A Checklist for Women Moving Abroad to Work

Moving abroad for work is a fantastic way to expand your professional skill set, access more career opportunities, and enjoy exciting new experiences. And while it can be a daunting and challenging process, it’s one that’s very valuable from a personal development perspective.

The best way to minimise stress before a big move is to be prepared, so be sure to tick off these five steps if you’re planning to pursue a new life overseas.

1. Research visa requirements

Securing a visa is one of the most complicated aspects of moving abroad, so begin your research as soon as possible. If you have a job lined up, your employer may be able to advise you on the most suitable visa to apply for. In some instances, your employer may need to submit evidence to support your application.

Consider your long-term plans and how visa laws could affect them. Some can be extended or transferred into permanent residency visas, while others could prevent you from applying for permanent residency in the future. If you haven’t chosen a destination country yet, researching visas could help you decide where to move. For example, Estonia, Iceland, Luxembourg and Germany are some of the easiest countries to secure a work visa.

2. Examine your finances

It’s important to feel confident you’ll be able to support yourself in a new country, so examine your finances carefully and research financial matters in your chosen destination. Look into average living costs and compare them to your current living costs. Ask yourself what kind of salary you’ll need to live comfortably, and research the job market to determine whether that salary is achievable. This information will also help you to negotiate pay with a prospective employer.

You should also research other matters such as tax rates and pension schemes to get an accurate idea of your monthly take-home pay. If you expect to buy a property abroad, either immediately or in the future, research typical interest rates and criteria for loan approval.

3. Learn about local labour right

Each country has unique labour rights and it’s vital you familiarise yourself with the laws of your destination country. When you’re educated about your labour rights, you can make sure your employer is abiding by them and you won’t be faced with unexpected surprises if certain rights you’re used to aren’t applicable in your new job.

If you’re yet to settle on a destination, learning about labour rights in different parts of the world could help you decide where to move. Some countries have significantly better rights for workers than others, making them more suitable for expats looking for a new start in their career. Belgium and Greece are two of the highest-ranked countries when it comes to labour rights, with Finland following closely behind.

4. Budget for moving expenses

Moving abroad can be incredibly expensive depending on how far you’re travelling and what you’re bringing with you. On top of shipping any belongings, you’ll also have to consider the costs of transferring money, hiring storage space and insurance. When importing household goods and vehicles, don’t forget to factor in customs duty and compulsory quarantine costs.

If your move abroad will be temporary, it could be more cost-effective to put your household goods in storage and rent a furnished home. Those making a permanent move should compare average costs of new furniture and appliances in their destination country with the cost of moving their existing goods. If you’re moving abroad because your employer has transferred you or you’ve been headhunted, you might be able to negotiate a relocation package where your employer covers part or all of your moving costs.

5. Connect with fellow expats in your destination country

One of the best ways to prepare yourself for a move overseas is to chat to people who have gone through the process themselves and are living in your destination country. They can share tips, point you towards local resources or services, and even provide practical support to help you get settled in when you arrive.

You can find expat community groups online and via social media. Your employer may also be able to direct you to local expat groups, or it might host its own group if it regularly hires international applicants.