Collaborative Post¦ If you want to have a happier life, you might think about packing it all up and making the move to another country. If you think it’s going to be plain sailing, you’ve got to bear in mind a few things; not just the cultural shock that you may experience, but the finances too. Many people who move to another country are always surprised at how much international moving costs could be. Let’s show you what some of the expenses could be, the expected and unexpected.
Visa Fees
Moving to another country means you have to apply for a visa, but also if you want to apply for a permanent settled status, such as the “leave to remain” right in the UK, you have to be prepared to pay the appropriate costs. The indefinite leave to remain premium service fee can currently cost £2,389 if you are happy to wait for a period of six months, but if you need it sooner, there are extra fees. If you are looking to pay a lawyer to fix your customs documents, it can be easier and less stressful, but the costs can be expensive for the most basic of services. It is a lot less stressful, but it’s worth having this in mind.
Moving and Transportation Costs
This is the biggest expense you will face. When you hire an international moving company, there are a few main factors that will result in your final cost. The method of transportation, such as shipping by sea or by air, the distance travelled, the route, but also the size of the move. The cheapest option is usually by the sea, and there are many international shipping companies that can help with this.
Packing and Unpacking Costs
Some moving companies don’t charge extra for this, but these are few and far between. Many countries’ customs documents may demand the moving company vouches for the goods being imported to make sure there’s no illegal items, not just weapons or drugs, but certain animals and plants.
Customs Duty Charges
It is another small cost to look into before you move, but depending on the country you are moving to, there could be customs duty charges. Countries like the US allow goods to move duty-free, but there are countries like the UK that have a wider variety of rules, depending on where you are coming from.
The Housing Costs
This is the biggest expense in a new location. Depending on the country, the cost will vary, because of the variety of taxes and fees. In the UK, if you want to buy a property, you pay stamp duty, which can be 12% of the cost of the property. There are also things like council tax.
Additional Costs
Of course, it’s not just about the big moving costs, but it’s about the settling in period. You may need to buy new furniture and appliances, new clothes if you do not have weather appropriate ones, and so forth. As you can see, moving to another country is quite an expense. It could be the best thing you ever do, but it is so important to be aware of these expenses upfront so you can plan ahead and make it the best change ever.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.