Moving abroad is as exciting as it gets. But it's also a big and complex life decision with many layers. You need to think about several key things to make sure you're moving to the right place. Understanding the cost of living, considering taxation, healthcare, the local job market, and dozens of other life-changing factors is crucial before you pack your bags.
I'll walk you through 11 key things to consider before deciding where to move.
This list will help you understand the many factors at play and make an informed choice.
Whether you're seeking better job opportunities or a fresh start, knowing what to look for is essential. This detailed guide is tailored to help you figure out what's important so you don’t miss some critical pieces of the puzzle when making your move.
#1: Legal and Visa Requirements
Before packing up, it's crucial to consider the legal aspects of moving. It's not just about picking a destination. It's about knowing whether you can actually move and work there. So, understanding visa requirements and legal processes is key.
Key Things to Consider About Legal and Visa Requirements
Different countries have different legal and visa requirements for people wanting to live and work there. Here's a list of questions covering all the things you should consider:
Do you have the legal right to live and work in your target destination? If so, what documentation do you need to prove it? What documentation should you have prepared? If not, what options do you have to obtain the legal right to work in your target location?
If you need a visa, how can you get it? What are the visa requirements? How long does the visa application process take, and how difficult is it to obtain one? What are the costs?
What are the residency requirements? Are there minimum stay requirements or other conditions you must meet to maintain your residency status?
Should you hire a legal expert or immigration lawyer to help you navigate the process?
#2: Cost of Living
The cost of living is a crucial factor when considering moving abroad. For example, different European countries have different price tags. What might be a comfortable amount of money to live in Southern or Eastern Europe may not be enough even to cover the rent in Northern and Western Europe. (Yes, the cost of living really is that different!)
The affordability of your new home can make or break your experience. Here's what you need to consider to get a clear picture.
Key Things to Consider About the Cost of Living
One of the biggest chunks of your budget will go towards housing and utilities. Your day-to-day expenses, including groceries, transportation, and healthcare, can vary greatly depending on the location. Plus, you have to watch out for hidden costs that might sneak up on your budget.
To ensure you're taking all these things into consideration, answer the following questions:
What are the average housing costs in your target destination? How much can you expect to pay for rent or a mortgage for the type of housing you're looking for? What are the additional costs, such as utilities and maintenance fees?
How do groceries and daily necessities compare to your current location? What is the cost of common food items, household supplies, and personal care products? How much would you need to spend per week or month on these items?
What are the transportation costs? How much does public transportation cost? What are the costs of owning and maintaining a car, including fuel, insurance, and parking?
How do entertainment and leisure costs compare? What are the average prices for dining out, going to the movies, attending cultural events, or other leisure activities you enjoy?
What are the local taxes and mandatory contributions? Are there income taxes, property taxes, or other local taxes that you need to consider? What are the social security or pension contribution requirements?
Are there any hidden costs? Is there something you might need to pay for every month that isn't a typical cost?
#3: Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare and insurance certainly aren't on the list of most exciting things to sort out when moving abroad. But they are a necessity. And it's definitely better to think about them before you actually need them.
Whether you're young and healthy or have ongoing health conditions, knowing what to expect regarding healthcare before moving abroad can save you tons of time, money, and stress.
Key Things to Consider About Healthcare and Insurance
How does the healthcare system work in your target destination? Is it public, private, or mixed? Are you eligible to use public healthcare services, and what are the requirements?
What is the quality and accessibility of healthcare services? How do local healthcare facilities and providers rank in terms of quality and service? Are there any language barriers that might affect your ability to receive care?
Is health insurance mandatory, and what does it cover? Are you required to have health insurance, either public or private? What are the costs? What medical services and treatments are covered under the available insurance plans?
What are the procedures for emergency medical care? How do you access emergency medical services, and what are the associated costs? Are there specific emergency numbers or procedures you need to be aware of?
What vaccinations or health checks are required or recommended? Are there mandatory vaccinations or health checks for residents and new arrivals? What preventive care measures should you consider before and after moving?
Pro tip: Healthcare and insurance could be a part of your compensation package. If not, you can always try negotiating them. To make the most of your move abroad, follow this salary negotiation guide for expats with tips on negotiating additional benefits.
#4: Job Market and Economic Opportunities
Choosing where to move abroad isn’t just about picturesque landscapes and cultural experiences. Sure, that's a nice side of it. But it doesn't mean much if you cannot comfortably live there.
So, deciding where to move abroad is actually about making sure you can find good job opportunities and a strong economy to support your new life.
This section will help you understand what to look for in the job market.
