In a hyper-globalised world where technology and remote working conditions are continuously evolving, moving abroad is easier than it has ever been before. Deciding to pack up your life and settle down in a foreign country is no easy task, and it can be challenging to know whether this is the right call for you. Perhaps you’ve received an exciting new job offer, want to move closer to friends or family living abroad, or want to expand your worldview by exploring a different country and culture — whatever your reason for wanting to move abroad, you are most likely wondering whether the adventure will be worth the stress that comes with global relocation.
At Claymore Thistle, we are big advocates for challenging the limits of your comfort zone! In this article, we will take a look at the main reasons why people decide to move abroad to give you some insight into the global relocation journey.
A new job or company transfer
Work is one of the most prominent reasons why people move overseas. This could be due to a company transfer, a new job opportunity, or a complete career change. Some countries are better suited for certain jobs and skills, which may inspire someone to set up camp elsewhere to advance their career. Thanks to the rapid increase in remote and online working opportunities over the last few years, you may not need to relocate to a different country immediately (or at all) to start working in a particular role — depending on your line of work, of course. Yet a new job might be just the sign you have been waiting for to kickstart your relocation journey!
Family or a significant other
Next up, a person may choose to move abroad if they want to reunite with family or perhaps accompany a partner who is relocating overseas for work. This includes parents who want to live closer to their children (and vice versa), families who have gotten split up due to work, study, or financial reasons, and couples who do not want to live apart. Many countries offer family and partner visas for people who want to relocate without having a local job or a different mode of legal entry into the country.
Study opportunities
Education is a major reason why people choose to move overseas, whether permanently or only for a short period. This pertains to both international students as well as parents who want to send their children to school in a particular location to learn a specialised set of skills or master a certain language. In terms of tertiary study, many universities are popular among international students due to the quality of education and the potential for cultural immersion. Oftentimes, international students living abroad come to love their temporary home so much that they end up staying forever!
Better living conditions
Moving abroad in pursuit of a higher quality of life is a common reason for wanting to relocate. An increase in income, a decrease in living expenses, a safer environment, better work and study opportunities, more stable economic and political conditions, less inequality, less pollution, a more exciting cultural scene… These are all motivating factors that may inspire someone to relocate to a different city or country.
Lifestyle choices
Choosing a relocation destination based on lifestyle preferences is especially common among the younger generation of travellers. Online work and the growth of the freelance economy have enabled a whole new lifestyle for remote workers, who have the freedom to choose where they want to live regardless of the location of their employer. Foodies and music fans may find that European countries tend to all of their social and cultural needs, while adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts may be more drawn to southern Africa and the Asia Pacific region. If your working scenario allows for it, you can effortlessly tailor your life according to your unique lifestyle choices!
Cultural experience
Finally, many people decide to move abroad because they are looking for a new challenge or cultural experience. Relocating to a different country marks a major change in anyone’s life. When feeling uninspired or stagnant in a job, relationship or particular setting, a person may experience the urge to ‘start over’ somewhere else. While moving abroad won’t solve all your problems, it will certainly launch you into an exciting new phase of your life. A person or family may also decide to relocate elsewhere when a particular chapter in their lives has come to an end. Retiring from a career, wanting to downsize their house and amount of belongings or longing for a new adventure after their children have left the house are all reasons why people may seek a change of scenery.
If you want to move abroad, but feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the challenges of global relocation, you are not alone. When planning a move abroad, your relocation agent will become your best friend! Enlisting professional help will manage the stress of planning the big move and can even reduce the cost of global relocation. Whatever you need support with — deciding on a relocation destination, finding work abroad, applying for visas, finding accommodation abroad, selling or renting out your property, shipping your belongings, and more — your relocation specialist can take care of all the tough tasks on your to-do list.
Over the last two years, the continuously changing rules surrounding international travel have caused headaches for many travellers. Failing to comply with entry and exit requirements in both the country of origin and destination can lead to majorly time-consuming and costly issues. It is, therefore, no surprise that so many people find it overwhelming and stressful to plan a trip abroad these days.
Luckily, your trusted global relocation partners at Claymore Thistle have got you covered if you have any queries about vaccination rules for travellers entering Australia! Let’s dive right in.
Can I travel to Australia?
