Emigrating with children

Are you tempted by the thought of living in another country? Are you perhaps still unsure because emigrating with children seems too risky to you? We will give you special tips and information on emigrating with children to prepare you for this step.

If you intend to move further afield to a country outside the EU, you will need a permanent visa. You also have to make sure that this visa permits you to take family members with you. Most permanent visas allow your partner and children to emigrate with you; however, a distinction may be made between minor and adult children. Find out in advance exactly which visa is suitable for you.

You will need various documents for your visa: one set for yourself and another for your partner and children. You have to be able to prove your partnership. If you are married, a marriage certificate easily takes care of this. If you live together, you can present a joint tenancy agreement, proof of a joint bank account or similar. You will also need your children’s birth certificates. Please note that, for most countries, you will need to have your documents translated and certified.

Emigrating with children also means that you should have a larger financial cushion at your disposal for unforeseen events.  

If you still have very young children, it is important to know what costs are involved in child day-care, baby food, nappies, etc. Be well prepared for how much life will cost you in the future.

If you want to emigrate with school-age children, it is best to find out in advance what school materials, school trips, etc. will cost.  

It is equally important if you plan to emigrate with school-age children to find out in advance what the school system is like in the country in question. Which school is suitable for your child? To what extent will your child’s education until now be recognised? Will your child need to be repeat a school year? Also, talk to your child about how they feel about this. And ideally you will contact the respective school in advance to enquire about all the important aspects.

Early language support for your child is worth its weight in gold when it comes to emigration. Ideally, they should be able to speak and understand the respective language well before emigrating. This way, you guarantee your child the best conditions for integrating easily into their new school.

It may be necessary to have your child’s school reports translated and certified for emigration. Find out in advance what exactly the school needs from you or your child.

If you are looking for an apartment or house for your new life overseas, it is recommended that you consider the area’s suitability for your children. Are there doctors nearby? Is there perhaps a hospital in the area? Where is the nearest childcare facility? Are there other young families in the area? Is there a playground close by? If your child will attend school: is the school within walking distance? Is there a school bus?

It is also best to clarify in advance whether all food, baby food and other things that your child needs are available in the country in question.

An enormously important aspect of emigrating with children is the healthcare situation in your chosen country. Find out whether there is statutory health insurance and what exactly it covers. Do you need certain medications? Find out if these are available in the respective country and whether you have to pay for them yourself.

If you have small children, it is important to know whether the important paediatric milestone check-ups are offered in the other country and if you have to pay for these yourself.

Especially when you are emigrating with children, it is important to make new acquaintances quickly. Maybe you can make contact with like-minded expats beforehand. The best way to do this is via social media, forums and portals. Help your children integrate: arrange playdates with other parents and their children, go to the playground or to events where you can meet other families.