Guide to relocating in the Maritime sector

Would you relocate for your next maritime opportunity? At Faststream Recruitment, we work with our customers, both candidates and clients, across the world. We recruit on a global scale and often our roles will require relocation for many of our candidates.

Before accepting a role overseas several factors need to be considered. Using our experience of placing candidates into jobs across the globe, we have put together a guide on everything you need to know before making the move.

1. Visas and Permits

Do you need to have a visa or permit to live in the country you want to move to? Laws around the right to live and work will vary from country to country, but you need to ensure this is finalised and secured before moving.

In many cases, your employer will arrange the legalities of your visa or work permit but it is still important to follow the correct process and have everything finalised and in writing with the appropriate embassy or regulatory board before moving.

2. Cost of living

You will need to research the average costs of housing, utility bills, groceries and even health care and education. In countries such as the UK, public healthcare and education are widely available at no additional cost. However, in many other countries, these services do come at an additional cost and will require you to take out private health insurance and pay school fees. Therefore, you’ll need to consider how much this will cost you and factor these expenses into your living costs. Some organisations do offer this as part of the package, so if this is important to you, ensure you ask before you accept the role.

Differences in the cost of living can also have an impact on your salary and this should always be considered with any new opportunity that requires relocation.

3. Housing

Before moving to a new country you will need to secure accommodation for when you arrive. In most cases, it is advised to find a short-term rental before making any big decisions to buy a property or commit to a long-term lease. This will allow you to spend time familiarising yourself with the areas you like and do not like.

It can also be beneficial to engage a real estate agent who will be able to advise you on the best areas to live in and help you find a suitable property within your budget.

Housing is one of the most crucial aspects to get right, so don’t rush and do your research.

4. Family life

If you are relocating with a family, you will need to be sure that they are comfortable adjusting to life in a new country. Before moving, research the area you want to live in, check the crime rates and local laws, find where the best schools are and even what there is to see and do outside of work.

When considering family life abroad think about the things you enjoy doing together and if they will still be accessible. For instance, if you or your children have any hobbies, you might need to investigate the options they will have if you move.

If there is a large ex-pat population it may be easier to adjust to their new life but moving abroad provides a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, try new things and learn about new cultures.

5. Language

Often a relocation abroad will mean dedicating time to learning a new language. Although the job role on offer may not require you to speak the local language it is always useful to know some basic phrases to use at work and in everyday social situations.

An effective and sociable way to learn is by attending evening or weekend classes at a language school. Of course, you could learn online, but by practising with others you are more likely to pick the language up faster. Plus, this is a fantastic way to meet other people living in your local area who may be in the same situation as you.

6. Culture

The prospect of moving to a new country can seem exciting and sound like a fantastic opportunity to start a new career, meet new people and experience a different way of living. However, a move abroad is more complex than it sounds and can be a huge culture shock for many. With every country having its own culture, you’ll need to consider how this could impact your current lifestyle. Things that may be common in your current country could be unheard of in another, so it’s all about being culturally aware of where you want to move to and if it will be suitable for your lifestyle.

7. Temperature and Climate

The weather can be one of the main reasons people decide to make a move abroad but if you are accustomed to living in a very cold country, could you suddenly live somewhere with average temperatures of 30 degrees?

The climate of a country will have a huge impact on how quickly you can adjust to life abroad and could take some getting used to. It may seem like a simple decision to make but the weather can greatly impact your day to day life, especially if there are certain things you like doing that involve the outdoors.

8. The cost of relocating

The cost of relocating can be significant depending on how far away you are moving. Factors to consider but not limited to include; shipping costs, furniture, accommodation deposits and fees, flights for yourself and family, healthcare, school fees, insurance and visas

Many job opportunities will offer a relocation allowance but it is still important to research into how much all the above will cost you and whether the allowance will cover this.

9. Is it the right opportunity for you?

Once you have done your research it’s time to make the most important decision of all – is it the right job opportunity for you? A move abroad shouldn’t be taken lightly as it will have a huge impact on life as you know it. Therefore, you need to know if the role can provide offer the opportunities and experience you are seeking from your career.