Key Things to Consider About Job Market and Work Opportunities
What is the employment rate in your target destination? How competitive is the job market in your field? What are the average salaries for your profession?
Are there language requirements for jobs in your industry? Is fluency in the local language necessary, or can you get by with English or another language?
What is the demand for your skills and experience? Are your qualifications and experience in high demand? Are there specific sectors or industries where you have better job prospects?
What is the work culture like? How do work hours, vacation policies, and workplace expectations differ from what you’re used to? Are there significant cultural differences that might affect your work life? How supportive is the local market in terms of career progression?
Remember—job searching as an expat comes with a unique set of challenges. To know exactly what to expect, see the full list of pros and cons of job searching as an expat.
#5: Taxation
Everybody loves taxes, right? Love them or hate them, we can't ignore them. And before deciding where to move abroad, you should definitely know what to expect tax-wise, since taxes can significantly affect your budget and lifestyle.
From income tax to property tax and everything in between, each country has different tax rules. Here's what you need to know about taxation abroad to avoid any nasty surprises.
Key Things to Consider About Taxation
What is the income tax rate in your target destination? How are income taxes structured (progressive, flat, etc.)? Are there any tax brackets or thresholds you should be aware of?
Are there any tax treaties between your home country and your new country? Is there a double taxation agreement to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income? How can you benefit from such treaties?
Are there any tax incentives for expats? If so, what are the requirements? Are you eligible for these tax incentives?
Is there an exit tax? If you decide to move away, are there any taxes you should pay or continue paying after you've moved out of the country?
Should you hire a tax advisor or accountant? Would professional assistance help you navigate the tax landscape more effectively? If so, what are the costs?
#6: Safety and Security
Safety and security are paramount when considering a move abroad. Feeling secure in your new home is essential for your peace of mind and overall well-being.
While every country has its unique safety challenges, being informed and prepared can help you navigate and enjoy your new surroundings confidently.
Let's break down what to consider regarding safety and security in various countries.
Key Things to Consider About Safety and Security
What is the crime rate in your target destination? How do crime rates compare to your current location? Are there specific areas to avoid or where extra caution is advised?
How responsive and effective are the emergency services and local law enforcement agencies? What is the police presence like in your new area?
What are the common types of crime? Are there specific crimes, such as pickpocketing or burglary, that are more prevalent? What precautions can you take to protect yourself from these crimes? How do locals typically ensure their safety?
How safe is public transportation? Are there particular safety concerns related to buses, trains, or taxis? What measures can you take to stay safe while using public transportation?
What is the political stability of your new country? Are there any ongoing political conflicts you should be aware of? How might political issues impact your daily life and safety?
Are there specific health and safety concerns? Are there any local health risks, such as diseases or environmental hazards? What precautions should you take to protect your health and safety?
Is the area you're moving to prone to natural disasters? Can you expect earthquakes, floods, or harsh winters? If so, how can you prepare?
#7: Quality of Life
When deciding where to move abroad, quality of life should be one of your top priorities. Quality of life can affect your overall happiness, health, and well-being.
Let's dive into the different aspects that define the quality of life.
Key Things to Consider About Quality of Life
What is the work-life balance like? How do average work hours and vacation policies compare to your current situation? Are there strong labor laws protecting your right to a balanced lifestyle?
What are the recreational and cultural opportunities? What types of leisure activities are available, such as parks, sports, and arts? Are there local festivals, events, and cultural experiences you can enjoy? What are the costs of all these activities?
What is the quality of education and childcare? If you have children, what are the local schools and childcare facilities like? Are there opportunities for continuing education and personal development?
How welcoming is the community? How open and friendly are locals to newcomers? Are there expat groups or social clubs to help you integrate?
#8: Climate and Weather
Have you noticed how the weather affects your daily life and overall well-being? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing, and it shows how the weather directly impacts our mental health.
Whether you love sunny beaches, snowy mountains, or mild, temperate zones, understanding the climate of your potential new home is key. From the practicality of what clothes to pack to how the weather impacts local activities, getting a good grasp on the climate can help you prepare better and adapt more quickly.
Key Things to Consider About Climate and Weather
What’s the overall climate like? Is it tropical, temperate, arid, or something else? What are the average temperatures throughout the year?
How extreme is the weather? Are there significant seasonal changes? Do you need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, blizzards, or heatwaves?
How can the weather affect your daily life? Are there any weather-related lifestyle changes you'll need to make? Do you have any health issues affected by climate, like asthma or arthritis, that could impact your condition?
What’s the air quality like? Is air pollution a concern? How does air quality vary with the seasons?
