There comes a natural point in the life of any ardent traveler, where they begin to wonder if moving to this lovely place isn’t such a bad idea after all. That’s wonderful of course, it’s always nice to feel embraced and connected to a place you enjoy. However, it’s also important to recognize that moving anywhere abroad can be a long process and requires a fair amount of work. That works is much easier when you’re utterly motivated and inspired by somewhere you hope to live, so don’t assume this feels like a chore.
It’s also fine to be swept up in the love of a place and not necessarily to have your first thought approaching practicality and realistic options – it somewhat kills the joy and vision you’re starting to curate for your own life. After all, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
We thought that in order to help any traveler who loves and appreciates a place, we’d discuss some ways you can move from the vacationing or expeditionary mindset and start to make concrete steps to live abroad. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Research Visa & Residency Options
You may be familiar with having a travel visa that gives you a period to relax and explore a new country. But thinking about living there means looking into the various visa types and residency permits that are available to you. There can be options for skilled workers, digital nomads, students, or retirees. The criteria to apply for each can be very different.
Some countries have a points-based system that take your education and income into account. Or they might require a job offer before you can even apply for a visa. The journey starts with finding out what legal possibilities exist, a process that can seem difficult but is just a matter of information gathering. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the documents you’ll need is a step that helps make the dream of living somewhere else feel more concrete and achievable, which is a very exciting prospect.
Explore The Local Job Market
Following on from that previous point, securing a job in your new country is something that can feel very intimidating but it’s often a necessary step to get a visa. Sometimes this isn’t necessary if you already have a great deal of savings or income from other sources and can prove it. It’s important to prove you’re going to be a net contributor to the economy. The standards are often much higher than a natural born citizen, as expected. Many countries are revising their immigration standards this way.
This means if you do need a job (as most people will), exploring the local job market from your current location is necessary. You can look at job boards and professional networking sites to get a sense of which industries are hiring and the skills that are in demand. Some places prioritize local hires, so there could be regulations that affect your job search. However, you can at least get a feel for the salary expectations in your chosen field. This is a valuable exercise to see if the numbers match up with the cost of living.
Connect With Expat Communities
Finding and connecting with other expats who have already made the move can be a huge help. They have firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to live in the country you are considering. You can easily find these groups on social media or online forums. They often share advice on practical steps like where to live, how to find a doctor, or what cultural nuances to expect. Even if you’ve been somewhere multiple times as a tourist (we recommend you visit at least twice more before you move), life as a resident can be different.
Moreover, these support systems can offer a sense of community that makes the transition feel a lot easier. People are usually very open to sharing their experiences, both the good and the bad. This gives a realistic view of life abroad. Maybe you’ll share your own approach with someone new one day.
Understand The Cost Of Living
A necessary part of the planning process is always going to involve a clear picture of what day-to-day life actually costs. Note that your travel budget isn’t necessarily a good indicator of this, so check online for local prices. This can include general groceries, transportation, and utilities, which can be very different from your home country.
It’s always helpful to create a budget and see if the salaries in your new location will cover those costs. Many travelers are surprised to find that while some purchases are cheaper, others can be much more expensive. This often depends on their sourcing, tariffs and tax arrangements. So doing some solid research here can help see if affordability will be a concern.
Consider Healthcare & Insurance
We all need healthcare sooner or later, and some countries have a public healthcare system that is accessible to residents. But some countries also have a more private, insurance-based system. You’ll need to look at what’s available and what you might be eligible for as a new resident. From this you can decide on a plan.
It’s often smart to have some kind of travel health insurance. Especially for those first few months to cover you until you get settled at the very least. Just in case the resources and approval for their use are necessary. That’s not to say you’ll be turned away from a hospital if you’re in an emergency. But financial preparation can help. Making sure this is all sorted out gives you some peace of mind for the big move.
Plan For Logistics & Paperwork
Possibly the least romantic element of moving abroad is the mountain of forms and documents you go through. You have to get everything in order, such as birth certificates and marriage licenses, translated and certified. There’s also the matter of opening a bank account, finding a place to live, and getting utilities set up in a foreign country.
A lot of people find that getting some professional immigration assistance and planning is the best way to make sure everything is handled correctly. This ensures they don’t make mistakes and no forms are improperly filled in.
With this advice, we hope you have a great time moving forward towards the residency of your dreams, and that you enjoy the life you’re considering for yourself.