Yes! Australia reopened its international borders on 21 February this year. After nearly two years of one of the strictest and longest travel bans globally, Australia now welcomes fully vaccinated (and other eligible) travellers into the country. The ban on cruise ship entry into Australia was also recently lifted.
While Australia’s international borders are open to eligible travellers, different rules and regulations apply in each state. New South Wales and South Australia, for example, currently both require travellers to take an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival and remain in isolation until a negative result is received. The same rules apply in Queensland, although this state requires that travellers make use of private travel to their place of isolation. Western Australia also imposes limited travel to remote communities.
Who is eligible to travel to Australia?
Under current travel regulations, you can enter Australia if you are an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, a New Zealand resident who normally resides in Australia (valid proof of residence in Australia is required), or a fully vaccinated or otherwise eligible traveller from elsewhere in the world (more details below).
Temporary visa holders entering Australia may have their visa cancelled and be detained and removed if they are not fully vaccinated for international travel purposes, do not have a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine, or are not in an exempt category or hold an individual travel exemption.
What is the definition of a fully vaccinated traveller?
According to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), a traveller is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for international travel purposes once they have completed a course (including a mixed dose schedule) of TGA approved or recognised vaccines.
The TGA recognises all vaccines that are provisionally approved for use in Australia for incoming travellers, including Comirnaty (Pfizer), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Spikevax or Takeda (Moderna), COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen (Janssen), and Nuvaxovid (Biocelect on behalf of Novavax). As of 17 January 2022, the TGA also recognises Coronavac (Sinovac), Covishield (AstraZeneca-Serum Institute of India), BBIBP-CorV for people under 60 years of age (Sinopharm China), Covaxin (Bharat Biotech), and Sputnik V (Gamaleya Research Institute) for the purpose of travel to Australia.
What are the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travel to Australia?
Travellers entering Australia must provide proof of their vaccination status by means of an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC). The vaccination requirements for entry into Australia for each age group are as follows:
Travellers aged 16 years and older must have completed an appropriate primary course of a TGA approved or recognised vaccine and a booster dose three months after completing their primary vaccination course.
Travellers aged 12-17who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will be exempt from Australia’s entry restrictions if they travel with at least one parent or legal guardian who is fully vaccinated for international travel purposes.
Travellers below the age of 12are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry into Australia.
Note that the final of the required vaccine dose must be administered at least seven days prior to travelling to Australia. Travellers entering Australia are subject to following the relevant vaccination requirements in each state or territory. (Here are the contact details of all the Australian states’ and territories’ health departments.) Certain public events and activities, for example, may require proof of vaccination in order to gain entry.
I am an Australian citizen/permanent resident — do I need a vaccination certificate?
All travellers entering Australia must declare their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination may also be requested from Australian citizens and permanent residents when travelling out of the country. When checking in for your flight to Australia, you will be asked to present your COVID-19 vaccination certificate to the airline staff. If you were vaccinated in Australia, you can access your ICVC from the MyGov portal.
Will foreign vaccination certificates be accepted?
Yes, a foreign COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be accepted for entry into Australia as long as it has been issued by a national or state/provincial-level authority or an accredited vaccination provider. If the certificate is not presented in English, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Your name, date of birth and passport number or national identity number must be entered correctly as this information appears in your passport. The vaccine’s brand name and the date of each dose administered must also be indicated on the certificate.
I cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons — what now?
If you cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons, you must provide valid evidence of a medical contraindication to gain entry into Australia. If you have recorded a medical contraindication to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) for all COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia, you can access a COVID-19 digital certificate or immunisation history statement to submit as evidence for travel purposes. If you do not have a medical contraindication recorded in the AIR, you will need to provide a medical certificate that proves you cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 due to a medical condition.
Here is more information about temporary medical conditions for COVID-19 vaccination exemptions.
Do I need to present a negative pre-departure test?
No! As of 18 April, travellers entering or exiting Australia are no longer required to present a negative pre-departure test. Travellers arriving in Australia should however still complete a Digital Passenger Declaration within 72 hours of departure, while travellers arriving in Australia by sea must complete a Maritime Travel Declaration. As noted earlier, different states and territories may have different testing and vaccination requirements, so make sure you are up to date with the current COVID-19 rules and regulations of the region you are travelling to. All travellers, with the exception of children under the age of 11, must wear a mask for the duration of all flights.
