According to USA Facts, Tennessee had positive net migration in 2024, yet 156,400 people left the state for another domestic location. Others are braver, though, and they crave adventure overseas.
If you’re from Nashville and you’re planning a move abroad, don’t just jump into it. Here are the things you need to think about and plan before relocating.
Decide Whether You’re Taking a Long Vacation or Moving Abroad
The first question you should ask yourself is whether you’ll be taking a long vacation or settling in for a genuine international move. Typically, a long vacation still means things like sightseeing and experiences that fit into a temporary stay.
If you’re actually moving abroad, then you need to figure out how to:
- Get a job or work
- Shop for groceries
- Access healthcare
- Pay bills
- Manage everyday responsibilities
Before you book your flight, think about what your new life will look like and how long you’ll stay. A one-year stay will differ from permanent residency, and it’ll influence everything from visa eligibility to housing decisions.
Research Destinations Beyond Their Tourist Attractions
Just because a place is an excellent vacation destination doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s nice to live long term. Factors you should consider in your research include:
- Healthcare access
- Public transportation
- Safety
- Language barriers
- Climate
- Availability of suitable housing
Don’t forget to consider the local culture and pace of life, too. For example, if you’re used to driving around in Nashville and living in a spacious home, then a densely populated city like Amsterdam may not be to your liking.
You can check out local expat communities and government websites to get a more realistic view of life in a particular area.
Understand Visa Requirements and Application Timelines
Visas can make or break your move, so give yourself plenty of time to plan for them before you even book flights. There are usually different routes for:
- Employees
- Freelancers
- Retirees
- Students
- People with independent income
Also, if you want to keep working remotely for your Nashville employer, you should pay attention to whether your destination allows foreign employment or self-employment under the visa you want to use. It’s also crucial that you confirm whether you can apply from the US or you have to complete certain steps after arrival.
Learn How the Bona Fide Residence Test Could Affect Your Taxes
If you’re moving overseas for remote work, then you should first understand your federal tax obligations. For example, there’s the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) that allows you to exclude qualifying foreign-earned income from US federal income tax.
To meet this exclusion, you need to do more than just live abroad. You have to take the bona fide residence test, which establishes genuine residence in a foreign country for an uninterrupted period. The IRS also considers factors such as:
- Nature of your stay
- Your intentions
- Your activities abroad
You can start with Expatfile’s bonafide residence test guide to see the criteria.
Calculate Housing Costs Before Choosing Where to Live
Housing can make or break your relocation budget, and rental prices aren’t the only thing you should look at. For instance, check beyond the short-term vacation rentals in tourist areas; compare the cost of apartments or houses in neighborhoods you can see yourself realistically living.
Items you should also research include:
- Security deposits
- Utility bills
- Internet access
- Renter’s insurance
- Local fees
Some landlords also require things like proof of income and a local bank account, as well as a residence permit.
In addition, if you’re used to driving, compare the total cost of living near public transportation versus the expense of owning or renting a car.
Create an Income Plan That Works Across Borders
To fund your lifestyle, you’ll need an income plan. If you’re a remote employee, you should understand restrictions involving:
- Payroll
- Employment law
- Data security
- Taxation
As for freelancers and independent contractors, check if your contract or business structures need to change.
Another important topic is currency conversions. If you’ll be earning money in US dollars, then you’ll have to account for currency conversion fees and fluctuations.
Build a Moving Budget That Goes Beyond Monthly Expenses
You’ll need money for more than just rent and groceries. Relocating is expensive, so you need to account for:
- Flights
- Luggage or shipping
- Storage
- Visa applications
- Document authentication
- Temporary accommodations
- Deposits for a permanent home
In some destinations, you may also need to budget for things like private health insurance or local registration. Plus, many expats prefer to spend money on professional assistance with immigration and tax paperwork, so you may have to budget for that, too.
Plan How You’ll Build an Everyday Life in Your New Country
Moving abroad is a lot easier when you don’t treat every day like a holiday. It’s essential to look at everyday life and plan how you’ll:
- Buy groceries
- Commute
- Exercise
- Find healthcare providers
- Maintain hobbies
It can be beneficial to research local places where you can become a regular instead of relying on tourist attractions for entertainment. And if the local language isn’t English, learning basic phrases can make interactions less stressful and help you feel more connected with the community.
For assistance building local friendships, try turning to online expat communities. They often have meetups, and you’ll feel less alone in a new country.
Prepare for the Practicalities of Leaving Nashville Behind
There are several administrative tasks that can become complicated once you’ve left Nashville, so make a thorough list first. You should review your passport’s expiration date and organize essential documents. In addition, keep digital and physical copies of your visa, insurance information, employment agreements, and important records.
Other things to check include how you’ll:
- Access your US bank accounts
- Manage two-factor authentication
- Receive replacement cards
- Handle payments when your phone number or address changes
Make sure that you understand your tax filing obligations, too.
Make Your Move Abroad a Smooth One
Nashville may have been your home for a while, but maybe it’s time for a new chapter in life. Relocating to a foreign country can be exciting, but make sure you handle everything correctly before jetting over.
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