As noted by the editorial team at Baltimore Chronicle, more and more Ukrainians are considering moving abroad in search of stability, new opportunities, or safety. Emigration is a significant and complex step that requires both emotional and logistical preparation. It is important to consider a number of factors that can significantly affect the comfort of adaptation. In this article, we will step by step examine how to properly organize your departure, what to pay attention to, and how to avoid common mistakes. Let’s get prepared together — without panic or unnecessary worries.
Documents and Legalization: What Needs to Be Arranged Before Leaving
Before any trip, it’s important to ensure your documents are in order. This is especially crucial when moving for a long-term or permanent stay. Preparation begins with a detailed review of the requirements of the country you plan to move to. Each state has its own specifics regarding visas, residence permits, and work authorization.
Essential Documents for Departure
- International passport (preferably biometric)
- Visa (if required)
- Residence permit (if pre-arranged)
- Birth, marriage, divorce certificates — with translation
- Diplomas, certificates — with apostille or nostrification
- Health insurance
Document Handling Features
Check passport validity, photo and translation requirements. In many countries, apostille or notarized translations are mandatory. It’s also a good idea to store electronic copies of all important documents in cloud storage.
Finding Housing: Rent or Purchase
Securing a place to live is the second critically important stage of preparing to move. Depending on the country, real estate market, and budget, it’s worth planning ahead for where and how you will live.
How to Find Housing Abroad
- Through local real estate websites
- Via friends or diaspora connections
- With the help of realtors or agencies
What to Consider When Choosing
- Rent and utility costs
- Neighborhood safety
- Distance to work, schools, transport
- Contract terms and deposit
- Ability to register your residence at the address
Language Preparation and Adaptation
Even if you’re moving to a country with a large Ukrainian community, knowing the local language opens many more opportunities. Language proficiency affects not only employment but also the quality of everyday life.
How to Improve Language Skills
- Online courses (Duolingo, Busuu, Promova)
- Courses at cultural centers
- Tutors or language clubs
- Conversation practice via Zoom
Language preparation also eases understanding of documents, communication with local authorities, medical staff, and more.
Employment and Finances
Planning your finances and finding a job is another challenge for those moving abroad. It’s important to have a financial safety cushion for at least 3–6 months.
Where to Look for Jobs
- National job search websites
- Facebook groups
- Refugee and migrant support programs
Comparison of Average Salaries and Costs in Ukraine and Popular Emigration Countries
| Country | Avg. Salary (EUR) | Rent (EUR) | Utilities (EUR) | Food/Month (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2500 | 700–1000 | 250 | 300 |
| Poland | 1200 | 400–600 | 150 | 200 |
| Spain | 1800 | 500–800 | 180 | 250 |
| Czech Republic | 1600 | 450–700 | 150 | 220 |
| Ukraine (pre-war) | 400 | 200–300 | 80 | 150 |
Family and Children Adaptation
Moving with children is a separate large topic that requires preparation on a psychological, educational, and social level.
What to Do Before Moving
- Explain to children why you’re moving
- Prepare documents for school enrollment
- Choose a school in advance
- Research available clubs, activities, support
- Plan an adjustment period
Healthcare and Insurance
In most countries, health insurance is a mandatory condition for residence. Without it, you won’t be able to work or receive services in hospitals.
What Type of Insurance is Needed
- Tourist — for short-term stay
- Private medical — for visa or residence permit application
- Public — after registering residence (in some countries)
Check what services are covered, exclusions in the policy, and how to apply online.
Legalizing Your Status in a New Country
Each country has its own rules for obtaining resident or temporary stay status. It’s crucial to review the legal framework before moving.
Key Legalization Steps
- Registering your place of residence
- Obtaining a tax or identification number
- Submitting documents for residence permit
- Getting a work permit (if not automatic)
- Determining your tax status
Common Mistakes When Moving: How to Avoid Them
Even the best preparation does not guarantee a perfect move, but it helps avoid the most frequent mistakes.
Most Common Mistakes
- Ignoring language preparation
- Lack of financial cushion
- Not considering the school system for children
- Document mismatches with official requirements
- Choosing housing without prior inspection
Tip: make a checklist of all tasks and update it regularly.
Moving abroad is always a challenge, but with proper planning, it can become less stressful and more predictable. It’s important to be prepared both mentally and practically. Stay flexible, open to new cultures, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice — from both official institutions and people who’ve already taken this path.
Earlier we wrote about effective communication techniques that help partners overcome emotional barriers and strengthen mutual understanding.