Dreaming of moving abroad, but have no idea where to start? We are here to help! Global relocation can be a complicated and intimidating journey to embark on, but with the right support on your side, you won’t have to suffer sleepless nights stressing about the logistics of moving abroad.
Take a look at these 8 steps to help you relocate to a different country.
Step 1: Decide on a relocation destination
The obvious first step is to decide where you want to move to. The main motivations for expats to move abroad include finding a new job, being relocated by their employer, attending school or university, seeking a better quality of life, accompanying a partner or family, and embarking on a new adventure or personal challenge. Your profession, family dynamic, available budget and travel preferences will all play a role in deciding where you want to relocate to.
Step 2: Find work abroad
Finding a sufficient source of income is arguably the most important step in the global relocation process. Moving abroad can be expensive, so you will need financial security to cover all relocation expenses. Unless you are self-employed or work remotely, it is best to secure a job before you get started with any other relocation administration. When relocating to a new country permanently, you’ll likely need to prove to the immigration authorities that your job skills and experience can contribute to the local economy. Your employment conditions will also affect the visa and work permit application process. At this stage, you could also start looking at school, university and daycare options for your kids, if this is relevant to your relocation situation.
Step 3: Get started with visa applications
Once you’ve decided on a country to move to, you’ll need to research visa requirements. Each country has different visa regulations that may further vary depending on your country of origin. Carefully research the different visa options and application requirements for the country you are moving to. Working with a relocation agent to apply for your visa will take a big load of stress off your shoulders. Enlisting professional help is especially useful if you need to battle through complicated work permit applications and organise visas for the rest of your family.
Step 4: Start looking for accommodation abroad
When planning a move abroad, it’s never too early to start researching accommodation options. More often than not, it’s better to look at temporary accommodation first to allow yourself time to get to know your new city before making any long-term contractual commitments. Deciding where you are going to live requires a great deal of consideration. Whether you’ll be working from home or commuting to the office every day, whether you’ll be using public or private transport to get around, whether you’ll be living alone or with family or roommates, and how much you are willing to spend on accommodation each month will all factor into this decision.
Step 5: Get the logistics in order
When relocating your entire life to a different country, there are plenty of logistical tasks to take care of. Figuring out how to pay utility bills in your new city, setting up water, electricity and/or gas, internet and mobile phone contracts, and more. Don’t worry about this too much — many of the things on this list will fall into place once you arrive and start settling into your new environment. Very important to consider is healthcare insurance. Before the big move, look into the healthcare options in your new country of residence. Depending on your situation, you could consider getting expat health insurance as well as general travel insurance to keep you covered in times of need.
You’ll also need to tie up a bunch of loose ends at home before you depart. This may include setting up a mail forwarding address, cancelling any subscriptions and services, managing your finances by converting to an international banking service (or going local in your new country), and getting your taxes in order. If you own property, you’ll need to decide whether you are going to sell or rent it out for extra income. You could appoint a property agent to manage this for you.
Step 6: Prepare for change
Moving abroad is a big step in anyone’s life. While a new pace of life is exciting, it can also be overwhelming, especially if you move to a country with major cultural and environmental differences from what you are used to. You could prepare for some of the changes you’ll be facing by talking to other people who have relocated to a different country in order to gain a bit of perspective. You could also join online expat communities to start networking and learning about your new city.
Further to this, you could start learning the language of the country you plan on relocating to. When moving to a foreign country, language barriers can make it particularly challenging to find your feet. Taking language acquisition classes, using language teaching apps, and immersing yourself in the language through music and movies can help to make the transition easier.
Step 7: Ship or sell your belongings
As you get closer and closer to the big day, you’ll need to pack up your house and either sell your belongings or ship them off to your new home. International shipping is a practical solution if you don’t want to get rid of your furniture and other personal items. Although it can be expensive, it might be more affordable than having to buy everything new once you arrive in your new city. Deciding whether to ship or to shop is really up to you.
Step 8: Book your flights
…And off you go! After months of planning and preparing, you are finally ready to pack your bags and order a cab to the airport!
