Many people today are realising the miracle of being self employed and taking their jobs on the road, or moving their jobs from one city or country to another. There is a huge world out there and exploring and travelling can open it all up for you; but perhaps you’re wanting to take the plunge and move for a year or more. How easy is it and what do you have to look at before making this monumental decision? Of course there are quite a few legalities to look at when you’re wanting to emigrate, but there are many other things to look at first also. Let’s take a look at the simplicity vs complexity of moving abroad.
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Can you afford it? This is firstly the question you need to ask yourself. You probably already have a job that you can transfer abroad, or maybe you just want a working visa and will find the work once you are there, but some countries would not accept this and also some countries have incredibly painstakingly intricate processes for moving, some of which include your finances and how much money you’re planning on taking into the country to prove that you are able to look after yourself (and your family if you’re going as a group), when you’re there. If you’re able to provide your work documents and bank statements easily, then this shouldn’t be a problem, but do you really have the funds to ensure that you will be able to stay afloat. If you’re tapping into your savings, do you have enough to carry you through the amount of time you’re wanting to stay in your chosen country. Food, accommodation, social money, travel money and any taxes and charges that may occur when you’re there. Planning methodically and strategically week to week will help you work out your finances to make sure you’re truly financially stable enough to move. Sometimes your work visas and your documents will cost a set amount too, but there are ways to apply for visas that are quick. Certain countries have easier entry requirements, the EU zones up until Turkey at the start of the Middle East and cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman and it is easy to apply for an Oman Visa.
Are you moving away from what your comfort blanket? Where you live now will have probably shaped you to an extent as a person. You most likely have family and friends in the town you inhabit at this point, and the question is are you completely sure that you're ready to embark on a new journey and leave your friends and family behind. It’s important to have lots of conversations about this in the upcoming months before you move, to ensure that they’re happy with it, and that they appreciate that this is exactly what you’re wanting in life. Family will of course worry and undoubtedly there will be mutual sad emotions when you leave, but keeping them in the loop and telling them your dreams and passions for moving will probably help them understand a little. Are you emotionally prepared to move to a city where you may not know anyone and do you have a strategy in place of how you’re going to integrate in your chosen destination. Where do you want to see yourself in the first few months of your stay. Do you want to have a group of friends within six months? Would you like to find other expats from the same country and share some common ground? Making social plans is important and if you have children, look at groups they can join and how they can become involved. If you’re moving to a non English speaking country, look for the local English speaking groups, you will usually find something in every country.
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Do you know all the rules of the country? You’ve chosen a country, a city and probably a specific location for your accommodation. Have you fully researched where you’d like to stay? We may look at moving to a specific capital city but within the city, there may be rules and regulations you weren’t aware of, or even a specific type of crime that you didn’t know existed. For example, what are the crimes rates for burglary like? Do you need permits to park? Are there any areas that are completely off bounds at certain times or closed private roads that could lead to fines if you breach any of the rules. Making note of this and making contact with local police can be very helpful to gather a good positive image in your mind of what your neighbourhood is like. If you visit the city, go into the shops in the area and ask them, find out the basics. Just because somewhere looks beautiful at first glance, doesn’t mean it may not have other issues. Safety first is key when youre looking to move abroad and it may be something that you haven't even thought of!
Have you prioritised your health? When we travel, we do not need to think about registering with clinics or chemists for our prescriptions - we most often have travel insurance which covers us for any mishaps but when you’re moving abroad for long periods, it’s important to note exactly how you’re going to take care of your health if you fall ill. Even if it is something as simple as the flu or a chest infection and you need medication, how are you going to be prescribed these tablets? Some countries will offer free healthcare which may be included in your visa but it’s worth fully researching so you’re not caught out, especially if you are out of the EU zone. In America for example, they offer acute care clinics but you must make sure that this too is included in your visa and health insurance before you go to avoid any kind of hefty bills afterwards. Taking risks with your health isn’t worth it and neither is taking risks with laws.
So, with all the above covered, are you still thinking of moving abroad? The world is a big, bold and beautiful place so there is no reason to fear it, but it is important to be completely aware of all the implications of moving, as well as the emotional and physical upheaval of changing your atmosphere and world. Is it time for a change? You decide!
*Collaborative post
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