As you prepare to relocate abroad, your spouse may be in crisis, giving up a comfortable lifestyle to follow and support you. Here are five things to think about to help make the transition smoother for both of you.
Work Visas
This legal document, specific to one country, allows you to work for a particular employer. They are based on a job offer and are not transferable to another country, job, or company. It can seem like a conundrum: you can’t get a visa without a job or job offer, yet most won’t hire you unless you have the visa first.
Some employers will sponsor you during the permit process, so it’s worth asking potential employers about their policies. Local immigration or labor offices can assist.
Loss of Career
A spouse’s job isn’t guaranteed in a new country. One also cannot assume he or she will be able to work remotely. At least one spouse must have a verifiable job or offer to receive a visa and enter the country. In the European Union, a company has to prove it has exhausted all potential citizens as candidates for an open position before offering it to an expatriate.
Talk with your real estate agent or relocation management company about local connections or job possibilities. Make sure you and your spouse have all the correct paperwork completed to actively look for work.
Loss of Independence
Because they do not know the area and may not have a job, trailing spouses are likely to have more trouble acclimating. Before moving, join social media groups to begin making friends before you arrive. Seek help from your real estate agent when connecting with community resources.
Culture and Language Barriers
Enroll in language classes together to learn about your new country’s customs. Read books together about local customs, culture, and history. The more comfortable you are with the language, the more confident you will become.
Making New Friends When You Relocate
If your spouse has a hobby or favorite activity, help find an organization to join to build natural connections. Learn the language. Encourage your spouse to accompany you and your new colleagues to dinner.
Mostly, be supportive of your spouse as they are being supportive of you. This is a journey to take together, and addressing these areas might help mitigate some of the stress of moving away from friends, family, and your home country.
Related – 6 Benefits of Partnering with a Relocation Savvy Agent