Are you dreaming of embarking on a new adventure, but you are terrified by the thought of packing up your life and starting over in a different country? You’re not alone. Global relocation is an exciting prospect for many, yet the challenges of moving abroad often overwhelm people so much that they let go of the idea entirely.
If you have been thinking about moving to a different country, whether for work, family, or simply to kickstart a new chapter in your life, this article will unpack all the challenges of global relocation and set your mind at ease with useful tips and tricks.
Deciding where to move to
First up, how do you decide where to relocate to? If you’ve already got a job lined up in a foreign country or you’d like to join friends or family who live abroad, the decision is pretty much made for you. But if you work remotely, you run your own business, or you plan on finding a job once you arrive, the whole world lies ahead of you. Factors to consider when deciding where to relocate include your line of work, your budget, your lifestyle choices, your language capabilities, and and and. If you want to perfect your French and become a red wine connoisseur, France is an obvious relocation destination. If you want to live near the beach and learn to surf, Indonesia or Thailand will probably be on your list. Or, if you long for warm summers and adventure-packed weekends, Australia might just tick all your boxes.
Depending on where you are moving from, certain countries may be easier to relocate to in terms of visa applications and the overall cost of moving. The local cost of living is a major aspect to consider. If you don’t earn in local currency and at local income rates, your budget might be in conflict with the average living expenses in your new country of residence.
Once you’ve picked a country to move to, you’ll also need to choose a city and a specific suburb based on your needs and requirements. Do you want to live in the middle of the city, or do you prefer a quiet neighbourhood on the outskirts of town? Will you need to commute to the CBD every day for work? Do you have pets who need room to run around outside?
Don’t worry — you don’t need to spend years doing research on all the finer details of the city or country you plan to relocate to. Be smart with using resources! If you work with a relocation specialist, you can rest easy. A relocation expert will not only ensure that all the relocation administration is well taken care of but will also alleviate the stress of finding a home and settling into your new city.
Getting your visa documentation in order
Visa regulations differ from country to country and are also influenced by the country you are moving from. This process can be further complicated if you need to apply for a particular work visa. During corporate relocation, your employer will most likely assist you in the process of applying for and obtaining the correct visa and work permit. In the case of personal relocation, however, it is in your best interest to work with a professional agency to ensure you are eligible for the visa you are applying for and that you submit all the required application documentation error-free.
To give you a quick overview of the visa application process, the Australian government, for example, offers various visa types, each with its own set of requirements. The most common application requirements include English language competence, health examinations, and practising an eligible profession. Work visas are mostly accompanied by family visa applications, thereby enabling the applicant to bring their eligible family members with them upon relocation to Australia.
Finding accommodation
Now, for the big challenge: finding a place to live abroad. Whether you are renting or buying, finding the right home is a difficult mission to pull off, even when you are familiar with the local housing market and legal system. Factor in the added challenges of navigating the property landscape in a foreign country with a different currency and different legal considerations, and you might be ready to make a run for the hills!
While it is true that renting or buying property as a foreigner is more complicated than it is for locals, there is an easy solution to work through all these headaches. Enlisting a property agent will make this process a breeze. From searching for properties that meet your needs, setting up viewings on your behalf, negotiating contracts, arranging for temporary accommodation upon your arrival, and even helping to ship your goods from abroad to turn your new house into a home — your property specialist will become your new best friend in no time.
Shipping your belongings
On the topic of relocating your belongings, many people struggle with this question: is it better to ship your furniture and other home goods, or is it simpler and more affordable to sell your stuff and buy new things locally? International shipping rates are quite high at the moment. The cost of shipping your goods globally will depend on the volume or weight of the items, the distance of the journey, the time of year, and the customs duties and service charges of the destination port. While you may initially be put off by the expense of shipping all your belongings across the world, make sure you take the time to weigh up the cost of shipping against the cost of buying everything new.
(Read this article for more information about the pros, cons and costs of transporting your goods versus buying locally.)
Language and culture barriers
Many people struggle with adjusting to their new environment after global relocation. When moving to a foreign country where you are not familiar with the language and local culture, it is completely understandable that you may need some time to settle in. The quickest way to find your feet in a new country is to learn the language and become part of a community. Be patient and don’t be too hard on yourself! There are many ways to meet people and make friends — sign up for language classes, join an activity club such as a running club or book club where you can enjoy some of your hobbies with like-minded people, or become a member of a coworking space to network with fellow professionals.
