How to Choose the Right Country to Move To
Moving abroad is one of life’s most significant decisions, requiring careful consideration of numerous factors that will impact your daily life, career, and overall happiness. Whether you’re seeking better opportunities, a change of scenery, or escaping current circumstances, knowing how to choose the right country to move to is necessary for a successful international relocation.
This guide will walk you through every essential aspect of selecting your ideal country to move to, from initial research and planning to making your final decision with confidence.
Initial Planning and Research Before Moving Abroad
The foundation of a successful international move begins with thorough preparation and research. This phase sets the stage for all future decisions and helps you avoid costly mistakes that could complicate your relocation journey.
Start with Thorough Research and Exploration
Begin your journey by doing extensive research about potential destination countries. Read articles, books, and expatriate blogs to gain insights into different cultures, lifestyles, and living conditions. Watch documentary films and YouTube videos created by expats living in your countries of interest.
Join online expatriate communities and forums (e.g. Expatforum) where you can connect with people who have already made the move. These platforms provide invaluable experiences and can answer specific questions about daily life, challenges, and opportunities in different countries. Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and specialised expat forums are excellent resources for this type of research.
Create a systematic approach to your research by maintaining spreadsheets or documents that track important information about each country you’re considering. This organised method will help you compare options more effectively as you narrow down your choices.
Ensure All Passports Are Valid
Before starting the country selection, make sure that all family members who will be relocating have current, valid passports. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, and some visa applications can take several months to process.
If you need to renew or obtain new passports, start this process immediately, as it can take weeks or even months depending on your country’s processing times. Having valid travel documents is essential for visiting potential destination countries and will be required for all visa applications.
Follow Your Emotions and Dream Locations
While practical considerations are important, don’t ignore the emotional aspect of choosing where to live. Start by creating a list of approximately five countries or cities that genuinely excite you and capture your imagination. These initial emotional connections often indicate places where you might find happiness and fulfillment.
Consider what draws you to these locations: is it the culture, climate, lifestyle, or opportunities? Understanding your emotional motivations will help you prioritise certain factors over others during your decision-making process.
Understand Your Motivation for Moving Abroad
Take time to deeply reflect on why you want to move abroad. Common motivations include career advancement, better quality of life, educational opportunities, retirement planning, or dissatisfaction with current circumstances. Some people move to escape political instability, while others seek adventure and new experiences.
Understanding your core motivations will help you identify which countries best align with your goals. For instance, if career opportunities are your primary driver, you’ll want to focus on countries with strong job markets in your field. If lifestyle improvement is your goal, you might prioritise countries with better work-life balance or lower cost of living.
Personal and Lifestyle Considerations When Choosing a Country
Your personal preferences and desired lifestyle play a huge role in determining which country will make you happiest. These factors significantly impact your daily experience and long-term satisfaction with your new home.
How Similar Is the Country to Your Home Culture?
Consider how much cultural change you’re comfortable with. Countries with similar cultures to your home country typically offer easier adjustment periods, especially for first-time expats. However, some people actively seek dramatic cultural differences as part of their adventure.
Factors to consider include social norms, business practices, communication styles, religious influences, and general lifestyle pace. Northern European countries might feel familiar to Americans, while countries in Asia or the Middle East could present more significant cultural adjustments.
How to Choose the Right Country to Move To: Your Desired Lifestyle
Define what type of lifestyle you want to live and ensure your chosen country can support it. Consider whether you prefer urban city living with access to cultural amenities, public transportation, and nightlife, or if you’re drawn to rural areas with natural beauty and slower pace of life.
Think about your ideal daily routine. Do you want to walk to work, rely on public transportation, or need a car? Are you looking for an active outdoor lifestyle with hiking and beach access, or do you prefer indoor cultural activities like museums and theaters? Some people prioritise being near international airports for easy travel, while others value proximity to family in neighboring countries.
Evaluate the Climate, Weather, and Natural Terrain
Climate significantly impacts daily life and personal happiness. Research year-round weather patterns, including temperature ranges, humidity levels, rainfall, and seasonal variations. Consider whether you prefer four distinct seasons or consistent tropical weather.
