No doubt, moving to a new country is one of the most exciting decisions an individual can make. Some people choose to move because of a new job, while others are only looking for a place to start. And luckily, traveling overseas is also now much easier compared to before. But whatever your purpose for moving to a new country, there are several important questions you should ask yourself first before anything else. Here are some of them:

1. Can I find a secure job there?

Wherever you’re planning to move, securing a job should be on top of your list. If you already have a job lined up, make sure that the terms of the contract work for you. Read your contract multiple times. A good employer should be able to help you with accommodation, visas, and even tips about settling in. Surely, you do not want to move to a new country and have your job end prematurely, right?

On the other hand, if you still opt to move even without a secured work, at least do advance research on companies that are open for hire. It’ll be better if you can already process an application with them before moving so you can be informed of any necessary paperwork you need to prepare. If you want to guarantee financial security, secure a job in that country prior to leaving.

1. What kind of visa or permit do I need to prepare?

Different countries have different eligibility requirements and restrictions. The kind of visa you will need also depends on several things such as your purpose of travel or the country itself. And the main problem is, these legal requirements come with a complex process.

While you can choose to handle this by yourself, it’s always better to seek help from professionals like an immigration lawyer. They can guide you with the extensive and complicated paperwork process and ensure no mistakes are made. From processing your visa to acquiring citizenship permits, everything can be done conveniently if you have an expert on your side.

The most common type of legal documents you need include a passport, visa, work permit, social security cards, marriage or birth certificates, insurance papers, medical and dental records, financial and tax records, and even wills.

1. How is life in the country?

Many people don’t think about cultural barriers when moving to a new country. But such subject is actually vital to determine if you can really live there peacefully and permanently. Do you speak their language? If no, have you taken lessons to at least learn some basic phrases? What traditions and norms does the place follow? Are citizens there expected to conform or encouraged to express themselves freely?

Check what barriers you might fight face when relocating so you can readily have a glimpse of how’s your new life out there is going to be.

1. What is the cost of living?

Take into account that the cost of living differs from country to country, and cities to cities. From transportation, rent, food, entertainment to job salaries, check on every detail. Also, compare the living costs to other cities in the country you’re opting to move to. Decide which place or city offers a standard of living that you can afford. One good tip is to check the salary range of your job and figure out if it’ll suffice for the costs of daily life in the city.

For instance, even if you move into a city with a lower living cost than your pay, it might look like you’ll win financially. However, consider weighing other things like access to safe water supply or quality health care as these can cost you a lot more in the long run.

1. How much money have you saved for the relocation?

Moving to a new country is a serious financial investment. Ideally, you should have enough money to pay for the deposit, do small home renovations, and purchase new furniture or essentials. Even if you got a fully furnished property, advance rent or deposit is still necessary.

Creating a financial plan is the smartest way to do this. It’s ideal to at least save for your first 6-12 months, so you can have proper time to find a job or get established. Check the cost of living in the city and country you’re relocating to to get a better idea.

Moving overseas is a big decision to make so it’s imperative to ensure that your transition will be easy and smooth. We hope that this short guide has helped you think about what you should be preparing or if you are really ready to move. Don’t rush and just take your time to think and plan everything out so you won’t have regrets in the end. Best of luck!

Meta Title: Top Questions to Ask Before Moving Abroad

Meta Description: Before you get excited about the idea of moving to a new country, there are some fundamental questions that you should first ask yourself. Get them here.

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Joyce Laroche