Posted by on Nov 7, 2017 in Career Insights | 0 questions

Image Source

If you are moving abroad for your career, you are no doubt feeling nervous and excited about the whole process. A lot of people relocate to increase their career prospects, and there are a number of things you need to do before you make the move. Here’s the full checklist:

Research the location – There is only one place to begin, and this is with researching the location. There is no such thing as too much research. Getting as much detail as possible will help you to feel prepared, and there are many websites dedicated to expats today. Look for answers to questions such as: What changes can you expect? How does it compare to home? What is the daily commute like? What are the best neighborhoods to live?

Selling or renting an existing property – If you currently have your own property in your home country, you need to decide what to do with this. If your post abroad is temporary, renting out your existing property is probably the best solution. This will ensure you have money coming in, which can cover your mortgage so you can keep on your home. If your post is permanent, you may want to consider renting your home out in the early days, simply while you settle in. Once you are happy, you could look to make the move more permanent.

The costs associated with relocation – It is important to determine how much it is going to cost you to move abroad. A lot of people underestimate the expenses associated with this. By having a carefully planned budget, you can make sure your finances are prepared and that there are no surprises. Consider everything from purchasing white goods on arrival to travel costs and shipping furniture.

Cost of living – Next, you need to do some research regarding the cost of living in your new destination. The last thing you want to do is arrive and find out that you simply cannot afford to live because rent is consuming most of your income and you have barely any money left over. Do the necessary research beforehand, and make sure you set up a local bank account too.

Apply for a visa – Depending on where you are moving to, you will probably need a visa. You may be eligible for special visas considering you are moving abroad for career purposes. If you are moving to the US, it is worth hiring an EB 5 visa lawyer, as this may be a more viable solution than business immigration. No matter where you are moving to, a professional will be able to explain all of your options to you to ensure you choose the right one.

Establish a social network – Last but not least, make the effort to establish a social network as soon as possible. You can do this before you move abroad by interacting with people on social media and joining expat forums. Once you arrive, find out whether there are any local events or business occasions that you can attend so you can settle in better.