5 things you need to consider before moving overseas
If you’re planning on moving overseas, there’s no doubt it’s a huge undertaking. But if you prepare ahead of time and plan carefully, moving overseas could be one of your most rewarding experiences of your life.
I made my first international move more than 25 years ago. I was 21 years old and moved from South Africa to London. That was an easy move, relative. I was just out of university and left home with a backpack and no idea what I was going to do.
In the years since then, I’ve moved internationally eight times, in a mix of personal moves and moves sponsored by my company. Each time I move, I remember how daunting and overwhelming it can seem to move to a foreign country. And each time I establish myself in a new country, I remember why it is worth all the anxiety and sleepless nights to get there,
If you are reading this guide, I presume you are considering moving abroad. Congratulations, what an exciting adventure you are about to embark on! There are many things to consider, from deciding where you want to go to understanding what important documents and procedures need to be completed before packing your bags.
It can begin to seem overwhelming – but with proper research and foresight, this exciting transition can happen without too much stress. Read on for a detailed moving aboard checklist that outlines everything you need to consider when preparing to move overseas!
Visa requirements when moving abroad
One of the first things you will want to consider is what visa you will need for the destination country that you are moving to. Every country is different, with some countries being more straightforward to obtain visas than others. No matter the host country where you are going, you must understand the work permit process, the steps you need to take to get the work permit, and how long the work permit process can take.
Even if your employer is sponsoring your work permit, the process to obtain a permit when moving abroad can be lengthy. Some countries can take more than a year to get the proper approvals and permits to allow you to live and work in the country legally.
I suggest you not make any significant decisions until you know how long the work permit will take and that you will get it. Carefully consider the risks of taking action on selling your house or quitting your current job before your visa is issued.
Unfortunately, in my years living abroad, I’ve seen situations where, in their excitement, people have sold a house, only to be denied a work permit and find themselves financially out of pocket for significant sums of money.
Work permits and visa rules can be complicated. You may want to consider getting legal advice and support through this process to ensure you don’t encounter any unexpected delays or issues.
Health insurance
Another essential consideration when moving abroad is ensuring you have appropriate international health insurance in your new location. Not all insurance companies provide international coverage when you are planning to live long-term overseas, but there are some that will. A good place to start is Cigna Global who cover a wide variety of insurance for international workers.
There are two important things to consider concerning health coverage in your host location.
Firstly, you will want to be sure to have sufficient coverage to support you in the event you have an emergency or a significant health event in the new location. Depending on where you are moving to, you may want to consider coverage that provides for a medical evacuation in the event of a significant or life-threatening health emergency. It is also a good idea to look into whether the national healthcare system in your new location includes foreign workers.
The second thing to note is that many work permits/work visa classes require you to have an approved health care plan. Take some time to research if your visa or work permit has this requirement and understand what policies would meet the requirement.
Whether medical insurance is a visa requirement or not, it’s crucial you do your research to make sure you’re getting the best health coverage available in your new home abroad.
Housing
Once you understand the visa process and have your health insurance in place, housing in your host location is the next big thing you want to coordinate before moving abroad. Housing is one of the most important aspects of helping you settle in your new location. At least in the beginning, while you find your feet, your house will be your sanctuary, comfort zone, and safe space. For this reason, it’s important you spend quite a bit of time thinking about your housing needs.
Things to consider when it comes to housing include the following:
Housing Assistance
Will your new job provide any assistance in your host location? If so, what does that assistance look like, i.e., is it a company-provided house or apartment, a housing allowance, or help with home search and purchase?
School Options
Do you have school-aged children? If so, what school do you want them to attend? Many people moving abroad want their children to attend a particular school, whether that’s an international school, an English-speaking school, a private school, etc. Spend some time understanding what schools will suit your family’s needs and if those schools have any restrictions regarding catchment zones etc. Also, consider how your children will get to school, whether via a school bus, walking, or if you will drive them to school. Each of these could lead to a different decision regarding your ideal housing location.
Commuting to work
Once you are living abroad, how do you plan to get to work? For example, do you plan to buy a car? If so, then you will need somewhere to park the car. Will you be commuting on public transport? If so, consider access to public transportation and how long you are willing to commit.
Visa Restrictions on home purchases
As you consider your housing options abroad, you should familiarize yourself with visa restrictions. Many countries do not allow foreigners to purchase property while on a work permit. If this applies to the country you are moving to, you will need to consider alternatives such as renting.
Cost of living
Last, you will need to consider the cost of living when moving abroad. Depending on where you are moving, the cost of living could be significantly higher or lower than what you are used to in your home location.
Think about what you can afford currently, what your likely earning potential will be, and, therefore, what is realistic in terms of the type of housing you can afford. While housing may be cheaper, you need to offset this against your earning potential. If this is also lower, then you need to make sure you factor this into your final housing decision.
Finding a job
When relocating internationally, you may already have a job with your current employer, or you may need to find a position on arrival.
Having a job already lined up before you move is ideal as it takes a lot of pressure off you from the get-go and helps you to narrow down where you want to live and what your budget will be a lot quicker. In saying that, there are still things you will want to consider discussing with your employer.
International assignments often come with good career advancement opportunities. In your new location, you will have the chance to meet, network, and work with a broader circle, and you will have the opportunity to work on challenges not found elsewhere. This can provide an ideal platform from which to accelerate your career.
In saying that, it is essential to understand if this move is considered permanent or temporary by your employer. If it is temporary, what is the likely duration, and what are the expectations for returning to your home country? If it is considered a permanent move, it would be good to understand professional development and career advancement opportunities in your new location.
For those transitioning to a new country without a secured position, it would be helpful to research the current employment market. Understand what opportunities exist in your current field, and if there are limited opportunities, consider what alternative work opportunities may be available. Using the time before you move to upskill in a new career could prove very helpful when you arrive in your new location.
Language and Cultural
With the nuts and bolts logistics underway, it’s time to turn your thoughts to the exciting elements of your new adventure. Spend some time understanding the culture and language of your new home. If they speak a different language in the country, I recommend taking some local language lessons. While it’s generally possible to get by with English in most countries, it goes a long way if you can converse and exchange at least basic greetings in the foreign language. This will go a long way to help build relationships in your new home.
It is also a good idea to research the culture and customs of the location you are moving to so you can prepare for any culture shock you may experience. You will want to understand if there are any particular dress customs or requirements, such as head coverings, and to understand key religious festivals. An excellent resource for this would be a local expatriate group. There are many Facebook groups that you can join where you would be able to ask questions and learn from others in the location.
Summing it all up
Moving overseas is a thrilling proposition that can lead to personal and professional growth for you and your family. I remember too well how daunting my first move abroad was, and each move after that has had its challenges.
With that said, I have gained so much personally and professionally from the move, and I have no doubt you will do the same.
As with any significant life decision, it’s important to do your research before making a move. This is a big decision and one that impacts you and your family in different ways. Take time to understand everyone’s thoughts, feelings, and concerns, and then spend time as a family discussing these and researching to learn more.
By taking the time to understand all these elements of moving abroad and talking about all your joys, excitements, fears, and concerns, you can set yourself up for success in your new home.
What are you most concerned about as you plan for your overseas move? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let me know what you would like to learn more about.
