The pandemic has put travel plans on ice for now, but one day the skies will be filled with planes again and many people will already be booking trips and designing itineraries. If you’ve decided that you want to travel more in 2021, and you’re considering a move abroad to facilitate your globetrotting aspirations, it’s wise to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you get ready to relocate.
Visas and immigration restrictions
One of the most important jobs to cross off your list is researching visa requirements and ensuring you understand what you need to do to move to a different country and stay there for the desired length of time. Most countries enable tourists to stay for a certain period, but once this time elapses, a different kind of visa is required. You will also need to make the necessary legal arrangements if you plan to work overseas. It’s a good idea to gather as much information as possible using reputable websites and to speak with an immigration lawyer to ensure that you meet the criteria and you have the relevant documentation. If you stay longer than permitted, you run the risk of being deported.
Finding work
If you plan to leave your current job, or you can’t work remotely, you will probably be thinking about looking for a new job. Once you’ve researched visa requirements, it’s a great idea to register with recruiters, to update and upload your CV to online job sites and to start contacting companies and employers in your chosen location. If you cannot find anything long-term, you could always take a temporary role and then continue your search once you’ve moved and you have a better idea of what you want to do and where you want to work.
Searching for a new home
Looking for a new home is an incredibly exciting prospect, but it can also be daunting if you don’t know much about different neighborhoods, or you’re unsure about average rental or purchase prices. Do some research into the local property market, read up on different locations and use the Internet to get advice and information from people who live in the towns and cities that are on your short-list. If you’ve already found a job, it’s also useful to ask your new employer or your work colleagues for recommendations. Unless you have a very clear idea of where you want to live and the style of property you’re looking for, it may be advisable to start life renting and then to buy once you are familiar with the surroundings and you have time to view different homes and compare options. This is a particularly good idea if you have children of school age or you’re still looking for a job.
Moving abroad is a dream many of us harbor. While there are advantages to traveling, it’s important to be aware of the practical steps you have to take to relocate overseas. If you’re planning a move, take these tips on board to plan ahead and minimize stress.
