moving abroad

What you should consider before moving abroad

Today, almost anywhere you look, you’ll find people who have sold all of their belongings and moved across the world to a new country. After all, why lead a boring life when you can just pick up and move elsewhere? Moving abroad can seem like a simple idea. However, there are many things to consider before you sell everything and buy a one-way ticket.

Affiliate DisclosureThis post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission. This doesn’t affect your purchases or any fees you may pay for the product or service. Read more in my DISCLAIMER.

Where should you move abroad?

So, you’ve decided that moving abroad is a splendid idea. There are so many places in the world to choose from, but how do you decide?

Location

It might seem like a no-brainer, but you should visit the country you want to live in before you decide to move there. Sure, Australia seems like an amazing place, but if you’ve never been there, you can’t say if you’ll like living there. You shouldn’t assume that just because a place appeals to you, you would enjoy it permanently.

moving abroad
Are you moving abroad for the scenery?

A decision to move elsewhere can be tempting. Through social media, you see the wonderful places out there that might be calling your name. However, the sandy beaches, historical cities, great culinary scene and lifestyle that you see are not reflective of your experience. They are someone else’s and might not fit with your ideal.

Weather

Visiting a country in one season does not mean the rest of the year will be the same. Canada is a beautiful country with stunning lakes and mountains, and it can get hot and humid in the summer. Winter is a very different matter. While there is a lot to do in winter, it might not be your ideal place to live.

Thinking of moving abroad to Canada? Here are some tips on how to survive a Canadian winter.

The same consideration goes for a country with a very different climate than where you grew up. You might develop allergies to your new environment. As we grow up, we develop a resistance to the fauna and flora around us. Our bodies get used to the ingredients in our foods and products. A different continent means a new set of elements that can affect us. Consider how the new climate will make you feel long-term.

Reason for moving abroad

It’s one thing to visit a place and another to live there. Before moving abroad, define the reasons why you’re doing it in the first place. One exciting trip to Mexico might have been an amazing experience, but is that enough of a reason to move there?

Also, don’t look at what others are doing. Someone else might enjoy the laid-back living on a beach in Bali, whereas the busy streets of Tokyo might be more your style. Maybe the south of France that has your name written all over it. The reason for moving to a different country has to be yours alone. Why you want to live there is something you should be asking yourself and answering honestly.

Can you live in the country of your choice?

Deciding on what county you want to live in is one thing. Being able to live there is another. There might also be a limit on how long you can stay in the county of your choice. This is a key part of moving abroad. For example, Europe’s Schengen zone’s requirements.

The Schengen short-stay visa allows you to “transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180 days period.” Always check the legal requirements of the country you are planning on settling.

So what are other ways to stay in a given country legally?

Ancestry

The best way to live in a county is to be a citizen of it. However, if you’re not a dual citizen, but have ancestors that came from there, you might be in luck. Many countries will gladly honour your heritage as long as you have proof of your ancestry. One thing to keep in mind before choosing this as your moving abroad guarantee is that not all relatives qualify. It depends on the country itself.

moving abroad
Moving abroad has been complicated for us

Most will go back two generations, but some might only honour the male side of the family tree. There could also be some loopholes. We run into an issue with this in Italy. As Alex’s parents renounced their citizenship and were not Italian citizens at the time of his birth, he’s not eligible to become an Italian citizen based on ancestry. Whereas other countries make it very difficult for citizens to renounce their citizenship in the first place. The figuring-out-the-rules-fun never ends.

Spouse with the hookups

Occasionally, if your spouse has citizenship of the country you are planning on living in, the process of moving abroad could be more straightforward. Check for loopholes and any special clauses to make sure.

Your spouse can also become your sponsor if the country you want to live in recognizes their citizenship. For example, if your spouse is a citizen of the European Union, they might be able to sponsor your ability to reside in a country within the EU, even if it’s not the country of their citizenship.

Work

Getting a job in a foreign country can be your ticket to staying there. If your current employer has international offices, there could be opportunities for relocation. Alternatively, you might apply directly for jobs in the county you want to live in and obtain a work visa once you have a job lined up there.

moving abroad
Some jobs offer opportunities for moving abroad

The same situation can apply if your spouse is the one who gets the job that allows you to relocate. This option might not guarantee a permanent living situation, but it might allow you to stay there long-term.

