Complete Move Abroad Guide 2026
Your comprehensive guide to permanent relocation - immigration pathways, PR, citizenship, and building a new life abroad.
Why Move Abroad Permanently?
Permanent relocation offers better quality of life, higher income potential, world-class healthcare and education, political stability, safety, and new opportunities for you and your family.
Easiest Countries to Immigrate To
🇨🇦 Canada
Express Entry points-based system. 450,000+ PR granted annually. Pathway to citizenship in 3 years.
Learn more →🇦🇺 Australia
Skilled migration program. Points test + occupation list. PR leads to citizenship in 4 years.
Learn more →🇳🇿 New Zealand
Skilled Migrant Category. Beautiful country, high quality of life, easy PR process.
Learn more →🇵🇹 Portugal
Golden Visa through investment. D7 visa for passive income. Citizenship in 5 years.
Learn more →🇸🇬 Singapore
Employment Pass → PR application. High salaries, safety, world-class infrastructure.
Learn more →Common Immigration Pathways
1. Skilled Worker Immigration
Points-based system evaluating age, education, work experience, language skills.
Examples: Canada Express Entry, Australia SkillSelect, UK Skilled Worker
2. Family Sponsorship
Spouse, parents, or children can sponsor you for PR if they are citizens/PRs.
Processing time: 12-24 months depending on country
3. Study → Work → PR
Study abroad, get post-study work permit, gain experience, apply for PR.
Popular in Canada (PGWP), Australia (PSW), UK (Graduate Route)
4. Investor/Business Immigration
Invest capital or start business in exchange for residency/citizenship.
Examples: Portugal Golden Visa ($280k+), Canada Start-up Visa, US EB-5 ($800k+)
5. Employer-Sponsored PR
Employer sponsors you for permanent residency after working for them.
Available in Australia (ENS/RSMS), Canada (LMIA-based)
6. Ancestry/Heritage Visa
PR or citizenship based on ancestry (parent/grandparent from that country).
Examples: Ireland, Italy, Poland, UK Ancestry Visa
Step-by-Step Immigration Process
Step 1: Research & Choose Country
Consider: immigration policies, job market, language, cost of living, culture, climate
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Use official points calculators, check occupation lists, language requirements
Step 3: Improve Your Profile
Gain work experience, improve language scores, get additional certifications
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Educational credentials, work references, language tests, police clearance, medicals
Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Enter immigration pool (Express Entry, SkillSelect). Wait for invitation.
Step 6: Receive Invitation & Apply
Submit full PR application with all documents within deadline (usually 60-90 days)
Step 7: Wait for Decision
Processing time: 6-18 months. May need additional documents or interview.
Step 8: Get PR & Move
Receive PR visa. Plan relocation, book flights, arrange initial accommodation.
Cost of Moving Abroad
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Language Tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) | $200-$300 |
| Educational Credential Assessment | $200-$400 |
| Police Clearance Certificate | $50-$100 |
| Medical Examination | $300-$500 |
| Immigration Application Fee | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Immigration Consultant (optional) | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Flight Tickets (one-way) | $500-$1,500 |
| Initial Accommodation (1-2 months) | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Shipping/Moving Personal Items | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Settlement Funds (proof required) | $10,000-$25,000 |
| TOTAL (approximate) | $16,000-$44,000 |
Tips for Settling in New Country
📱 Get Local Phone Number
Essential for job applications, banking, emergencies
🏦 Open Bank Account
Needed for salary deposits, rent payments, building credit history
💳 Apply for SSN/SIN/TFN
Tax number required for legal employment and government services
🏥 Get Health Insurance
Public healthcare registration or private insurance (country-dependent)
🚗 Get Driver's License
Convert your license or take local driving test within 3-6 months
👥 Join Expat Communities
Facebook groups, Meetup, InterNations for networking and support
📚 Learn the Language
Even in English-speaking countries, learn local slang and expressions
🏠 Understand Rental Laws
Lease agreements, tenant rights, deposit rules vary by country
Permanent Resident Obligations
Important to Know:
- ✅ Physical Presence: Most countries require 2-3 years presence in 5 years to maintain PR
- ✅ Pay Taxes: You're a tax resident and must file annual tax returns
- ✅ Renew PR Card: Typically valid for 5 years, must renew before expiry
- ✅ No Voting Rights: PRs cannot vote; only citizens can
- ✅ Pathway to Citizenship: Can apply for citizenship after 3-5 years
- ❌ Can Lose PR: If you commit serious crimes or abandon residency
Citizenship Eligibility Timeline
| Country | Years as PR | Dual Citizenship | Language Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 3 years | ✅ Allowed | Yes (18-54 age) |
| Australia | 4 years | ✅ Allowed | Yes |
| USA | 5 years | ✅ Allowed | Yes |
| UK | 5 years | ✅ Allowed | Yes (B1 level) |
| Germany | 8 years (or 6-7) | ⚠️ Limited | Yes (B1 level) |
| New Zealand | 5 years | ✅ Allowed | Yes |
Related Guides
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