Emigrating

Do you ever dream about moving to another country? People have all kinds of reasons for wanting to emigrate. Some are so enamoured with a particular country that they want to start a whole new life there. Others are unhappy in their own country and looking to find happiness elsewhere. Whatever your reason, emigrating should be a well thought out process. Keep reading to find out what to do before you can find happiness in your new country of choice.

Are you looking to emigrate within or outside the European Union?  

As an EU citizen, you can move freely within the EU. This makes emigrating a lot easier because you do not need a visa. All you have to do is register within three months of living in your EU country of choice. You can also register your new address as a secondary residence.  

If you want to live in a non-EU state, you will need to apply for a permanent visa, which can be quite challenging depending on the country, also financially. As a skilled worker, the emigration process becomes a little easier.

Here are some pointers to include in your emigration planning process:

Research the country you want to move to. For instance, how high is the cost of living? How much would you be earning? How much can you expect to pay for rent and utilities? How good is the country’s health care system? Would you be covered by statutory health insurance? You should also check on your language skills to make sure they meet the required standard for the country in question. The better you speak the local language, the easier it will be for you to settle in. To that end, it might be worth taking a language refresher course.

Are you looking to move to a non-EU country? Find out about the different visa types and which regulations each one calls for. This will help you assess whether your plan to emigrate to that country is realistic. Do you qualify for a permanent visa? If so, your next step is to prepare all the documents you need for your visa application. In many countries, such as Canada and New Zealand, some documents also require a certified translation in the national language.

Most visa types require you to already have a permanent job offer. Have a look at jobs in your country of choice and find out what to include in your job application. In some countries, such as Canada, job references carry more weight than academic degrees, certificates or diplomas. Please remember that your application needs to be written in the country’s local language. To make sure your application is flawless, we recommend having it proofread. You will usually also need to have your certificates and references translated and certified.

Please wait for your visa to be approved before you rent or buy a flat or house in your new country.

Once you have your visa, you can start looking for a place to live! In some countries, such as the USA, you might be better off buying a property. Not only are house prices much more affordable there, but buying is also easier than renting. If you are looking to rent, please make sure you know the following:  

• When is the rent due? Every two weeks or every month?
• Are utilities included in the rent price?
• How much can I expect to pay for electricity?
• Does the house/flat come furnished or party furnished?

Financials are a huge part of any emigration process. Make sure to save money ahead of time so you have a solid foundation. If you are required to apply for a visa, you will need to prove that you have sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses. Add to that the costs for your visa, documents, relocation, etc. You should also have enough money for any unforeseen circumstances that might creep up after you have moved to your new country.