The Expat Path: Mikkel Thorup on Becoming an Expat, Finding Freedom, and Building Wealth Overseas
05 February 2026

The Expat Path: Mikkel Thorup on Becoming an Expat, Finding Freedom, and Building Wealth Overseas

Freedom and Prosperity Podcast

About

In this episode of the Freedom and Prosperity Podcast, host Desi Arnaz sits down with Mikkel Thorup, international entrepreneur, expat expert, and founder of Expat Money, to explore what it truly means to live a life of freedom outside the traditional system.


Mikkel shares his remarkable journey from being labeled with a learning disability and dropping out of school at a young age, to spending over 26 years living abroad in 9 different countries and building a thriving global consulting business. His story challenges conventional ideas about education, success, and what it really takes to create prosperity.


Today, Mikkel helps individuals and families move offshore, protect their wealth, invest internationally, and design lifestyles that align with their values. He breaks down the key differences between being an immigrant and an expat, explains why experiential learning can be more powerful than formal education, and shares why freedom and opportunity are increasingly found outside North America.


Key takeaways from this episode include:

    What it truly means to be an expat and how it differs from immigration
    How Mikkel turned adversity and a learning disability into a global advantage
    Why traditional education isn’t the only path to success
    How experiential learning and travel shaped Mikkel’s worldview
    The “4+1” framework for building an international life: immigration, investing, asset protection, tax strategy, and lifestyle
    Why tangible assets like international real estate matter
    How high-net-worth families and everyday individuals can access global opportunities
    Why freedom, flexibility, and prosperity are growing in Latin America
    The importance of purpose, service, and forgiving yourself to move forward

Mikkel also shares powerful advice for young adults who feel stuck in the traditional 40-year work model, offering a refreshing perspective on building character, purpose, and independence.


This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning the status quo, seeking greater freedom, or curious about building a life and legacy beyond borders.


Guest Info:

Mikkel Thorup
Founder of Expat Money | International Investment & Offshore Consultant


🌐 Website: www.expatmoney.com
🎙️ Podcast: The Expat Money Show


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