Why You Should Find a Job Before Moving Abroad

Moving abroad is a big decision, which generates a lot of changes in our lives. Relocation is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime, but it should come with thorough planning.

You need to consider many things when moving to another country. So many, that you may not know where to start. In this article, we will show you why finding a job before moving abroad should be on your to-do list.

How to find a job before moving abroad?

We know what you are thinking. It’s easier said than done.

So before we explain why you should find a job before moving abroad, we will tell you how to do it.

Europe Language Jobs is a niche job board helping job seekers find vacancies with the languages they speak in different European countries. You can filter jobs by country, city, or language, easily navigating hundreds of vacancies.

We focus on office jobs in customer service, sales, marketing, HR, accounting, finance, and more.

Employers advertising their vacancies on our job board are looking for talent from all over Europe. Some companies offer attractive relocation packages to help new hires with their move abroad.

Therefore, Europe Language Jobs is the best place to go if you want to find a job before moving abroad.

7 Reasons Why You Should Find a Job Before Moving Abroad

Peace of mind

Mental health should always go first, so that’s what we’re starting our list with.

Moving abroad is stressful. There is no way around that.

You need to arrange many things before leaving, and the list gets even longer once you have already made the move. We advise you to take care of as many things as possible beforehand to deal with less stress in a new country.

Finding a job before moving abroad will provide an extra layer of security and give you peace of mind. You will know that you won’t have to worry about money and a job hunt on top of everything else.

Healthcare and benefits

Now that we talked about mental health, we should also mention physical health. After all, both need our equal attention.

You should find a job before moving abroad to know what kind of healthcare plan you can count on from your employer. Your old plan may not be valid in another country, and international health insurance can be expensive.

Pay attention to other benefits as well. A meal voucher, a gym membership, language classes or a discount scheme can make your life abroad much easier. Each thing less to worry about is already a huge convenience when you move to another country.

Paperwork

In some countries, you may need to show proof of income to rent a house, open a bank account, or purchase an insurance plan. This means that you won’t be able to do these important things if you don’t find a job first.

It’s impossible to predict how long searching for a new job will take. And living in a hotel long-term without the possibility to buy insurance or open a bank account isn’t ideal. So, to avoid that, you should find a job before moving abroad.

Financial planning

The cost of living is very different among various European countries. A €100 will get you less in Germany than in Greece.

Planning finances might be difficult before you get an understanding of the local prices. You will need to do a lot of research about average salaries and expected monthly costs of rent, food, and other necessities.

However, making important decisions based just on statistics and estimates is difficult. If you find a job before moving abroad, you will know exactly how much you will be making.

This knowledge will allow you to choose the accommodation you will be able to afford and calculate how much savings you can expect to set aside every month.

Avoiding having to move again

It is easier to find a job in some places than in others. For example, there are more opportunities in big cities than in small towns. Additionally, cities with many international companies offer more positions for language speakers from other countries.

Imagine this scenario: you move abroad but it has been six months and you still can’t find a job. You don’t speak the local language, and there aren’t many opportunities for speakers of other languages in your city. You are slowly running out of savings and need to start working soon to get more money.

In this situation, it might be necessary to move to another city. This would generate new stress - after all, you have only just moved to another country. Moving again is probably the last thing you want to do.

You can avoid it if you find a job before moving abroad.

Support in relocation

Moving abroad comes with tons of paperwork. Residence permit, work permit, bank account, housing agreement, work contract, and more are piling up on your desk, threatening to drown you.

Not to mention, forgetting one document that would make your stay in a foreign country legal is the last thing you want to do.

That’s why you should find a job before moving abroad. The HR department at your new company is likely to guide you through the necessary paperwork. They can also advise you on where to safely look for accommodation and provide support in other aspects of relocation.

Some companies go a step further and offer new hires relocation packages. They vary depending on the employer, but a relocation package can include flight tickets, airport pickup, language classes, or paid accommodation for the first few weeks in the new job.

Meeting people

One of the best ways to settle into your new life abroad is to make friends. Sadly, that’s also one of the most difficult aspects.

It is much easier to meet new people if you find a job before moving abroad. Assuming your new job will be hybrid or office-based, you will quickly meet your colleagues.

Even if you don’t become instant friends, they will be able to help you settle in other ways. They can recommend the best ways to meet people, things to do and places to see, and offer other kinds of advice only locals will know, such as where to go shopping for the best bargains.

If you work in an international company with a diverse team, then chances are, your coworkers used to be in your shoes at some point. They have likely moved abroad from another country and can share their experiences with you to make your own easier.

Easing into the culture

Culture shock is no myth. It is a real issue that many people face when they relocate to a different country.

Finding a job before moving abroad is a good solution to lessening the impact of culture shock. You can talk to your colleagues about their life in your new country and learn about the local customs.

Some companies also offer free language classes to their employees. Learning the local language often isn’t necessary if you find a job where you don’t have to use it. But knowing it is helpful in fitting in and adjusting to the new culture.

Visas and work permits

If you’re moving to Europe from outside the EU, you will need to apply for a work visa. You won’t be able to legally start working in a European country without it.

Visa requirements vary from country to country and can be different depending on individual circumstances. For example, in some countries, you receive a work visa for a specific job. Every time you change a job, you need to apply for a new visa.

This means that you should find a job before moving abroad. Otherwise, you won’t get a visa or work permit.

The reasons why you should find a job before moving abroad include peace of mind, financial planning, and easing into the new culture. Having a job might also be a prerequisite to completing certain types of paperwork such as renting a house, opening a bank account, or getting a visa.

Your employer might assist you in moving and settling into a new country, or even provide you with a relocation package. Finding a job before moving abroad will also allow you to be aware of the healthcare and benefits you can expect from your new workplace, helping you make an informed decision.

Feeling inspired? Visit our blog for more career advice! How can you be sure the information we provide is top-notch? We are a group of professionals working with recruiters, career coaches, and HR specialists from all over the world!

Trust our experience and let us help you find a new job in Europe!

Explore by tag

Relocating

Living abroad

Related offers

See all jobs

Why You Should Find a Job Before Moving Abroad

How to find a job before moving abroad?

7 Reasons Why You Should Find a Job Before Moving Abroad

Peace of mind

Healthcare and benefits

Paperwork

Financial planning

Avoiding having to move again

Support in relocation

Meeting people

Easing into the culture

Visas and work permits