Creative Solutions for Expat Spouses Facing Visa Restrictions

Being an expat spouse can be both an exciting and challenging experience. While living abroad offers new cultures and opportunities, visa restrictions often prevent spouses from working, leaving them feeling stuck and unfulfilled. As the host of Rooted and Routed Podcast, a podcast dedicated to expat life, I’ve spoken to many expat spouses navigating this reality. From lawyers to photographers, and to corporate professionals, one common theme emerges: navigating visa restrictions can feel like an enormous hurdle. But it doesn’t have to define your expat experience.

The Reality of Work Visa Challenges

In Episode 6 of my podcast, Rooted and Routed Podcast, I spoke with Alisée Mignon, who shared her frustration about not being able to work for five years due to visa restrictions while on her husband’s contract. “It’s part of my freedom that I’ve given up and I’m dependent on my husband’s work and his money. The consulates or the person’s making the visas are not helping. (We could) have a journey of our own, once the kids are grown, we could work,” she explained. Her story resonates with many expat spouses who find themselves dependent on their partner’s income, with no opportunity to pursue a career.

Similarly, Sandra Showalter, a guest in Episode 4, shared her struggle after more than a decade away from the workforce due to frequent relocations. “I started out in corporate America, then moved to Dubai and left that behind. It’s hard to get back in if you’ve been away for so long. Companies don’t want to hire you if you’ve been away for six or seven years,” she said. This is a familiar story for many expat spouses who once had thriving careers but find it challenging to re-enter the job market after an extended absence.

Even starting a business, a seemingly ideal solution, isn’t always viable. As Sandra pointed out, “Starting a business takes years to become profitable. And if you’re moving every three to five years, it’s hard to build something sustainable.”

Creative Solutions for Expat Spouses

Despite these challenges, expat spouses are finding creative ways to stay engaged, pursue passions, and even build businesses. Here are some practical solutions inspired by the stories shared on my podcast:

1. Start a Business or Passion Project
   Kim Provo, in Episode 2, an expat spouse I interviewed, turned her love of food into a thriving business called Kim’s Kitchen. While visa restrictions didn’t allow her to incorporate her business locally, she registered her company in her home country and now offers online cooking classes. This solution allowed Kim to pursue her passion and create a portable business that moves with her family.
2. Volunteer to Gain Experience
   Volunteering is another excellent way to stay productive as an expat spouse. Alisée started volunteering at Bori Village orphanage, which gave her valuable experience and a sense of purpose. Many countries allow expat spouses to volunteer, providing an opportunity to build skills, contribute to the community, and stay active. Such a productive contribution when added to the LinkedIn profile, enhances the expat spouse’s profile, the NGO gains visibility and overall the success rate of the expat assignment is achieved. A win-win for everyone involved. 
3. Join Expat Communities
   Sandra found support by joining local expat groups. Engaging with other expats not only helps build friendships but also opens doors to new hobbies and skills. Sandra, for example, took up boxing as a way to stay active and learn something new. Many expat communities offer activities that can help you stay engaged, both socially and mentally.

Additional Insights

Alongside the suggestions shared by Kim, Alisée, and Sandra, I’ve gathered two more solutions from my own conversations with expat spouses:

1. Upskill Through Online Learning
   Sandra’s story about struggling to re-enter the workforce after years away stuck with me. One of the best ways to add value to your career is by continuously learning. Online learning platforms offer workshops, certifications, and industry-specific courses to help you stay up to date. When the time comes to rejoin the workforce, you’ll have new skills to offer.
2. Consider Remote Work
   Freelancing or remote work is another option if your visa permits. Even if local work isn’t allowed, you might be able to find clients in your home country or online. For example, Kim teaches cooking classes online, and I can take my podcast, Rooted and Routed Podcast,  with me wherever I go because my platforms are all online. This kind of flexibility can be a game-changer for expat spouses.

Final Thoughts

While non-working visa restrictions can feel limiting, they also present opportunities for creativity and personal growth. As the stories of Kim, Alisée, and Sandra show, expat spouses can still find fulfillment by volunteering, starting passion projects, or upskilling. Whether through a personal project, online business, or connecting with the expat community, there are many ways to thrive abroad—even without a work visa.

By focusing on creative solutions, expat spouses can navigate these visa challenges and make the most of their expat journey.

Still need more inspiration?

Listen to Episode 1 with Simona Jadronova, who went from a work visa with a manufacturing company, to starting two businesses in India on her own business visa.