An estimated 2.8 million Canadians have up and relocated to a foreign country. Many people go abroad for work, while others seek a cheaper cost of living or better quality of life. I get it as I live in one of Canada’s most expensive cities! But before you decide to move to another country, consider these 7 things.
Visa Arrangements
Many countries have strict residency and working laws. What that means is Canadians have to secure visas before their arrival at the destination.
These arrangements have to be made well in advance of the move to another country. Some countries, like those in the EU, have a visa process that can take as long as six months.
In Canada, entrepreneurs can establish themselves and their families with the Startup Visa Program. If you take a look at this article here, it explains the steps to apply for a Startup Visa. Thus, it makes sense to consider visa arrangements early in the relocation process.
Move to Another Country: What’s the Language?
When you live away from support networks like friends and family, things can get pretty lonely. This sense of isolation can compound further if everyone around you speaks an unfamiliar language. Settling in at a foreign school or at work becomes more difficult.
That is not to say don’t move somewhere where people speak another language. Actually, learning a new language is one of the most rewarding and life-altering things you can do. But taking an intensive language class before you leave might be something to consider, rather than trying to wrap your head around the dialogue after the move.
The Cost to Get Home
Presumably, while you are living abroad you will want to make the occasional trip home to see friends and family. These visits are an often overlooked factor when deciding where you relocate to. So your research now, before you move to another country. Find out:
- How much will it cost to get home?
- How long will it take?
- Are direct flights available?
If you have limited annual leave from work or a small budget, these are important questions to ask before accepting a job abroad.
The Logistics of a Move to Another Country
Make contacting a moving company to find out how much it will cost to relocate your furniture to another country a priority. These moving costs will likely have to be factored into your budget. The earlier you know how much the process will cost, the better prepared you will be to move to another country. You’ll gain peace of mind too as you know the costs ahead of time.
Medical
Next, learn about the medical system in the country you plan to relocate to, especially for seniors. Moving abroad can involve several health challenges so it’s best to know about them ahead of time and plan how to overcome them.
You may have to take out medical insurance before you arrive to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage. If you require regular access to prescription medication, then also research how you can get that medication.
Financial Arrangements
If you freelance or work remotely from Canada, you will likely have to prove you are a resident in the new location before you can open a bank account. In the meantime, you will probably be living from your Canadian bank account.
Investigate the ATM charges and foreign transaction fees for your bank account to help you prepare a budget for the new life ahead. You can also explore ways to reduce these charges. For some currencies, there are pre-paid travel cards, for example; they can have good exchange rates and low transaction fees.
Also, if you’re a student, how much does it cost to study abroad?
Religious and Cultural Differences
Lastly, brush up now on the religious and cultural norms of your destination. Doing so before you move to another country can help soften the blow of a culture shock and avoid social faux pas, as well as personal frustration. And when you do move, stay open-minded, try to take in new experiences you wouldn’t have back home, and do your best to be patient.
Have you ever moved to a foreign country? If so, what do you wish you’d known before relocating there?
This caught my attention because I have often considered moving to another country. I can speak Spanish and living in a Spanish-speaking country has really appealed to me from time to time. That said, eh…I end up just staying put, but aim to do more traveling. :) Wonderful tips. I hope you have a great week.
It sounds like traveling but not moving abroad is right for you, my friend. I hope you and hubby have a great visit wherever you go on vacation :)
Too, much work for me! Visiting abroad is enough inter-nationality for me!
Visit, come home, and repeat ;)
Good advice. One of my family’s dear friends moved from the U.S. to England, after months of stress with sorting out her visa (changing from student to work), and the problems have only persisted! The one bright spot is her wonderful boyfriend and his family!
Oh I’m so glad she has loved ones around her!!
Same here! We can’t wait to see her in April when she brings Matt to the U.S.!
I bet you’re excited! It’s tough when close friends move away. The celebration she’ll come back to will be amazing, I’m sure :)
Definitely!
:D
My hubby really wants us to move to Australia but like you’ve covered, there’s so much to arrange & consider… I don’t think I could handled the stress! … thanks for this post, it’s full of important information… x
Maybe a trip to Australia would tide him over for a bit… :)
Great post Christy, with what is going on in my country at the moment with all this Brexit nonsense, I may just move to Canada! :) Always wanted to visit, just haven’t got around to it just yet. I have been toying with the idea of a move in the next 5 or so years (once enough money is saved) I love cold climates, so I’m thinking Greenland, Iceland or Norway. :)
Oh yes, do come to Canada for a visit :) We’re mild over here on the west coast for weather so it wouldn’t be ideal for you but a visit at least could be a nice change. Brrrr I can’t do a very cold climate – you’re heartier than me!
I will definitely be visiting your part of the world in the foreseeable future, mild is fine as that’s pretty much what the UK is most of the time (plus copious amounts of rain of course!) I do love colder climes overall though (plus I can finally get away from said rain!! ;) ) :)
Great, Canada would be happy to have you visit here :D Hope your week is going well, my friend!
Thanks for the post. I moved to Canada 6 years ago and being young that time, I never thought of all the things I have to prepare for myself living abroad. Gladly, I survived and your thoughts make sense.
It sounds like if you had to do it again that you’d know where to do things different. Life is all about learning right xo
Good advice, Christy. I have many friends who have lived overseas but I’ve never had the desire.
I figure some people have to move to find where feels like “home” ~ I’m glad you know where that is for you already without having to move out of country.
I think that’s because I live in the best place, Christy. :)
Smiles :)
People move out of Canada? I’ve always imagined Canada as a destination, not a place people emigrate from.
Haha there’s no accounting for taste ;) Seriously though I love it here in Canada xx
Important information shared.. Thank you 😃
Thank you for the support!
Had to go through all these, as a person who lives in another country other than home country. Nicely compiled
Glad to hear this post touched on the major points to consider when moving abroad! I hope you’re settling in now well.
I am actually loving it!😊
Yay!!
😊