What qualities are you seeking in a destination country? Exploring Country Options for Relocating Abroad. Have you (and your immediate family) decided that it's time to explore potential countries for relocating abroad? Perhaps you've realized that you're not satisfied or at peace with life in your current country and are concerned about this dissatisfaction worsening over time; reasons for relocating abroad differences in preferences and behaviors can vary widely between individuals and among different families. Indeed, as far back as a decade ago, a full third of Americans expressed a desire to move abroad, and this was before many of the political upheavals that have occurred in the past ten years.
I'm an experienced counselor who's lived in many countries. I'm creating a series of blog posts about moving overseas to help people thinking about making the move. This blog series can provide information that may not be found in guidebooks.
The decision to expatriate (move to another country) can be a complex journey but generally follows a process where expatriate motivations are formed, evaluated, and ultimately a decision is made. Whether you are in the early or more advanced stages of the process, there are several fundamental country characteristics and considerations regarding the selection of a destination country.
First on the agenda will be to ensure that you (and the relocating family members) each have a current and valid passport. Simultaneously, the process of researching potential destination countries may begin.
Researching the country of interest
During this research phase, you will want to extensively explore the country or countries of interest, including reading informative articles and books, as well as watching videos. You may also find that online communities geared towards expatriates (or "expats") are a particularly helpful resource. By speaking to individuals who have proactively experienced the relocation abroad along with its associated challenges, you will have access to a wealth of information prior to visiting the country.
Considerations regarding the destination country or countries
There are several key considerations you will want to explore while seeking the country that will be ideal for you (and your relocating family).
1. Are there any countries you are considering where you have family or friends?
If there is a country of interest where you already have family or friends, this is a significant advantage and should factor into your decision. Three major points to consider:
a) The presence of family or friends in the destination country translates into a much easier initial exploratory visit to the new country prior to the move. For this initial visit, the loved ones can show you around, providing you with an "insider's perspective" and offering plenty of essential information about the country to assist you in your decision regarding whether this is the right country for you.
b) Family or friends in the new country are an invaluable resource. There is so much to learn: information about local facilities, products, housing, and daily living. Another crucial factor is having a guide to understand the similarities and differences between your home country and the new place you're moving to.
c) Choosing to relocate there also means you'll have a ready-made support network. Starting over in a different country means you will leave behind friends and family, and you'll need to build a new support network in the new country, which is essential for adjustment and happiness there. Already having a support network when you arrive will make the personal transition much smoother for all those involved in the move.
2. How different is the destination country from your country of origin?
One aspect to consider is how similar or different the country is to your current country. For some people (especially newcomers to international travel and those on the less adventurous side), the more divergent the new country is from one's current country, the more challenging the adjustment to the international move might be.
3. Political and economic stability of the destination country
For many folks, the stability of a nation's politics and economy is super important to think about. Part of that stability is its economic stability. Is the country economically well-balanced, or does it have a recent history of severe ups and downs in its economy?
The destination country's political situation and stability will also be important to research. Also, consider whether the overall political climate and values of the country (including whether it is somewhat secular or religious) generally align with your own views. This may also vary widely within a country depending on the region.
4. Crime and personal safety
One important consideration is personal safety and crime. Is the country's crime concentrated primarily in the largest cities, or is it pervasive throughout the country? Also, find out whether the crime in the area of interest is primarily petty theft or rather violent crime. Additionally, some people may want to research the possibility of secure gated communities for expatriates.
5. Climate, weather, and terrain
You will want to assess whether the climate is somewhat similar to what you are accustomed to or whether it is vastly different. Aspects to investigate include temperature, humidity levels, and significant weather changes, as well as the general terrain, (such as flat versus hilly).
6. Healthcare
Healthcare is certainly a significant factor in seeking a country in which to live. You will want to find out the level(s), quality, availability, and costs of medical care. This is crucial for retirees and individuals with particular health issues. Also, for those with medical conditions, be sure to find out if there is a provision regarding pre-existing conditions. Additionally, you will want to find out before traveling to the country if there are any specific vaccinations required or recommended, including COVID-19 testing or vaccinations.
7. Education
Those individuals with young (and school-age) children will be particularly interested in determining the quality of education in the destination country. Public versus private schools, costs, etc., should be researched.
8. Cost of living
A country's cost of living is indeed a significant issue, and for many, this may be one of the determining factors in the country choice. Countries vary widely in cost of living and, even within regions within the same country, such as urban versus rural areas. There is even a growing trend that has been dubbed "lifestyle migration," meaning that a country with a lower cost of living may translate into a more comfortable lifestyle, especially for those on limited incomes.
9. The country's native language, mother tongue, madrelingua…
Certainly, for many people, the country's native language will be a consideration. If the destination country's language is not your own first language, consider your willingness to learn the country's native language. Consider researching online language programs and computer applications that can aid in this process.
10. Property ownership
Different countries have differing regulations regarding property ownership for non-citizens; some countries discourage it while others make property ownership very attractive. In fact, there are countries that offer incentives for foreigners wanting to move to their country and purchase a home or property.
For example, due to the number of younger adults moving from rural areas of Italy to the cities, the Italian government is offering special incentives for buying a home in a rural area. Make sure to carefully review all the details of home incentive programs before signing up! Also, it's always recommended to rent in an area for at least one to two years before buying a home to determine if it's the right area for you.
11. Direct experience with the country
If you have never visited the countries of interest, there is much to learn. After thoroughly researching the country online, all relocating family members ideally should visit the country or countries of interest prior to the move. Of course, for those fortunate enough to hold citizenship (a passport) in more than one country, this may make the decision process easier. However, most individuals will only have a passport from their current country, and therefore they should explore potential destination countries.
12. Seasoned international traveler or novice?
Furthermore, for those who are not seasoned travelers (and especially for those who have never ventured out of their country of origin), ideally, you would want to visit one or two countries that may be potential moving options. It is not advisable to relocate to a country without first visiting it, except in the case of a significant emergency. Expect many differences between one's current country and the new country, many of which you won't experience until you travel there.
Indeed, in part, an international move can be like starting over in one's life. Sometimes this can be exciting and positive, while in other ways (and depending on the individual and country), one may experience a multitude of differences that can be challenging.