Moving abroad can be a life changing decision. There are a number of points a person will need to consider before taking the plunge and deciding to relocate.
1) Check Your Finances
A person will need to consider their finances. Will they have enough money to sustain them for their effective and professional move abroad? Is the country that they are planning to move to economically stable? Do they have enough finances to cover them for the first three months if they do not have employment? How much will buying or renting a property cost in the country they are planning to move to? All of these factors have to be taken into account.
2) Budget for the Move
A person will need to budget in order to see whether they have enough funds in order to make the move abroad. They will need to budget for the cost of the move, the travel to the new country and any additional costs towards the move.
3) Visit the Country
It’s always good to visit the country that you intend to relocate to. It will give you a flavour of the culture and customs of that country. If the country that you intend to move to speak a different language to you, it is best to try and invest in language lessons as it will give you a better chance to fit into the country’s culture more quickly. Try to visit the country at least two to three times before making a decision to relocate.
4) Visit Schools
If you’re relocating with your family and children, it is best to visit a number of schools when you visit the country. Do plenty of research beforehand in order to find out which area in that particular country has the best schools.
5) Applying for the Visa
Most countries in Europe do not have requirements for a visa if you are an EU citizen. However, a number of countries outside Europe do. If you decide to relocate to a country that does require a visa, the onus is on you to find out what the visa requirements are and to have the correct documents with you when you travel. Failure to apply for a visa or if you arrive in the country with the wrong visa, will mean that you won’t be allowed entry into the country you wish to relocate to.
6) The Cost of Health
Most countries both in and outside Europe, require their citizens to pay for their health treatments. Some of these costs can be considerable. If you or a loved one is in failing health, consider carefully the costs of healthcare before deciding that you wish to relocate. Research the cost of healthcare thoroughly before making a decision.
7) Using a Relocation Company
These types of removal companies help families and individuals who wish to relocate abroad with their removal. They will help a customer with their move, packing all the items up and making sure that they have the right documentation, in regards to visas. Also, they would help the customer to unpack their belongings in their new home.
However, relocation companies are very expensive, so you would have to weigh up the benefits of using these types of removals companies against the downsides.
8) Check with your Employer
If you’re moving abroad due to a new job, you should always check with your new employer regarding what costs they intend to cover. It’s possible they will not cover all the costs for the removal abroad and they may not pay for any temporary housing.