Over the past few years, the number of Americans deciding to move abroad to live and work has grown steadily, with an increasing number of people now interested in spending more time living in and exploring different parts of the world.
Currently, more than eight million Americans are now living overseas either due to being stationed there for work by their employer or simply because they found the idea of starting a new life somewhere else appealing.
If you like the idea of starting out somewhere new and want to live somewhere else in the world, your choice of destination is likely going to be one of the first things that you think about. Since relocating or getting a second home overseas is not always easy, we’ve put together some top tips to help you choose the right new place to call home.
Your Living Abroad Experience
Whether you want to buy a home overseas to relocate to permanently or are considering buying a second home somewhere else in the world where you can spend your vacations, the experience that you will have when staying or living in the country is one of the most important things to think about.
Consider the language spoken in the country; are you happy to learn a new language or would you prefer to move somewhere that has English as a first or second language to make settling in easier?
Working Abroad
If you are considering a permanent relocation to somewhere else in the world, finding employment is going to be another hugely important factor to consider. It’s important to consider that in order to move to some countries, there may be rules and regulations that require you to have lived there for a certain amount of time and contributed in taxes before you can purchase a property.
Other countries have strict employment rules for foreigners so it’s important to make sure that you have all the information you need regarding work permits and passes. In most cases, you will need to get an offer of employment before you can get a work visa and start planning your move.
Finding a House
The type of property that you want to buy and the process for purchasing it is another key thing to think about. For example, there are complicated rules in countries such as Singapore when it comes to buying landed houses as a foreigner, but buying a condo or apartment will be much easier for you.
You can find out more about buying properties in Singapore or Malaysia at the number one property site for these countries, Property Guru. Property Guru offers a wide range of local property listings for sale or to rent in Singapore and Malaysia and there is a handy property forum that you can used to get advice.
Visas
Making sure that you have the appropriate visa for living and working in the country you’ve chosen to relocate to is also crucial to think about. It’s important to consider how easy it will be to enter the country that you want to move to and if there will be any restrictions based on your personal circumstances or history.
Once you have come up with a list of some countries that you might be interested in moving to, it’s a good idea to visit their official government website to find out more about the types of visas and permits on offer and check the eligibility requirements to see if you have a chance of being accepted.
If you’re thinking of moving to a country that you have never been to before, it should be easy for you to get a tourist visa so that you can go and visit to decide if it’s the right choice of new home for you.
Cost of Living
You will also need to consider your budget and think about the cost of living in the country that you are thinking about moving to.
Along with budgeting for buying a property in your chosen country, you will also need to think about your potential earnings from employment or self-employment when you are living there and how much you can expect to pay each month in living costs.
When it comes to buying a property, you can get properties for much cheaper prices in some countries compared to others, which might influence your decision.
For example, in Southeast Asia, you are more likely to find cheaper properties in Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand compared to Singapore, which is often significantly more expensive.
Infrastructure
Finally, you should consider the infrastructure of the country before deciding to move there. Research factors such as public transport, capital city facilities, roads, hospitals, schools, and anything else that you are going to need as a new resident.
Moving abroad and buying a new property in another country can be an exciting experience. But with almost the whole world to choose from, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to finding the perfect destination to be your new home.
