Bringing Family With: A Complete Guide to Moving Abroad with Your Family

Moving abroad is an exciting yet challenging process for families as well as individuals. Relocating in a new country requires a comprehensive preparation process that includes many factors such as children’s education, visa requirements for family members, and financial planning. In this blog, we will discuss expat family moving tips, processes, and things to consider for those who want to move overseas with children.

It is important to determine your motivations before deciding to migrate as a family. Here are some reasons for an international move with kids:

• A better standard of living
• Better quality education opportunities for children
• Better job opportunities
• A safer living environment
• Cultural experience and new opportunities

These factors will also help you determine which country to move to!

Which Countries Are the Best for Expat Families?

Some countries in the world offer more opportunities for immigrant families. Family-friendly countries for expats are generally known for their good education systems, safe living conditions, and strong healthcare services. Here are some popular destinations:

Canada: Canada is known for its immigrant-friendly policies and healthcare services. With very low crime rates, this country is one of the safest countries. It will be a great choice, especially for families with children, with its quality education! Canada’s schools are among the best in the world.

Australia: Australia is an attractive country that offers a high quality of life, a strong economy and social support systems for families with children. Free or low-cost quality education, world-class healthcare and a safe living environment are the main factors that make it logical for families to immigrate to Australia. In addition, various support programs for expats, child benefits and policies that facilitate the citizenship process accelerate the integration process of families. With its structure that embraces various cultures and wide job opportunities, Australia stands out as a country that offers long-term prosperity for both parents and children.

Netherlands: It is an attractive option for families with its international schools and English-speaking environments. The Netherlands is an attractive country for expat families with its strong economy and family-friendly social policies. The education system is respected worldwide and facilitates the integration process by offering language and integration programs for immigrant children. In addition, a wide social security network provides support such as health services, child benefits and parental leave. The Netherlands’ safe and orderly cities, bicycle-friendly transport network and balanced work-life culture provide an ideal environment for families with children. With its tolerant and multicultural structure, the Netherlands allows immigrant families to feel at home in a short time.

Sweden: Sweden’s free and quality education system, childcare services and long parental leave allow families to raise their children in the best possible way. There is also a comprehensive health system that provides equal healthcare to all individuals. Sweden’s safe, clean and nature-infused cities provide a healthy environment for children to grow up. In Sweden, great attention is paid to natural and unprocessed foods. It is very easy to find healthy food for both yourself and your children here. With its structure that emphasizes diversity and social equality, the country helps immigrant families easily adapt to social life and build a long-term future.

Turkey: Turkey can be an attractive country for expat families with its strategic location, cultural diversity and welcoming society. Its relatively affordable living costs, diverse climate conditions and dynamic economy offer opportunities for families from different income groups. In terms of the Turkish education system, state schools are free, while international and private schools also offer a wide range of options. Health services are accessible thanks to the general health insurance system. In addition, its social culture, which emphasizes family structure, contributes to children growing up in a safe and supportive environment. Turkey’s cities, full of historical and natural beauty, offer various opportunities for immigrant families in terms of both quality of life and cultural richness.

Spain: Spain is an attractive country with its warm climate and strong social state structure. Free and quality public education, child-friendly social policies and comprehensive health services ensure that families live a comfortable life. Programs that support the integration of immigrants and a friendly society make it easier for foreign families to adapt. In addition, the low cost of living and balanced work-life culture compared to other European countries allow parents to spend more time with their children. Spain’s safe cities, wide green areas and cultural richness contribute to children growing up in a healthy and happy environment. If you want to get permanent residence in Spain, you can review our article about Spain’s Golden Visa!

UAE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an attractive immigration destination for families with children, with its high standard of living, safe cities, and modern infrastructure. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have world-renowned international schools and advanced healthcare. To learn more about Dubai’s advanced healthcare system, you can check out our article titled “How Does the Healthcare System Work in Dubai?”. Family-friendly communities, large parks, entertainment venues, and year-round events provide an enjoyable life for children here. It also allows families to live more financially thanks to its tax advantages!

Hungary: Hungary is a central European country that offers a safe and peaceful life for families with children. The Hungarian education system is of high quality, public schools are free, and international schools are also available. Healthcare is accessible and affordable. The cost of living is also lower than in Western European countries. It offers an ideal environment for children thanks to its family-friendly parks, cultural events, and nature-filled areas. 

When choosing a country, you should consider visa policies, cost of living and ease of adaptation to the local culture.

Visa Requirements for Family Members

Each country has different visa policies for families. Visa requirements for family members vary depending on the country you plan to move to. In general, the following visa types are commonly used for family immigration:

1. Work visa: One parent can apply with a job offer.
2. Family reunification visa: If one of the spouses is already working or has a residence permit in that country, the other family members can apply for this visa.
3. Investor or entrepreneur visa: It is possible to get a visa by investing a certain amount.
4. Education visa: Suitable for families planning to move for the education of their children.

