The excitement of taking a job that requires you to live abroad for a few years is undeniable. You’ll experience new cultures, meet interesting people, and maybe even learn a new language. But before you can dive into this adventure, you’ve got some serious prep work to do. Preparing to move abroad goes beyond just packing up your bags and booking a one-way flight. You’ll need to handle paperwork like visas and work permits, secure housing in your new location, and get familiar with the customs and culture of your soon-to-be home.But what if you know you'll be coming back home in a few years? A temporary relocation has its own set of unique considerations. You’ll need to think ahead to keep things running smoothly on both ends—both in your new country and back home. From managing your property to organizing your finances, here’s what you need to do to prepare for a few years of working abroad..Let Your Current Home Work for YouIf you own your home, moving abroad doesn’t have to mean leaving it behind to sit empty. By finding reliable tenants, you can ensure that your home is generating income, even if you're halfway around the world.If you’re concerned about the logistics of managing a rental property from afar, don’t worry—property management companies are there to handle it all for you. These professionals can take care of everything from finding tenants to handling maintenance and repairs, so you don’t have to stress about anything while you’re abroad. By the time you’re ready to return, your home will still be yours, and hopefully, you’ll have some extra cash in your pocket..Consider International Health InsuranceWhile you’re busy securing the big-ticket items like visas and housing, don’t forget about your health. For temporary expats, international health insurance is the perfect solution. It covers you wherever you go, giving you access to medical care both in your new country and back home if you need it. Not only does this provide peace of mind, but it also ensures that you won’t be left scrambling in case of an emergency. The last thing you want is to face an unexpected health crisis in a foreign country with limited healthcare options, so securing this coverage should be a priority..Keep Your Savings at HomeOne of the biggest financial decisions you’ll have to make when moving abroad is how to manage your money. The most practical option for temporary expats is to keep your savings and investments at home, where they can be managed by a trusted financial advisor. This allows you to keep your long-term financial goals on track while you’re away. At the same time, you can open a local bank account abroad to cover everyday expenses during your stay. Having both accounts ensures you have easy access to funds in your new country, but you won’t have to worry about closing and reopening savings or investment accounts when you return home..Taking a job abroad for a few years can be the adventure of a lifetime. But being prepared—both for your time abroad and for your eventual return home—will make the experience even more rewarding. With a little planning and the right support, you can make the most of your time abroad while keeping things running smoothly at home.
The excitement of taking a job that requires you to live abroad for a few years is undeniable. You’ll experience new cultures, meet interesting people, and maybe even learn a new language. But before you can dive into this adventure, you’ve got some serious prep work to do. Preparing to move abroad goes beyond just packing up your bags and booking a one-way flight. You’ll need to handle paperwork like visas and work permits, secure housing in your new location, and get familiar with the customs and culture of your soon-to-be home.But what if you know you'll be coming back home in a few years? A temporary relocation has its own set of unique considerations. You’ll need to think ahead to keep things running smoothly on both ends—both in your new country and back home. From managing your property to organizing your finances, here’s what you need to do to prepare for a few years of working abroad..Let Your Current Home Work for YouIf you own your home, moving abroad doesn’t have to mean leaving it behind to sit empty. By finding reliable tenants, you can ensure that your home is generating income, even if you're halfway around the world.If you’re concerned about the logistics of managing a rental property from afar, don’t worry—property management companies are there to handle it all for you. These professionals can take care of everything from finding tenants to handling maintenance and repairs, so you don’t have to stress about anything while you’re abroad. By the time you’re ready to return, your home will still be yours, and hopefully, you’ll have some extra cash in your pocket..Consider International Health InsuranceWhile you’re busy securing the big-ticket items like visas and housing, don’t forget about your health. For temporary expats, international health insurance is the perfect solution. It covers you wherever you go, giving you access to medical care both in your new country and back home if you need it. Not only does this provide peace of mind, but it also ensures that you won’t be left scrambling in case of an emergency. The last thing you want is to face an unexpected health crisis in a foreign country with limited healthcare options, so securing this coverage should be a priority..Keep Your Savings at HomeOne of the biggest financial decisions you’ll have to make when moving abroad is how to manage your money. The most practical option for temporary expats is to keep your savings and investments at home, where they can be managed by a trusted financial advisor. This allows you to keep your long-term financial goals on track while you’re away. At the same time, you can open a local bank account abroad to cover everyday expenses during your stay. Having both accounts ensures you have easy access to funds in your new country, but you won’t have to worry about closing and reopening savings or investment accounts when you return home..Taking a job abroad for a few years can be the adventure of a lifetime. But being prepared—both for your time abroad and for your eventual return home—will make the experience even more rewarding. With a little planning and the right support, you can make the most of your time abroad while keeping things running smoothly at home.