One AxionRelocation

Choosing where to move abroad

A family pre-decision checklist — the big questions to answer before you pick a country or hand in any notice.

Work through this together as a family. You don't need every answer yet — the goal is to know the big questions, agree on what matters, and decide with your eyes open. Tick items off as you go; your progress saves automatically on this device.

1Get aligned as a family (the "why")

Agree why you’re moving — and what “success” looks like in 1, 3 and 5 years.
List each person’s non-negotiables vs nice-to-haves (yes, your child’s too).
Decide: a permanent move, or a trial period with a way back?
Talk openly, together, about leaving family, friends and the familiar behind.

2Right to live & work (decide this first)

Check which countries you can realistically get a long-term visa for (your nationalities + qualifications).
Identify the visa route: work, family, ancestry, self-employed, digital-nomad or investment.
Confirm whether BOTH partners can legally work there.
Map the path — and the timeline — to permanent residency or citizenship.

3Money, tax & runway

Compare each country’s cost of living to your realistic income there.
Secure your income FIRST — job offer, remote contract or business — before quitting anything.
Understand how you’ll be taxed (and avoid double taxation); check tax-residency rules.
Build a moving budget plus a 6–12 month emergency buffer; plan banking and currency.

4Your child’s education

Research schooling — state, international or bilingual — and the real cost of each.
Check the language of instruction and whether the curriculum continues theirs (future exams, university).
Confirm availability, waiting lists, and how admissions line up with the school year.
Think about the social side — making friends, settling in, any extra support needed.

5Healthcare & wellbeing

Check healthcare quality and how it’s funded — state system vs private insurance.
Confirm any ongoing medications or treatments are available and covered.
Budget for health insurance (it’s often a visa requirement).
Plan for the emotional side of the move — for everyone, children included.

6Work & careers

Check the job market for your field — and whether your qualifications are recognised.
If working remotely: confirm it’s legal on your visa, and the timezone works.
Consider the impact on the “trailing” partner’s career.
Don’t resign until your visa and income are confirmed in writing.

7Language, culture & lifestyle

Be honest about the local language and how much you’ll need day-to-day.
Weigh climate, pace of life and culture — and whether they genuinely suit you.
Look for community and expat networks to avoid isolation.
Factor the distance home — the cost and ease of visits, both ways.

8Practicalities, safety & contingency

Research housing (rent before you buy), neighbourhoods and getting around.
Check safety, and political and economic stability.
Start the paperwork early: passport validity, birth/marriage certificates, apostilles, school + medical records.
Decide what happens to your home and assets back home — and have an exit plan.

9Decide with your eyes open

Shortlist 2–3 countries and score each against your non-negotiables.
Visit before you commit — a proper recce trip, as a family.
Talk to people who’ve actually made the move.
Set a decision deadline and a clear “go / no-go” checkpoint before any big, irreversible step.