5 Things To Consider If You Are Moving Abroad

Moving abroad to start a new job or way of life is extremely exciting. If you have decided to take a new job, start a new career or simply move to another country, then you’re likely to have a lot of things to consider and think about. 

Relocating can broaden your life views and career prospects and introduce you to things that you may never have known existed. However, there are a number of things that you need to do and consider whilst preparing for this new adventure. 

Finances 

When you are an expat, there are a few things you can do to get ahead of the game where your finances are concerned. Before you head off, you will need to take a serious look at the state your finances are in. One of the biggest mistakes that many people make when they move abroad is failing to think ahead when it comes to their banking, credit and international bills and transactions. 

The cost of living can vary greatly from city to city, so don’t naively assume that you can afford to carry on living the same lifestyle you had at home. Living overseas can often be expensive - you’ll need to travel to local and nearby destinations and you may well need a bit of saving money should you ever need to fly home.

Quite a few banks incur a large margin on the daily exchange rate, as well as the high fees which they charge for you to be able to transfer money. 

Family

When you move abroad, you will not only need to prepare yourself for a new way of life, but your family will need help transitioning as well. If you are taking children with you on your move, then you will need to find a school for them. The best way to do this is to contact their school for documents which you may need for a smooth transition, such as transcripts and reports, so that your children can start where they left off. 

You will also need to contact your doctors and health practitioners for medical and health records. Doing some research into the health set up in the country you are moving to is also a good idea, as you may not be entitled to certain things or you may need to get travel insurance for the first few months whilst you are there just so that you have some cover.

If you are moving abroad alone, or with a partner, then things will be slightly easier to arrange. They should still be sorted out well before your scheduled move, as things can often become delayed. If you want to take your pets with you, then you will also need to pack their veterinary records and health certificates and find out if they need to go through a quarantine period. 

Paperwork and Documents

As well as all of the other things that you will need to plan and prepare for, when you move abroad you will need to complete a lot of important paperwork. You will need a passport so that you can travel internationally, but you will also need to apply for the right visa if you wish to work and live abroad. This is an important document which will allow you to remain within the country for a period of time and for a specific purpose. 

Depending on your plans, you can apply for a few different types of visa: a long-stay visa, a short-stay visa or a residence visa, which is what you will need if you want to permanently reside in another country. A lot of visas are approved with a work permit, so you are best to check with your previous and future employer if you have one lined up. 

They will be able to help you to get the necessary documents in line. This step is extremely important and it can also be difficult. It takes a long period of time to get approved and you will not be able to reside in the new country without the correct, valid visa. 

If you are unsure as to which paperwork you need to fill out, then it may be worth visiting or contacting immigration lawyers in London. They will be able to assist you with the paperwork and remove any stress you experience during the process.

Housing Set-Up

When you move abroad, housing is a two-sided situation. You’re likely to still have your current residence and there are many options that you can implement if you own the home. You are likely to be able to get some value out of it by renting it out whilst you are away. Short-term rental or finding a tenancy agreement both require dedication and management, so weigh the risks and rewards of both. 

You will also, obviously, need to find housing in the country you are moving to. This is a complex process, as without knowledge of the city where you are moving to, you’re unlikely to know which areas are best for your family. With everything considered, there are many things you can do as a new expat before you move. Be sure to speak with moving services specialists and experts so that you can have the smoothest transition as possible. 

Be Prepared For A Range Of Emotions 

In the same way that you are likely to experience daily and regular struggles at home, you will have to deal with these hardships once you move abroad. International challenges may be harder to overcome and may include things such as immigration stress, not being able to speak the native language and having trouble communicating. 

Often, your daily routines can become more complicated when you move abroad and it is completely normal to feel homesick and lonely, especially in the first few weeks or even months. 

The key to overcoming these emotions is to let yourself move naturally through them, whether they are good or bad. Let them come and go, just as they would if you were still living at home. Be sure to take every challenge as it comes and use it as an opportunity to grow and learn from them.