What You Need to Know About Moving Outside of the US
With the job market increasing on a global scale, more and more people are looking to move abroad. Whether the motivation stems from escaping the United States or the attraction of a foreign land, there are some tasks that need to be taken care of during the move. Here are a few things you need to know about moving outside of the US.
1. Visas
Visas are the permission granted by a sovereign nations to a traveler permitting entry for a specific purpose (Travisa). Visas range in focus from work-permits, family reunion, studying and more. Furthermore, each country has their own visa requirements. The United States has good diplomatic relationships with most countries in the world, making the visa process much easier for US citizens. When moving abroad, it is important to figure out what kind of visas are required and to apply on time with the relevant papers and information.
2. Finding Employment
Perhaps the most important aspect of living abroad is finding employment. Although living outside of the US may be cheaper in the long run, the transition may require some investment. Having a secure job also helps to ease the visa process as governments are more likely to entertain foreigners who have financial means to support themselves. A job can also help secure a visa as many employers abroad will support the whole process. This saves money and time in the long run as foreign bureaucracies aren’t the most fun to deal with. However, make sure you have the right paperwork to work in that country. In the US, maintaining Form I-9 compliance shows the federal government that you are eligible to work (JDP). When you’re finding a new job abroad, bear in mind that foreign employers may require their own proof of approval to work in that country.
3. Taxes
After taking care of the visas and employment search, there are still more things to take care of. Even though you may be living abroad, Uncle Sam still wants a piece of that paycheck. Yes, that is correct. The United States is one of the only countries in the world to tax their citizens even while living outside of the country. It may be helpful to contact a legal professional in this area as expat taxes aren’t the easiest to handle. You will also be taxed in the new country in which you reside. Unless you work in the freelance sector, however, your current employer should take care of this.
4. Finding a Place to Live
House or apartment hunting is stressful enough within the US, let alone abroad. It is advisable to find a local who can show you the ropes of apartment hunting in their country. There are also several helpful websites online like TravBuddy and TravellersPoint that can provide the inside scoop. Expat communities within the foreign country like InterNations are also a great resource as these people have been through a similar process.
