Moving Overseas

Moving overseas is not as easy as packing your bags and buying a one-way ticket to wherever your heart desires. Many of Americans would love to head out to an unknown land, picked like Cher's character in the movie Mermaids—by throwing a dart at a map and hoping for the best. But we are not in a Hollywood movie and we are bound by strict international laws that dictate who, what where, when, why and how we can relocate. Here are a few tips to help you decide if you're meant to be an ex-pat and at the same time keep on the right side of the law and culture in any corner of the world.

Get a Passport and Visa

Before anyone sets foot out of the country, you'll need a passport. A passport is recognized world-wide as an official form of national and personal identification for travel between countries. Americans can only get a passport from the US Department of State, however there are roughly 6,000 locations nation-wide that can process your information. You'll need 2 passport sized photos (can be taken at many photo shops and pharmacies), proof of your US citizenship, like a birth certificate, and lastly, a recent photo ID like a license. First time passport seekers will need to appear in person to apply, but if you are looking to renew a passport that is undamaged and in your possession you can reapply by mail. Both processes take about 6 weeks. For more information check out the US Department of State.

Once you get a passport,you will need a proper visa. The type of visa you will need is extremely important, and the requirements differ by country and by the purpose of your relocation. Make sure you do not get a tourist visa as you will likely be staying longer than the 30 days generally allowed by tourist visas. Different countries have different agreements with the USA. Generally speaking, you must first be hired and sponsored by a company located in the country you wish to move to. It is unwise to first move to a country. You won't be able to stay more than 90 days maximum as a tourist, and getting forcibly removed from a country is not the best way to become a thriving ex-pat. Each country will have its own qualifications, and those should be carefully scrutinized before buying a plane ticket. A simple web search for the consulate or embassy of the country you are looking at will provide you with all the information you need.