Britain is a popular destination for many expats. It’s an area of the world that presents many benefits for its residents, such as free healthcare, high-quality education, and ample job opportunities.
However, if you’ve lived in Britain your whole life, you might be wondering what else is out there for you. Being in the same place from birth to death can limit your personal and professional opportunities.
When you move to a new country, you are given the chance to meet new people, learn a new language, embrace another culture, and see new sights. If the thought of these things doesn’t fill you up with excitement, we don’t know what will!
As exciting as it can be to pack your bags and leave Britain on a semi-permanent or permanent basis, it’s also a scary process. You are leaving your life behind and stepping far out of your comfort zone.
Moving to a new country requires a lot of bravery and courage but it’s the perfect way to expand your mind and improve a range of skills. As long as you do your research and make sure you don’t miss anything important, choosing to relocate could be the best decision you ever make!
To help your transition from Britain to another country go as smoothly as possible, here are some important things to keep in mind when you move.
Health Insurance
As a British citizen, you will be more than familiar with the National Health Service that enables you to access free healthcare. This is something that many people take for granted in Britain and they don’t realize how great it is until they move to a country that doesn’t offer free healthcare services.
If you decide to relocate, you will need to get health insurance for Brits living abroad. Many countries have privatized healthcare systems that require you to have health insurance if you need treatment.
In countries that offer free public healthcare to their natives, you will still need health insurance when you first move. Similarly, if you want to access private healthcare services in another country, you can do so with valid insurance.
Make sure to purchase health insurance before you move. Nobody ever plans on getting ill shortly after moving to a new country but you can’t always predict illness or injury. Having valid insurance from day one of your expat life ensures you can get healthcare treatment abroad if necessary.
You are used to getting free healthcare, no matter what type of treatment, therapy, or surgery. However, medical bills can quickly accumulate if you need ongoing treatment. Your health insurance will minimize the cost of your medical bills.
Bank Accounts
It is possible to keep your British bank account open when you move to another country. In some cases, it will be necessary, such as if you plan on keeping the same job and working for a British employer.
However, it’s important to inform your bank if you plan on moving out of Britain and you will need to explain your situation.
If you aren’t planning on keeping the same job and you’re going to find work in another country, it may be more difficult to keep your British bank account. Get in touch with your bank and discuss your options before you move.
Taxes
The other thing to consider is your taxes. If you are keeping the same job when you relocate, the only thing that will change is your address. You will still pay the same amount of taxes as before.
If you are self-employed or have your own small business, you’ll be aware of the process of filing self-assessment tax returns each year. You need to inform HMRC of your move and complete an additional form.
If you plan on getting dual citizenship, you will end up paying two lots of taxes (one to each country). However, it’s important to keep track of all of the taxes that you need to pay so that you don’t end up paying too much.
The tax laws are different in every country so it’s important that you do some research to learn about how much tax you need to pay.
Culture
When you’re used to the culture in Britain, it can be a shock when you move to a new country. Even if you’ve visited a variety of countries on holiday or you’ve got distant friends around the globe, nothing can truly prepare you for the huge differences between cultures. You might find it difficult to integrate into your new community once you’ve relocated. It can take several weeks for you to become accustomed to a brand-new culture in the new country. Give yourself plenty of time to adjust to your surroundings and take things at your own pace.
