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Are you prepared for a new chapter in life? Relocating to another country is an excellent way to start anew, but the process can be quite overwhelming. Building a life in a completely unfamiliar environment is certainly not easy, but many people who live abroad enjoy the unique experiences and opportunities that come with it. We've addressed all the common questions to help you decide whether moving abroad is the right choice for you.
Steps
How much money do I need to start a new life abroad?
Save enough for at least 6 months of living expenses. Before making a big decision, research the cost of living in various countries and exchange rates. This will allow you to prepare financially before moving to your new home.
- Check the comparison charts of living costs, rent, food, and other expenses for different countries here: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp. If the country you are moving to has a higher cost of living than your current location, you may need to save more money before going.
- Some countries like Bermuda, Switzerland, and Norway have higher living costs. To ensure financial security, it’s best to consider countries like Malaysia, Argentina, and Indonesia, which offer lower living expenses.
- For reference, the U.S. dollar is quite strong in countries like Colombia, Cambodia, India, Chile, Vietnam, and Costa Rica.
How can I start a new life abroad without money?
Move to a place with relocation incentive programs. Surprisingly, some countries even offer financial assistance to help you start a new life there. Regions like Antikythera Island, Greece, want to boost their small population, and countries like Chile, Mauritius, and Ireland will pay you to start a business. Contact the embassy in your current location to find out how you can begin your relocation journey.
- Many cities in the U.S. also offer relocation packages. For example, Lincoln, Kansas, offers land grants, while Tulsa, Oklahoma, provides $10,000 to anyone who moves there and works remotely. Make sure to check the legal requirements of these programs before planning your move.
Where in the world can I live without a visa?
Most places require a visa to live there. However, some countries have relatively simple visa requirements, making the relocation process much easier. Countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Czech Republic offer visa options that allow you to live abroad long-term. Contact your local embassy to find a suitable option for you.
The Svalbard Islands in Norway have virtually no visa requirements. Although part of Norway, Svalbard is geographically isolated just below the Arctic Circle. As a result, visa requirements are much more relaxed. However, you can't just show up with a suitcase—most housing is owned by Norwegians, so you’ll need a job to stay there.
- To start your job search in Svalbard, you can reach out to employers in Longyearbyen or ask the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration for more information about job opportunities in Norway.
Which countries have the lowest cost of living?
Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador are some of the most affordable places in Central America. If you're looking for a fresh start, you can expect monthly living costs starting at $1,615 in Costa Rica, $1,590 in Panama, $1,700 in Mexico, and $1,210 in Ecuador. If you’re willing to travel further south, Colombia is also a viable option with an average monthly cost of around $1,030.
- Couples can also enjoy great value in these countries! A couple can live in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Colombia for $2,000, or in Ecuador for $1,650.
France, Portugal, and Malta offer affordable living options in Europe. It may sound unbelievable, but Europe can be surprisingly affordable—depending on where you choose to live. Regions such as Normandy, Brittany, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lorraine, Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Aix-en-Provence in France offer relatively low living costs. In Portugal, Lisbon, Porto, Alentejo, Beja, and Évora are budget-friendly spots, while Malta and Gozo (both territories of Malta) are excellent places to settle.
- You can live in France for under $2,000 per month or in Malta for less than $2,500. Portugal’s average monthly living cost is around $2,020.
- A couple can settle in Portugal for about $2,500 per month, or in France for $2,083. In Malta, living expenses come in around $2,500 per month.
Malaysia is an excellent choice if you're looking to live in Southeast Asia. The cost of living here is incredibly affordable; in fact, some people choose to stay long-term and only return to their home country for holidays. One person can live comfortably in Malaysia for about $1,705 a month, while a couple could get by with less than $2,000 per month.
- Most Malaysians speak English, so you won’t have to worry about learning a new language.
- Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang are popular destinations for expats.
- Keep in mind that you might earn less abroad than you would in your home country, unless you have a stable source of income from elsewhere.
What do I need to do to start life in a different country?
Apply for a passport. If you don't already have one, it's important to submit your passport application as soon as possible. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your travel date; if your current passport is nearing expiration, visit the embassy or consulate to renew it.
Submit a visa application for the country you plan to visit. Most countries require travelers to have a visa, which is a legal document that allows you to stay in the country for a specified period. Visit the official website of the destination country or contact their embassy to find out what documents and application forms are required.
- Some countries have very simple visa procedures. For example, the Czech Republic offers long-term work visas, while South Korea provides an educational visa for teaching English.
- Before applying for a long-term visa, you may need to have a certain amount of money saved in a bank account or a job offer. Be sure to check with the embassy to ensure you meet all requirements.
- Ask whether the country you're visiting offers permanent residency visas. Some countries, such as Australia, offer this option.
Rent a house or apartment after viewing it in person. While you might be tempted to secure housing before your flight, it's not a great idea. Online photos and descriptions don't always reflect the true condition of a property. It's better to stay in a hotel or an Airbnb upon arrival, and then go see potential homes or apartments in person.
