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More and more Americans feel the pull to explore life in another country. According to research by the University of Kent, over 33% of Americans aspire to move overseas in the future.
As remote work has become more mainstream, many Americans enjoy many opportunities to travel abroad and explore new cultures simultaneously.
As exciting as it sounds to pack your bags and start a new adventure overseas, proper preparation is key to a successful transition. To that end, we’ve created a checklist you can follow to make your move to a new country as smooth as possible.
Prepare mentally and emotionally for your move
Imagine this. You’re sipping espresso at a quaint café in Rome, or perhaps you’re watching the sunset from your balcony in Bali. This isn’t just a vacation – it’s your life. Welcome to the world of US expats – Americans who’ve chosen to make their home beyond the borders of the United States.
While the image above might sound ideal, real life often paints a different picture—one far removed from the picture-perfect LinkedIn posts of your favorite digital nomad influencer. Let’s be honest: the idea of packing up your life and moving to another country can be downright terrifying.
- What if you can’t adapt?
- What about your family and friends?
- How will you navigate a foreign bureaucracy?
These fears are normal and even healthy. They show you’re taking this decision seriously. But don’t let them paralyze you. Instead, use them as a springboard for preparation. Make a list of your biggest fears about moving abroad. Now, for each fear, write down:
- A potential solution
- Someone you know (or could connect with) who has overcome this challenge
- A positive outcome that could result from facing this fear
For example:
“I won’t be able to communicate in a foreign language and locals don’t speak English very well.”
- Solution: Start learning the basics now with a language app like Duolingo.
- Person: Your college friend who moved to Japan without knowing any Japanese and is now fluent.
- Positive outcome: You’ll challenge yourself, expand your cognitive abilities, and potentially become bilingual!
Managing expectations
While expat life can be amazing, it’s also important to approach it with realistic expectations. It’s not all Instagram-worthy moments and exciting adventures. There will be challenges, frustrations, and days when you miss home terribly.
A little “reality check” with yourself can also help. List your excited expectations for expat life. Then, write potential challenges for each.
For example:
- Expectation: “I’ll make loads of international friends immediately!”
- Reality check: “It might take time to build deep friendships. I may feel lonely at first.”
By acknowledging both the highs and lows, you’ll be better prepared for the reality of expat life.
Find online expat communities
As you’re planning for the changes that moving to a new country brings, it helps to have contacts already on the ground in your new home country. Chat with other expats who have previously been in your shoes — you’ll find them in online communities.
Online expat communities allow you to network from afar, ask any questions you may have about the country you want to move to, and learn from the diverse experiences of others.
A few resources include:
Internations
Internations is an online platform designed specially to connect expats in foreign countries. The website has over 420 cities listed worldwide and also organizes in-person events.
Facebook and LinkedIn groups
Social media platforms are full of expat groups living in different countries. Finding a group is as simple as typing “expats in X city” in the search bar and browsing until you find a group that you feel you might connect well with.
Nomad List
Nomad List is a great network platform for digital nomads. It provides users with all the information they need about a country they’d like to visit, such as the cost of living, safety, temperature, and crime rate. You can also join Nomad List’s community to network with other nomads and ask your questions about others’ experiences in a specific country.
Choose your expat path
Preparing for your move from the US is like standing at the crossroads, with each path leading to a different expat adventure.
- How are you going to organize your life abroad?
- How long are you going to stay?
- How many locations are you going to visit?
Expat paths to consider:
Let us illustrate this with a few examples:
The Digital Nomad:
Jake is a freelance web developer from Seattle. He’s currently coding from a beachfront café in Bali, planning his next move to Lisbon. Jake represents the growing community of digital nomads — professionals who use technology to work from anywhere in the world.
If this lifestyle appeals to you, start by assessing your current job. Can it be done remotely? If not, consider developing skills in fields like programming, digital marketing, or content creation that lend themselves to remote work.
The Retiree Expat:
Linda and Bob are a retired couple from Florida, now enjoying their golden years in Costa Rica. They’ve swapped their hectic schedules for a laid-back lifestyle, lower living costs, and a vibrant expat community.
Research countries with retiree-friendly visa programs and cost of living. Argentina, Italy, and Portugal are popular choices. Consider a “scouting trip” to your top destinations before making a final decision.
The Student Expat:
Aisha is a biology major from Texas, currently pursuing her master’s degree in Germany. She’s not just gaining academic knowledge but also invaluable life experience and a global perspective.
If this is your scenario, look into scholarship opportunities for international students. Many countries, including Germany and Norway, offer free or low-cost education to international students.
The Career Expat:
Mark is an marketing executive who accepted a two-year assignment in the UK. He’s advancing his career while immersing himself in a new culture and business environment.
If you’re interested in this path, talk to your company about international opportunities or look for multinational corporations in your field.
