EXPAT MISTAKES & TIPS

1. Why do so many people want to emigrate?

The longing for a better life, more freedom, security or adventure drives millions of people to leave their homeland every year. The reasons are manifold:

• Better quality of life: Many are looking for countries with higher living standards, better medical care or a more pleasant climate.
• Career opportunities: The desire to work abroad, start your own business or live as a digital nomad regardless of location is a strong driver.
• Political or economic uncertainty: Unstable conditions in the home country often lead to a desire for security and stability elsewhere.
• Family reunification or love: relationships and family ties know no boundaries.
• Adventure and self-realization: For many, emigration is a leap into the unknown – and a chance to reinvent themselves.
• Searches for “emigrate where” or “best countries to emigrate to” are steadily increasing – a sign that more and more people want to take the plunge.

2. The most popular countries to emigrate

Every year, international studies publish rankings of the most popular emigration countries. In 2025, the following countries top the list:

Canada in particular has been high on the emigrants “wish list for years, followed by Australia, Switzerland and Spain. Madeira is becoming a hotspot for digital nomads and long-term vacationers.

3. Emigrating to where? Decision making and trends

The question “emigration to where?” is the first and most important step. The following factors play a role here:

• Language: English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia or New Zealand are particularly popular.
• Climate: Many are drawn to sunny countries like Spain, Portugal or islands like Madeira.
• Labour market: If you want to work as a specialist or digital nomad, you should pay attention to the demand in the target country.
• Cost of living: Countries like Portugal or Thailand offer good value for money.
• Taxes and bureaucracy: Tax benefits and straightforward immigration rules are crucial for many.

Trend targets 2025: Canada, Madeira, Portugal and Spain. Exotic destinations such as Thailand or Costa Rica are also gaining in popularity, especially for digital nomads and dropouts.

4. Preparation: What do I have to consider before emigrating?

A good preparation is the A and O. The most important points:

• Collect information: Get in-depth information about the destination country, cost of living, labor market and immigration regulations.
• Planning finances: Calculate costs for relocation, start-up capital, insurance and reserves.
• Language learning: Basic knowledge of the national language makes the start enormously easier.
• Build networks: Join online communities or Facebook groups to make contacts.
• Legal framework: Check visa requirements, residence permits and tax aspects.

The search terms “emigrate preparation,” “emigrate checklist” and “emigrate requirements” are therefore particularly relevant and will be discussed in detail in the next section.

5. Emigrating Checklist: Step by step to a new beginning

A structured checklist helps to keep track:

• Choosing a target country: by language, climate, job opportunities and lifestyle.
• Visa & Residence: Find out about the entry and residence regulations.
• Financial planning: budget for moving, living expenses, emergencies and reserves.
• Apartment search: Start the search as early as possible, if necessary, choose an interim solution.
• Job & Income: Clarify employment contract, self-employment or remote working.
• Insurance: health insurance, liability, pension and unemployment insurance if applicable.
• Unsubscribe & re-register: Unsubscribe from residence in Germany, register a new address abroad.
• Documents: passport, birth certificate, certificates, any certified translations.
• Language & Integration: Take a language course, get to know culture.
• Networks & Community: Make contacts, find a connection.

This “emigrate checklist” is a central keyword and a real added value for anyone planning to move abroad.

6. Bureaucracy & formalities: visas, taxes, insurance

Bureaucracy is often the biggest obstacle to emigration. Please note:

• Visa & residence permit: Each country has its own rules. Canada and Australia rely on points systems, Spain and Portugal offer special programs for retirees and investors.
• Taxes: Inform yourself about double taxation agreements and unsubscribe in Germany if necessary to avoid tax problems.
• Insurance: International health insurance is mandatory. Also check pension and accident insurance.
• Driver’s license & car: Often the driver’s license must be rewritten, vehicles may have to be imported or re-registered.

Search terms such as “emigrate taxes,” “emigrate insurance” and “emigrate bureaucracy” are among the most searched topics.

7. Working abroad: opportunities for digital nomads & professionals

The world of work is changing rapidly. Particularly in demand are:

• Digital nomads: Work independently of location, often in IT, marketing, design or as a freelancer. Madeira and Portugal offer special visas and coworking spaces.
• Professionals: Engineers, physicians, IT experts are in demand worldwide, especially in Canada, Australia and Switzerland.
• Self-employed & entrepreneurs: Many countries promote start-ups and self-employed people with special programs.

Tip: Check in advance whether your profession is recognized in the target country and which qualifications you need. The search terms “working abroad,” “digital nomads” and “emigrate and work” are particularly relevant here.

8. Emigration with family or as a pensioner

• With family: Pay attention to school system, childcare and leisure opportunities. Countries such as Canada, Australia and Switzerland offer good conditions for families.
• As a pensioner: Spain, Portugal and Thailand are popular destinations because of the climate and the low cost of living. Check whether your pension can be transferred abroad and which tax regulations apply.

Search terms such as “emigrate with family,” “emigrate as a pensioner” and “long-term vacation for pensioners” are particularly in demand here.

9. Living abroad: integration, language & culture

A successful restart will only succeed if you get involved with the new country:

• Language: The better you speak the local language, the easier it is to find connections and job opportunities.
• Culture: Respect local customs, learn about customs and customs.
• Networks: Seek contact with locals and other emigrants to settle in faster.

The keywords “live abroad,” “emigrate experiences” and “integration abroad” are central to this section.

10. Common mistakes when emigrating and how to avoid them

• Insufficient preparation: Lack of information about the destination country often leads to nasty surprises.
• Financial bottlenecks: Too few reserves or incorrect calculations are a common reason for failure.
• Bureaucratic mistakes: Incorrect or missing documents can lead to problems.
• Isolation: Those who do not integrate are often left out.
• Excessive expectations: Not everything is better abroad – realistic expectations are important.

Search terms such as “emigrate mistakes” and “emigrate tips” are often searched for and offer real added value.

11. Experiences of emigrants: success stories & setbacks

Nothing is as valuable as real experiences. Many report of:

• Successes: New friendships, professional advancement, more joie de vivre.
• Challenges: Homesickness, language barriers, bureaucracy.
• Return: Some return because expectations have not been met – others stay forever.

The search terms “emigrate experiences” and “emigrate return” are particularly relevant here.

12. Conclusion: Your way to a new life

Emigrating is not an easy step, but one that can change your life forever. With the right preparation, realistic expectations and the courage to venture new things, all doors are open to you. Use the experiences of others, inform yourself thoroughly and go your own way – whether as a digital nomad, with family or in retirement.