25 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Emigrate

When I emigrated, that was frankly anything but perfectly planned. I did not have a hundred lists, no sophisticated strategy and definitely not an answer to every possible question. I’m just off – and yes, that wasn’t necessarily the best decision of my life. Sometimes a little more preparation would have been really helpful. But at the same time I also noticed: If you try to predict everything down to the smallest detail, then at some point you will no longer get into action.

Therefore, this should not be a classical guide here. I don’t want to give you a step-by-step guide on how to emigrate "right" – each path is much too individual. Instead, I’ve simply collected a few questions that can help you think about your own motivations and plans. Maybe they will help you on your way.

Here are 25 questions to ask yourself before you emigrate

#1. Why do I even want to leave?

Honestly, sometimes you just feel like you have to get out. But is it really the great desire for something new or just the desire to run away from the old stuff? If you clarify this for yourself, you quickly notice whether a new start makes sense at all.

#2. Do I really need a complete restart or would a change of residence within my country help?

Sometimes a change of scenery is enough to get a fresh wind. You don't have to throw everything out right away. Think about whether a new district or a small change of location is not exactly what you are looking for.

#3. Is it primarily about adventure, variety or do I actually want to build my life elsewhere in the long term?

It’s a big difference whether you just want to try something new or really want to zero everything. Clarity here saves a lot of chaos and disappointment later. Ask yourself honestly: Am I here for the kick or for real life?

#4. Have I visited the country of my choice and lived there for several weeks or months?

Holidays are nice, but everyday life feels different. It is worthwhile to test the country properly – a few weeks or months are worth gold. So you realize whether you could feel comfortable in the long term or whether you just fell in love with the idea.

#5. Could a second home or longer stays (e.g. Work and Travel, Sabbatical) give me what I am looking for?

Sometimes you don't have to throw everything away. A temporary life abroad can give you exactly the adventure or freedom you are looking for. So you get a sense of what it really is like without risking everything.

#6. What about my current work? Can I take my job with me, work remotely or do I need a complete professional restart?

Work is not just money, it gives structure and routine. Think about how you want to make a living. Those who check this out beforehand have less stress later and can enjoy the restart more.

#7. What do I do with my apartment, my house or all my possessions? Sell, rent, store?

Getting rid of everything at once is radical, but taking everything with you can be a burden. This question will help you make decisions before you leave. So later on you do not feel that your own things stand in your way.

#8. What are the legal requirements for emigration? (Visa, residence permit, work permit)

Without the papers, it doesn't work. Sounds dry, but it's really important. Those who get smart beforehand save themselves endless bureaucracy and frustration.

#9. How much money do I need for the first few months and do I have enough reserves if something goes wrong?

Money gives you freedom and peace – especially in the beginning. Ask yourself how much time you could survive without income. Those who are prepared can get started more relaxed and do not have to turn around every cent.

#10. How do I deal with the language? Am I ready to learn the local language and how quickly can I communicate?

Language makes everyday life or ruins it. Sure, you can communicate with hands and feet, but it gets stressful faster. Those who put in a little effort feel at home much faster.

#11. Have I dealt with the culture, mentality and social rules in the target country?

Cultural differences can be harsh. This question helps you bypass traps you don’t see before. Those who are prepared do not constantly feel like an outsider.

#12. How important is closeness to my family and friends – and how do I deal with homesickness?

Homesickness comes faster than you think. Think about how you keep in touch and how often you want to travel home. Those who check this beforehand can enjoy emigrating more realistically.

#13. Am I ready to leave my comfort zone permanently and embark on a completely new system?

Leave everything you know behind you – that’s hard. This question shows how ready you are to completely re-engage. Those who accept this will master the initial phase more easily.

#14. What about health insurance and medical care in the new country?

No one wants to get sick, and certainly not in a foreign country. This question ensures that you do not stand empty-handed when something happens. Those who are prepared can start more relaxed.

#15. What happens to my pension entitlements and my retirement savings when I emigrate?

The future is coming faster than you think. This question will help you check how you are protected. Anyone who knows this beforehand can go more calmly.

#16. What taxes do I have to pay – in the new country and perhaps still in my home country?

Taxes annoy, but who ignores them gets trouble later. Better clarify beforehand what comes to you. Then there are no bad surprises and you can focus on life.

#17. Have I set realistic expectations or do I idealize life abroad?

Holidays and everyday life are two different pairs of shoes. This question helps you not to run away with rose-colored glasses. Those who remain realistic experience less frustration and more joy.

#18. Am I willing to take on worse jobs at first or start new ones, even if I was well established in my home country?

Restarting can be sobering. This question checks if you are flexible enough. Those who accept this will find their place faster and come into the country more easily.

#19 How do I deal with cultural misunderstandings, bureaucracy and frustrations?

There are always problems. Those who know beforehand that they have to deal with it lose less nerve. This question shows how patient and adaptable you are.

#20. Am I flexible enough when things are going differently than planned?

Abroad, everything rarely goes according to plan. Those who are flexible can see opportunities instead of pushing stress. This question checks how much you can adapt.

#21. Do I have an exit strategy if the emigration does not work out as I imagined?

Sometimes it just doesn't work. A Plan B gives you peace and security. Then you go more bravely because you know you can go back.

#22. How do I imagine my everyday life in the new country – not just a holiday, but the normal Tuesday morning?

Holidays are easy, everyday life less. This question helps you to realistically assess whether life really fits there. Anyone who thinks this through beforehand will later be less disappointed.

#23. What local connections, networks or communities could help me gain a foothold?

Arriving alone is hard. Who checks before, where you meet people, has it much easier. Contacts make the start more relaxed and faster pleasant.

#24. Do I want to emigrate permanently or only live abroad for a certain time?

How long you want to stay decides everything: jobs, apartment, planning. Those who have this clear can prepare much better and avoid wrong decisions.

#25. Which personal values are important to me – and do they fit the culture and lifestyle in the destination country?

Not every country fits every person. This question helps you to check if you will be happy in the long term. Those who know themselves make decisions that really make sense.

Conclusion: Why there is no "perfect" decision

In the end, there is no checklist when emigrating that guarantees everything is right – and that is completely okay. I've learned that you can weigh a lot beforehand, but you just have to experience some things to really understand them.

Perhaps when you think about these questions, you realize that you are not ready yet – or that you are already much further than you think. Maybe you realize that a complete restart is not necessary, or that right now is the right time to go.

Above all, one thing is important: Be honest with yourself, remain flexible and do not expect everything to go perfectly. Emigration is an adventure – sometimes chaotic, sometimes exciting, sometimes educational in a way you could never have planned before.

Even if it does not work out immediately, you have gained experiences that take you further – and that lead you a bit more to yourself. So: turn on your head, open your heart – and take the first step whenever it is right for you.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Emigration