Moving to another country is very different to moving to a new town. There are added costs and complexities to consider. This post delves into some of the most important steps you’ll need to consider when moving abroad.
Research into the legal requirements
When moving to most countries, you’ll need to apply for a visa. The type of visa you need depends very much on how long you’re staying in the country and what you’ll be doing during your time there (i.e. will you be working, studying or simply joining a spouse?). You generally can’t apply for citizenship straight away. After several years you may have the option to do this or may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain. It’s worth doing your research and potentially talking to an immigration advisor.
Work out the costs
Moving to another country can be very expensive. On top of visa costs, you need to consider the cost of the move itself, which could include catching a plane and shipping over possessions. You may have to spend time building savings so that you can afford the move. You should also consider the long-term costs – if you’re moving to a country with a higher cost of living, you’ll need to consider what sacrifices you can make in your everyday life such as not driving or living in a smaller property.
Find the right accommodation
You need to decide where you will be living. If you’ve already got family abroad, you may be able to live with them. If not, you need to find somewhere to rent or buy. Spend some time looking at different properties online. You could consider taking a trip abroad to view properties in person or you could ask about virtual viewings (this involves an agent showing you around via video call, which can be cheaper and less hassle). Make sure that the rental agreement/buying process is fully completed before moving out – you don’t want a landlord or seller to pull out at the last minute when you’re already on your plane!
Secure a source of income
It’s worth also securing a source of income before you move. If you don’t have a job lined up already, consider looking into new jobs. You can use online job boards to look for vacancies. Many employers will be willing to do an interview via phone call or video call. Plan to start your new job a week after moving so that you have some time to settle in.
Get to know the culture
It could be researching the culture of your new country so that you know what to expect. This includes looking into rules and customs. If English is not the official language, consider whether you need to learn a foreign language before moving out. You should also try to get a good idea of how the currency works and which taxes are compulsory.
