Moving to a new country is a fun and exciting opportunity that most people don’t have the courage or means to take. Embarking on this new journey can be a fresh start, but it can also be a long, stressful process. From finding a job or planning for retirement, getting rid of personal items, and saying goodbye to loved ones, there’s more than enough to worry about. Make sure you spend more of your time planning the next chapter of your life and less time on the logistics of your move by becoming a citizen in your new country.
There are a plethora of benefits of becoming a citizen in a new country, but the most important is your peace of mind. Perhaps you’re moving to a new land to get a fresh start. Maybe you’re craving new experiences and want to break out of the mold, or you’ve gotten an exciting job opportunity you can’t wait to dive into. Whatever is causing you to make the move, your overseas citizenship will make your life in your new home easier to transition into, allowing you to focus on yourself and your goals.
If you don’t already have a job, forget about getting a work visa or permit: make it easier to find a job before or when you arrive in your new country by having the right to work there. In some countries, like Ireland, becoming a citizen there allows you to also work in other European Union countries.
Being a citizen in the country you call home allows the purchase of a home and other investments possible. When you move anywhere, the goal is to be comfortable and feel secure. One of the best ways to attain this feeling is to own the place you call home. It will also relieve a lot of stress if you are confident in your ability to support yourself and not have to worry about your financial situation.
The easiest countries to gain citizenship are Ireland and Italy. In both countries, you just need to prove your ancestry. For Ireland, citizenship is free if your grandparent was born in the country, but Italy has more limitations and a fee. In fact, Italy has one of the highest numbers of American citizens living in their country, and the ease of their citizenship may be a factor in that.
Other countries, such as the South American countries of Paraguay and Guatemala, an investment into the economy through a bank deposit or purchase of government bonds, respectively, will help you attain dual citizenship.
Instead of wasting time on the hassle of traveling as a non-citizen, transferring money, and finding a home, you can instead plan new adventures. Find out the best restaurants and the hidden gems of your new city by talking to locals. Get to know your new country and be happy you’re now a part of its culture.
Obtaining citizenship in your new country will not only give you peace of mind, but make you feel more connected to the place you now call home. You probably haven’t made this decision lightly, so do your research and look into the citizenship process in your new country.
Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
