Moving Abroad Guide, Countries, and Checklist

Moving Worldwide

• Germany
• Greece
• Iceland
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• The Netherlands
• Portugal
• Spain
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Israel
• Japan
• Canada
• Costa Rica
• Australia
• New Zealand

Understanding Your Immigration Options

The first thing to consider when planning to move abroad is your reason for relocating. Immigration laws vary by country, but you always have to meet very specific requirements to qualify for a visa. Start by exploring your options: Do you have the qualifications to get a work visa? If not, what other pathways might be available to you?

Moving for Work

The most common reason people move abroad is work: better job opportunities, career growth, or higher salaries. If you have a job offer from a foreign employer, you can apply for a work visa, which allows you to live and work in the country that issued it.

The most common types of work visas are:

• Skilled worker visas. They may go by different names, but the requirements are usually the same: university degree, specialized training, relevant work experience.
• Seasonal work visas. These visas are issued for short-term labor during specific times of the year. For example, during peak tourist season, seasonal visas are issued to hospitality workers.

Work visas are issued to fill gaps in the labor market, so you are more likely to get one if your skills are on the shortage or in-demand occupations list for a specific country.

Moving for Studies

The second most common reason for moving abroad is education. If you are admitted to a university in a foreign country, you can apply for a student visa and move there for the entire length of the study course. Here’s what you need:

• Letter of admission to a university or other educational institution
• Enough money to support yourself. You can usually do this in one of several ways:
  • Bank balance showing enough funds for the entire school year. For example, for Germany, you’ll need €11,904 for the year, whereas for Switzerland the amount is set at CHF 21,000/year.
  • Scholarship covering your tuition, accommodation, and daily living expenses.
  • Sponsorship from a family member, vowing to cover your living expenses while you are studying abroad.
• Language proficiency. You must speak the language that the courses are provided in; the level is determined by the school or the immigration authorities.

Most countries allow international students to work part-time during the semester to supplement their finances, and full-time during semester breaks.

Additionally, it is possible to stay abroad after graduation, if you find a job that qualifies you for a work visa.

Investing Abroad

It is possible to obtain residency in a foreign country if you make a large enough investment. In recent years, programs referred to as “Golden Visas” have gained popularity; these programs allow you to gain residence (and sometimes even citizenship) if you purchase property, invest in a business, or make a government-approved financial contribution.

The investment amount varies by country, but it can range from a few hundred thousand to several million dollars, and you must prove that it benefits the local economy.

Moving for Retirement

If you have sufficient funds to support yourself without working, you can also retire abroad. You can apply for a retirement visa or another immigration pathway for individuals with a passive income. Typically, requirements include:

• A steady pension, retirement fund, or other passive income (e.g., rental properties, dividends).
• Health insurance covering medical expenses in the destination country.
• Proof that you meet the minimum age requirement (varies by country).

Popular retirement destinations include Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Thailand due to their lower cost of living and favorable climate.

Moving as a Digital Nomad

If you work remotely (and earn your income from outside the country you want to live in) you can apply for a digital nomad visa. Common requirements include:

• Proof of remote employment or self-employment.
• A minimum monthly income (e.g., €2,539/month for Croatia, €3,548/month for Portugal).
• Health insurance valid in the country of residence.

Countries offering digital nomad visas include Estonia, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia, among others. These visas allow freelancers, remote employees, and business owners to live in a foreign country without a typical work visa.

Moving for Family Reunification

You can only apply for a family reunification visa if you have immediate family members living abroad. This typically only applies to:

• Spouses and registered partners.
• Dependent children.

Your family member must prove they are financially stable and have suitable accommodation for you in the host country. In many cases, you have to prove that you have

Getting a Visa

Most of the time, moving to another country involves extensive bureaucratic processes, document checklists, and (most likely) one or two trips to the embassy to apply for a visa.

If you know what type of visa you need, your first step should be to research the requirements and application process. Find the closest embassy or consulate for the country you want to move to and browse through their website’s consular services information. That’s where you’ll learn:

• How to make a visa appointment.
• What documents you will need.
• The application process.
• Processing time.
• Visa fees.

In addition to a visa, to live in a foreign country, you need a residence permit. You typically get a residence permit after you move, but it may also be processed together with the visa. This depends on the country you are moving to.

Cost of Living and Finances

Finding Accommodation

When looking for accommodation, check for factors like your proximity to work, public transport, schools (if you have children), and other local amenities. Depending on where you are planning to move to, it is advisable to start looking for accommodation as soon as possible.

Check online real estate listings and expat forums, or work with an agent if possible.

Healthcare and Insurance

There are usually two main options when it comes to health insurance abroad:

• Public insurance. Many countries have standardized health insurance, accessible through social security contributions, and often linked with your employer. Public insurance is usually more affordable, but the downside is the waiting times to receive treatment and limited coverage.
• Private insurance. You can register with a private insurance company, which gives you access to private healthcare in the country you are moving to. Private insurance can be pricier than public, but there are benefits, including shorter waiting times, better hospital rooms, and access to a wider range of specialists. There are local and international insurance providers.

For most visas, you will have to show proof of some sort of health insurance before you apply. You may have to get a short-term private insurance plan to cover you for the initial period of your move before you can register for anything long-term.

Moving Logistics and Settling In

Once all the visas and residence permits have been settled, it is time to focus on one of the more technical aspects of your move: