How to start your moving abroad or emigration process?

There are a lot of things to consider when you want to emigrate to another country. Maybe you already have a concrete plan, or know where to find the right information. If that's not the case, don't worry. Here are some tips to help you start your emigration process.

Emigrate: yes or no?

• It can help to get more self-insight; what are your competencies, your character, strong and weak points and what can be obstacles during the emigration process
• Start an emigration diary, blog or website to document your experiences. All this can be useful in the orientation process, but also for later.
• Read the experiences of other emigrants/expats. Visit emigration events, subscribe for emigration magazines or sign up on emigration forums.

Which destination to choose?

• There are a lot of factors that can influence your decision for a new home country. Your own preferences but also practical matters can play a big role.
• What are the push and pull factors of the destination? What are the immigration policies like, how about the language and culture. How is the healthcare system organised and what is the situation concerning safety and criminality.
• Read through guidebooks, visit websites or get involved in online communities to get answers to these questions.
• If you found good option consider the feasibility of an orientation trip.

What to do in your new home country?

• How are you going to generate income: own business, expat, job, pension? Make an estimation of the minimum salary that is needed to live in another country with your family.
• Check the expat policies at your current employer. If you want to start up your own business, ask for professional legal advice by a legal consultant. And get an insight into (local) insurances for business liability. 
• What kind of activities is your partner going to undertake? Is he or she able to find a local job, are volunteer activities an option?
• Also take into account the extra training, the necessity of learning new skills and the other (work) culture. 

When and how to inform others?

• Discuss the plan with the others involved and respect each other’s positive and negative feelings. Write down the things you discuss, this can be useful for the process or for a later moment.
• Involve your partner or a friend in the process from start to end. Don't forget to involve children, especially the older ones, in this process. Involve your younger children when a decision has been taken.
• Choose someone you trust, who is critical but can motivate. Authorize this person as a signatory to sign documents when you have left, such as tax documents.
• It can also help to talk to people who have been through the same experience.
• After you have taken the most important decisions, inform the people that you are close to. Consider organizing an information meeting. Do not defend yourself but respect all different kinds of reactions and emotions.

If you have experience with emigration and want to share, feel free to leave a comment! Or create your own Worldsupporter account to share your experiences and read the experiences of other emigrants/expats.