Are you dreaming of sunnier skies, a slower pace of life, or a bold new adventure in a foreign land? You are not alone. Thousands of people pack up their lives every year in search of pastures new. However, moving abroad is more than just buying a plane ticket and packing a suitcase. It is a major life event that requires meticulous planning and a cool head.
Before you take off, there are practical considerations you need to work out. This helps to ensure your dream move doesn’t turn into a logistical nightmare. Here is everything you need to know before you make the leap. This includes navigating complex visa bureaucracies and deciding what to do with your beloved car or caravan.
1. Visas and Residency
The days of simply showing up and settling down are largely behind us, especially for UK citizens looking to move to Europe post-Brexit. One of the very first hurdles is determining what kind of visa you can get in your chosen country.
If you rely on a standard tourist visa, you may only be permitted to stay for 90 days out of every 180 (the “Schengen shuffle”). If you are looking for permanence, you need to look for something more beneficial.
- Work Visas: Do you have a job offer? Many countries require sponsorship from a local company before you can even apply.
- Digital Nomad Visas: Countries like Spain and Portugal have introduced visas for remote workers. This allows you to live there while earning income from abroad.
- Retirement Visas: If you are hanging up your work boots, look into "Non-Lucrative Visas". These require proof of passive income or substantial savings.
Always check the expiration dates on your passport. Many countries require at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
2. Do You Rent or Purchase a Home?
Finding a home in a new country can be difficult, primarily because you may not know exactly where you want to live in the long run. Buying a property immediately is a high-risk strategy unless you know the area intimately.
Most seasoned expats opt to rent for a bit, usually six to twelve months, and then choose a home once they feel more comfortable in the country. This “try before you buy” approach allows you to discover the nuances of different neighbourhoods. For instance, the reality of the commute, the local noise levels, and more.
If you do choose to rent, be sure to use a reputable Estate Agent from the country. They will be most familiar with the laws and regulations for expats, which can differ significantly from those for locals. For example, in some countries, you may be asked to pay six months of rent upfront if you don’t have a local financial history.
If you eventually decide to buy, be aware of restrictions. Depending on the country, you may be allowed to purchase only certain types of properties (e.g., in designated tourist zones). Also, you may need to bring in a certain amount of capital into a local bank account before you can sign the deed.
3. Where’s the Money Coming From?
The romantic notion of “figuring it out when I get there” is a recipe for stress. Will you be permitted to work as an expat? In many countries, working without a specific visa is illegal and can lead to deportation.
You may opt to work online, so you aren’t tethered to one particular location. For some expats, this is the most practical and flexible option. However, you must clarify your tax residency.
- Tax Residency: If you spend more than 183 days in a country, you generally become a tax resident there. You should understand the Double Taxation Treaties between your home country and your new home to avoid paying tax on the same income twice.
- Currency Fluctuation: If your income is in Sterling but your rent is in Euros, a drop in the exchange rate effectively gives you a pay cut. Consider using currency exchange brokers rather than banks to transfer your pension or salary. They often offer better rates and can "lock in" rates for you.
4. Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare systems vary wildly. In some nations, public healthcare is free and excellent; in others, it is non-existent for non-citizens.
- Private Health Insurance: This is often a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa. Even if it isn't, relying on local public hospitals without speaking the language can be daunting.
- Prescriptions: If you take regular medication, check if it is legal and available in your destination. Brands differ, and some common over-the-counter drugs in the UK are prescription-only elsewhere.
5. Which Moving Company?
Perhaps the most physically demanding part of the process is the move itself. Will you be moving your furniture and belongings with you? If so, you will need to decide on a moving company that is able to move across borders and is familiar with your specific needs.
You may find it simplest to haul everything you want to take with you and have it professionally transported to your destination. This includes the car, caravan, or even a boat.
- Choosing the Right Mover: Choose a moving company with an excellent reputation. They can provide you with everything you need on your journey. This is not the time for a "man with a van" found on social media. You need a company with an Operator’s Licence for international haulage.
- Customs Expertise: Since Brexit, moving goods to Europe involves complex customs paperwork. The driver should be able to handle border guards with ease. Also, you should be guided through the paperwork (inventory lists, transfer of residence relief forms). This helps to ensure everything arrives safely at your new home without unexpected tax bills.
- Specialist Items: Are you moving a classic car to the South of France? A caravan to a park in Spain? Make sure your haulier specialises in vehicle transport. This helps to ensure they have the correct insurance and equipment (like low-loaders) to handle your "toys" safely.
6. The Culture and Language Gap
Finally, prepare for the culture shock. It is the little things that often frustrate new expats. For instance, shops closing for siestas, bureaucracy that requires wet-ink signatures, or a lack of orderly queuing.
- Learn the Language: Even a basic grasp of the local language will transform your experience from one of isolation to integration. The locals will appreciate the effort, even if you make mistakes.
- Community: Join local expat forums, but don't live in a bubble. Make an effort to befriend locals to understand your new home truly.
Summary
There are endless things to worry about when you move abroad. That said, if you have these basics down, visas, housing, finance, healthcare, and logistics, you’ll be able to make the move fairly smoothly. This is particularly true if you choose the right people to work with as you make your move.
Are you planning an overseas move? SG Haulage can help you get your belongings from here to there, no matter how big or small. Whether you are moving a full household, a caravan, or a vehicle to Spain, Portugal, or France, we have the heavy haulage expertise to get it there safely.
Contact us today for a quote and let us take the weight off your shoulders.