Becoming an Expat
May 2019   BECOMING AN EXPAT

Becoming an Expat

Making the decision to move abroad isn’t something to be taken lightly. There are plenty of boxes to be ticked, forms to be filled out, and general planning to be done. But where do you start? Unfortunately there’s a little more to it than just packing your bags and jumping on a plane.
Scroll to read

Where to start?

Here are some of the things you’ll need to factor in before you head for pastures new…

Paperwork

First up, visas. Assuming you have a job waiting for you on arrival, then be sure to speak to your employer at your earliest possible convenience about visa support. Some businesses will take care of everything for you, including the costs; but others will leave it up to you. Find out what and how much you need to pay, then budget!

Depending on where you’re headed for, visas and work permits can be a complicated affair. There could be a lot of paperwork, and some countries require you to have a full medical examination (at a cost to you). This can be arranged through your local doctor.

Other factors include a potential Police Clearance Certificate. This can be applicable when travelling to the likes of Australia, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA. The cost can vary, generally between £45-80 (€55-97).
It’s always worth making copies of your original documents too, as embassies have been known to be less than forthcoming when it comes to returning your documents.

Healthcare

Again, this really comes down to where you are going. Some countries provide free state healthcare; however, some do not.

Some companies provide private medical insurance as part of their employee benefit package options. If you are in any doubt, contact your employer and find out the exact details of any cover they are providing. It is vitally important that you have comprehensive health insurance for you and your family. We at Cigna have a wide range of levels of expat medical insurance cover available to protect you in your new homeland, and anywhere else you may be travelling*. Find out more about Cigna Global Health Options insurance here.
Be sure to check the health advice recommendations (including vaccinations etc) for your new country of residence. A handy guide to some of the more popular destinations can be found here.

*certain geographical exclusions may apply depending on level of cover.

Travel

It goes without saying that air travel can be expensive, but it is of course a necessary expense if you are to become an expat. That said, there are some ways to reduce the cost of air travel. Booking a good while in advance generally results in discounts for long haul flights. Be sure to check out baggage allowances for the airlines your considering flying with, as some heavily restrict your weight limit, while others allow you to carry sports equipment for free. Travel insurance is also a must. As well as cost, make sure you’re happy with the whole package of your travel insurance, including things like cancellation cover and baggage cover.

Shipping or Storage?

Just like everyone else, you too will have accumulated much more in the way of possessions than you previously thought. So what do you take with you?
If you’re planning on renting at first in your new homeland, you could consider renting a fully furnished property and put your furniture into storage until you’re settled. You could then arrange to have your belongings shipped over at a more convenient time.

Budget

Given the logistical complexities around moving to another country, it can be easy to lose track of your finances, so adhering to a strict budget is crucial. Try to plan ahead as much as possible, including the little things as much as the big expenses. Be sure to factor in things like: hotels if your new abode isn’t ready yet, local transport prices or the cost of a vehicle, local utility costs, legal documentation costs on arrival, and import tax where applicable on any goods you may be taking with you.
Yes, becoming an expat takes planning and research, but by following the handy steps above, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a fully-fledged expat. But wait, there’s more…

Things you might not have have thought of…

Yes folks, there’s yet more to consider. Becoming an expat isn’t just about ticking all the boxes we’ve laid out above, there are aspects of it that involve being prepared for a mental, emotional and behavioural shift in your lifestyle, now that you’ll be living in another country, for instance, people’s attitudes. People will behave differently from what you’re used to. Attitudes are cultural, so it’s not a case of right and wrong. The conventional ‘have-a-nice day’ attitude popular in places like the USA, may not be replicated in your new home country, so be prepared for something a little different, if the situation calls for it. One of the biggest struggles for new expats is the adjustment to more alone time. Whether you’re just leaving a large group of friends behind, or moving to accompany a partner’s new employment venture, you may find yourself with more free-time, and more alone time than you’re necessarily used to.

There’s no quick fix for this, it comes as part and parcel of making the big move, and it will take a bit of getting used to. Over time, through various social opportunities like Expat communities/support groups, and through daily life, the level of alone time will decrease.

Much like any other big life event, it can be stressful, so a sense of humour is of paramount importance. Be willing to laugh at the situation, and indeed yourself when you get things wrong. Becoming an expat is very much a marathon, not a sprint. The struggles that you face initially will diminish over time. It’ll be an exciting time, so take it all as it comes, don’t expect miracles overnight, and enjoy starting a fantastic new chapter in your life in a new country. 

Related articles
TopTenRetireImage1

Top 10 Retire Abroad Destinations - 2022

Whether it’s adventure or relaxation that you want from your retirement, there are endless opportunities for both in some of the world’s most beautiful countries. Find out what the top 10 retirement destinations have to offer with our list for 2022.

students

International health insurance for students

Making sure your healthcare needs are well provided for when studying abroad will ensure you can relax and enjoy your new life to the full.