Visa fees
Before starting your new life in another country, you'll need to go through the visa process. The cost of obtaining a visa varies depending on the type of visa and the country you're moving to. According to the 2023 ranking by the William Russell insurance company, the cost of a work visa can range from 50 to almost 300 dollars. Israel offers the most affordable work visa at around 47 dollars, followed by Switzerland at 55 dollars. Spain's work visa costs just a little higher: 57 dollars. On the other hand, Colombia has the world's most expensive work visa, costing around 297 dollars.
Of course, the visa cost alone is unlikely to influence your choice of destination. Australia has a visa fee of 226 dollars, but it doesn't deter potential expatriates. In fact, Australia is one of the most popular expat destinations worldwide. On the other hand, South Korea, with its lower visa fees of just 65 dollars, attracts fewer foreign workers, as there are other factors to consider besides visa fees, such as employment opportunities, living conditions, and more. All of these aspects should be considered when deciding to move to another country.
Cost of passport
If all your identification documents are still valid, that's great! However, if they have expired, you'll need to pay to renew your passport. The cost of passport renewal varies from country to country.
In France, applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one costs 86 euros (equivalent to 92 dollars or a fiscal stamp). However, it is almost three times cheaper in Spain at only 30 euros (around 32 dollars). In Colombia, a regular passport will cost you 121,000 Colombian pesos (approximately 27 dollars), plus an additional 64,000 Colombian pesos for stamp duty (about 14 dollars). In Cameroon, a passport costs 110,000 CFA francs (approximately 180 dollars), while in Australia, it costs 301 dollars, and in Singapore, it costs S$80 (about 57 dollars).
There may be additional fees to consider along with the passport cost. If you're in a hurry and can't wait for the regular processing time, you can choose the express option. Canada has different fees, depending on the situation. For a standard passport, it costs CAD 160. However, count CAD 355 for emergencies and if you need to travel on a specific public holiday (the day closest to the time of application) or at the weekend. In the United States, you'll have to pay two types of fees: the application fee and the acceptance fee. The costs vary depending on the type of passport you choose (paper, card, or both). For your first passport application, you should expect to pay between 165 and 195 dollars in total. Passport renewal will cost between 130 and 160 dollars.
These prices mentioned are for one adult. If you're traveling with multiple people and/or children, make sure to budget for additional expenses.
Translation costs
In general, six types of documents require a certified translation.
Diplomas, CV
When planning your career abroad, you might need to translate your diplomas or certificates of achievement. The names of diplomas can vary from one language to another, so it's crucial to use a certified translator to ensure there are no mistakes in translating the level of your diploma (such as high school diploma, bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctorate) and the title of your course. The same applies to your CV. Don't hesitate to seek help from a professional translator.
Personal documents
Family record books, civil status documents, driving licenses, and other important documents should also be translated by certified professionals. Even if you don't have an immediate need for them, it's wise to plan ahead, especially if you're considering long-term immigration to your host country.
Health documents
If you are currently receiving medical treatment, it's important to note that the list of medications you take might need to be translated in your host country. Before leaving, make sure to consult with your doctor. Translate all the necessary health documents, and don't forget to include any forms related to medical equipment you might be using, such as a walking stick or wheelchair.
Technical documents, other administrative documents
Generally, documents like identity papers, diplomas, and CVs are considered more important. However, other specific documents may be crucial in certain situations. For instance, these documents become significant if you are planning financial investments. Similarly, your company documents become essential if you intend to transfer your company to your host country. These include registration documents (SIREN/SIRET, Kbis extract), patents, trade register entries, and protection of your company name, etc.
The cost of translation can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the type of document, the number of copies, their complexity, and the urgency of the deadline. Considering the significance of accurate translations, it's best to avoid doing them yourself and instead utilize the services of accredited professionals.
Special authorizations
In addition to visas and work permits, there are cases where you may need special authorization to work in certain regions. For example, if you plan to work in Quebec, you will need to obtain prior consent from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI). This consent will allow you to obtain the Certificat d'acceptation du Québec. Obtaining this certificate will cost you 120 Canadian dollars (equivalent to $88).
Health insurance
Make sure not to overlook the cost of health insurance when planning your move. It is highly recommended and, in some cases, even compulsory to obtain certain visas, including the increasingly popular digital nomad visa. The cost of health insurance can vary significantly depending on factors such as your health condition and specific needs (such as vision correction, medical treatments, dental issues, etc.). Even if you are covered by a local health insurance through a work visa, student visa, or working holiday permit, not all your medical expenses will be fully covered. For instance, in Japan, basic health insurance typically covers around 70% of your healthcare costs.
Other costs
It's important to consider the additional costs that can accumulate when preparing for a move. These include obtaining several copies of passport photos, making copies of your birth certificate, family record book and identity card, and covering postage expenses. Additionally, remember to budget for any required vaccinations or renewals.
Furthermore, some countries may require you to possess specific documents to reside within their territories. For instance, you will need a Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE - Foreign Identification Number) in Spain. This number is necessary for various purposes, such as buying property, purchasing a car, obtaining a driver's license, working, or setting up a business. The cost for the first application of the NIE is 9.84 euros (equivalent to 10.54 dollars), and the cost for renewal is 7.17 euros (equivalent to 7.68 dollars).
Essential liquidity
This is not a fee, but rather a "first months" envelope. It's not something you'd think about in this age of credit cards, but it's the reality. Keeping cash on hand is essential to deal with unforeseen events during the move. There are countless stories of travelers who have just arrived in their host country and are unable to withdraw cash because of technical problems. Ensure you have enough money for the first few months in your expat country. You can consider saving some of this money in an account once you've opened your local bank account. In the same vein, think about a "contingency" envelope. When it comes to settling abroad, it's best to be on the safe side.
Useful links:
France diplomatie: travel advice
Canadian government: travel advice
