If you have recently decided to move abroad this year, you are probably overwhelmed equally by questions and concerns about how the whole process works.
There is a lot to think about when planning a move overseas, and unless you have done it before – it is completely understandable if you feel like you have been thrown into the deep end of planning.
That is why this list exists, to give you eight expert tips for making your move abroad as painless as possible.
1. Create a Budget
Moving overseas does not come cheap!
Before starting the process of moving overseas, you need to be financially secure and have some savings. Depending on your visa type and your chosen destination country, you may be required to show proof of savings on your visa application.
Day-to-day living costs could also be more expensive than you are used to, so it is crucial to create a budget for this adventure. Be reasonable when compiling your budget and allow for extras – this is an adventure, after all.
2. Research Your Chosen Countries
There are 195 countries across the globe, but not all of them will make it onto your list of chosen countries to move to.
Compile a list of the top five countries that you feel will be best suited to you and your family’s needs. Once you have your countries wish list narrowed down, you can do more in-depth research on crime statistics, cost of living, education perks, and overall living experience in those countries.
According to various studies, the most popular countries that Americans are moving to in the last few years:
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- Australia
- Japan
- Israel
- Portugal
- New Zealand
These countries offer various attractions for American expats, such as career opportunities, lower cost of living, cultural diversity, and scenic landscapes. Some of these countries also have cities with the best work-life balance in the world.
If it’s important for you to have a big community of Americans around you – then check out this video about the top 10 countries with the most Americans living abroad:
3. Understand Their Visa Requirements
If you plan on moving abroad for six months or longer, you will likely need a visa to live, study, or work. Before making any solid travel plans, check out your destination country’s immigration policy to ensure you are eligible to apply for a visa.
Every country has strict visa requirements, some harder than others, but most countries require applicants to write an approved English language test. If you need additional advice, consider hiring a registered migration agent to assist.
4. Avoid Healthcare Pitfalls
Apart from updating your vaccinations and immunizations, you will need to take care of your healthcare needs in a new country. Consider getting Yearly Travel Insurance to ensure that you and your family get the best healthcare possible in a new country.
That is the perfect solution for anyone who travels away from home often during the year and you will easily be able to find a comprehensive policy to suit your needs.
5. Ask Locals
No one knows a country quite like the locals do!
Find out from friends and family if they know anyone living in the country you want to move to. Ask them for important information about living in that country such as crime statistics, cost of living, and resident happiness scores.
A lot of this information will be available online too, but it is always best to get the answers straight from the horse’s mouth – or in this case, your potential new friends.
6. Bank Accounts
All offshore banks require personal information like your name, date of birth, proof of identity, and citizenship before you can open an account with them. To enable swift identity verification, start this process early.
Submit copies of whatever documentation they have requested and ensure your most recent documents are as current as possible – such as occupation or new address. Every country has requirements for opening a bank account, so research online first.
7. Job Hunting
Finding work abroad can be easier said than done.
Be realistic about finding a new job and allow yourself the weeks or months it could take to nail down something worthwhile. As much as we would all love to leap into the perfect job, the fact of the matter is that it takes time without physically being in that country.
As challenging as job hunting overseas can be, it is by no means impossible. Rise to the challenge and use online posting boards like Indeed and Glassdoor to find jobs in specific locations.
8. Housing Tips
Finding a new place to call home can be tricky when you are on the other side of the world.
The good news is that you are not the first person to need to choose a house over the Internet, and you will not be the last.
Technology has made shopping around for a house so much easier. With high-resolution images, 3D virtual tours, and video walkthroughs, finding a new home will not be difficult.
As with most things on the web, be wary of scammers and never trust an offer if it seems too good to be true. Be sure to go through everything in detail with your rental agents and rent a home for a few months until you get settled into the new country.
To End
Follow these tips above for peace of mind when moving to a new country. Take the time to decompress after arriving, and then spend the next few months making memories you can tell your grandchildren about one day!
