The idea of moving abroad for most people is the dream, but there are so many legalities and not-so-fun aspects of it that people need to be aware of when moving forward with the process of relocating. Once you get the legalities all taken care of you can make some serious decisions and step forward to your new life abroad.
Visa and Immigration Laws
Each country has its own application process and guidelines depending on the visa you are applying for. I would do your research on the specifics you need to pass and ensure you gather all the relevant information and documents before you go through the application process. to ensure a smooth process you want to have everything on hand ready. This will ensure your answer is much quicker and speed up the whole process.
If you plan to work, this is something that needs to be allowed within your visa and come with a work permit. If you plan on looking for a job when you arrive, that is also something you need to make them aware of. Some individuals are able to stay in the country longer if they find sufficient work and are contributing to the country’s economy. These rules change year to year so ensure you are well advised with the up-to-date rules and regulations before applying.
The rules for long time residence are much different than tourist and work permits, so consider if this is something you would even qualify for and if indefinite leave to remain would be on the cards.
It’s also accessible to reach out to immigration solicitors in London, who are some of the best and well advised people to ask all of your unique questions to.
Tax Implications
Determine your tax residency status in your new country and your home country. This will affect your tax obligations and the applicable tax rates; it’s something you most certainly need to make your home country aware of. Additionally, check if there are any double taxation agreements between the two countries; this will save you a lot of money in the future and will avoid you double paying tax on the same things. Understanding the tax filing requirements in both countries is more than essential to ensure both compliance and avoid penalties.
To make things a little less complicated, look into consulting with a tax advisor who can provide personalised guidance and sort out your financial affairs before you leave.
Legal Contracts and Agreements
You can leave your whole world behind you and there are things like your current mortgage, the apartment you rent, and so forth that need to be dealt with. Rental agreements need to be carefully examined if you are looking to leave a little earlier, there are sometimes clauses that allow you to find a replacement tenant and so forth. When it comes to employee contracts, you should ensure that you are relocating with sufficient funds to help you lead a happy lifestyle there. You don’t want to relocate and, in fact, be worse off than you were back home. If you are moving for a job role in the same company, you want it to be worth it, meaning you want a comfortable salary that compliments the cost of living, healthcare and extra financial help to smoothen the transition.
For some people who find it easier to leave most of these financial matters on a professional’s behalf, consider granting someone you trust a power of attorney. This legal document authorises them to act on your behalf. This is good for individuals who simply don’t have the time and makes things a lot smoother during this life-changing transition so it makes more than enough sense to hand over the wheel.