What People Forget When Budgeting a Move Abroad
Most people budget for flights and shipping — and forget the rest. The costs that surprise expats most often are:
- Temporary housing: Most countries require a local address before approving a long-term rental. Budget 2–4 weeks in a furnished apartment or extended-stay hotel.
- Security deposits: In Portugal and Spain, 2–3 months deposit is standard. In Asia, 1–2 months is common.
- Visa application fees: D7 visas, residency permits, and notarization can run $500–$2,000 depending on country.
- The 15% buffer: Always include it. International moves always have surprises.