Cost of living abroad, visas, permits, healthcare, job market, and your finances are some of the most important things to consider before moving abroad. It is crucial to arrange documents, health insurance, finances, and learn the language, depending on the country you are moving to. Whether you are an amateur or a person who has experienced relocation twice, there are many things to do when moving overseas, and there is still considerable room for improvement.
If you are planning to relocate to the US from India or anywhere in the world, here is your comprehensive moving abroad checklist. This includes the top things to consider and do before moving to another country.
What To Consider When Moving Abroad
Before you relocate to another country, it is important to research the destination and prepare yourself for the move. We have compiled a list of the important things to consider before moving overseas.
Destination Research
No matter which part of the world you are relocating to, it is crucial to know about your dream destination. You should start planning to relocate just because you have always dreamt of living there. Instead, start researching the country’s culture, language, and communities. Find out if you can survive in the country. Research about the weather and climate to know if you can adjust there. Considering all these will help you to plan your move and know what to pack for moving abroad.
Job Market
Knowing the job market abroad is crucial to help you get a successful career, financial stability, and a smoother transition. Many foreign countries offer great job opportunities to tech personnel, whereas some are best suited for workers and laborers. You need to choose the country that is best for your profession. Learn about the job market in your destination country and see what other skills or certificates you may need before moving,which doubles your chances of finding suitable employment and a successful career abroad.
Savings
Having savings will be a huge help when moving overseas. International relocation from India to the UK or anywhere else costs a lot. From hiring professional movers for shipping your belongings overseas to booking the tickets, housing, visas, and permits, everything costs a lot. Having savings will help you to spend a few months smoothly in your new destination. There is also a rule in some countries to have enough savings before relocating. You will have to show your bank statements as proof of your financial condition to manage expenses abroad. Also, if you don’t find a job immediately after relocation, you can stay relaxed if you have savings.
Important Documents Needed for Moving Abroad
Depending on the purpose of your visit, the types of documents needed vary. If you are moving abroad for work, then you will require a work permit. For permanent residency, you need several documents, including the language test results, medical reports, health insurance, etc. The type of visas and permits for international relocation depends on the specific country and its immigration program. However, there are still some most common documents that are required by almost every country.
- Valid Passport
- Visa
- Identity proof
- Birth and Marriage certificates
- Medical proof
- Bank statement
- Academic records
- Work permit
So, get all the documents ready for immigration, depending on the purpose of your visit and the country you are moving to.
Cost of Living Abroad
Depending on the country you are moving to, the cost of living abroad varies. Countries like Switzerland, Singapore, Norway, and Denmark top the list of the most expensive places to live in the world. So, research about your destination country and find out its cost of living. To estimate the cost of living abroad, you must consider the housing cost/rent, utility bills, groceries, travelling expenses, healthcare, and taxes. If you think the cost of living abroad is within your estimated budget, then you can begin preparing to move overseas.
Housing
Before you move abroad, you will have to decide if you are going to buy a house or rent it. Depending on this, you will set your relocation budget. Buying a house abroad is not easy, especially when you haven’t seen the property in person. Still, you get so many options to buy or rent a property abroad online. Yes, there are many websites and mobile apps that show you the best available property, matching your preferences, needs, budget, and lifestyle. Whether renting or buying, finding the right house can take a lot of time and effort, so you will have to start early and plan accordingly.
School Search
Searching for the best school is always one of our top tips for moving abroad with family. If you have children and you are moving abroad permanently, you must get your children enrolled in a local school. So, start searching for the best school in your new neighborhood. Conduct a thorough search for schools online. Consider the school’s reputation, ratings, location, infrastructure,and faculty before enrolling your kids. Show this to your children also so that they can have a feel of what their new school will be like.
Healthcare
It is mandatory to get health check-ups and vaccinations before you move abroad. You will have to find out the type of vaccinations you need before entering your dream country. You may have to make an appointment with your doctors, dentists, and veterinarian to ensure you, your family members, and your pets are medically eligible to enter the country. Research about your country, what type of vaccination you need, and get yourself vaccinated.
Banking and Finance
Before you move abroad, you should convert your bank account to a non-resident account. You can even open an international bank account. Get help from a financial advisor about this. They can let you know more about managing and converting your money overseas.
Pet Import Laws
When moving abroad with pets, it is crucial to know about the pet import laws of your destination country. It is important to know if the country allows the type of pet you have. Many countries even ban bringing pets during immigration. So, before you book international pet relocation services, find out if you can take your pet along with you or not. And if you can, then find out the types of documents and permits you may need and start arranging them. Planning and preparation are key to success. We hope the abroad moving checklist will help you plan and prepare for your international move from India to the UK, USA, or anywhere else.