Our sister site over at RHJ Accountants have recently written an article discussing moving abroad with your family & how daunting it can be – but it doesn’t have to be.
With the right preparation and a bit of research, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this blog post, we’ll give you 7 tips for moving abroad with your family. To help make your move abroad as smooth and stress-free as possible. From researching the culture and customs of your destination country to budgeting for your new life, we’ll help you take the guesswork out of moving abroad with your family.
If you would like to read more from RHJ Accountants, click here
Do your research
Travelling abroad with your family is a major decision. Before relocating to a new home, it is important to do your research and make sure that the move will be beneficial for everyone. You should plan out where you might live, decide which visa would be the best fit for you and your family, and look into connecting with a law firm or accountancy firm that can help you manage your new life abroad.
Researching insurance options should also be a priority, as it is essential to make sure you are covered in your new home. RHJ Accountants are part of a wider group, so we can offer all the necessary services for relocating abroad; and if we can’t our associates can! Our services include –
Consider your children’s needs
Moving abroad with your family is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to take the time to consider your children’s needs before taking the plunge. Have a conversation with them to get their feedback on the decision and take their thoughts into account when making final plans.
Think about factors like the location of the new home and what kind of school they’d prefer to attend. It might also be beneficial to research extra-curricular activities in the area that may interest them. When travelling, be sure to plan ahead for any potential challenges that could arise during the journey. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and activities for kids, and pack some comfort items from home that can help ease any feelings of homesickness.
Factor in the cost of living
Before you make the decision to move abroad, it’s important to factor in the cost of living. This includes your monthly income and how much you’ll be spending on energy bills, groceries, transportation, housing and other expenses. Consider whether or not you have sufficient income to be able to afford your potential new home and lifestyle.
It’s also important to understand that energy costs may increase or decrease depending on where you’re moving. For instance, energy bills have recently risen in the UK, so if you’re moving away from there, you may find that the cost of living is lower than what you’re used to. On the other hand, some countries have higher energy costs than others, so it’s important to look into this before you make the move.
Overall, it’s best to compare the cost of living between different countries before deciding to move abroad. Doing this will help you gain an understanding of what it will cost to live in your new home and determine if it will be a feasible option for you and your family.
Learn the language
One of the most important factors to consider before moving abroad is learning the language of the local people. Even if you just pick up some basic phrases and words, it can make a huge difference to your time living in a new country. Knowing some key phrases like ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ will enable you to converse with locals and build relationships with those around you.
Once you have settled in your new home, it would be a great idea to take language lessons or at least try to immerse yourself in the culture and language of your new home. Many countries have language classes available for people of all ages and these can be a great way to learn the basics of the local language and connect with other people in the community.
It can also help to regularly get out and about in your new area, engaging with locals and trying to understand their language and culture. This could be done through attending local festivals, visiting restaurants, joining clubs, or even taking part in day trips outside of the city you are living in. Learning the language of your new home is an important step before moving abroad and also something to embrace once you have arrived. It will help you to interact with locals, understand the culture and make meaningful connections with those around you.
Sort out your visa situation
Before taking the big step to move abroad, it is essential to research and understand the visa requirements of the destination country.
If you are an EU resident, you have access to the Schengen area and other EU countries, although you should still check on the visa requirements of each country. For non-EU residents, the visa requirements vary from country to country and you will need to meet certain criteria to obtain a visa. It is important to stay up to date with any changes in immigration laws that may affect your ability to obtain a visa in the future.
If you are planning on moving abroad, it is best to speak to a professional who can provide guidance and advice on the visa application process. RHJ Law can help you apply for visas in Portugal, Malta or the UAE. We have a team of experienced lawyers and immigration advisors who are familiar with the application process, making sure that your visa application is filed correctly and in accordance with the relevant laws. With our help, you can be sure that your visa application is completed quickly and successfully.
Make sure you have health insurance
Before relocating abroad, it’s important to consider the different health insurance options which are available to you.
Health insurance is a crucial aspect of living overseas, as if you were to become ill, having insurance in place will ensure that you can access medical services without complications. We can provide a service which reviews multiple insurance providers and helps you find the option which best suits your situation. It’s important to ensure that the provider you choose covers all eventualities, including emergency care and hospital visits. Don’t forget to check the small print when deciding on your plan.
Stay in touch with loved ones back home
In today’s modern age, it is easier than ever before to stay connected with your family and friends back home. Video calling services such as Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom make it easy to keep up with your loved ones wherever you may be. Having regular video calls with your family and friends can help reduce homesickness, and create a feeling of connectedness.
If you are planning on hosting friends and family members during visits to your new country, it is worth thinking ahead about what type of house you would like to rent or buy abroad. Make sure that the space has enough room for visiting family and friends and consider amenities such as Wi-Fi access so you can make those all-important video calls. We can help you find a suitable property abroad, and are happy to liaise with our real estate associates to find you the perfect fit!
