There are several advantages to moving to Europe from Canada. The continent is home to some of the most beautiful countries in the world, and its diverse cultures and history make it a favourite destination for expatriates. Many dishes made in Europe are unmatched in taste and flavour, and many languages can be adopted if you take the time to practice–making some European countries the perfect new homestead for Canadians. Whether you’re moving (Flyttemelding in Norwegian) to Europe for work or for leisure, here are some tips to help you get started.

 

Initial planning steps

Permanently moving to any European country will require you to contact both the Embassy of Canada and the embassy of the country you plan to emigrate to in an effort to acquire the visa necessary to move. Visas will cost you around $90, a price to factor into your budget. Further, you must research the requirements to enter the country of your choice, as each European country will have different measures and steps to become a resident.

 

Hiring a moving company

Once you obtain your visa and have read through the requirements to gain entry into the European you want to move to, you should start looking into international moving companies to help you move your items. You can either move your belongings by boat or plane, two options that will differentiate in price. Moving by boat is typically cheaper, but expect some time to pass before you are able to obtain your belongings. Planes are more expensive but are a good option if you can afford them as your belongings will arrive much quicker.

 

Language

According to the international moving info from threemovers.com, while many European countries have bilingual citizens in both their native language and English, a language barrier still might exist depending on where you choose to live. It would be useful to learn common phrases in the primary language of the country you want to reside in. Further, you may want to take language classes if you have the time or purchase books to help you learn the language properly.

 

Emergency and healthcare

Many European countries provide free healthcare, while others don’t offer citizens guaranteed healthcare without insurance. Because of this, it’s imperative to research what health insurance is required for specific countries to maintain your health in your new home. You can obtain health insurance from European providers or Canadian health insurance companies that can create international insurance plans for you before you leave. Before moving, you should also research the health facilities close to you in case of future emergencies that may occur after you move. Finally, look into where the pharmacies are located, especially if you’ll need prescribed medications refilled or are prone to stomach issues or chronic pain.

 

Budget

Take your current salary and the salary you will be receiving in Europe into consideration when you begin to budget. The average Canadian salary isn’t sufficient in most countries, so you should consider the fluctuating exchange rates and inflation when calculating your budget. You should also know how much your personal belongings will cost to ship, and only bring what you need. In some cases, your employer or recruiter will pay for your move if you’re willing to do volunteer work. If you’re relocating for a job, make sure to check if you’ll be covered by your employer for the expenses of relocating.

You will also need to factor in housing and whether you will be purchasing a home or renting. It is also important to factor in inflation and currency fluctuations when making this decision.

 

Work opportunities

If you plan to relocate to Europe from Canada for work, gaining employment won’t be a concern. But if you are someone who wants to start over in a European country, obtaining a job opportunity abroad would be greatly beneficial to help you remain in the country for longer and adapt to a new environment. Research what skills are in demand in Europe, and if your background applies to these in-demand jobs and skills, employers are seeking. If you aren’t seeking long-term employment, look into temporary childcare jobs in Europe that will give you room and board and allow you to travel on your days off.