Moving to a new country to live and work can be a very exciting time in someone’s life. However, it also takes a lot of research and planning to make the process as smooth as possible. Here are 8 things to consider before relocating overseas.
Get to know the immigration laws
Every country has different immigration laws that you’re going to need to know inside out. There are different rules that cover what you can and can’t’ do when you’re living in a country, their green card process, and visa requirements.
Know how you’ll support yourself
What are you going to do to support yourself when you’re there. Do you or your partner have employment secured or are you traveling on savings? If you are looking for employment, try and find a recruitment company that specializes in international roles, or a local one that recruits people from outside of the country.
If you have a job that you can do remotely, then you may not need to find another role at all and just continue to work from wherever you are moving to.
When calculating your budget, take into account the cost of living in your new country. Your money might not go as far or you may get a nice surprise if it goes much further.
Organize healthcare in advance
What is the healthcare system like where you are moving to? Is it insurance-based or do they have a national health service? If medical treatment is free, does this apply to those living there on a visa?
Buy the necessary insurance before you move so that you know you’ll receive good healthcare should you or your family become ill or has an accident.
Research the customs and culture
They’re probably going to do things a lot differently where you’re moving to. It’s best to be prepared so that you don’t offend anyone, or even break the law without meaning to.
If you know what to expect in advance, it won’t be such a culture shock for you.
Decide what to take with you
Sometimes we don’t realize how many possessions we’ve accumulated until it’s time to move. There are a few options about what to do with your things. You can get rid of everything and start with a clean slate, put your items in storage if you know you’re coming back at some point, or get everything shipped to your new home.
If you decide to transport your items, this is usually done by air or sea. It can be costly so take the opportunity to downsize as much as possible.
Arrange to have your pets transported
Of course, you’re going to want to take your fur babies with you when you move. Different countries have different rules regarding the transport of animals. Some countries require your pet to have certain vaccinations and others will make you put your pets into quarantine for a period of time to ensure they aren’t letting any contagious diseases into the local pet population.
Get the family involved
If you are moving with extended family or children, it can be an unsettling time for them. Involve them in the decision-making as much as possible so that they feel they have some control over the situation.
Children might like to look at online properties with you or choose the decorations for their new room. Giving them a say in their schools is also something you could consider.
Create a support network around you
Moving to a new place can be a lonely experience, especially in the beginning. Creating a support network to help you feel comfortable in your new place. This can be community groups or online forums.
If you have a family back home, the move can be jarring for you all. Fortunately, modern technology means that you can stay in contact with them regularly through video calls and social media.
Conclusion
Moving can be very complicated and time-consuming. This, added to the fact that you’re moving to an entirely different country adds an extra layer of difficulty to the process.
By being thorough in your preparations and doing your research on the local laws, customs, and services, you can make the process much smoother. Once you have everything in hand, you can get on with the job of looking forward to your life adventure in a new country.