Moving to another country with children for a new job opportunity is exciting! The moment we get an offer to work abroad, our minds are filled with hope for a new beginning and the excitement that comes with expanding our comfort zones and having new experiences. Moving abroad with your family for a new career opportunity opens up a lot of doors for the entire family.

At the same time, there are a lot of logistics to consider when moving abroad with children, which can feel overwhelming and stressful. From visas and school options for the children to finding a home, healthcare, and potentially having to learn a new language – there is a lot to navigate before the move.

Now that you and your family have considered your options for moving and have accepted this new exciting job opportunity abroad, you are ready to get started with preparing for your move with children and have a positive start in your new home.

Here are some things to consider for a seamless transition abroad with your family, while ensuring that your global career and overall family-well being in your new country is a success:

Inquire with your HR Team about Relocation Support

This is a good place to start as you prepare for your move abroad for your new job. HR Teams and Global Mobility Managers are a great resource for you and your family to help with the relocation. Oftentimes, companies offer in-house relocation support or have connections with external relocation companies and relocation experts to help you with your move. Plus, they might cover the fees for some of these services including paying for any relocation or legal consultation and language courses for you and your family (if you need to learn a new language for the move).

Visas, Housing & Finances

Visas, housing and finances – the 3 most pressing logistics to figure out before your move. Typically when relocating abroad for a job, visa permits are easily granted for international employees. Your new international employer can provide the necessary documents needed to apply for your and your family’s visa. Otherwise, consider consulting with an Immigration lawyer in the new country you are relocating to for legal advice.

When it comes to finding housing, relocation companies can support with the search. When doing the search on your own, get familiar with the most popular property search websites in the country you are moving to or join Facebook groups where people are listing apartments. Before starting the home search, it is important that you have selected which city you are moving to as property search tools can vary per city.

For finances, speaking to a tax advisor helps you and your family navigate international banking, currency exchange, and taxation in the country you are moving to.

Cultivate Connections with other Expats

We might put this one at the end of our to-do list, however, it is important to consider connecting with other expat families in the city you are moving to even before moving. It is always a good idea to connect with other international families who are also preparing for their move abroad for guidance, exchanging tips and resources (checkout programs like “The Cohort”).

Health & Wellness

Navigating the healthcare system in a new country can be a daunting task. Doing a quick Google search for: “What healthcare benefits are available for international families in Germany?”, “Is Healthcare free for expats?”, or “Who is eligible for healthcare in Germany?” is a good place to start. Get familiar with the local healthcare system, secure necessary healthcare coverage and locate nearby health facilities. Prioritizing you and your family’s healthcare needs is important for a healthy start to life abroad.

Bridging the Language Gap

This might sound like an obvious one but if you are moving abroad to a country where a different language is spoken, invest time in learning the language even before you move. Enroll in your local language school or find a tandem partner to practice with. Any time you dedicate to learning the language before moving puts you ahead both personally and professionally for your global career and your family’s success with adapting to life abroad.

Embarking on a new career opportunity abroad is exciting and requires careful planning and consideration. However, even when preparing for your global career and move abroad with your children and family, challenges may come up that you may not have expected – that is normal and oftentimes, inevitable!

By considering the support available through your new company, visa logistics and finances, finding your community abroad, health and wellness and learning the local language, you will be well equipped to navigate the complexities that come with moving abroad with your family for your new career. Embrace the adventure, expand your comfort zone, and when in doubt ask for help when needed. Bon Voyage!

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