Perpetual Travel

The great thing about this lifestyle is that there is no risk in trying it - quite the opposite. There is a risk of not trying and missing out on the opportunity. We tend to always go back to what we are familiar with (like the life in our country of origin) and that makes us afraid of the unknown. Until the new life as a perpetual traveler becomes the new familiar. There is no wrong decision and there is always a way back. You just need to be aware of a few things if you want to optimize the outcome of your return.

No, not everyone can become a PT. To become a PT, you have to want it and be willing to make it happen - to make it work. You have to believe in the lifestyle and have a great curiosity to discover new things and have a high level of adaptability. It's not for everyone, but anyone can learn it if the will is there.

You don't know until you try it yourself - just like trying a new perfume or a different dish. There is something for every taste and preference.

On the subject of money - of course it makes life easier, but you can also start with little. Just look for countries where the cost of living is lower. Money is no excuse not to try it.

As you can already see, the internet has changed everything: the way we work, the way we shop, the way we interact, the way we learn. You can be a PT and spend 3 days in any place or 3 months. If you find someone you want to spend more time with, you either take them with you - they make great traveling companions - or you give up the lifestyle in the name of love. Which is more important to you?

And as for working relationships - there are always opportunities to meet and socialize, and being someone who makes their money remotely, you know you can have clients anywhere in the world without having to be on the ground. The value is created through work and performance, not physical presence.

Everything depends on your baggage - and when we say baggage, we don't mean suitcases or rucksacks, but what you carry inside. Motivation, enthusiasm, courage, resilience, fun and so much more. You may never have to get used to it because you wake up every day with a smile on your face and enjoy the taste of freedom, but generally you get used to it quickly. Allow yourself 6-9 months for an immersion to see if the energy doesn't fade over time. If you still don't like it after nine months, you may never like it - it's like a pregnancy project. One day the baby has to come out - or maybe the pregnancy is the right thing, but at the wrong time.

Each country has its own rules for determining whether a citizen is resident for tax purposes - you also need to avoid having a center of vital interests in all countries. As a rule, we assume 183 days in a country - but that doesn't necessarily mean all at once.

The problem with laws and regulations is that they are always interpreted by those who want to tax you. Even if you do everything right, they can always "interpret" it differently and force you to pay taxes by law - which they themselves created. It's best to avoid conflict and work things out in a clear way so that there are no misinterpretations. If we say that 183 days in a country is the maximum (half a year), don't make it 182 :-), make it 120 and you'll be fine.

Organization is the key to staying on top of things as a PT. Use calendar apps and project management tools, establish fixed routines and review your goals regularly. Make local contacts via coworking spaces and online communities. Stay in line with your values and goals through self-reflection. Stay informed about local laws to stay compliant. Keep track of your finances, keep important documents safe and develop contingency plans for crises. Place a high value on digital security and stay up to date professionally through continuous development. And don't forget to take care of your physical and mental health - with regular exercise, a balanced diet and enough sleep.

One of the biggest myths is the potential subsequent taxation when returning to Germany. Unfortunately, it is not a complete myth - subsequent taxation can indeed occur. However, this only occurs in very specific circumstances and can be easily avoided with a little planning. Even those who return to Germany on the off chance often have nothing to fear. It usually has to be a substantial amount of money that makes the tax authorities find the expense of retrospective taxation palatable. Subsequent taxation is practically only possible if the emigration period is very short. So short that the German tax authorities can plausibly assume that a permanent emigration was not planned at all. Deregistration therefore serves more to take a short-term tax advantage, not an actual emigration.

Once you have re-registered, you will pay tax as usual from this point onwards.

There are no official age limits, but there are practical aspects to consider: legal majority, usually from the age of 18, is important, as only then can you travel and conclude contracts without parental consent. Minors can often only travel with the consent of their legal guardians and have limited access to banking services and the labor market, the latter being crucial for legally earning an income. Visa and entry requirements can be stricter for minors, and education must also be ensured, e.g. through homeschooling or online schools. Adequate health insurance for minors is also essential.