Many countries are now embracing digital nomads with several visa offerings that let people stay there longer and without penalties. Not all digital nomad visas are the same, so make sure you research all the details and requirements before you move.

Study abroad

If you’re in a position to study in a different country, it’s a great way to live there for the duration of your studies. A semester or more abroad is a great way to learn more about a county. It’s also a way to test it for the experience of living there. Depending on your program and the country you are in, you might be eligible to apply for a permanent stay upon completion of your studies.

Volunteering

Going to a country for a volunteering opportunity is another way to stay there. Whereas this might be a short-term stay, it provides you with a chance to live there, even if it’s temporary.

Property ownership

Buying a property in a country you want to move to can be a great way to extend your stay. Some countries offer naturalization to those who buy property, whereas others will allow you to remain there for an extended amount of time. How much of an investment and the type of property is another issue.  Check out these countries for an idea of how much you need to invest there before moving abroad.

Buying a citizenship

As they say, money talks. Some countries like Bulgaria, Greece or Granada offer programs for investors from elite visa and naturalization to straight-out citizenship for a price.  Amounts and conditions vary, but if you have money burning in your pocket, check out the countries and costs. After all, moving abroad isn’t as difficult if all you need is money. Providing you have it.

Basics of moving abroad

Once you have the issue of legally being able to stay in the country of your choice, there is another list of things to know before moving abroad.

How will you support yourself

You might have sold all your belongings and have nothing holding you back from a life in a new country. The reality is that unless your savings are in the millions, they won’t last for long.  You need some type of steady income flowing in to replenish what you use.  There are several ways to do that, depending on your location and talents. As well as your ability to work in said country.

moving abroad
Moving abroad – how will you support yourself?

Anything from running a business – it could range from lodging services like Airbnb, location-specific tours or anything online (blogging is great, but it needs to generate cash) – to odd jobs paid under the table or if you’re lucky enough, with a valid work permit. This is the most important element that can make or break your longevity in said country.  

Language

Dreaming of moving abroad is great. Paris, Rome or Tokyo can sound like wonderful places to live, but if you don’t speak the local language, your immersion there won’t be seamless. While English is a universal language, you can’t assume that being able to communicate in it (whether you’re a native speaker or not) is enough to get you by.  Maybe as a tourist, but not when trying to pass as a local. 

Depending on your chosen country, it would be wise to start learning even the basics of that language before moving abroad. Apps like the Rosetta Stone make learning so much easier.

Once you’re settled, it might even make sense to hire a tutor to help you learn the language. This will help you get around, communicate with your new fellow citizens and get a job.

Buying vs renting

Moving abroad can be great, but what if you decide to move elsewhere down the road? Owning property can be great (as we discovered above), but it can also tie you down. It might not be easy to sell your property if you decide to move. Market conditions don’t always stay the same, and you could be having a hard time getting rid of your property.

If you’re not able to buy, renting is your other option. Whereas getting an Airbnb or a hotel is easy, long-term rental can become more challenging. You might run into issues with property owners or banks simply because you are a foreigner.  Your bank account balance and the country you’re in will dictate your options.

Getting around

Depending on where you decide to live, you’ll need to think of how you’ll get around. You might have access to public transportation, or you might need to get a car/bike/scooter/etc. The need for transportation is another factor that has to be taken into account.

moving abroad
Moving abroad – transportation

If you need to buy your own, that extra cost can quickly deplete your savings. What you will need to be able to drive there is another. You might need to adapt to driving on a different side of the road.  Your current license might not suffice, and you’ll have to get another. The process for getting a permit in your new home might be very different from what you are used to at home.

Health care

While we all hope to be healthy, the reality is things can happen. From colds and allergic reactions to accidents and life-threatening illnesses, you will need to understand how to get assistance. In some countries, health care coverage only applies to citizens. You might be looking at substantial health bills for things like dentistry or hospital visits. It pays to understand what your options are ahead of time. You don’t want to be finding it out while you need help. 

Schooling

If you are moving abroad with children, you’ll have to address their educational needs. In some countries, it’s common to send your kids to private schools, in others, they have international schools aimed at the many foreigners moving there.