- Visiting in person allows you to get a feel for the surrounding area as well.
What else do I need to do before moving abroad?
Contact your bank or credit card providers. Call your bank to close your accounts and inform them that you're moving abroad, so they don’t freeze or flag your accounts.
Get a no-fee credit card for international use. Your existing credit card may charge foreign transaction fees when you move to another country. To avoid this, it's wise to apply for a card that does not incur foreign transaction fees before relocating.
- Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire, Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards, and Deserve EDU MasterCard are some excellent options.
Make copies of important documents. Before you travel, take additional copies of your passport, driver's license, and credit cards. Send a set to a trusted friend or family member, and keep a set with you. In case of theft, these copies can help you prove your identity.
Apply for permanent residency and citizenship. As a permanent resident, you can live long-term in a country. In some countries, like the U.S. and Canada, you may apply for citizenship after several years of holding a permanent residency card. The process for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship varies by country; contact your embassy for detailed information.
- For instance, to become a Canadian citizen, you must first be a permanent resident, file all types of taxes, live in the country for 3 years out of the last 5 years, pass a citizenship test, and prove your language skills.
- Once you have citizenship, you can stay indefinitely and cannot be deported. Depending on the country, you may also have voting rights and be eligible to apply for federal government jobs.
Do I need to buy a new phone?
Yes, you'll need an unlocked phone. While you can bring your old phone, you'll likely face high roaming charges. Instead, consider inserting a local SIM card into your unlocked phone once you've moved there. This will significantly reduce your phone costs.
- You can unlock your existing phone or simply purchase a new phone that is unlocked.
How can I find a job in another country before I move there?
Apply for a work permit or visa. Many countries allow you to apply for a short-term work visa. However, for a long-term work visa, you'll need a job offer first, and then your future employer will 'sponsor' you and submit the visa application on your behalf.
- If you already hold a type of visa, check with the embassy where you are currently residing to see if you need a work visa.
- Ask if you can apply for a long-term visa after residing in the country on a short-term visa.
- The duration of both short-term and long-term visas can vary depending on the country you’re moving to. For instance, in the U.S., a temporary work visa allows you to stay for a limited time, but you can apply for permanent residency to remain indefinitely.
Move abroad through an international company. If you work for a large multinational corporation, they may have offices in international cities like Shanghai, Singapore, and London. Inquire with your supervisor, manager, or HR department about employee exchange programs – this could be your ticket to moving to another country quickly.
- Companies such as Edelman, Deloitte, and UBS could be great places to start.
- Typically, you’ll need to have worked at the company for several years before qualifying for an exchange program.
Learn a new language. If you're moving to a country where your native language isn’t spoken, work on improving your language skills. You'll definitely stand out as a candidate if you can speak the language of the country you're moving to.
How long will it take for me to settle into a new country?
It may take years to fully adapt. Unfortunately, there's no magic formula that makes settling in a new country a breeze. It takes time to adjust and find stability, especially when dealing with culture shock, language barriers, and other new challenges. Take it one day at a time, and things will get easier!
- You might meet many new friends through social networks like Meetup. Joining a faith community in your new country can also be a great way to connect with people. However, if the faith community is different from what you’re used to, be prepared for some cultural differences.
- Culture shock can be a significant challenge in the beginning, especially when you’re homesick. Take time to explore your new environment but don’t forget to enjoy your favorite activities. Following your favorite band or immersing yourself in hobbies are also great ways to ease your transition.
What are the benefits of living abroad?
You’ll have a clearer sense of your identity. Many studies have surveyed groups of people about their sense of identity. In general, expatriates tend to have a clearer self-awareness compared to those who have never lived abroad.
- A clear sense of identity will help you make more informed decisions about your future.
The cost of living could be lower. Daily expenses like rent, insurance, healthcare, and other costs can be a burden on your financial stability. Fortunately, many countries offer a much lower cost of living; in fact, in some places, you can live on less than $2,200 per month, including rent, food, and healthcare.
- Healthcare costs in many countries are also cheaper, especially if you're coming from the U.S.
You may also benefit from tax breaks if you're from the U.S. As a U.S. citizen, you are still required to file taxes when living abroad, but you won’t face additional fees. Instead, you can take advantage of the 'Foreign Earned Income Exclusion' on your tax forms. This can save you a substantial amount.
- As an American, you may also qualify for deductions on other taxes such as childcare, housing, and other foreign-related expenses.
What are the drawbacks of living abroad?
You’ll be far from family and friends. Chances are you won’t be able to visit your loved ones frequently, and you’ll miss out on special occasions like birthdays and holidays. While technology can help bridge the gap, it’s clear that being separated from family and friends isn’t easy.
Finding a work-life balance can be difficult. After relocating to a new country, you may feel the urge to go out and explore. However, you might also feel guilty for stepping away from your computer or work, especially if you're reliant on freelancing to cover expenses.