Global relocation is no joke — we get that. But don’t let the initial challenges of relocation stand in the way of your biggest adventure yet!
When moving country, there are thousands of things to keep track of and get done before the big move. One of the questions we are asked most frequently is whether to ship all the furniture and other personal items, or to buy new things locally once you have arrived.
There is no simple answer to this question. There are pros and cons to both options. Depending on where you are moving to and from, the cost of shipping all of the contents of your home might be higher than the cost of selling your existing belongings and buying new goods locally. In other cases, it might be more affordable and sensible to invest in reliable shipping services. If your move is short term, is it maybe more cost effective to pay for storage at your point of origin and rent furniture at your destination?
If you have a lot of sentimental items, it’s probably going to make you happier to relocate your things to your new home, but if you have no emotional attachments to items then maybe jump online at check out the furniture prices where you are going. You also need to take into account will you be renting for a while, or buying a home straight away so do you maybe need short term furniture before you buy and furnish your dream home. The destination your are heading to also needs to be considered, what are stock levels like there, will it take 16 weeks to get a new couch delivered due to supply chain issues in that country, or are all household items readily available? Sometimes its easier to run through your options with your relocation agent to make sure you pick the best choice suited to your specific circumstances.
Global shipping services are known to be a little difficult to navigate at the moment. The impact of Covid-19 on supply chains coupled with previous canal backlogs and the Russia-Ukraine war’s disruption of the shipping and air freight industry, has driven the cost of shipping through the roof. So, what is the best option for you when relocating?
Let’s take a look at the pros, cons and costs of transporting your goods locally versus buying locally.
Pros: Shipping VS Shopping
Let’s start with the biggest advantages of shipping your personal items when emigrating:
Moving to a new country can be a scary and overwhelming experience. The comfort of having your familiar furniture and home goods around you once you move into your new living space can help some feel at home. If you already own a fully furnished house’s worth of belongings, why give that all up?
If you ship your personal goods with the help of a professional relocation company, you can rest assured that you will have everything you need as soon as you move into your new home. Not having to buy everything new can save you a lot of time, money and effort.
Shipping your personal belongings might save you money in the long run, especially when it comes to more expensive items such as electrical goods. Selling your trusty washing machine, stove and television may seem like the easiest option at the time, but it is unlikely that the money you’ll get in your pocket from selling these items will cover the cost of buying new high-quality items once you move into your new home.
Now for the biggest advantages of selling your belongings and buying new goods upon arrival:
Quick fix. Selling your belongings is a quick and easy way to lessen the load of things that need to be moved. As a bonus, the money you make from selling your stuff can go towards the costs to purchase the things you need for your new home.
New opportunities. If you’re not feeling particularly sentimental about your furniture, selling your home goods might be just what you need to get a fresh start in your new home. Maybe you’ve always wanted to invest in new furniture, or maybe you feel cluttered by the number of things you’ve hoarded over the years. This is your chance to flip to a new page!
If you don’t have to accommodate a house full of furniture, you have a lot more freedom as to where you choose to stay in your new country of residence. Perhaps you don’t want to buy a house immediately, and you want to rent for a while to get a feel for the place. If you don’t have a container full of personal items following you around, you can choose to stay in rentals or other short-term accommodation options until you are ready to start building your own nest.
Cons: Shipping VS Shopping
To flip the coin, let’s look at some of the disadvantages to consider when deciding between shipping and shopping. First up, the cons of international shipping:
Customs and travel requirements. There are plenty of technical requirements to keep in mind when shipping your personal goods overseas. Certain items may not be allowed to leave or enter certain countries. Luckily, these headaches can all be avoided by working with a reliable and reputable moving company.
Some of your electrical items may not work in your new country of residence. For one, different countries make use of different electrical outlets. While you can pay an electrician to change the plugs on your items, this can be overly expensive and you run the risk of having troubles in the future, for example not being able to get your appliances serviced or fixed should they break.
