Things to consider before moving abroad

Image credit: Ross Parmly from Unsplash

​There are various reasons why you may be thinking about moving overseas - whether you are simply looking for a change or need to satisfy your sense of adventure. For example, moving abroad gives you the chance to start completely anew - whether you’re making new friends or changing careers altogether. However, it’s also a major lifestyle change - meaning you shouldn’t rush into it without proper planning.

With that in mind, here are some important things you should consider before moving abroad. 

The Legal Process.
The process of moving abroad is not simple. After all, you cannot simply purchase a plane ticket and hope for the best - you also need to ensure that you have the legal right to live and work in the country of your choosing. However, the legal requirements change from country to country, meaning plenty of research must be carried out ahead of time to ensure you have everything you need ready. Furthemore, there are also various different forms of visas, and it’s important you apply for the one that suits you best. For example, if you are planning to move to Australia, companies such as Montic can talk you through the process of applying for the Elite Talent Visa. 

What you are leaving behind.
If you want your move abroad to be successful, it’s important that you are moving for the right reasons. For example, it’s far better to be moving towards something with a clear mind as opposed to running away from your problems. Therefore, before moving abroad, it’s important to consider what you are leaving behind - especially if this could cause you to change your mind at a later date. For example, moving abroad also means moving away from your family. While there are plenty of ways to stay in touch digitally, this is simply not the same as spending time together in person. Additionally, moving abroad could have a significant impact on your career -as you’ll likely have to start from the bottom at a new company and work your way up once again. However, this could be taken as a positive when you consider the fact that it enables you to make a fresh start. 

Save up money ahead of time.
If you are trying to gain the energy to make a life change, the easiest way to silence self-doubt is by being prepared. Therefore, one way in which you can ensure that you are better prepared to move abroad is by ensuring that you save up plenty of money ahead of time. This is due to the simple fact that moving abroad is expensive - in addition to visa and immigration fees, you’ll also have to pay for flights, find a place to live and even pay for your goods and belongings to be shipped to your new home. Therefore, having plenty of savings to rely on is a great way to protect your income against the unexpected side-effects of moving. For example, if you are unable to find a job right away, you need to be able to support yourself financially during this time.