Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting . There are many factors to take into account, such as arranging your visa and having somewhere to stay.
Our guide will walk you through the typical steps, making sure you have everything you need.
- Research Your Destination Country
- Entry Requirements & Important Documents
- Manage Your Finances
- Plan For When You Get There
- Get Your Items Abroad
Research Your Destination Country
If you’re not familiar with the country you’re moving to, it’s a good idea to start doing some research. This will give you a better understanding and knowledge of the culture and climate, as well as any specific laws or traditions. Some countries are very alike, and the differences between them are minimal, however there are others where life is very different, so by conducting research it can help limit the culture shock and gives you a better idea of what to expect.
Check what healthcare services are available in your new country as this may be different from what you’re used to. You may be required to pay for treatments, or it may be necessary to obtain adequate healthcare insurance. If you’re planning to take medication with you, ensure you check that there’s no restrictions on this.
Our Ultimate Moving Guides are tailored to specific countries, providing a wealth of information ranging from cost of living and education, to healthcare and cultural traditions. Check them out here.
Entry Requirements & Important Documents
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements vary from country to country, and may depend on the passport you hold. It is important to check the validity of your passport in advance, as many countries require passports to have a minimum validity. This will give you enough time to renew your passport if necessary.
When moving to a new country, it’s very likely that some form of visa will be required. Finding out which visa is needed, and starting the application early is recommended, as it can take weeks or months for the entire process to be completed.
To ensure you’re getting the most accurate information on the requirements and procedures, we suggest consulting the official websites of the country you’re considering moving to.
Important Documents
Your passport, as well as other important documents are essential to have. Other documents to consider include birth certificates, marriage certificates, education certificates, tax records, medical records, your driving license, recent bank statements, rental or tenancy agreements, employment references, and an up to date copy of your CV or Resume. Also, if you plan to take your Pets with you, a Pet passport might be needed, and any associated vaccination records.
If you do have intentions to drive whilst away, you may need to obtain an International Driver’s Permit, or get a local driving licence. It’s recommended that you check this with the local driving authority.
Keeping a digital copy of your important documents is a good idea, as you can easily access them using your phone or computer.
Manage your finances
Budgeting & Bank Account
Make sure to budget for everything, before and after your move. This includes the costs of your visa application, travelling to appointments, passport renewals, and travel arrangements. It’s always better to overestimate your expenses.
Check with your Bank or Card provider what the rules are about using your cards abroad. They may be able to help you set up an international account. If this isn’t an option, you can open a new bank account once you arrive at your destination. Be aware that transferring money between accounts in different currencies may come with fees, so don’t forget to factor this in.
Taxation & Pensions
It’s important to consider the income tax rate of the destination country. Seeking professional advice is recommended due to the complexity of taxation, and it is also important to check your tax liability in your home country for any required annual tax returns. They can also help with pension-related questions, as each country has its own pension regulations, such as contribution requirements and retirement age.
Saving
To get started, it’s ideal to have some savings set aside for emergencies. Keep in mind that some countries require a certain amount of funds to be available as part of their visa or entry requirements.
Plan for when you get there
Accommodation
There are many ways to start your search for a place to live. You can browse online listings, consult a relocation agent, or ask fellow expats for recommendations. Factors such as cost-effectiveness, length of stay, and legal requirements such as tax and insurance should be taken into account when evaluating options for renting or buying. It is important to exercise caution and seek legal advice before signing any contracts or agreements to avoid fraudulent scams.
Employment
Researching job opportunities in a foreign country has become much easier than it was years ago. You can start looking for suitable positions and even apply for them before you go. Alternatively, you can explore local job openings once you arrive or reach out to a local recruitment agency to assist you in your job search.
Cultural Differences
If you are travelling to a country where the local language is different from your own, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the language to avoid any communication barriers. While language learning apps can be helpful, consider reaching out to the embassy of your destination country for access to more suitable language courses. It’s crucial to be aware of cultural differences, even if the foreign culture seems similar to your own. When discussing sensitive topics such as religion, it’s essential to avoid offending anyone or appearing insensitive. Don’t be embarrassed if you unintentionally break cultural taboos; instead, stay mindful of them.
Getting Your Items Abroad
Some people choose to bring all their large belongings with them when relocating to a new country. However, this process is time-consuming, costly, and can take weeks or even months. An alternative is to sell these items on platforms such as eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace before departing. This approach eliminates the need to move or store large items, while also providing additional funds – It’s a popular solution for long-term moves abroad.
However, if you want to take your larger belongings with you, and they cannot be accommodated on our service, there are many international removal companies that can help you with this.
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