Investigate the local terrain and geography. Are you drawn to mountainous regions, coastal areas, desert landscapes, or rolling countryside? Also research potential natural disasters common to the region, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, or severe winter storms, and consider how these might affect your comfort and safety.
Explore Local Activities and Potential Hobbies
Research what activities and hobbies are available in your potential new home. If you’re passionate about skiing, mountain countries would be ideal. If you love surfing, coastal regions with good waves should be prioritised. Consider cultural activities, sports facilities, outdoor recreation, and opportunities to learn new skills.
Look into local clubs, organisations, and communities that align with your interests. Having engaging activities and hobbies in your new country will help you build social connections and maintain mental well-being during your transition.
Cultural Fit and Language Considerations
Assess how important language is to your relocation decision. If the country’s primary language isn’t your native tongue, honestly evaluate your willingness and ability to learn it. While English is widely spoken in many countries, learning the local language significantly improves your integration experience and opens up more opportunities for deeper cultural connections.
Consider whether you’ll be comfortable living in a country where you can’t fully communicate with locals, handle bureaucratic processes, or understand media and entertainment. Some countries require language proficiency tests for certain visa types, so factor this into your planning timeline.
Financial and Work Factors to Consider Before Moving Abroad
Financial considerations often determine the feasibility of international relocation. These factors directly impact your quality of life and long-term sustainability in your new country.
Compare the Cost of Living Across Countries
Cost of living varies dramatically between countries and even within regions of the same country. Urban areas typically cost more than rural locations, but also offer more amenities and job opportunities. Research housing costs, food prices, transportation expenses, healthcare costs, and general consumer goods.
Use online resources like Nomad List, Numbeo, and Expatistan to compare costs between your current location and potential destinations. Look at actual rental listings and grocery store prices to get realistic estimates. Remember that a lower cost of living can enable a more comfortable lifestyle, a concept known as “amenity or lifestyle migration.”
Factor in potential tax implications, as some countries have tax treaties with your home country while others might result in double taxation. Consult with a tax professional to understand your obligations.
Assess Job Opportunities and Remote Work Options
Determine whether you’ll work locally or remotely. If seeking local employment, research job markets in your field and whether your qualifications will be recognised. Some professions require local licensing or certification, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
If you plan to work remotely, confirm that your current employer allows international remote work or be prepared to find new remote opportunities. Consider time zone differences and how they might affect your work schedule and client relationships.
Research average salaries in your field compared to your current earnings. A lower salary might still provide better quality of life if the cost of living is proportionally lower.
Understand Property Ownership Laws for Foreigners
Investigate property ownership laws for non-citizens, as these vary significantly between countries. Some nations restrict foreign ownership, while others offer incentives to attract international buyers. Countries like Italy offer special programs for purchasing rural properties, while others may require significant investments or have complex legal processes.
Even if you can legally purchase property, consider renting for one to two years before buying. This approach allows you to thoroughly understand the local market, test different neighborhoods, and ensure the country truly fits your lifestyle before making a major financial commitment.
Legal and Administrative Requirements for International Relocation
Understanding legal requirements is crucial for a successful international move. Immigration laws determine whether you can legally relocate and under what conditions.
Visa Options and Immigration Requirements
Research visa options thoroughly, as this is often the most complex aspect of international relocation. Common visa types include:
- Tourist visas: For short visits only, not suitable for relocation
- Business visas: For short-term work assignments
- Work visas: Require job offers from local employers
- Working holiday visas: Often age-restricted, typically for people under 30-35
- Student visas: For pursuing education
- Freelance/Digital nomad visas: Growing category for remote workers
- Investment visas: For those making significant financial investments
- Skilled migration visas: For professionals in demand occupations
Each visa type has specific requirements, processing times, and costs. Some countries offer points-based systems for skilled workers, while others prioritise investment or family connections.
Residency, Citizenship, and Length of Stay
Understand the pathway from temporary residence to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. Research how long you can initially stay, renewal requirements, and the timeline for applying for permanent status.
