For many, the idea of starting a new life or seizing an opportunity for personal growth is a cherished dream. While not everyone can turn this dream into reality, for some, it’s not just a possibility but a tangible opportunity waiting to be grasped.
If your goal means moving abroad and relocating to a new country, this signals the start of a completely new life for you. However, relocating isn’t as easy as it might seem, and there are some things it’s important to understand before deciding to bite and commit to a fresh start in a new country.
Do You Understand The Culture and Values?
Understanding the culture and values of a new country is crucial. It’s not just about a change in scenery but a potential culture shock. Even if you’ve visited or spent time in the area, the shift from observing cultural norms as a visitor to living them daily can be significant. This is especially true for Westerners moving to countries like Thailand or China, where the culture is vastly different from the UK or USA.
Do You Understand The Immigration Process?
Not knowing or taking the time to understand the legal route to making a different country your new home can massively undermine your plans. As far in advance as you can, you need to be talking to an immigration lawyer who can help you with your process of becoming a permanent resident. This isn’t always easy or straightforward, and you’ll likely have many hoops to jump through and rules to abide by to obtain permanent or legal status in the country, but ensuring you know what you need to do and what is required as soon as possible is a vital step.
Do You Understand The Financial Implications?
You can’t expect to move to a new country and live the same quality of life as you currently or better. Some countries like Australia are more expensive to live in, meaning you need to be confident you can afford to fund your lifestyle and you’re ready for the extra expense day-to-day living can bring. This is not true for all countries, but it’s important to understand how your current financial situation might be impacted and how you will be able to afford to live. If you’re relocating for work, check your wages represent the same, if not better, quality of life in your new location so you’re not going to be worse off than you currently are now.
Are You Thinking Long Term?
When considering a permanent relocation, it’s essential to think long-term. This isn’t just about the next 12 or 24 months, but about your future in the new country. It can impact your pension, healthcare, and retirement savings. It can also influence decisions like starting a family-can you find the right education options, etc? Thinking about your future in your new life can be immensely helpful in understanding what you’ll need to navigate in the years to come.
