7 First Things You Should Do When Moving To A New Country

expat network

7 First Things You Should Do When Moving To A New Country

Living in a foreign country is a privilege. You will expand your horizons, familiarize yourself with other cultures and customs, and learn new languages. However, moving to a new country can be highly stressful and emotional. There is a buttload of things to do and prepare, and here are some of them.

1. Apply for the Visa

Applying for a visa is a daunting task. Get ready to fill out multiple forms, visit the embassy, and provide lots of personal details. You will need a valid passport, travel insurance, and supporting documents.

Now, there are different types of visas, including immigrant and nonimmigrant.

For example, in the U.S., some nonimmigrant visa categories include:

Athlete, amateur, or professional
Business visitor
Foreign government official
Medical treatment
Professor, scholar, teacher
Temporary worker
Student
Foreign national with extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business or Athletics

Keep in mind visa processing times. In the U.S., it takes from three to five weeks for a visa application to get processed.

2. Seek Accommodation

One of the most time-consuming tasks of your relocation is figuring out where to live. Start your research before you move abroad. Find the local Craigslist equivalent and look for potential housing opportunities. Once you land, start calling these listings and real estate agencies to see some places.

When looking for perfect housing abroad, consider multiple factors, including your favorable location, your budget, the presence of security deposit, payment methods, and additional services (access to the internet, breakfasts, linen change, etc.)

Sure, your housing choices depend on your specific requirements. For example, if your entire family is permanently relocating, looking for modern ranch style houses for sale may be a wise move. Students can book apartment bedrooms or apply to live in a residence hall.

3. Find a Job

Moving to a new country is a big decision for you. One of the first steps to take is finding a job before you relocate.

For starters, research the country where you want to work. Pay attention to its employment rights, costs of living, tax regulations, and visa requirements. Consider its cultural background and language, as well. Based on these factors, update and localize your resume. Make sure it aligns with the country’s local standards.

Next, reassess your network. Maybe you have friends and LinkedIn connections who have worked or lived overseas. They may connect you with the companies that are willing to hire and sponsor you. You can also consider a foreign transfer. If your company has offices in different countries, ask if you can move to one of those locations.

Many websites can help you find your desired job abroad depending on the sector that you want to work in.

4. Meet Friends and Network

One of the greatest benefits of living overseas is the new friendships you will make with the local people. That is an opportunity to improve your language skills and learn about their customs, culture, food, and traditions.

If you know someone in your new country, get in touch. Meet for a coffee with coworkers and even open yourself up to meet their friends and families.

You can also use websites and apps, such as Meetup, Nextdoor, Buble, or Peanut, to meet with new people.

Finally, join a casual club in your area. That is an opportunity to connect with new people and make friends.

5. Take Care of Insurance

There are several types of insurance for international movers:

health insurance
life insurance
home insurance
car insurance
shipping insurance

Do your research on time and find the insurance coverage that meets your need. Always compare benefits and expenses. Most importantly, choose a reliable insurance company to back you up.

6. Move Out of your Place

Moving out is a stressful process. If you are renting an apartment or a home, inform a landlord that you are leaving. If you own a home, hire a real estate agent to help you sell or lease it.

In the meantime, consider staying with parents, siblings, or friends so you can save money and give yourself enough time to prepare for your trip.

7. Cancel your Ongoing Subscriptions

You are probably paying for a bunch of things, such as your gym membership, library membership, cable TV, postpaid cell phone plans, internet packages, etc.

Therefore, cancel the subscriptions you will not be using once you leave. Start by combing through your bank statements and making a list of your regular payments.

Over to You

Sure, that is not an ultimate list of things you should do when moving to a new country. However, it can serve as your solid starting point. Sure, do not forget to research the country’s customs and start learning the language.

Here are some articles you may find useful:

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.