Regardless of whether you are moving abroad for personal or professional reasons, it can often be a long and complicated process. There are so many things that you need to think about when moving internationally. By putting more effort into the planning phase when you move abroad, you can help to reduce the risk of things going wrong, which is why we have compiled the following tips and advice. So, let’s explore.
The Destination
Obviously, you will need to put a lot of thought into your destination of choice, especially if you want to retire abroad. Doing your research is vital to ensure that you know what to expect and you have prepared accordingly. You should start by looking into the laws and regulations so that you understand what is expected of you as an expat.
For example, your tax obligations might differ, and your ability to buy a property or your right to work might also be affected. You will also need to look into the entry requirements and necessary documentation. For example, do you know what visas you need, if any? Are there vaccination requirements? What are your import tax obligations? Does the country that you are planning to move to have universal healthcare, or will you need to take out a health insurance policy?
Next, you should look into the cultural or societal differences between your home country and your destination. Understanding the nuances can help to ensure that you don’t end up putting your foot in it. Some cultures have different communicative processes, but social faux pas’ is one thing; but, in some instances, the differences can have legal ramifications or even be dangerous.
For example, in some countries crossing the road whenever there is a gap is normal. In others, you should only cross at designated crossings when the traffic signals allow you to; otherwise, you risk arrests, fines or even being hit by oncoming traffic.
Your Financial Position
The next thing that you need to think about is the state of your finances and how to get funds to your new bank accounts as international money transfers carry fees. There are two main considerations, how you are going to finance the move and how you plan to support yourself once you get there. In short, you need a plan. Are your savings going to be enough to get you over there and tide you over if you do not have a job to go to?
In order to get a better idea of how much money you are going to need, you might want to look into the cost of living for your destination. How much do most people spend a month on average? What does an average month of living there look like in terms of grocery bills, rent and utilities? Can you realistically afford to live there?
If you are moving to study, are you eligible to apply for any loans or grants to help you? If you are moving for personal reasons, do you have a plan in place when it comes to employment? There are a number of businesses that offer remote working opportunities, which means you could work for them regardless of your physical location.
You could also look for job opportunities in your country of choice before you move. Think about what you are qualified to do (teaching English often requires a TEFL online degree for example) and apply; the application process can take a while anyway, and as long as you are upfront and provide them with your start dates, you can have a job lined up before you move
Your Housing Choices
The next thing that you need to think about is your choices when it comes to housing. Your choices are mainly between renting and buying. A lot of personal factors will affect your decision, like your financial standing, the length of your stay, if you have an international driving permit and whether you have guaranteed income when you get there. A lot of people choose to rent initially while they find their footing and decide if the city or country is for them.
Regardless of whether you choose to rent or buy, you need to do your research on the housing market. You need to have a good understanding of the fees that you can expect. Obviously, having a budget is important when it comes to these things too. In addition, it also makes sense to enlist local real estate agents to help you.
They can teach you more about the process and offer you advice. For example, Property Guru has expertise in several markets, which can prove invaluable. Their properties are top-notch, from the wave residence in Melaka to Elmina Valley Park in Selangor.
The Bottom Line
Moving house for a new life abroad, regardless of the distance, tends to be incredibly stressful, but international moves even more so. When moving abroad, there are so many different moving parts to consider. Planning the move properly helps to ensure that it is going to go well. The information above offers a great starting point for you to help you to construct your plans.