Will they have to attend a regular school in the new country? How will they communicate/complete assignments if there is a language barrier? How will they get to and from school? These decisions are not always easy to make, especially if you’re not familiar with the country you are planning to move to.

Taxes

Probably the least fun part of being an adult is having to pay taxes. Moving abroad doesn’t mean you’re Scott-free from that obligation. Depending on your country of origin (ex., the U.S.), you might have to pay taxes in that country even if you live elsewhere. That may or may not be a bad thing, provided you don’t also have to pay taxes in your new country.

It’s always best to check with an accountant before you leave as to what your obligations will be once you reach your new home. Many countries share agreements regarding taxes that free you up from paying twice. Sometimes, it might be more advantageous to file in a new country, but that will also depend on what you are doing and where.

Visas

You might have scored a visa that makes moving abroad a reality. The length and conditions of that visa can vary, depending on the type of visa and the country. Things to consider are the duration and the ability to renew. There could be additional elements that can affect your ability to renew and remain there. It’s always best to understand all the rules ahead of time to save yourself disappointment later on.

Shipping your belongings when moving abroad

Moving abroad can mean that you have sold most of your belongings, put them in storage, or you might be taking some of them with you. Shipping internationally can be expensive, and there might be some rules around what you can ship and where.

You might be able to bring your items as long as they are used without penalties, depending on your status upon entrance. There might be additional charges if you’re not considered a citizen or a temporary citizen of the place you’re moving to. Again, each country will have its own set of rules and fees. Research moving companies well in advance and ask questions. Chances are they have moved items to the country you are going to and can assist with the necessary paperwork. As always, check reviews online before you hand over your money.

Adapting to a new culture and customs

The way people live, work and play vary from place to place.  You might be used to large backyards and giant fridges, but it doesn’t mean that everyone else is too. Try not to focus on how things were back home and embrace how they are in the new place.

Embracing your new culture

It can be challenging sometimes to adapt to a new culture. What might seem quirky while visiting on vacation can become very annoying if you have to live with it. For me, the biggest challenge of living in Italy is the fact that everything closes for a few hours during the day. I’m so used to stores being open all day and some even 24 hours that the daily closure here drives me crazy. It means shopping and grabbing necessities in the morning or the evening.

It’s not the worst thing to get used to, but it required an adjustment on my part. Whatever that something is for you, you’ll have to decide if it’s something you can live with.

Family and friends back home

Moving abroad is exciting, but it also means leaving behind family and friends. While keeping in touch has never been easier, the fact is that you are miles apart. You’ll miss birthdays, weddings, special occasions and deaths. Sure, you’ll make new friends, but the ones you leave behind will move on without you.

moving abroad
Moving abroad – what about friends?

You’ll have to decide if and how often you will return home. Maybe your family and friends will visit you. You might even get homesick and question your decision. All of these will have to be factored in your decision-making.

Children

If you don’t have children before moving abroad, you might want to think about whether that will change in the future. Having children abroad could have several implications, including your and your child’s citizenship. While some countries grant citizenship upon birth, others don’t.

You might want to adopt a child while you’re abroad. That can also complicate citizenship issues and your ability to adopt a child in the first place. It might also become an issue should you decide to return home.

Returning home

Whether you decide to return home to visit or permanently, your home country might have several rules that you might have to abide by. Do you have to notify the authorities of your departure or return? Will your rights as a citizen of your country be suspended or reinstated on return?

For example, in Canada, you’re able to be out of the country between five to seven months (depending on the province you live in) without losing your health benefits. If you’re gone longer than that, there is a waiting period before those benefits are reinstated. Always ensure you know your rights and obligations before you take off.

Is moving abroad right for you?

Shows like House Hunters International make moving abroad easy and seamless. It’s very tempting, after watching these episodes, to do the same. There are so many things that you don’t see on the show that can create a false impression of what it takes to move to a different country.

Sometimes that move doesn’t have to be permanent. Living abroad for an extended time can be a perfect solution to that dilemma. There is nothing wrong with that. It’s almost like getting the best of both worlds. Doing your research goes a long way in making a decision you are comfortable with.

Similar Posts