expat network

Moving to Canada – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to Canada!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in Canada we have put together the information you will need to make your move a smooth one.

Top 5 Countries for Expat Metal Workers: Unveiling the Opportunities

As a metal worker, you have a valuable skill set that can open doors to exciting opportunities around the world. Whether you’re looking for better job prospects, higher salaries, or a change of scenery, there are certain countries that stand out as top destinations for expat metal workers. In this article, we unveil the top…

The Expat Identity: Finding Your Own Path

Venturing into new lands, embracing unfamiliar cultures, and adapting to diverse work and lifestyles – the life of an expat is an intriguing blend of challenge and excitement. But while this unique journey brings immense personal growth and global perspectives, it also beckons to a question of identity. Who are you in this new space,…

Empowering Tips For Solo Female Expats

Stepping into the realm of solo female expats is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It’s about defying societal norms and embracing independence on your terms. Firstly, cultural differences may seem daunting initially, but you’ll thrive with an open mind and respect for local customs. Secondly, building a strong support network is vital, connecting you…

What Should You Take With You When You Relocate – and What Should You Leave Behind?

Whether you are making a trip across town, or heading towards a new life with a trip across the world, you are faced with a massive problem… what exactly are you supposed to take with you, and what do you want to leave behind? It can be a much harder choice than many people think,…

Accessing Healthcare When You Retire Abroad

Retiring abroad is a major decision and one of the key issues if we are to get the best out of life in retirement wherever we are is access to good quality healthcare. The accessibility of healthcare should be one of the key factors in the decision on where to retire. There can be a…

Trademark Application As An Immigrant – All You Need To Know

According to statistics, immigrants that have lived in Canada for between 10 and 30 years have higher ownership rates for privately incorporated companies than individuals born in Canada. If you are a new immigrant and want to venture into business, you must consider registering your business’s intellectual property and making a trade market application at…

7 Tips for Coping With Expat Depression

It is widespread for expats to lack the proper mental health care coverage abroad. Some locations even lack access to mental health professionals and institutions for everyone, not just expats. And even if you end up in a place where counseling is available, like a school in case you are studying abroad, it’s most likely only going…

Why Expat Families Should Stick To Their Family Rituals?

When moving to another country and wanting to build a life there, you must adapt to numerous completely new things. Those could be a new language, school or working environment, manners, food, roles in society, and so on. However, as much as adapting can sound good, it’s crucial to maintain a balance. Fitting in is…

Why Should You Look After Your Body and Health?

No matter how minor your health problems are, they can obstruct or even overwhelm other aspects of your life. Even simple health conditions like aches, pains, fatigue, and indigestion can have a negative impact on your happiness and stress levels. One option for increasing your capacity to manage stress and feel better is to…

Things to Stop Doing If You Want a Longer Life

Whether you’re in your 20s or 30s, or in your 60s, 70s, or beyond, there are a number of things you may pledge to do to “slow down” your biological clock if you want a longer life. In fact, studies demonstrate that it’s never too late to start practicing healthful practices. …

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.