How to Plan for a Long-Term International Relocation

Home country versus destination country 🌎

One of the first considerations when planning a long-term international relocation is understanding the differences between both your home country and the destination country. This includes researching the culture, language, currency, cost of living and other factors that may affect your lifestyle in another country. It's also important to consider whether or not you will need special visas or permits to stay in your new country for an extended period of time.

Your destination country might look hard to adept to, but don't worry. You are not the only one making such a move to another country. There are a total of 281 million migrants around the world today and this numbers keeps growing!

Moreover, moving to a new destination can be a valuable experience in terms of personal growth and career development. Living and working in a foreign country can provide you with unique opportunities to learn new skills, build international networks and gain a broader perspective on life. However, it's important to be prepared for the challenges that come with living overseas, such as language differences, culture shock and homesickness. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can make the transition smoother and enjoy all the benefits that come with being an expat.

It's important to approach the relocation process with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt to new environments. With careful planning, research, and preparation, a long-term international relocation can be a life-changing experience that offers valuable personal and professional growth opportunities. So, embrace the adventure and take the leap to explore new horizons.

Culture host country 👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏼

When relocating to another country it is essential to do thorough research on its culture and customs. Understanding cultural norms can help make sure you are respectful during your visit and can avoid any potential miscommunications or misunderstandings with locals. It’s important to be aware of any taboos or etiquette guidelines which vary from country to country.

It's a good idea to learn about the history and social structure of your host country. This can help you understand why certain cultural norms exist and give you a deeper appreciation for the culture. You can also consider learning about local festivals, celebrations, and traditions, as they can provide a unique insight into the culture and allow you to participate and connect with the local community.

Language barriers host country 💬

Language can be a major barrier when immersing yourself in a new culture. While English is widely spoken in many countries, it is important to learn key phrases and the basics of the local dialect if you want to avoid potential misunderstandings or even embarrassing situations. It’s also recommended that you take language classes before your relocation and find out how locals use certain words so that you don’t accidentally offend anyone by saying something inappropriate.

In addition to taking language classes, there are also many resources available online to help you improve your language skills, such as Duolingo and Busuu. You can also consider hiring a language tutor or finding a language exchange partner to practice with.

Remember, taking the time to learn the language of your host country not only helps with communication, but also shows respect for the local culture and can make your transition to living abroad much smoother. Even if it's a basic local language training!

Living abroad 🏠

Moving abroad requires a lot of patience and preparation ahead of time. Before moving, make sure that you have found accommodation and that you are familiar with all of the services available in your chosen location such as transportation, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and more. Additionally, you should look into the local job market to make sure you can secure employment easily after your move.

When looking for a place to stay, finding a suitable living space is one of the primary concerns of most expats. The apartment rental rates vary significantly from country to country and city to city. Therefore, it's essential to research the average rental rates in your destination country, city, and neighborhood before you make a move. Keep in mind the additional costs such as security deposits, utilities, and maintenance fees.

Working abroad 👔

Working abroad is another major consideration when planning your move overseas. Researching the job market in your chosen destination is essential as it will help you understand what sort of qualifications or experience you’ll need to land a position. Make sure that you are aware of any special requirements needed for certain types of occupations such as teaching English or working in the medical field.

Consider the language requirements for the job. Will you need to be fluent in the local language or will the company be conducting business in English? If you need to improve your language skills, consider what we told you before and start taking language classes before your move or once you arrive in your new country. You can always take a small step to learn the basics through a free language-learning platform such as Duolingo.

Another factor to consider is the work culture in another country. Different countries have different work cultures, and it is important to understand the local customs and expectations. You may also want to consider networking with professionals in your industry who have experience working in the country you are moving to. This can provide valuable insights and help you make important connections.

Moving abroad ✈️

Moving all of your belongings to a new place can be costly and stressful, so it's important to plan ahead and make sure that everything is taken care of before leaving home. You may need to contact an international moving company and also research various shipping options in other countries in order to find the most cost-effective way of transporting your items.

If you are considering to do it yourself, have a look at our how-to article on moving abroad. With a manual approach, you'll have to do a lot of paperwork for your international move and find companies to rent you a truck or shipping container to use.

International health insurance 🩺

International Insurance is a must when relocating abroad, as it will cover any medical expenses you may incur while overseas. It is important to research and understand the healthcare system in your destination country and to obtain appropriate medical insurance coverage before you leave. Many countries have different healthcare systems and may require different types of medical insurance coverage. Some countries have national healthcare systems that provide free or low-cost healthcare to residents, while others have private healthcare systems where medical costs can be very high. For you, expatriate health insurance plans might be the way.

Research these different expat health insurance plans available and choose one with adequate coverage for your needs. If your health insurance doesn't cover internationally, look into ones that do worldwide. Insurance companies like AllianzCare and AXA Global have good options available for both long- and short-term international health insurances.

Additionally, some countries may have higher risks of certain health issues, such as infectious diseases or environmental hazards, that may not be covered by standard health insurance policies. It is important to research potential health risks in your destination country and ensure that your health insurance policy provides adequate coverage for any potential medical emergencies.

So, it is important to review policy details carefully and understand the coverage and exclusions. This may include coverage for routine check-ups and preventative care, as well as coverage for emergency medical treatment and hospitalization.

International bank account 🏛️

Opening an international bank account before leaving home is essential for managing your finances abroad. This will help make sure that you are not subject to currency exchange fees or other financial loss due to fluctuating exchange rates.

Having a local bank can also make it easier for you to receive your salary, pay your bills, and access cash. However, it's essential to research the local banking laws, currency exchange rates, and fees charged by different banks to find the best banking option for your needs.

As an expatriate, you may find yourself dealing with challenges to keep track of your finances accurately. This is where hiring a professional to help you with full financial accounting can be beneficial. An accounting expert can assist you in setting up and managing your account, monitoring your expenses, and preparing tax returns, among other tasks. They can also provide valuable advice on how to save money and maximize your finances while living abroad. Hiring a professional to help you with full financial accounting can be a smart move for anyone relocating abroad. It can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your finances are in good hands, and can help you save time and money in the long run.

Legal documents 📝

Obtaining all necessary documents can be time consuming and expensive, but it’s important to make sure that you have everything in order before your relocation. This includes obtaining the right visas, work permits and other documents needed for residency in your host country.

You may also need to obtain documents related to your personal affairs. It's important to research the specific requirements of your destination country, as the process for obtaining these documents can vary widely depending on the location. It may be helpful to consult with a legal expert or immigration lawyer to ensure that you have all necessary documents in order before your move. This can help to avoid any potential legal complications or delays in your relocation process.

The most common asked documents are: passport, birth certificate, visa, marriage or divorce certificate, work permit and residence permit.

Other documents that could be asked are: driver's license, police clearance certificate, health certificate, medical records, diplomas and degrees, professional licenses, will and testament, tax identification number, Rental agreement or property ownership documents, bank statements and financial documents, vehicle registration and insurance documents, Insurance policies (medical, home, auto, etc.) and employment contract or offer letter.