What you need to consider when moving abroad, your checklist!
You want to move abroad, but you have no idea what you need to pay attention to? Then read this post to make sure you don't forget anything in your planning!
First of all, this planning will depend on whether you want to move to an EU country, or start your new life outside the EU. If you want to stay in the EU, you can do that at any time without special permission. However, if you want to move outside the EU, you will need a visa and in most cases a separate work permit.
Visa (outside EU)
First, find out what the regulations are for the country you want to immigrate to. It is important to check what kind of visa you need (of course, this also depends on the length of your stay). In addition, you will most likely also need a work visa, i.e. your work permit, to be able to work in the country. You can find more information about visas at the Foreign Office of your government. If you do not have a job at the time of departure, you will be required in most cases to have financial security in case of unexpected expenses. And don’t forget your passport! Make sure your passport is valid long enough, since some countries have very strict rules about this (e.g. your passport needs to be valid for 3 months after the day you will leave the country).
Health insurance
Just as important as a visa, is your international health insurance, so that in case something should happen to you, you are covered. You can check with your own health insurance company to see if they offer this (if you are only going abroad for a few months). Also, you can check other options for insurance in your home country. If you are moving abroad permanently, you should find out beforehand what kind of health insurance is available in the respective country.
Vaccinations
In some countries, you need vaccinations to enter the country. It is best to check early if you need vaccinations. Sometimes there must be a certain time interval between vaccinations, so it is important to gather information about this in time. You can simply ask your doctor or (depending on the country you want to move to) go to a tropical doctor.
Old apartment/ new apartment
Of course, you will need housing in the country you are moving to and you will need to "get rid" of your current housing. If you currently have your apartment and are only moving abroad for a manageable amount of time, look into options to sublet your apartment. In any case, discuss this with your landlord before, otherwise you may risk a fine.There are many platforms for this, such as Sublet.com or Facebook.
In your new country, you should start looking for accommodation early on. Sometimes it makes sense to first rent a holiday apartment (or other accommodation), for example via Airbnb or Booking and look for potential apartments on-site. Also, sometimes there are even discounts if you rent vacation rentals for at least a month.This way you have less time pressure and can look at apartments without stress. If you move permanently to another country, don't forget to cancel your current apartment in time. You can also decide to already book your apartment before your departure. Yobbers can recommend sites like HousingAnywhere or Spotahome if you want to have the security of having a place to stay even before you arrive!
Credit card
You should have a good credit card, preferably two, if you are moving abroad for a long time. You can check with your current bank if they also offer credit card options, mostly they do and this will make it easier for you to make the transition. If you are moving abroad permanently, remember to cancel your bank accounts and open a new account in that country.
Goodbyes with friends/ family
Don't forget to say goodbye to your family and friends when you move abroad. Maybe you can have a party or a brunch, or already plan when they come to visit you in your new home country of course!
Your final checklist
- Find a job abroad or be financially secure for the first few months
- Apply for a visa, if necessary, and a work permit in the destination country
- Apply for an international driver's license
- Apply for a passport (if you don't already have one)
- Arrange your health insurance for abroad
- Get vaccinated if necessary
- Apply for a credit card/ cancel accounts
- Cancel or sublet your current apartment
- Search for accommodation in your destination country
- Cancel current contracts (e.g. gym, clubs etc)
- Check customs regulations of the destination country for luggage etc.
- Deregister in your home country or register a second residence abroad