Yes, we know that the cost of shipping was also on the pros list! Depending on your moving company, the country of origin and destination, and the size and weight of your goods, the cost of international shipping can be steep. In most cases, however, you pay for the space occupied in the shipping container instead of the weight of the goods. You can therefore save a lot of money by being strategic with which items you ship and enlisting professional services to help you maximise packing space.
On to the disadvantages of shopping for new items locally:
Plenty of big expenses. Firstly, buying everything new can be heavy on your pocket. Again, to make the best decision for your situation, you’ll need to carefully compare the cost of shipping with the cost of shopping for new stuff. While shipping can be an expensive route to go down, you have no guarantee that refurnishing your house at local rates won’t be even more expensive.
Time and effort. Buying new items in your new country of residence. If you are unfamiliar with the local retail market, it can be overwhelming to find good quality furniture and home goods at affordable prices. Plus, while you are shopping for new items, you’ll need to put up with living in the chaos of a half-furnished house.
The cost of international shipping
Right now, international shipping rates are high. Between the coronavirus pandemic’s ongoing effects on global supply chains, the shortage in global shipping containers and the delays in major shipping ports around the world, international shipping services are a little different from usual. Further to this, the cost of international shipping can range widely depending on a range of factors, including the volume or weight of the goods, the type of transport, the distance of the journey, the customs duties and service charges of the destination port, and the time of year. Additional shipping costs such as container inspection fees, shipping container insurance, general rate increase (GRI), inland delivery charges and quarantine fees must also be taken into consideration.
The cost of international shipping can vary widely. Depending on the volume of goods you want to ship, you could benefit from opting for a part-load shipment, which means that you share the space of a single container with other clients instead of paying for the use of an entire container. Then, you also need to choose between sea freight and air freight shipping. Whereas sea freight shipping offers a lower cost with a lower level of carbon emissions, air freight shipping is much faster.
At the end of the day, your budget, moving timeline and personal preferences will dictate whether you should ship your personal belongings or sell your items and buy new things for your house upon arrival. The list of factors to consider is long, but, with the right support, you can take all the stress out of your global relocation journey!
Ready to move to a new country?
Reach out to Claymore Thistle today to schedule a call for a wide range of global relocation services.
Are you thinking of moving to a foreign country? Relocating internationally is a big change and requires months of careful planning — applying for the right visas and work permits, deciding on the right city or suburb to live in, finding accommodation that suits your needs and budget, arranging for all your belongings to be shipped to your new home… The long to-do list can easily cause your anxiety levels to skyrocket. But, if you have the right support, making the move to a new country can be the most exciting adventure you’ve ever embarked on!
Whether you are moving for work, study, to be with family, or simply to explore a different part of the world, this article will answer all the questions you may have about the global relocation process.
Why you should move to a new country
First things first, why is it a good decision to move to a different country? While global relocation can be a costly and complicated process, there are countless benefits for those who are able to accommodate such a big move in their lives. With more and more people working remotely and starting their own businesses, the possibilities for living abroad are more abundant than ever before. Depending on where you move to, you could even save money by lowering your living expenses. For this reason, many people are migrating away from cities in search of a quieter, more affordable lifestyle while continuing to build their careers thanks to remote working opportunities.
Moving abroad allows for a fresh start, which could be exactly what you need if you are feeling stuck in your career or personal life. Stepping into this new adventure could also bring a new community of people into your life, which will further aid in broadening your perspectives. Beyond exciting possibilities such as learning a new language, advancing in your career and making new friends, embarking on a global relocation mission will help you to step out of your comfort zone and get to know yourself better than ever before. If you are moving with other people such as your family, partner, or a couple of friends, you will find that your relationships grow even stronger.
Personal global relocation versus corporate global relocation
The global relocation process depends on the type of relocation, namely personal relocation or corporate relocation. Personal global relocation services are used by families or individuals who are moving to a new country without the support of an employer. When enlisting personal relocation services, most people seek support with obtaining the correct visas, shipping their belongings overseas, and renting or purchasing a house.
Corporate global relocation services are typically used by companies who are transferring their workers to a different branch. Corporate relocation services offer the same support as personal relocation services and can be tailored according to your unique needs and budget. When enlisting corporate relocation services, a company could also benefit from added offerings such as financial advice and tax consultation, partner/spousal support for the employee(s) being transferred, archiving employee data and storing preferences for future relocations, and providing transfer service for the employee’s first day of work.
