Assess the pros and cons of countries you've visited
Before making a final decision, it's crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation. The idea of settling down permanently usually emerges from profound experiences while living abroad. Often, a foreign country grows from a temporary residence into a cherished home. The pivotal question is: which country will become the place where you finally settle? Have you lived in one or more foreign countries? How long have you been considering this permanent move? Start with an objective assessment of your experiences living abroad. While emotions and feelings are important—and we'll revisit them—they should not overshadow a clear-eyed review of the pros and cons of the countries you've lived in.
Questions to consider:
- What was your experience with the immigration process? Did you encounter any challenges?
- Have you worked abroad, and if so, in which field?
- Reflect on your work experiences abroad, including the work environment and your relationships with colleagues and management. Were there career opportunities available to you?
- Did your employment enable you to maintain a comfortable lifestyle abroad, based on your standards?
- Evaluate the housing and economic situations in the countries you've lived in. What was the socio-political climate like? Did you experience any financial difficulties?
Assess your personal finances
Deciding to live abroad permanently requires a realistic assessment of your current financial situation. It's crucial to base this evaluation on your present earnings and assets rather than potential future income to ensure a grounded decision-making process.
Questions to consider:
- Is this your first time thoroughly evaluating your personal finances, or is it part of your regular routine?
- Are you currently employed, or are you in the process of job hunting?
- Do you have savings, and how are they allocated (e.g., savings accounts, investments)?
- What is your capacity to save monthly?
- Are you prepared for a financial emergency?
- Do you have any debts or outstanding loans? Have you secured life insurance?
- Reflect on your disposable income in the countries you've lived in after covering all expenses. Did this income allow you to live comfortably according to your standards?
- Finally, consider your financial habits: are you more of a spender or a saver?
Project yourself into the future: 5, 10, 20 years
Living abroad permanently requires forward thinking. Your experiences abroad have likely provided you with a clearer understanding of what life in another country entails. Multiple expatriate experiences can enrich this perspective, but even a single stint overseas can be sufficient to make an informed decision. Perhaps you've fallen in love with a host country or have long dreamed of living somewhere specific. Now, it's essential to balance those dreams with the practical realities of living abroad long-term.
Questions to consider:
- How old are you, and at what age do you plan to move abroad permanently?
- Are you eligible for a permanent residence permit in the countries you have lived in, and are there any complicating factors like age or income requirements?
- Is your profession in demand overseas, and how might AI development impact it?
- Do you hold any degrees or possess specialized, rare skills?
- Can you envision yourself working in your current profession abroad for the next 10 or 20 years, and if so, why?
- Are you contemplating a career shift while abroad?
- What type of pension systems do the countries you're considering have in place?
- If your job is physically demanding, will you be able to sustain it for another decade or two?
- How do the potential host countries approach workplace well-being and recognize musculoskeletal disorders?
Listen to your emotions
Planning a life abroad isn't just about meeting objective criteria. Your emotions are a vital part of the equation. You might tick all the boxes for living in a country—your profession is in demand, the income is good, career opportunities abound, and you're eligible for permanent residency. Yet, if it doesn't feel right, your happiness could be compromised. Many expatriates have departed from countries that were "objectively suitable" but simply didn't suit them emotionally. Professional gains alone weren't enough to make them stay. Balancing these objective factors with your emotional responses is crucial in making the right decisions and finding true contentment abroad.
Consider your loved ones
When planning to live abroad permanently, remember to include your loved ones in your considerations. Even though the final decision rests with you, their insights and feelings are invaluable. Discuss your intentions and actively involve them in the decision-making process. Their perspective is crucial, even if they won't be relocating with you. Reflect on previous moves, even to nearby cities or regions, where you promised to stay closely connected to your loved ones. Daily routines often make maintaining contact challenging, and distance can make communication feel like a chore. This effect is magnified when living abroad. Revisit your past experiences living abroad: how did you maintain relationships with your loved ones? How did they handle your absence? Engage in open discussions about your feelings and your connection to the prospective foreign country.
Make compromises
Aim for a balanced choice instead of waiting for a country that meets all your criteria. For example, if environmental issues are a top priority for you, you might steer clear of countries with lax environmental policies—unless your goal is to move there and lead an ecological movement.
The right compromise involves carefully balancing your objective situation, your personal aspirations, your emotional needs, and the conditions of the country you're considering. It also means taking into account the impact on your loved ones. Choosing to live in a nearby country that closely aligns with your values might be more appealing than pursuing an idealized life in a distant land, particularly if it helps you maintain strong connections with family and friends. Finding this balance is key to selecting a place that truly meets your needs and desires.
