It’s great to expand your horizons and dream of moving abroad to work. However, logistically there is a lot to consider. Without adequate planning and preparation, your dream move abroad could quickly turn into a nightmare.
So, what type of things should you think about before applying to work overseas? Here, you’ll discover some of the main factors to consider.
The legalities
The most important thing to familiarise yourself with before applying to work abroad is the legalities.
Did you know that the visa laws completely differ from location to location? For example, some countries may require you to have a sponsor or a defined address to move to before you can be accepted to work. The visa requirements can prove to be pretty complex, so it could be worth seeking advice from an immigration lawyer to ensure you know what you have to do legally.
Other legal issues to consider include setting up a local bank account, and the taxes you’ll need to pay when you move to the country.
Language barriers
Although the majority of countries do speak English, you may need to learn the local language in order to work there. Being bilingual will really help strengthen your application, as well as make it easier to live abroad.
The type of job you’re looking for will impact whether or not learning the local language is essential. For example, customer-facing roles will typically require you to be able to speak the local language fluently.
Health, safety and way of life
Ideally, you’ll want to do as much research as possible before packing up and jetting overseas. In the UK, we’re used to receiving free healthcare. However, did you know that many countries don’t actually have free healthcare? Instead, you may need to take out health insurance just in case anything does go wrong.
It’s also worth looking at the safety of the country. What is the crime rate like in your chosen area? What is the way of life like? The best way to get a feel for the country you’re thinking of moving to is to visit prior to considering moving there. After all, a destination may look totally different online to what it does in person. Similarly, a country may be great to visit on holiday, but not ideal to live in.
There are so many factors you need to think about before you decide whether or not to move abroad to work. The above is just some of the most important considerations to make. Understanding the legalities and seeking advice before you move is the best way to get prepared and ensure the move goes smoothly.