Factors to consider in the global relocation process
So, you’ve decided to move abroad but you have no idea where and how to start preparing. Let’s break the global relocation process down into the most important factors you need to consider when planning your move (luckily, each of the bullet points below can be ticked off your to-do list simply by getting the right professional support from a local relocation expert):
Obtaining the right visa is crucial in the relocation process. Since visa regulations differ for each country and are further impacted by your country of origin, you will need to work through a lot of information to ensure you are eligible for the visa or work permit you need to apply for. Enlist professional help to prevent any costly mistakes in this step.
Travel arrangements. From booking flights and cars to arranging for international shipping and pet relocation, you will need to get your travel arrangements in order as soon as possible. Once you have a date of arrival, everything else usually starts to fall in place around these arrangements. If you are working with a relocation agency, the relocation consultant will be able to assist you in all of your travel arrangements.
Pet relocation. If you plan on moving your pets with you, it is important that you start this process at least six to seven months before your departure. Working with a trusted pet relocation expert will help you execute this move safely and seamlessly. Arranging vaccinations, blood tests, health certificates, travel permits and transportation — all of these administrative tasks can be handled by a pet relocation agency.
Suburb analysis. If you are moving to a new country or city, it can be daunting to decide where in town you are going to live. To ease this process, you could call on professional help in order to conduct a thorough suburb analysis to find the neighbourhood that answers to all your needs and preferences. Perhaps you are looking for a quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood, or maybe you prefer the hustle and bustle of living in the CBD. Don’t have a car? You may want to pick a suburb that is easily accessible via public transport. Budget-wise, you are also more likely to find affordable housing the further away you move from the city centre.
Home search and property management. Finding the right home is one of the most important considerations in the global relocation journey. Whether you are renting or buying a new property, or you need property management assistance to sell or rent out your current property, you can get the right home search assistance from professional real estate agents who know the local market. We’ll talk more about navigating the foreign property market in just a minute.
School and daycare. Picking the right school or daycare to send your children to is difficult enough as it is. When moving abroad, you also need to factor in that different countries and regions have varying educational requirements. Your relocation agent will be able to answer all your questions about school levels and entry requirements, and can even help you arrange interviews with prospective schools and daycare facilities in your new town.
Navigating the property market in a foreign country
Many people who are relocating globally are most concerned about where they are going to live. While many of the other administrative steps in the global relocation journey are mostly straightforward, it gets more complicated when it comes to picking the right city and suburb, choosing between renting or buying a house, negotiating contract agreements, finding the right schools and daycare facilities for your kids, and making sure your pets arrive safely in your new country.
Then there is the question of whether you should ship your belongings to your new home or opt to invest in new furniture. Are you going to buy a car or rely on public transport? Is your new neighbourhood pedestrian-friendly and safe for kids to play in? What will your daily commute to work or school look like? What are your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or homeowner in a foreign country?
Don’t stress. While all of these decisions may be enough to send you running for the hills, there are people who are trained and experienced in taking care of all your concerns regarding global relocation. Working with a buyer’s agent or a property management expert in your new country of residence will help you find the dream home that ticks all your boxes. Navigating the foreign property market doesn’t have to be as scary as you might think!
Enlisting professional global relocation services
A buyer’s agent will offer support from the very start of the process until you have settled into your new home — from identifying available properties that meet your goals and budget, providing detailed location guidance, and arranging and conducting viewings on your behalf to negotiating and closing contracts, conducting property inspections, and assisting in the appraisal, loan approval and title insurance processes.
When relocating to a new country, you can also benefit from professional property management services. If you are planning on selling or renting out your existing property, the right property management services can go a long way to ensure that your investment continues to pay off in the long run. A property management expert can provide support ranging from property maintenance, account administration and property market valuations to property inspections, tenant screening and ongoing tenant management.
Beyond the big stuff outlined above, there is a myriad of smaller tasks that might slip your mind. Airport pickup upon arrival, getting oriented in your new town, arranging for temporary storage facilities, relocating your furniture, and connecting your utilities such as internet, gas and electricity in your new home are all additional services that can be provided by your relocation agent to ease the process of settling down in your new home.
