Moving abroad, whether for work or just to experience life in a new place, should be properly thought out before you make the leap. If you’re trying to make this leap on a budget, it can be even more of a challenge, but it isn’t impossible. Follow these tips to make a start on this adventure without the need to ruin your finances forever.

Find Work Abroad

The best way to make a move with your finances intact is to make sure you have a job lined up in your new home.

If you like your job, find out if your company offers any opportunity for you to transfer to an office in another country. Many large companies will happily do this, and some even offer work exchange programs. You could trade places with a colleague in another office who wants to experience your home country. If you have a more specialist role, you could transfer in order to train staff in another office too.

If you work for yourself, especially online, this can be easy to keep working when you get there, especially if you’re in the digital industry. Freelance careers like web design, copywriting or even working as a virtual assistant can all easily be done from anywhere you have an internet connection.

If you are planning to work abroad, you will need to make sure you have the relevant work visas or other permits to let you work legally. If you do need to search for a new job, try and secure one before you move, as this may be required to get your work permit. Your employer should then be able to help you with working out which permits you will need and how to get them.

You could look into a work abroad scheme to help you find work too. Volunteering is a great way to make connections for work like this, or you could look into a job like teaching English as a foreign language. If you have skills in a specific industry, you may find it easier to find a job in countries in need of your skills. For example, engineers are often needed in Germany, whereas IT professionals are in demand in India. If your job is in an industry like this, spending a year working abroad can be well worth it, as you can earn good money. You can use your higher salary to save hard and put towards something like a house deposit when you get home after your year abroad.

Start The Visa Process

Make sure you start the visa process or arrange any work permits you need with plenty of time before you leave for your new life to minimise your stress levels. Depending on the kind of employment you’re going into, you might require a different kind of permit. Short-term, unpaid or work exchange positions may only need a tourist visa, but check first. Other positions will likely need a proper work visa to allow you to legally earn while you’re abroad. Visa needs differ by country, so check with a local embassy to find out what you need to start your new job. Your employer should also be able to advise you.

Find Somewhere To Live

There are often Facebook groups and websites for expats which you can use to help you find a roommate. Living with a roommate and renting a room rather than a whole apartment can not only help you to meet people but also majorly keep your costs down. Your work may be able to suggest an agency to help you find a room to rent in your new home city. Apps like PropertyGuru can also be helpful.

Prepare Your Finances

No matter how budget savvy you are, moving is always going to be expensive. You’re going to need some savings to help you through and to learn how to budget. If you’re low on funds, selling your old stuff can be a great way to raise some money. You’re likely to want to slim down your possessions anyway if you’re preparing for a big move, so you might as well sell on these items either on eBay or at a yard sale to earn some spare cash to fund the big move. Save some money by cooking at home more often, and choosing to invite friends round instead of going out. Find some ways to save some cash so you can start your new life abroad, without being saddled with debt as soon as you get there.