Looking To Move Your Tech Career Abroad? Here Is Everything You Need To Know As A UK Citizen
5 min read
Numbers are increasing each year for Brits moving abroad and there are a few factors for this. There is the obvious one where people are moving for better weather. There is also the current cost of living crisis in the UK and the growing concerns with each political party. It seems to be never-ending in the UK, and there is a constant concern about how the country is going.
If you are considering moving abroad or have already landed yourself a job there, there are a few things to sort out before you make the move.
Research Your Country
If you have already secured your job or you know where your new job is located, you will need to complete research before you move. Researching the country is essential, even if it is just a holiday. This research will help you understand the climate there, transport links, overall living costs and the culture.
Something else you will need to check is the restrictions on moving to that country. For example, what type of visa will you need? Similarly, if you were an immigrant from another country moving to the UK, you would need to speak to immigration solicitors in London to discuss the type of visa you need and what you require.
Entry Requirements
Something else you will need to check is the entry requirements for the country. We briefly discussed this in the previous section; however, there is more than just a visa that you will need. For example, they may require you to speak their language before you can move over there, or you have to have a language course in place for when you arrive.
Once you have checked the legal requirements of moving to another country, make sure that your passport hasn’t expired, so you don’t need to worry about the renewal of your passport as well as everything else.
Consider The Costs Of Moving
Something else you would need to carefully consider is the cost of moving. Moving abroad isn’t going to be cheap, especially if you have a lot of belongings that you need to take with you. Some people would rather just sell everything that they have and use this cushion money, money that will help them get by until they start receiving their wages.
If you are moving your items from home with you to save costs on new furniture, etc., you will have to look at the international shipping fees. Search online for international moving companies that can help get your stuff over there.
Build A Savings Account
Something else that is advised is that you should build your savings account. You will need to spend money once you are there and this will likely be before your first wage. Plus, if you are not bringing your furniture with you, you will also have to worry about the costs of buying new furniture.
Something that you should consider as well is your monthly outgoings. How much is it going to cost you to get through the month? This will include your bills, such as electricity and water. Additionally, you need to remember your food bills as well so look at what the average cost for your food shop would be.
Budgeting and Managing Your Expenses
Now, budgeting is something that you should always be cautious about. Additionally, you may require a visa before you can open a bank account in the country you are moving to. If you can, get a bank account set up before your move, so this is one less thing to worry about. If you have to use your bank account from back home, the issue with this is that you will need to pay extra fees, such as exchange rates, with each transaction.
Something else that you could consider is having an international bank account. This will allow you to receive payments while you are over there and also make payments.
You will need to leave your current bank account open from your home country if there are still fees that you need to pay.
Start Looking At Property
So, your finances are in check, you have a bank account set up, and your visas have been issued. What is next? The exciting part of finding a property overseas can be stressful, but the most exciting part of your big move.
If you have an idea where your job is based, start researching areas nearby where you can live. If your potential new home is going to be far away, then ensure you have good transport links. Additionally, make sure your home is close to a school if you have children as well.
Financing for your property may also be different from how it is in the UK. This can include your house deposit and how much in-front costs are required if you are renting. A property agent will be able to help you with this so get in touch with one who lives in the country you are moving to to ensure you do everything right.
Law Requirements For Work
If you already have a job lined up for your work, you will likely know the visa requirements because the company has told you. However, if you don’t and you are going to move to a country without a job lined up, you should research what is required before you move. You may not be able to get a job in the country if you don’t have a specific work permit or visa.
Be Prepared
Something else that you must consider is whether you will be moving there for the long term. Is this going to be a permanent move, or are you just going to be living there for a few years before you move back home?
If it is a permanent move, consider your pension scheme and how this will work overseas. Check to see if you can move your pension fund before it is too late. The pension scheme could be different in the country that you are moving to so be aware of this.
Summary
Moving to another country for work is life-changing and one that you need to prepare for. There are a lot of legal requirements that you need to ensure you have in place before you move. Funding, visas to live and work there, moving house, schools, pensions, and much more. Make sure you do all of your planning first before you make the move, and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Just ensure that you do the research, make sure that you are happy with the vibe the area brings and will it all go smoothly.