Many countries offer skilled migration schemes that can lead to permanent residency without initially visiting the country. These programs often require professional qualifications, language proficiency, and sometimes job offers.
Investment routes are available for those not eligible for skilled migration, typically requiring more capital but offering shorter processing times and more direct paths to residency.
Know What Government Benefits You’re Entitled To
Distinguish between work permits and residency status, as they offer different benefits. Work permits might not include access to government services, while residency status often provides access to healthcare, education, and social benefits.
Research what services and benefits are available to residents versus citizens. Some countries provide immediate access to healthcare and education, while others require waiting periods or additional payments.
Family and Support Systems in Your Destination Country
Family considerations become more complex with international relocation, requiring careful planning to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
Will Your Family Be Included in Immigration Benefits?
Research whether immigration policies allow you to bring your spouse and children, and confirm that immigration benefits apply to all family members. Some visa types only cover the primary applicant, requiring separate applications for family members.
Understand the legal requirements for including family members, such as proof of relationship, financial support requirements, and medical examinations. Some countries have age limits for dependent children or require proof of financial dependency.
The Importance of Existing Connections Abroad
Having family or friends in your destination country provides significant advantages. These connections offer insider knowledge about daily life, help with initial settling-in processes, and provide emotional support during the adjustment period.
If you don’t have existing connections, consider reaching out to expat communities online before moving. Many expatriates are willing to help newcomers and can provide valuable advice about everything from finding housing to understanding local customs.
Consider the Needs of Children, Partners, and Pets
If relocating with family, ensure everyone’s needs are considered. For partners, create joint lists of potential countries and discuss priorities openly. Compromise and communication are essential for successful family relocations.
For children, research school systems, educational standards, and extracurricular activities. Consider the impact of changing languages, cultures, and educational systems on their development and happiness.
For pets, research quarantine requirements, vaccination needs, and import procedures. Some countries have lengthy quarantine periods, while others have more straightforward processes. Also consider whether your new home will have appropriate spaces and facilities for your pets.
Safety and Health Considerations in a New Country
Personal safety and healthcare access are fundamental concerns that significantly impact your quality of life and peace of mind.
Check Crime Rates and Personal Safety Levels
Research crime statistics and safety levels in your potential destination countries. Look beyond overall crime rates to understand the types of crimes common in the area. Some countries have high petty theft rates but low violent crime, while others might have safety concerns concentrated in specific areas.
Investigate whether expatriate communities exist and if there are safe neighborhoods specifically popular with international residents. While researching, remember that safety perceptions can be subjective, and practicing basic safety awareness is always recommended regardless of location.
Consider political stability and social unrest potential, especially in countries experiencing economic difficulties or political transitions.
Evaluate the Healthcare System and Medical Access
Healthcare quality and accessibility are crucial factors, especially for retirees or those with existing health conditions. Research the overall healthcare system, including public versus private options, costs, and quality of care.
Investigate specific requirements such as health insurance mandates, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and availability of specialists. Some countries have excellent public healthcare systems, while others require private insurance for quality care.
Why Visiting the Country Before Moving Is Essential
Physical visits provide irreplaceable insights that research alone cannot provide, helping you make informed decisions about your future home.
Plan a First-Hand Visit Before Making the Move
Visiting your potential destination countries is strongly recommended before making final relocation decisions. Many aspects of daily life can only be experienced firsthand, from the pace of life and social interactions to practical considerations like transportation and shopping.
Plan visits during different seasons if possible, as weather and seasonal activities can dramatically impact your experience. Spend time in various neighborhoods, use public transportation, shop for groceries, and try to experience daily life as a resident rather than a tourist.
Meet with local expatriates, visit potential workplaces or schools, and explore housing options. These visits help you understand whether the reality matches your expectations and research findings.
Are You a Seasoned Traveler or New to International Life?
If you’re not experienced with international travel, visiting multiple potential countries becomes even more important. International relocation can feel like starting over, which can be both exciting and challenging.
First-time expats often benefit from choosing countries with easier cultural transitions, while seasoned travelers might be more comfortable with dramatic changes. Be honest about your adaptability and comfort level with uncertainty and change.