Short-term vs. long-term expatriation
Short-term expatriation (typically less than a year) can be a great way to dip your toes into expat life without a long-term commitment. It’s perfect for those who want to try out a new culture or boost their resume with international experience.
For instance:
Sarah, a teacher from Canada, spent a year teaching English in South Korea. This experience gave her a taste of expat life and helped her decide if she wanted to pursue it long-term.
Long-term expatriation involves a more significant commitment and often requires more extensive planning. It’s ideal for those looking to fully immerse themselves in a new culture or make a permanent lifestyle change.
For instance:
The Johnson family moved from the UK to New Zealand five years ago. They've put down roots, bought a house, and their children are now bilingual in English and Maori.
Create a pros and cons list for both short-term and long-term expatriation based on your personal circumstances. Consider factors like career impact, financial implications, and personal relationships.
Remember:
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to expat life. Your path should align with your personal goals, financial situation, and comfort level. Whether you choose to be a globe-trotting digital nomad or a settled retiree in a tropical paradise, the key is to make an informed decision that feels right for you.
Adapt to your new environment
Picture yourself stepping off a plane into a new country. The air smells different, unfamiliar sounds fill your ears, and suddenly, you’re not just a tourist – you’re an expat embarking on a grand adventure. But how do you transform from an outsider to someone who truly belongs?
The key lies in cultural adaptation and language learning.
- Research cultural norms and etiquette: Before you even pack your bags, start immersing yourself in your new country’s culture. Also, remember that culture shock is real, and it can hit when you least expect it. Understanding its phases can help you navigate this challenging period.
For example:
Tom, an American expat in France, found himself frustrated by the long lunch breaks and early store closings. He was experiencing the 'negotiation phase' of culture shock, where differences become irritating. Recognizing this helped him adjust his expectations and eventually appreciate the French work-life balance.
- Integrate into local communities: Building a local network is crucial for feeling at home in your new country. Challenge yourself to a “Local Connection Week.” Each day, try to make one local connection – whether it’s chatting with a shopkeeper, joining a community Facebook group, or attending a local event.
- Master at least the basic language skills: Even if you’re moving to a country where English is widely spoken, learning the local language can dramatically improve your expat experience. Sure, as adults, we might not absorb languages as easily as children. But we have other advantages – like understanding grammar concepts and having stronger motivation. But you can try the “Language Immersion Challenge.” For one week, change the language settings on your phone and social media accounts to your target language. You’ll be surprised how quickly you start recognizing common words and phrases!
For example:
Lisa, an expat in Italy, struggled with traditional language classes. She switched to a combination of podcast lessons during her commute and weekly language exchange meetups. This blend of passive and active learning suited her busy lifestyle and learning style.
Manage your essential documentation
Ah, paperwork — the less glamorous side of expat life, but one that’s crucial to get right. Think of it as the foundation of your international adventure. Let’s break down the key steps to ensure you’re legally set for your expat journey.
Passport renewal
Your passport is your most important travel document, so keep it up to date. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Set a reminder to check your passport’s expiration date annually. If it’s within a year of expiring, start the renewal process.
Reminder:
Renewing your passport from abroad is possible but can be more complicated and time-consuming. It's best to handle this before you leave the US.
Driver’s license
Check if your US driver’s license is valid in your new country or if you need an International Driving Permit or a local license.
Quick tip:
Learn about driving requirements at least three months before your move. Some countries, like China or France, may require you to take a local driving test.
Visa application
Research visa options for your destination country well in advance. Visa processes can be lengthy and complex, so start early. Create a “Visa Checklist” with all required documents, fees, and deadlines. Some countries may require documents to be apostilled or translated, which can take additional time.
Health insurance
Many US health insurance plans don’t cover you abroad, and your new country’s healthcare system may not be immediately accessible to you.
Research international health insurance options. Consider plans that cover both your new country of residence and trips back to the US.
Social Security
If you’re working abroad, understand how it affects your US Social Security benefits. Some countries have totalization agreements with the US, which can help you avoid double taxation on Social Security contributions.
Contact the Federal Benefits Unit at the nearest US embassy or consulate in your new country for guidance on Social Security issues.
Banking and managing your money
Inform your US bank about your move to prevent your cards from being blocked due to “suspicious” overseas activity. Also, research banking options in your new country. If possible, schedule a call with your bank’s international services department, where you can ask about international ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and wire transfer costs.
Tax obligations
As a US citizen, you’re required to file US taxes regardless of where you live. However, you may need to register with the tax authorities in your new country as well.
Consult with an expat tax specialist to understand your obligations both in the US and your new country — especially if you’re going to have a foreign bank account. Look into the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC). By strategizing in advance, you can potentially reduce your US tax liability.
Pico Iyer once said, “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves.”
As you embark on your own expat adventure, let Bright!Tax be your guide. We’ve helped thousands of expats manage their US taxes, avoid penalties, and stay compliant, no matter where they are.
