How to Move to Another Country: 7 Essential Things You Need to Do

Are you think about moving to another country? More Americans are leaving the U.S. than ever before, according to surveys.

You could be emigrating to Australia to make a new life for yourself. Or, perhaps you’re eager to experience another culture in Europe.

Either way, if you’re planning on making another country your home for a while, you need to make sure you make the right plans.

If you’re not prepared for living abroad, you could be refused entry at the border or find yourself with money worries when you arrive.

Check out our list below on how to move to another country with our 7 things to do before you go anywhere below.

1. Pack Light! You Can Get Everything Abroad

Over 65 percent of people say that they get stressed when they’re packing for a traveling trip.

If you’re moving to another country, this could be even more anxiety-inducing. Stay calm and think carefully without stuffing everything thoughtlessly into your boxes.

Remember where you’re going!

If you’re moving to Norway, you probably won’t need hundreds of pairs of shorts. But, you’ll definitely need your winter jacket to keep you warm in the cold.

Preparing your packing early can help to ensure that you don’t take more than you need. You don’t want to forget anything. Yet, keep in mind that you can always buy stuff while you’re abroad.

2. Make Removal Arrangements

If you want to move to the other side of the world, you won’t be able to take everything with you in your cabin luggage.

However, you don’t want to arrive without any of your possessions either. But, don’t worry, there are ways you can transport your things to another country.

Just make sure you get in touch with international removalists to ensure everything is handled professionally. This will give you peace of mind that your things will arrive just after you do.

3. Apply for Jobs Before You Arrive

You may think that you’ll definitely be able to find work as soon as you arrive in your chosen country. But, you never know!

You could find yourself struggling to make a living in your first few months. It’s important to make efforts to gain employment before you embark on your adventure.

Make use of your contacts and networks. If you already know someone who lives in the country, ask them if they can help you get a job.

Nowadays, you’re also able to use the internet to discover jobs abroad. You could even continue to work remotely while being based abroad.

4. Learn the Lingo Before You Go

Do you speak a foreign language? Not many Americans speak more than one language. In fact, over three-quarters only speak their native language.

You may be able to get by with your English and a few phrases. But, sooner or later, you’ll learn to learn the local language.

How are you going to read your energy bills? What if you need to call the emergency services?

It’s never going to be easy to integrate into a new country’s culture. But, if you speak the same language, you stand a better chance.

Download language learning apps and start practicing the alphabet. If you surround yourself with locals, you’ll quickly pick up the language.

5. Remember to Get Health Insurance

If you have dreamed about moving abroad for some time, you probably haven’t considered your health insurance. But, this could be extremely important.

You need to ensure that you have registered with a health insurance provider. You don’t want to find yourself with a huge bill after you’re sent to the hospital for an accident.

You may also want to do research into the quality of healthcare in the country you’re moving to. This could make you think twice about moving there if you’re concerned about your health anyway.

6. Let Your Friends and Family Know

It can be tempting to imagine yourself packing your bags and escaping your current life. You want to leave everything behind!

But, it’s important to let your friends and family know where you’re going. This could prevent anyone from getting upset and thinking you’re missing.

You should probably hand over your new address. This will allow your loved ones to contact you and send your presents.

7. Check for Visa Requirements

You cannot simply jump on a plane and plan to move to another country. You may need to get a visa to stay.

If you plan to work, then you’ll also need a work visa, rather than a simple tourist visa. Many people start off with a tourist visa and apply for a work visa when they have settled.

Every country has different rules and regulations around border control and visa requirements. You may be able to stay for up to one year without a visa. Or, perhaps you need a visa to enter.

It’s essential that you do your homework before you arrive. You don’t want to find that your plans are ruined because you didn’t have the right documents.