Advice on Moving to a New Country and Starting a New Life Abroad
Ready to move abroad? There are a lot of things to consider before you pack your bags and move to a foreign country. Here are the basics of how to move abroad:
- First of all, look into the best countries to work in and consider the cost of living abroad.
- Next, figure out what type of visa or work permit you need.
- If you have children, choose an international school or a local school.
- And, once decide where to go, figure out what to pack.
To help you find the perfect place to move, here are some of the top destinations to consider moving to abroad.
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Moving to Australia
Socially and culturally responsible, Australia is a diverse nation with a laidback outdoor lifestyle. Living in Australia is more expensive than in most countries, but so are the salaries. And with lots of exciting places to choose from, you can enjoy coastal, metropolitan, or rural life. Check out the best cities in Australia for foreigners to help narrow down your search.
If you want to immigrate to Australia for work, you’ll need a work visa, but it will be easier to do so if you have a job lined up before you apply. Start by looking for employment first, then apply for your visa.
Decide where in the country you want to live before you move and have a place lined up so that you’re not looking for housing when you arrive.
Should you fall in love with the country and decide you never want to leave, you can apply for Australian citizenship – as long as you meet the requirements.
How to Move to Thailand
Thailand is a favorite destination for expats and global nomads. It’s home to gorgeous beaches and offers the option to live in resort towns, small towns, beachfront communities, and bustling cities. Since the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, it’s an excellent place for retirees.
The first thing to do when planning to move to Thailand to get your visa. Most people start with a tourist visa or a non-immigrant visa that lets you stay in the country for 60 to 90 days. Then, you can request a 30-day extension on that original visa. When that extension period ends you can extend your visa yet again through Thai immigration.
Related: The Best Places to Live in Thailand
In order to extend your stay, you need to work, study, or retire in the country.
Many digital nomads, such as writers, web designers, and programmers, have chosen Thailand as their new home. It’s also a great place to start your own business. If you need to seek employment, you can work as an English language teacher or find work in tourism and hospitality. Just make sure you have your Thai work permit first.
Learn More: Moving Abroad to Thailand
Moving to Costa Rica
Getting ready to move to Costa Rica? Costa Rica is safe, has excellent weather, and has a friendly culture. The low cost of living makes it a great choice for retirees. A large community of expats from around the world makes for easy adjustment to the culture.
Moving to Costa Rica is easy in the sense that you can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Once you’re there, you can leave for just one day to visit a neighboring country, then re-enter Costa Rica and start your 90 days all over again. However, if you know you want to stay there are a variety of ways to establish temporary and permanent residency.
The only downside is that it can be hard to find work because it’s difficult to obtain a work visa. But if you are a remote worker, Costa Rica has very accommodating laws about receiving income from another country.
If you have income from another country, you can apply for temporary residency, which makes it an ideal choice for digital nomads. In addition, the property is reasonably priced, so many foreigners that plan to stay for an extended time often buy a home rather than rent.
Read: 7 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
Moving to Canada
Thanks to the Canadian healthcare system and close proximity to the U.S., Canada is a great destination, especially for Americans. It offers diverse job opportunities and a variety of unique places to live, including big cities and small, remote towns.
Keep in mind that the country has strict laws regarding visas and immigration, so immigrating to Canada might be difficult, especially if you have a criminal history. But that also makes it a safe place to live, according to the Global Peace Index, Canada ranks as the 6th safest country in the world.
To immigrate to Canada, follow these basic steps:
- Determine if you are “inadmissible.”
- Figure out which visas you are eligible for.
- Choose a province.
- Apply for Express Entry.
- Apply for your visa.
- Pass the language test.
- Prepare for the move.
- Find a job.
- Find a home.
- Enjoy your new home and adjust to the local culture.
Also Read: How to Move to Canada from the USA
How to Move to Germany
Want to move to Germany and travel throughout Europe with ease? Germany may be the place for you. The economy is strong and it’s a global hub for commerce, so there are lots of job opportunities in banking and finance. It has a vibrant culture with lots of cities that all have something unique to offer. In addition, it’s a great place to raise a family with children.
Related: The Best Cities in Germany to Work In
When it comes time to apply for your visa, make sure you have all the proper documentation. If you’re a student, you’ll need to provide a letter of acceptance to the school you plan to study in. You’ll also need to prove financial stability. If you intend to work in Germany, you’ll need a formal letter from your employer.
You also have the option to apply for a standard residence permit. After five years with a residence permit, you can apply for a settlement permanent, which is equivalent to the American Green Card.
Moving to New Zealand
According to the Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the 2nd safest country to live in. The cost of living in New Zealand is about 2% higher than in the U.S., but it has an excellent public healthcare system and offers a great work-life balance.
If you’re thinking about immigrating to New Zealand, there are a few things you’ll need to do before you go. First, you’ll need to get your visa or work permit. After you’ve spent two years in the country on your original visa, you can then apply for a permanent residence visa so you can stay. It’s also smart to open a New Zealand bank account and find housing before you go.
How Expatriates Move to Spain
Spain is known for its gorgeous architecture, thriving culture, and excellent Spanish healthcare system. The cost of living is lower than most other nations in the E.U., but the job opportunities are not great. The best jobs in Spain are usually only available to workers with a certain set of skills.
Before you go, you’ll need to secure the right visa. If you’re employed, you’ll need a copy of your employment contract. For students who plan to study, you’ll need proof of enrollment from your school or university.
For those that are self-employed, you’ll need a copy of your business license and bank statements for the past 6 months. If your plan is to retire, you’ll have to provide your pension statement for the past 6 months.
Read more: Moving to Spain
Other Popular Destinations for International Citizens
For more information on moving abroad, check out these guides for other popular destinations around the globe:
- How to Immigrate to France
- Moving to China
- How to Retire in Malaysia
- Why Expats Love Singapore
- Moving to Chile
- Life in Japan as an Expatriate
- Moving to Kenya: What You Need to Know
- Moving to Italy: A Complete Guide
- Moving to Guatemala as an Expat
- Moving to Portugal
- Moving to Russia
People choose to move for different reasons, be it the cost of living, new job opportunities, or tropical weather. But before you set your heart on one particular place, make sure that you can get in. Get your visa, get a work permit if necessary, and get a residency permit if one is required. If you can’t do that, it’s time to start looking for a new destination.
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