#9: Transportation and Connectivity
Even though often overlooked, transportation and connectivity are key factors that can greatly affect your daily life. Whether you’ll be commuting to work, exploring your new city, or traveling across the continent, understanding the local transportation options is crucial.
So, before you buy a one-way ticket, consider all things transportation.
Key Things to Consider About Transportation and International Connectivity
What international transportation options are available? Are there major international airports nearby? What are the available international train and bus routes?
How frequent are international flights and trains? Are there direct flights to major global cities? How often do international trains and buses run?
What are the costs of local and international travel? How affordable are flights and train tickets to neighboring countries? Are there budget airlines or discount train services available?
How accessible are transportation hubs? How easy is it to reach airports, train stations, and bus terminals from your home? Are there reliable transportation options to get to these hubs?
#10: Language and Cultural Barriers
Understanding language and cultural barriers is crucial when deciding where to move abroad. These elements shape daily interactions, social integration, and overall comfort in your new home.
Whether you're fluent in multiple languages or just starting to learn, knowing the local language and cultural norms can significantly impact your experience.
Key Things to Consider About Language and Cultural Barriers
What is the primary language spoken? How fluent do you need to be in the local language for daily interactions? Are there areas where English or other languages are commonly spoken?
How prevalent are language barriers in professional settings? Do you need proficiency in the local language for your job or business? Are there industries or companies where English is commonly used?
What are the key cultural norms and etiquette? What are the social customs and traditions you should be aware of?
How do locals perceive foreigners? Are locals generally welcoming and open to foreigners? What are the common stereotypes or misconceptions you might encounter?
#11: Expat Community
Finally, before you move abroad, consider the expat community. As someone who’s been through the process more than once, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have a supportive expat network.
Knowing what to expect in terms of expat communities can make a huge difference in your life abroad.
Key Things to Consider About the Expat Community
How many foreigners and expats live in your target country?
What is the composition of the expat community? Are there people from your home country, or is it a diverse group from various backgrounds? How does this diversity impact the community experience?
How accessible is the expat community? Is it easy to find and join these groups? Are there online forums or social media groups that can help connect you?
What is the interaction between the expat community and locals? Do expats integrate well with the local population? Are there initiatives to bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual understanding?
If you're looking for countries with lots of expats, check out this list of the 10 best European countries for expat women.
Also, remember that your community isn't limited to expats. To expand your social circle before and after moving abroad, follow this practical networking guide for job seekers.
Where to Find All This Information
Now that you know all the things you should consider and questions you should ask yourself when deciding where to move abroad, one big question remains: Where to find all the answers?
Here are the main sources of information:
Official governmental sites: These are your go-to for the official details. They have all the info you need on visas, residency, taxes, and healthcare straight from the source. It’s the most reliable place to get the rules and regulations you'll need to know.
Numbeo: This one-of-a-kind site is super handy for comparing costs and quality of life between different cities. You can check out everything from how much it’ll cost to live there to how safe it is, all based on what other users have shared.
Expat groups on Facebook: These are like having a bunch of friends who’ve already been where you’re headed. You can ask questions, get recommendations, and hear about their personal experiences living in your new destination. Wondering how to find these groups? Just enter "expats in X," with "X" being your target location and Facebook will suggest relevant groups. As simple as that!
Reddit and other forums: Places like Reddit have dedicated communities where expats share their stories and advice. You can dive into discussions, find answers to your questions, and get a feel for what life is really like in your new home.
Personal connections: Talking to friends, family, or acquaintances who’ve lived abroad in your target location can be incredibly useful. They can share their firsthand experiences and offer tips that you won’t find anywhere else, helping you get a better handle on what to expect.
So, How to Decide Where to Move Abroad?
Moving abroad is a massive decision, and there's a lot to think about. From understanding local taxes and safety to considering the quality of life, climate, language, and transportation, every factor matters.
Make sure to weigh all these things to consider before deciding where to move. Your choice will impact your happiness, safety, and overall quality of life. Take your time, do your research, and choose a place that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle.
With the right preparation, you'll set yourself up for success and be ready to take the leap with confidence and peace of mind.
Matilda & Ana
Hi there! We're Matilda and Ana — the founders of MoreThanCareers, expats, international corporate recruiters, and HR professionals with 18+ years of combined HR experience. Since 2018, our career-building techniques, tools, and resources have helped over 500 coaching clients and 10,000 professionals worldwide land new, more fulfilling, higher-paying, and career-changing jobs.
Now it's your turn. And MoreThanCareers is here to help!