Life Style

Seasonal emigration: how to organize life between countries

Thanks to the development of digital technologies and the established air transportation system, more and more people are choosing seasonal migration as a lifestyle. The ability to work remotely, rent accommodation in another country and stay in touch with your team – all this allows you to temporarily move to regions with a more comfortable climate. In winter – to warm countries, in summer – to places where it is cooler and calmer. Seasonal migration becomes not just a way to escape from the cold or heat, but a well-thought-out model of life: with a familiar rhythm, a stable income and the ability to choose where to spend your time. However, the apparent ease of nomadic life hides organizational issues: where to live, how to work, what documents to apply for and how not to get lost between the systems of different countries.

Choosing a country: what to pay attention to

Climate is a key factor for many people. Some flee the cold winters to the tropics, while others, on the contrary, escape the exhausting heat in temperate latitudes. It is important to take into account not only the temperature, but also humidity and the rainy season.

Visa regime is the second most important point. Some countries offer convenient long-term visas. For example, Thailand issues special visas for digital nomads, real estate in the UAE allows you to get a resident visa, and Argentina allows you to stay up to 90 days without a visa with the possibility of extension.

Infrastructure. Without reliable internet and transportation, remote work will become a torment. It is good if the city has international clinics and an understandable public transportation system.

Expat Community. In popular tourist destinations, communities of people from different countries have already formed. This helps you adapt faster, find a doctor or lawyer, and simply make friends. 

Housing: rent or real estate abroad. One of the main questions is where to live. There are several options, each with its own advantages. Short-term rentals through Airbnb or local agencies are a good option for trial trips. You can rent an apartment for a month or two, see if a particular neighborhood and location is suitable, and then make decisions. Long-term rentals are more cost-effective, but usually require at least a six-month contract. In some countries, landlords ask for a deposit of 1-3 monthly payments.

Buying real estate abroad is an option for those who plan to return to the country regularly. Owning a home provides several advantages: you can receive passive income from renting it out, and in some countries the right to a residence permit. In Turkey, real estate abroad https://myestateinvest.com/en/ worth $ 400,000 gives the right to a residence permit, but there are important conditions: the object can not be sold for 3 years, and its evaluation must be conducted by a licensed expert. In Portugal, the minimum amount of investment through real estate starts from €350,000, in Greece – from €250,000.

Workspace: co-working spaces and alternatives. Even on vacation, you need a place to work. Co-working spaces are a popular solution among digital nomads. In Bali it’s Dojo with a pool and community, in Europe it’s the WeWork network with comfortable work areas. Cafes with good Wi-Fi are a budget option, but not always convenient for calls. In some cities there are cafes specially adapted for work: with power outlets, quiet zones and even printers.

It is also important to solve issues with health insurance and banking (think about how current payments will be made). Having international insurance will cover the basic costs of going to the hospital. 

Seasonal migration requires preparation and forethought, but in return it opens up access to different cultures, lifestyles and experiences. The main thing is to understand the legal and domestic nuances in advance, so that traveling between countries becomes a truly harmonious experience.

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Contact us:-[email protected]

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