Moving Internationally from Kenya? Top 6 things you should know!

 

Latish is the General Manager for the mid-Africa region and has been working at Crown for 13 years now, with the last eight of those being in Kenya, and the first five being in India.

He has expertise in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Nigeria, with customer feedback meaning so much to Latish and his team, and he takes a lot of pride into the work we deliver.

  

Check all requirements for your destination country. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and permits well in advance of your move as possible. International activities require careful logistics, so create a detailed moving plan to avoid last-minute stress. 

A great first step in understanding which visa is best for you is to visit the official Embassy website of the country you are proposing to move to or the specific consulate in your home country. This will ensure you can receive detailed and up-to-date information about visa options and the specific application procedure, plus any recent changes made to visa policies. You may also wish to contact an immigration advisor to ensure you have the latest guidance for your specific circumstances. 

Another way to check out a legal visa requirement for a specific country you are moving to is by clicking on visa requirements for moving internationally. 

Ensure you have the correct visa as there are many types depending on the reasons you are moving depending on the country i.e. Work Visa, Family Visa, Tourist Visa and Investor Visa.

 

Ensure all legal and administrative matters are in place and valid: Make sure your legal documents are in order, including passports, IDs, birth certificates, and any necessary translations or certifications.

  

Research the healthcare system in your new country and get international health insurance to cover any medical needs during your transition period. There are many options to choose from, but you may want to consider a Global Expat insurance if you feel you could be travelling to different destinations once you have relocated. This will then cover you globally.

There are several levels of insurance to choose from so ensure the level you choose is correct for your needs and requirements and your budget. Do the research and find out the countries requirements and facilities offered. In some countries it is not necessary to have a health insurance plan, but it is advised to confirm the cost of health care as this can be extremely high, so it would be recommended that you obtain health insurance and include all members of your family who are making the move with you.

If moving to work in a new country the health insurance may, of course, be provided by your employer in the form of Employer-Sponsored Insurance. This is a very popular avenue and will potentially ensure that you and your family receive the necessary health insurance as part of your benefits package. 

Health Insurance providers will be the main option in the form of a healthcare plan if you are not able to gain employee-subsidised insurance. A range of providers are available, and you will need to select one that suits your financial situation. Often the health insurance you can afford dictates the healthcare you receive as this will often dictate which hospitals and doctors are available to you, so it is important to choose this wisely. Some countries offer specific healthcare programmes for new arrivals, so it will be worth checking the local resources available. 

When it comes to hospitals there may be an option of private and public so it is advisable to check out the options of which each offer. The advantage of private medical care is often shorter waiting times and access to world-class doctors and medical technology. 

It's also worth noting that in some countries medicines at pharmacies are also chargeable, so in the case of being charged you will want to keep your receipts to bill back to your insurance provider. It is important to note that in many countries you may be turned away from medical centres or hospitals if you don't have healthcare insurance in place. 

  

Understand the financial implications of your move, including currency exchange, banking, and taxes. Notify your banks about the move and consider setting up a local bank account in your destination country. You may be able to open a bank account before you move if not then as soon as you arrive, this is important as you will need this for assisting with, paying bills, setting up utilities and sending and receiving money. 

As a new arrival talking directly with somebody in a bank branch is often the most popular approach. Generally, a range of documents will be required, including a passport or driving license. Depending on your residential status, you will usually need to provide some type of Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer ID. Usually, as a newcomer, there are temporary numbers issued in order not to hold anything up. As with many countries' banking regulations, you will also need to supply proof of your residency status, typically your visa, along with proof of address via a utility bill or lease agreement. 

Opening a bank account is usually relatively straightforward or you may opt for an online banking option as there are plenty available that are recognised internationally and do not charge for using in difference currencies. 

  

When thinking about moving your belongings from your current home to a new country, there are many factors to consider such as distance, quantity of items, can I use the items in the new destination, budget and timeline are all important points to consider.

A very popular route is to select an international moving company such as  Crown Relocations that specialise in overseas relocations. This will ensure your peace of mind as they will specialise and assist with the packing, shipping and customs procedures taking one more thing off your to do list! Companies such as  Crown Relocations can also assist with calculating the cost of your move so you can ensure you plan which items you wish to take with you and those that you will leave behind. 

Other points to consider is to declutter and pack wisely. Will you require everything in your new location. You might want to consider selling or donating any items you own that you potentially will no longer require. 

The best approach taken by many people who relocate internationally is to research your options online and ensure plenty of forward planning to ensure as smooth a relocation process as possible. Prioritise what to take and declutter items you don't need. Consider packing essential documents and valuables in a separate, easily accessible bag.

  

Wherever you are planning to move to you will find a wide range of good quality accommodation available. As with many countries, housing is pricy in large cities and cheaper on the outskirts. 

Renting is normally the preferred option when you are first moving to a new country. This will ensure you can try several different types of housing or locations to suit your needs.  

Start by researching the area you plan to move to, and you will find plenty of websites offering all types of property types and rental periods. Whilst plenty of free websites can assist in your process, you can also work with an estate agent, but as they tend to specialise in finding people homes to buy, there is often a fee involved if they are helping find a rental property – typically this will be a month's rent paid as commission. 

Ensure you find out if the internet providers are reliable in the area you move to if this is a critical service required. Ensure when you leave your current home you notify and cancel any utility companies, internet providers, and any subscriptions you may have in Kenya.

  

When planning to move internationally with a family childcare is an important element to consider. 

Carry out your own research via the internet and join local groups for recommendations. Most countries regulate childcare and have websites that will list registered childcare facilities, ensure you pick a facility that is registered and regulated.

Recommendations is also a good way to find a Nursery, Childminder or School for your child/children. Ensure that the location suits your needs. It is always a good idea for your child to have a taster at the facility before committing to make sure they are comfortable with the surroundings and staff.

Moving can be challenging, so stay patient and adaptable during the process. Embrace the adventure and the learning opportunities that come with it. Ensure to stay connected with family and friends; keep in touch with loved ones back home through video calls, social media, or visits to maintain your support network.

Take the time to explore your surroundings and new country, its landmarks, natural beauty, and local attractions. It will help you feel more at home and acclimated to your new environment.

  

Moving internationally from Kenya is an opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange, and exciting adventures. Embrace the journey with an open mind and positive attitude, and you'll soon flourish in your new home abroad. Bon voyage, and best of luck with your international move!