Five things you need to know if you're planning on moving abroad in 2023

Living abroad is a dream many people share. However, this is a life goal that requires planning and attention to some specific points. What kind of Visa will you be needing? Is this a temporary change or will you be moving indefinitely? Are you moving on your own or will you be joined by friends, family or a partner? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself when thinking of moving abroad. 

In this article, we'll disclose 5 things you need to keep in count if you're thinking on living abroad in 2023. 🌏🛫👜
 

1 - Let's start with the Visa and its requirements

One thing you need to be aware of is that, if you're planning on moving abroad, you'll probably need a specific Visa that will change your status from tourist to resident.

¡Be careful! Moving to another country requires investigation, and besides checking the requirements you'll have to verify, for example, if the Visa has to be applied to while you're still in your country of origin (through a local embassy or consulate), or if you can travel as a tourist and change your status to resident once you're there. 

Here is an example:

Until February 12th 2022, people who wished to emigrate to Chile could travel directly to the country and change their status from tourist to resident once they were there. However, the Chilean Government published an actualization to the country's immigration laws on its official newspaper, establishing that from then on, people wishing to move to Chile would have to apply to a Visa before traveling. 

Are there any exceptions? Yes! People who have a bond with a Chilean citizen (mother, father, children) or with a foreigner with a definite Visa can still travel to Chile and apply to a Visa once they've arrived.

2 - Let's talk finances💰

That's right! If you're moving to a country before getting a job there, it is important that you have at least a 6 month budget. This, because you'll have to face the local bureaucracy to process your paperwork before being able to work there. If you're wondering what you should consider when calculating how much economic solvency you'll need, here is a list:

➡️ At least 6 months worth of rent + guarantees, rent commission, etc.;

➡️ Food expenses (weekly, monthly);

➡️ Documentas/Paperwork/Visa, etc;

➡️ Transportation;

➡️ Phone service expenses;

➡️ Internet and cable;

➡️ Extras (going out, free time, etc).

Remember that the expenses mentioned are just a few of the ones you might have when living abroad. It is recommended to have an established amount for emergencies in case you face any accidents or unexpected expenses. 
 

3 - Let's talk about your health

If you're planning on staying outside you're country for a long or indefinite period of time, it's important that you count with international health insurance. For these cases, travel insurance is not recommended since they are designed for a short and defined period of time that doesn't exceed three months.

Different than travel insurance, which cover you in case of emergencies such as baggage lost, fight cancellations or delays, medical insurance will cover you on a daily basis, covering even day to day attentions like preventive check ups.

Also, some insurance companies offer coverage for mental health services, such as consultations with a therapist or psychiatrist, and even cover more complex situations like cancer detection and treatment. 

Why it is not recommended to emigrate without international health insurance?

First of all, you have to remember that your destination country could require you to have medical insurance in order to approve your Visa. On the other hand, paying for medical treatment or attention in a different country will probably be expensive. We're talking about having to pay even thousands of dollars in the USA or euros in Europe. 

Keep in count that having medical insurance is a way of preventing unexpected expenses in case of accidents or emergencies, and of having the tranquility you need knowing you'll be insured no matter where you go. 

InternationalHealth can help you find the best medical insurance for you!

On InternationalHealth.com you'll be able to find, compare and hire the best option for you, no matter what your destination is. You'll also get excellent advisory from our team of experts. 

4 - Do I have to declare I'm leaving my country?

What many don't know is that if you're going to be out of your country for a long period of time, you'll have to let the government know that you're leaving. That way, you'll save your self some trouble in common situations such as:

➡️ Double taxation (paying taxes in both countries**);

➡️ Not being able to vote. In general, you can ask to change your residence in order to vote abroad. In Brasil, for example, if you change your polling place to another country, you'll only have to vote every 4 years for president;

➡️ You must check if not declaring you're leaving the country can be reflected on topics such as document renovations (like passport), etc. 

** We advise you to get informed about the legislation in your country.

5 - Living abroad is a constant adaptation process

That's right! The truth is emigrating abroad is a constant adaptation process in a general way, because you're arriving “at your neighbor house” and you'll have to learns everything about their customs, traditions, history and more. 

It's important to study all these points before moving abroad to make sure you “match” with your destination and if it'll be easy to get adapted. 

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