9 Things To Know If You're Moving Outside The US

Whether moving abroad for work, studies, or family, navigating the entire process can be emotionally and mentally tiring. That being said, a lot of Americans are still moving abroad. The 2022 Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Survey found that 92 percent of affluent Americans considered moving abroad last year.

This is because of several factors, including advantageous exchange rates, the move to remote employment, and a very strong US dollar. Even people living in Florida, one of the best states to live in the US, are considering moving abroad with the rising cost of real estate and living in the state.

So, if you’re also considering leaving Florida and moving abroad, this article will help you through the entire process.

Key Takeaways

1. Make a Financial Plan

Always research the cost of living in the country you want to move to. It includes housing, health, food, transportation, taxes, and whatnot. If you’re moving with a job secured and enough finances for emergencies, great, but if you are going to search for jobs upon arrival, you’d need to budget and make a plan. One thing you can do to make this move more financially feasible for you, you can take your current belongings to the new country, so you don’t have to spend on everything for the new house from scratch.

This is where you need to take a moving company on board, as they have all the professional expertise and insurance coverage you require during the process.

You can look out for companies in your state offering the best moving services, but make sure they offer satisfactory insurance for your stuff and have a good rapport. For South Florida people, check out Solomon & Sons Relocation Services, a BBB-accredited and CMC-certified West Palm Beach international moving company.

2. Research the Visa Requirements

You would need to obtain a visa depending on which country you are moving to and for how long. If your destination country requires a visa, research its requirements and application process as early as possible. Visa agencies or immigration lawyers can help in this regard as they help individuals navigate the visa application process and submit the application to the appropriate authorities.

3. Consider the Eligibility Criteria for Working

As every country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding foreign workers, it’s important to research the requirements for working in that country. It may include things like obtaining a work visa or a residency permit. In addition to legal requirements, there may be other factors to consider, such as educational qualifications, language proficiency, and work experience. Some countries may require you to have a certain level of proficiency in the local language to be eligible for certain jobs.

Therefore, if you’re planning to move outside of the US, you need to know the eligibility criteria for employment in the country you’re moving to.

4. Healthcare Facilities

Look into the healthcare system of the place you will be settling in. You may need to purchase health insurance or enroll in a national healthcare program. But all of this depends on the healthcare policies of your destination country. You must move to a country with a strong healthcare system.

People moving to anywhere in Europe will be cared for well, as its healthcare system is well-managed.

5. Housing Options

Another crucial thing most people ignore during their planning is the housing options the new place offers. It also varies from person to person, and budget is a major contributory factor. For example, some people live with their family or acquaintances for some time before renting, leasing, or purchasing their place. Even if that’s not the case for you, we recommend finding rooms for rent in Porto Portugal or wherever it is you’re moving for a few months before committing to a long-term lease or purchase. It will give you enough time to save money, find a job, and look for ways to settle in the new place without much financial burden.

6. Transportation Options

This is another significant thing you must consider when planning to move abroad. Research transportation options in your destination country and make your plan accordingly. Now, depending on your budget, you can choose your mode of transportation. Some buy their cars, some rent, whereas most people rely on public transport. Also, if you want to drive in the new country, you must apply for a local driver’s license. But some countries do allow driving with an international driver’s license.

7. Tax Obligations

While this seems unnecessary for many people, taxes and related formalities must be taken care of while shifting from one country to another. Taxation rules vary from country to country, so one needs to know the taxation rules of the country they are moving into. For instance, if you’re moving to any tax-free country such as Vanuatu and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you will not have to consider these tax obligations. But if you’re moving to countries like Sweden and Denmark, which have their own tax requirements, you need to understand them to avoid any future financial issues. In this regard, you can consult with a tax professional to understand tax obligations in a better way.

8. Documents to Take Along

Now that you’ve everything figured out and are all set to move don’t forget to take all your important documents. Keeping these documents with you will make your transition smooth and hassle-free. You should not forget your visa, passport, birth and marriage certificates, copies of insurance policies, tax records, driver’s license, and any other document you find even the least useful. Make a list of all the documents and check that multiple times before moving, so you don’t leave anything important behind.

Final Thoughts!

Lastly, moving is a challenging task as it requires a lot of planning in terms of everything. Most people need help with their visa application process, some need help with making a financial plan, and many fail at finding a job in a new place. However, those who know their requirements from their destination country, plan all their expenses and manage their budget accordingly, successfully settle into the new country.

9 Things to Know if You’re Moving Outside the US