If you’re considering an international move, you may feel a combination of both anticipation and uncertainty. It is completely natural to experience nervous energy before embarking on a major, life-changing move, but lucky for you, there are plenty of resources for expatriates! Before you get too carried away buying all the swag from your new country-to-be, take some time to research these key areas so that you can be prepared to take on the logistical side of moving to a foreign country.
Visas
Make sure to research the most up-to-date requirements and guidelines for attaining the proper visa to legally enter and stay in your new country. There are roughly about 185 different types of visas, and each country may have different rules and regulations about which visa you may need and how to apply for it. Give yourself as much time as possible to go through this process, and make sure to account for all members of your family that are making the journey with you.
Housing
A big part of creating an appropriate budget for living expenses is understanding the economy of the country to which you are moving. What is the difference in monetary exchange rate? What is the average cost of living in your new country and how does that cost of living change from one city to the next? Is it more appropriate to buy or rent? This information will become critical when it comes to deciding where you want to live. If you are moving for work, an apartment or house closer to the city may be appealing, but living a bit further from the city center may save you money in the long-run.
Employment
If your international move is not for work, then you might want to consider the local job market of your destination country. Is there a high demand for people with your skillset? What would be your annual income? If at all possible, try to gain employment before your move date so that there will not be an income gap. It may be a good idea to join local meet ups or job fairs so that you can mingle and start making those professional connections.
Etiquette
Don’t forget to brush up on the customs and etiquette of the country you’re moving too before you make the big leap. The last thing that you want to do is offend your new neighbors because a gesture or action gets taken the wrong way. Spend some time reading over common day-to-day practices and slang so that you can act just like one of the locals!
Although there are a lot of different factors to consider when moving across the globe, you can make your international move a success! Do your research first, and you will soon be able to call any country of your choosing home.