforms like Etsy can be a fulfilling side gig. You can create anything from jewelry and home decor to personalized gifts.
Photography and Videography: Expats often live in picturesque locations, perfect for photography. Offer your services for events, real estate, or content creation, and sell your photos through stock photography websites.
Blogging and Influencing: If you enjoy sharing your experiences, consider starting a blog or social media channel about expat life, travel, or your area of expertise. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing once you build an audience.
Digital and Online Businesses:
Dropshipping and E-commerce: Launch an online store without holding inventory by partnering with suppliers who ship directly to customers. Shopify and WooCommerce are great platforms to get started.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products on your blog or social media and earn commissions on sales. Choose products that align with your niche and audience to maximize success.
Content Creation for Online Platforms: Consider creating a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog around a topic you’re passionate about. Platforms like Patreon and YouTube ads can help you monetize your content.
How to Get Started
Create a Business Plan: Outline your goals, target market, and strategies for growth. Having a clear plan will help you stay focused and measure your success.
Build Your Online Presence: Set up a professional website or portfolio and optimize your social media profiles to reflect your services. This helps potential clients find you and learn more about what you offer.
Network and Promote: Join expat and professional groups online and in-person to meet potential clients and collaborators. Utilize social media and content marketing to promote your side gig.
Overcoming Challenges
Time Management: Balancing a side gig with your main job or family commitments can be challenging. Use productivity tools like Trello, Asana, or Todoist to manage your tasks and stay organized.
Staying Motivated: There may be times when you feel overwhelmed or unsure. Set realistic goals and celebrate small wins to stay motivated. Joining a community of like-minded expats can also provide support and encouragement.
Handling Legal and Financial Issues: Understand the tax implications and legal requirements of working a side gig in your host country. Seek advice from a local accountant or legal expert if needed to ensure compliance.
Success Stories
Emma’s Freelance Writing Success: Emma, an expat in Spain, started freelancing as a writer while teaching English. Her engaging content soon attracted clients, allowing her to transition to full-time freelancing and travel freely.
Tom’s E-commerce Triumph: Living in Thailand, Tom started an online store selling unique electronic accessories sourced locally. His effective marketing strategies turned his side gig into a thriving business that now supports his lifestyle.
Maria’s Virtual Assistant Journey: Maria, an expat in Portugal, began offering virtual assistant services from home. Her reliability and skill led to rapid client growth, enabling her to expand her team and establish a successful remote business.
Conclusion
Starting a side gig as an expat can open doors to financial freedom, personal growth, and new opportunities. By leveraging your skills and exploring the unique opportunities in your host country, you can build a fulfilling and profitable venture. Ready to get started? Share your side gig ideas or experiences in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and resources to help you thrive as an expat.
Bonus Section: Recommended Tools and Resources
Getting started with a side gig can feel overwhelming, but the right tools and resources can make all the difference. Here’s a curated list of platforms and tools to help you launch, manage, and grow your side hustle as an expat.
1. Freelancing Platforms
Upwork & Fiverr: Great for offering a wide range of services, from writing and graphic design to virtual assistance and consulting. Create a compelling profile, showcase your work, and start bidding on projects.
Toptal: Ideal for experienced professionals in software development, design, and finance. Toptal connects you with top-tier clients and offers the flexibility to choose your projects.
Freelancer: Another versatile platform for finding freelance work across various fields. Bid on projects or participate in contests to win clients.
2. Teaching and Tutoring Platforms
iTalki & Preply: Perfect for language tutors. These platforms connect you with students from around the world who are looking to learn new languages or improve their skills.
VIPKid & TeachAway: Ideal for teaching English online to students in China and other countries. These platforms offer structured curriculums and flexible scheduling.
Coursera & Teachable: If you’re looking to create and sell online courses, these platforms provide the tools to build and promote your content to a global audience.
3. E-commerce and Dropshipping Tools
Shopify: A user-friendly platform for setting up an online store, ideal for dropshipping or selling handmade goods. Offers various templates, integrations, and marketing tools.
Oberlo: Works seamlessly with Shopify to automate your dropshipping business, making it easy to find and import products from suppliers.
Etsy: Best for selling handmade or vintage items. Leverage its built-in audience and marketing tools to reach customers who appreciate unique, artisanal products.
4. Content Creation and Monetization Tools
WordPress & Medium: Platforms for starting a blog. WordPress is highly customizable, while Medium offers a built-in audience and monetization options through its Partner Program.
YouTube & Patreon: If video content is your thing, start a YouTube channel and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and memberships. Patreon allows you to earn directly from your fans through subscriptions.
Canva & Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential tools for creating professional-looking graphics, videos, and social media content.
5. Productivity and Project Management Tools
Trello & Asana: Great for organizing your side gig tasks and projects. Create boards and lists to track progress and stay on top of deadlines.
Slack: Useful for communication with clients or team members, especially if you’re collaborating remotely.
Google Workspace: Offers everything from cloud storage to collaborative documents and calendar management—perfect for organizing your work and communications.
6. Financial and Legal Resources
Wise (formerly TransferWise): A money transfer service that allows you to send and receive payments in multiple currencies with low fees, perfect for expats managing finances across borders.
QuickBooks & Xero: Accounting software that helps you track income, expenses, and manage invoices, making it easier to handle taxes and financial reporting.
UpCounsel & LegalZoom: If you need legal advice or assistance with business registration and compliance, these platforms connect you with experienced professionals who can guide you.
7. Networking and Community Platforms
LinkedIn: Build a professional profile, connect with potential clients, and join expat and industry-specific groups to expand your network.
Meetup & InterNations: Great for finding local expat communities and networking events. Engage with other expats and entrepreneurs in your area to share experiences and opportunities.
Facebook Groups: Search for expat or industry-specific groups to find like-minded individuals, job opportunities, and tips on living and working in your host country.
8. Marketing and SEO Tools
Mailchimp & ConvertKit: Email marketing platforms that help you create and manage newsletters, automate campaigns, and grow your audience.
Ahrefs & SEMrush: Powerful tools for keyword research, SEO analysis, and tracking your website’s performance. Essential if you’re blogging or running an e-commerce store.
Hootsuite & Buffer: Social media management tools that allow you to schedule posts, engage with followers, and analyze your performance across multiple platforms.
Using these tools and resources, you can build a strong foundation for your side gig, streamline your operations, and focus on what you do best. Whether you’re freelancing, teaching, creating content, or running an online business, the right support can turn your side gig into a successful venture.