Documents such as passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, financial documents and health reports are required during the application process.

How to Relocate with Children Easily?

Relocating family abroad can be a big change, especially for children. In order to make it easier for them to adapt to this process, it is important to include them in moving plans and dialogues at an early stage. Clearly explaining to children why they are moving, what the new country is like and what awaits them reduces anxiety caused by uncertainty. In addition, allowing children to express their feelings and taking their concerns seriously when talking about the move can make the process more manageable for them.

Helping children maintain their habits and emotional bonds is also very important. Taking a few special items, toys or a favorite blanket from their old home to the new place can give them a sense of familiarity. If the children are older, letting them make decisions such as how they want to organize their rooms can help them adapt by giving them a sense of control. Making the preparations for the move fun can also make the process enjoyable. Activities such as painting boxes, listing the items to be moved or having a packing contest can create excitement rather than stress.

For parents of babies or young children, the moving process may require more planning. Since parents will be busy with work or official procedures while settling into a new country, getting support from elders or a trusted caregiver can be very helpful. Since babies need a regular routine, keeping their bedtimes, feeding schedules and playtimes the same as much as possible will help them stay peaceful. 

Finally, in order to manage children’s stress, it is necessary to give them space to express their feelings and teach them positive coping methods. For older children, it may be useful to keep a diary where they can express their feelings, do relaxing activities or organize short trips to explore the new environment. Helping children make new friends will also speed up the adaptation process. Understanding their fears, supporting them and making the process as enjoyable as possible can make moving abroad an exciting and educational experience for children.

Documents Needed to Move Abroad with Children

Moving abroad with children may require more paperwork than for adults.

• Children’s birth certificates
• Current vaccination records and health reports
• Internationally valid ID or passport
• Student transcripts and education documents from the school
• Custody documents (If one parent will be taking the child alone)

These vary depending on the country you plan to move to, but are generally required documents.

Overseas Education Options for Expat Families

When you move to a new country, children’s education will be a big priority. Education options for immigrant families include:

• Public schools: Usually free, but education is provided in the official language of the country.
• International schools: Offer education in English or other languages, but are private and therefore costly. The benefits of enrolling children in international schools include cultural diversity, easier adaptation, and academic opportunities.
• Online education: This can be beneficial during the transition period. You may prefer online lessons until you find the right school for children.

Health Care Services in a New Country

The question of which health services should I consider is one of the most important issues during the relocation process. It is important to have health insurance in your new country and to create a list of hospitals and doctors for emergencies.

While some countries allow expats to benefit from state health care, others require private insurance. You can protect yourself, at least in the beginning, by getting comprehensive travel health insurance before moving abroad!

Language Learning and Adaptation Process

Language learning for expat families is an important process for immigrant families moving to a new country. Knowing the local language makes daily life easier and speeds up socializing.

So, how can you learn the local language of the country you are moving to as a family? Here are some suggestions:

• Attend language schools
• Enroll your children in language support programs
• Use the language actively in daily life
• Use language learning applications (Duolingo, Babbel, etc.)

Be patient during the language learning process and remember that children can adapt faster!

Moving to a new country does not only mean moving house, but also adapting to a new society. You may be wondering how you will adapt to your new environment abroad. First, you can meet your neighbors! Starting from your neighborhood, you can gradually expand your circle. Children can sometimes have difficulty adapting to a new environment. Including your children in local activities will make the process a little easier. Children who socialize in various activities can also make friends in language schools and start to adapt to the environment! Learning the local culture and being respectful of traditions is another important element. Respecting the culture of the country you are moving to and instilling this in your children will speed up the adaptation process. You can join social groups or foreign communities! Meeting and establishing relationships with immigrant families like you from different countries will prevent you from feeling lonely. Following these tips will help you feel like a foreign country is your home!

If you are worried about the people you are leaving behind, moving to a new country may require additional effort to maintain your relationships with old friends and family. Here are some suggestions to keep your relationships healthy and active:

• Have regular online meetings! You can video chat with your loved ones using applications such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc. and keep your relationship active.
• Send surprise gifts or cards on special occasions! Don’t forget to make a gesture to your friends and family members because they are in a different country! Exchanging gifts from time to time will prevent the distance from getting between you.
• Plan family visits during the holidays! Especially if you are a family with children, it will be good for them to visit their elders and friends and will allow them to discharge.

By following these steps, you can both adapt to your new expat life and preserve your old relationships!

Moving abroad with a family is an enjoyable experience that requires extensive planning. You need to consider many factors during the moving process, such as visa requirements, education and health systems, language learning and social adaptation. With the right preparation, you can build a successful and happy life with your family in a new country.

If you are looking for answers to questions such as how do I move with children?, which country is best for my family?, you can make the right decisions by doing detailed research and getting support from experts. As Tekce Visa, we provide you with full support on many issues with our expert lawyers and consultants! Call us now to get detailed information about foreign transactions!