Moving Abroad FAQ

It varies greatly by destination and what you're shipping. Budget includes: visa fees ($100-$1000+), flights ($400-$2000+), housing deposits (often 1-3 months rent), moving/shipping costs ($3000-$15000+), and initial setup (furniture, SIM card, etc.). Many people spend $10,000-$30,000 for a complete relocation. Start with research on your specific destination.

Typically 3-6 months from decision to moving day if you're organized. This includes visa processing (1-3 months typically), house hunting (1-2 months), arranging movers, and logistics. Some visas or situations require more time. Start planning early and work backwards from your target moving date.

Research visa requirements, cost of living, job market, housing availability, healthcare quality, cultural fit, and climate. Also consider: proximity to home, time zone differences, internet reliability, social opportunities, and whether the city feels like a place you want to spend 1-5 years.

Yes, but it depends on visa requirements and your financial situation. Many countries offer digital nomad or tourist visas that don't require employment. With savings, you can relocate first and find work after arriving. However, having a job lined up provides security and often helps with visa sponsorship.

Tourist visas (usually 30-90 days) are temporary and don't grant residency rights. Residency visas are longer-term (1-10 years) and require you to follow specific rules (sometimes employment requirements). Residency visa typically means you have work authorization and can use social services. Tourist visas are simpler to get but more restrictive.

Usually yes—most countries require employers to sponsor work visas, proving they need foreign talent. Some countries have special categories (freelance, investor, remote worker visas) that don't require sponsorship. A few countries have points-based systems where you apply independently based on qualifications.

Each country has specific requirements (age, income, education, job offer, investment amount). Check official immigration websites for your target country. For complex cases, consider hiring an immigration lawyer. Websites like Internations and expat forums also share experiences about eligibility.

You typically have options: extend/renew your visa (if eligible), apply for a different visa type, or leave the country. Overstaying is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, or being banned from re-entry. Always manage your visa status carefully and know renewal deadlines.

Most expats rent for their first few years because it's flexible if the move doesn't work out. Renting also requires less capital upfront and legal complexity. Buying makes sense if you're staying 5+ years, have local residency, and plan to stay long-term. Some countries restrict foreign property ownership.

Use international sites (Airbnb, Booking.com for short-term; Immobilien, Idealista, Mercado Libre for permanent), local sites for your country, Facebook expat groups, and real estate agents. Many people also do short-term Airbnb first (1-3 months) while they explore neighborhoods and find permanent housing.

Ship if valuable/irreplaceable (documents, electronics, sentimental items). Buy new if: you have a lot, shipping costs exceed replacement value, or your destination has different electrical standards. Most expats sell/donate bulky items and buy locally. Remember shipping takes 4-12 weeks and costs $3000-$15000+ depending on volume.

Book at least your first 2-4 weeks before arriving so you have a place to land. Many expats do 1-3 months in temporary housing (hotel/Airbnb) while they apartment hunt and explore neighborhoods. This gives you time to adjust and find permanent housing.

Use international job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Internations), reach out to recruiting agencies in your field, network on professional groups, and apply directly to companies. Many employers post expat-friendly positions that sponsor visas. Starting your search 3-6 months before moving gives you time.

Some countries have digital nomad or remote worker visas specifically for this. For others, the legal status is murky—remote work might technically violate visa terms, but it's often overlooked. Always research your destination's specific policies. Having a visa that allows work is safer than relying on tourist visas.

Tax obligations vary wildly. You might owe taxes in both your home country and destination, or neither depending on residency status and tax treaties. Consider consulting a tax professional familiar with international expat tax. Many countries have tax benefits for new residents (usually 5-10 years).

Open a local bank account for salary deposits and daily expenses. Keep your home country account for some funds. Use services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), OFX, or bank transfers for international money movement. Banks often offer terrible exchange rates—use dedicated transfer services for better rates.

Usually 3-6 months for basic comfort, 1-2 years to feel genuinely settled. The first month is exciting, months 2-3 can be tough (homesickness, culture shock), months 4-6 you start feeling normal, and 1 year in you've usually adjusted well. Join communities, make friends, and establish routines to speed adjustment.

Connect with other expats, explore your new city actively, maintain some home traditions, video call family regularly but not obsessively, and give yourself time. Culture shock is normal and temporary. Stay open-minded, be curious about your new culture, and remember why you moved.

Join expat groups (Facebook, Meetup, Internations), take classes (language, fitness, art), volunteer, join professional organizations, use apps (Bumble BFF, Meetup), or connect through hobbies. Be proactive—friendships take effort to build but are worth it. Most expats are also looking for friends.

Yes, if you're staying 1+ years. Start before you move if possible. You don't need fluency—basic conversational skills help enormously with integration, daily life, and making friends. Plus, locals appreciate the effort. Many countries have free or cheap language classes for residents.

CitizenZero has detailed guides for specific cities with cost, visa, housing, job, and lifestyle information. Check our city guides, and use Internations, Expat forums, and Facebook expat groups for your specific destination.

Visit if possible, even for a week. Connect with expats there before moving. Research cost of living, job market, and lifestyle fit. Read multiple expat stories and reviews. Most people who struggle aren't in the wrong city—they're in a mismatch of expectations. Do your research and visit if you can.