How To Make Moving Overseas Easier
Moving home is a big deal, let alone moving countries. When you are emigrating and relocating overseas it adds a whole new level of complexity and considerations. There will be extra paperwork, additional logistics to consider and plenty of unknowns to try and plan for. To help make your move overseas easier, here is a simple checklist of all the important things you need to cover.
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Get your visa in order
You will not be going anywhere if you do not have the appropriate visa or fit the required criteria to be allowed to live and work in your new country. Visa applications can be a long and arduous process, that requires lots of form filling and uploading of the relevant paperwork. Ensuring your visa application is water-tight is vital. The earlier you apply for your visa the more time you will give yourself to plan for and complete your move.
Budget your move
There will be an awful lot of associated costs involved with emigration so it is important you nail your finances early. Everything will cost money. You will have to pay for your visa application and/or pay for a professional company to do it on your behalf. If you are taking more than a suitcase you will need to pay for overseas movers. You will need insurance. You might need a new car in your new destination, you might be buying and selling property, or transporting pets. Budget for as many considerations as possible and be sure to leave yourself an appropriate contingency fund for the unexpected expenses, of which there will be plenty.
Research life in your new destination
Different countries have different rules and regulations that you will have to abide by so it is important you are aware of any differences early on. Here is a list of some of the differences you might need to consider;
- Rules on driving and whether you will need to undertake a driving test. Alternatively, you may need to hand in your license in exchange for a new one in the country you now live in.
- Do you need to take out healthcare cover? Also be sure to research healthcare, hospitals, doctors, and dentists before an emergency situation presents itself.
- Research your tax liabilities. Different countries have different tax rules that you may not be subject to. Falling foul of your tax responsibilities could see your visa revoked or potentially worse consequences such as criminal liability. Moreover, some countries have tax treaties and agreements with each other that could affect how much tax you are required to pay. Having a clear understanding of the ramifications could also save you money in taxes.
- The cost of living varies around the world so be sure you know what you are moving to. Are you able to afford to live in your new country with the same comfort you do now? Will your wages cover your outgoings? Can you afford property? All of these are vital considerations for ensuring a smooth and successful transition into your new life.
- If you are moving without a job offer then be sure to research the employment prospects. You need to be confident that you will be able to find the employment you want and need. Alternatively, if you run your own business are you able to do it from your new location?
- Banking and changing currency. Changing currency can be a costly affair if it is not done correctly. Spend some time researching all of the options to transfer your finances to ensure you don’t lose out to the ever-changing exchange rate or unforeseen banking charges.
