You might move abroad for many reasons. For instance, you may have finally accepted the fact that you need a change of scenery for your career to flourish, or, you may be moving to be closer to friends or family. Whatever the reason, there are a number of hurdles you have to jump over first before you can enjoy the reality of living in a new country.

To help you with this process, whether you’re about to arrange house removals to Spain or are still researching your favourite destinations, we’ve outlined some essential tips that can help you get prepared for a very important process that you can’t afford to get wrong!

1. Have a sober look at your finances

Moving costs money. It’s a simple fact. While you can cut costs and reduce expenditure in various areas, it will almost always cost more than you think. While you are factoring in the costs of moving, travel, food, accommodation, remember that added costs are likely to crop up in various places while you are still adjusting to the local rates.

Things like shopping for food will all become cheaper when you find the right supermarkets or can travel the public transport system in the most economical way. Until that point however, be prepared to pay slightly more than you have budgeted before you are completely settled.

Moving costs also include the visa application, plane tickets, international shipments, housing, and emergencies. Removals to Spain for instance will vary from removal services to other parts of Europe or beyond!

Typically, it is recommended that having six-month’s worth of savings is a good option. We also suggest researching the exchange rate and the cost of living in your new country, and coming up with a monthly budget plan that can be adjusted as you go.

2. Apply for or renew your passport in advance

Before you can apply for a visa, you will need to have a valid passport with enough months left until expiry. Typically, a minimum of six months is required for you to get a visa in some countries, but having more than this is useful in case your plans change somehow along the way and your visa process is delayed.

3. Apply for a visa as soon as possible

If your new company is sorting out your visa…perfect! However, if you are accompanying your partner or are moving to a country before you have sorted employment, you will need to make sure your visa is handled well in advance of your arrival. A number of countries are extremely strict about you doing any form of paid work while you are in their country without the relevant work visa documentation. Others will offer you only a short stay of under 1 month as a tourist before your visa expires.

Take all this into consideration when planning your move and factor in any visa extension costs, or last minute trips across the border to renew your stamps, into your overall budget for moving abroad. You don’t want to get stuck with an invalid visa when you’re trying to secure your next job!

If you are applying for a student visa, you will need to provide a copy of your offer letter from the university and proof that you have enough money to support yourself during the course of your studies. There are all sorts of requirements and regulations regarding visas so make sure you are clued up before you buy your tickets.

4. Look after your health

No matter where you are in the world there is always the risk of you getting sick or injured. Make sure your move plans are not derailed by not having the appropriate travel health insurance or health insurance with a local provider. If you are getting a work visa from your new company, they might provide you with health insurance, but always check that you are covered before you make any assumptions.