Video Briefing

Nomad Capitalist: How to be a Nomad with Kids

Oct 10, 2019Video Briefing11:01Watch on YouTube

Living a nomadic‑capitalist lifestyle with children is possible, but it requires deliberate planning, delegation, and flexible education strategies. Below are the main approaches that can make a family‑focused, location‑independent life workable.

1. Build a support structure

  • Expand the team – Growing from a handful of staff to a small team (e.g., 20 people) allows the founder to off‑load routine tasks such as travel logistics, banking, and research on new residency programs.
  • Delegate travel duties – Younger staff members can handle the bulk of on‑the‑ground work—meeting officials, scouting schools, and managing day‑to‑day operations—while the parent focuses on strategic decisions.
  • Adopt a “trifecta” model – Maintain a few home bases rather than constantly hopping between destinations. This reduces the need for continuous long‑haul travel and provides a stable environment for children.

2. Early‑years education at home

  • Keep children at home for the first six years – This eliminates the need for formal school enrollment during a period when children are most receptive to language acquisition.
  • Leverage travel as a learning tool – Living in different countries exposes kids to new languages and cultures, turning everyday experiences into informal lessons.
  • Consider “world schooling” concepts – Unschooling or world‑schooling philosophies can be adapted to a home‑based curriculum, allowing parents to tailor learning to the family’s itinerary.

3. Hiring tutors and nannies abroad

  • Cost advantage – In many countries, qualified tutors and nannies command a fraction of the price of private educators in high‑cost markets like Manhattan. For example, a Romanian tutor with international experience may charge a fraction of U.S. rates while providing high‑quality instruction.
  • Mobility – Tutors can travel with the family, living on‑site and delivering a structured curriculum that aligns with the child’s educational goals.
  • Hybrid model – Combine home‑based learning with periodic formal assessments to ensure progress meets any future academic requirements.

4. The high‑school compromise

  • Settle for the final four years – Many families choose a single country for high‑school education, providing stability for university preparation while still maintaining a nomadic lifestyle for the rest of the year.
  • Residency benefits – Selecting a country with a favorable high‑school system can also open pathways to longer‑term residence permits or citizenship (e.g., Canada, the UK).
  • Business considerations – Some families may sell or pause business operations during this period to simplify logistics and focus on the children’s schooling.

5. Flexibility in long‑term planning

  • Adjust expectations – As parents age or children become more independent, the degree of mobility can be recalibrated. The model is not linear; a family can shift between highly mobile and more settled phases as circumstances change.
  • Maintain the “nomad capitalist” mindset – Even with a stable base, the core principles—tax optimization, personal freedom, and wealth creation—remain applicable.

Practical takeaways

  • Plan at least a year ahead – Detailed itineraries and schooling plans reduce uncertainty for both parents and children.
  • Invest in a reliable team – Staff who can handle operational tasks free up parental time for strategic decisions and family life.
  • Use local talent for education – Hiring tutors from the host country can lower costs and provide cultural immersion.
  • Be ready to compromise – A temporary, single‑location period for high school can balance educational quality with the nomadic ethos.

By structuring travel around a few home bases, delegating operational work, and employing flexible, cost‑effective education solutions, families can sustain a nomadic‑capitalist lifestyle without sacrificing their children’s development.