Moving overseas can be exciting, given the potential opportunities waiting for you on the other side. But, it can be equally exhausting and nerve-wracking. Even worse, it can make you second guess your decision if you don’t research and plan well adequately.
We’ve been there and understood how frustrating the experience can be. That’s why we’ve made a list of tips to consider before moving to your favorite country.
1. Quality of Life
You should check out how your country of choice improve your lifestyle. You should evaluate the standards of living in the country of choice. For instance, you can check if it has advanced healthcare, efficient infrastructure, good governance, and other factors that can affect your quality of living.
Comparing lifestyle advantages of alternative countries will help choose the country with the best quality of life. For instance, many European countries offer better living standards compared to other third-world countries.
2. Length of Stay
Your length of stay will determine which type of visa requirements you’ll make. For example, a tourist visa is about 6 months in most countries like the US. Other regions like Europe allow you to stay for 90 days across the Schengen zone on a tourist visa.
Shorter stays
For more extended stays past six months, either for study or work, you’ll need different requirements. For example, student visa requirements depend on the length of the course. Having the right visa for your length of stay ensures that you won’t get deported or banned from your favorite country.
Longer stays or permanent stay
Investor visa, temporary or permanent residency, gives you longer stays. However, getting citizenship in your country of choice eliminates restrictions on other visa categories. This can be especially advantageous for those considering working remotely as a green card holder, providing greater flexibility in their professional pursuits.
Different countries allow you to gain citizenship status differently. One way is after being a permanent resident for some time. However, a temporary/permanent residency or investor visa only allows you to stay legally in a country. But, it doesn’t get you a second passport.
You may be wondering what citizenship by investment means. It’s gaining citizenship status after your economic contribution to the country (real estate & other sectors). Thus, you can buy second citizenship through investments. And you can acquire a second passport from this program, too.
You’ll need to donate or invest in real estate as payment for citizenship. Unfortunately, other countries require both donations and real estate investment. Thus, when moving to your favorite country, you have to check the mechanics of their citizenship by investment.
You can consult your immigration agent to establish what works best for your period of stay. You can also get the best citizenship by investment deals from trusted agencies.
3. Job Market
Before searching your favorite country’s job market, check your eligibility. Having a visa does not necessarily mean you’re eligible for work. For instance, student visas restrict the number of your working hours. If you’re not on a student visa, other countries (e.g., Canada) need social security numbers for you to work full-time.
On the contrary, there are several benefits of citizenship by investment. For example, European citizenship by investment allows you to work throughout the EU region.
Therefore, ensure a ready job market for you or your family members in the country of choice.
4. Research on Tax
Your next checklist should be tax obligations. Your investments and work make you liable for taxes. Also, you may be liable to both your country of origin and the host country. However, some citizenship by investment has tax exemption like Antigua or Barbuda.
Talk to your accountant for further information on your overseas tax status.
5. Education
Will you or your family get the best quality of education from the country you’re relocating to? Whether at the elementary, secondary, or tertiary level of education, choose a country that fits your needs.
6. Flexible Movement & Transport
Moving some of your things and luggage internationally may need an additional permit. Also, it may take more time for the luggage to reach the country you’re relocating to. Moreover, special cases, like moving with your pet, may require more documentation like a health certificate.
International movers can help you relocate your things. But ensure they are:
- Reputable
- Valid insurance
- Have a valid international license
After getting accommodation, how do you plan to move around locally? Is your house near a public transport system? If you plan to live within the city suburbs, you can get a car to move around.
However, you must consider the type of weather and if you’ll need an international driving license. Although an international driving license is applicable overseas, you’ll have to get a local one later. Additionally, you may take additional safety classes if you’re going to a country with different weather than your primary one.
7. Check Out for Accommodation & Housing
Your company may help you get temporary accommodation if you are on a work visa. Similarly, the same applies if you are on a student visa. Your institution will organize your accommodation (on-campus or off-campus).
But, if you’re seeking citizenship by investment, consult your agent for accommodation. Alternatively, you can search online for nearby accommodation and restaurants around your destination city.
8. Get Your Healthcare Plan Right
After the pandemic, we can’t overlook the importance of healthcare insurance. Check with your destination country about your eligibility for health coverage. However, seek private medical coverage before your relocation. You may only be eligible for quality public coverage if you have residency or citizenship.
For example, student visas may be covered by the local government or institution they are in. Others like citizenship by investment in Grenada gives you whole family coverage through public healthcare. So, check your eligibility and plan early.
9. Build Ex-pat Support Network Before Relocation
Culture shock has a way of creeping in, no matter how good your preparations are. Build an ex-pat support system beforehand. Because when culture overwhelms you, you’ll have a place to vent and ease up. Besides, it will act as your medication for homesickness.
10. Learn Local Language and Make Local friends
Another way of relieving homesickness is learning the local language and making friends. Get to feel the wholesomeness of the local culture and cuisine. Indulge with your friends in local activities or visit their relatives outside the city.
11. Patience
It may still be overwhelming even after following all the tips for relocation. The culture shock and homesickness can be crushing. As a result, your destination country may not feel like home.
But, everything takes time. Be patient and talk to your friends (home and overseas) and the ex-pat support system. Eventually, anxiety and tension will subside, and you’ll be happy about your decision.
Takeaway
International relocation is a big decision that requires careful planning. Are you relocating alone or with the family? What should you include in your checklist? Quality of life, education, tax, or length of stay?
Whether on a student, work, or investor visa, your legal status in the destination country affects your lifestyle advantages. For instance, a student visa limits your number of working hours. But, full citizenship can grant you the fullest lifestyle benefits in your country of choice. Moreover, some countries offer tax exemptions to those whom they grant citizenship by investment. They can also offer whole family public healthcare coverage.
Plan early, be bold, and grab those opportunities. All the best in your next chapter in life!
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