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Travel Versus Relocation
Many people travel, and some take extended journeys that see them in foreign locations for months at a time. They have not relocated, however, and this makes a big difference. Let’s consider a modern business professional – it is likely that this person will travel often for their line of work. They may head overseas to meet with clients or colleagues and this may require them to remain in one area of the world for a month or two at a time. Have they moved to this country? No, and they are probably not likely to need any kind of documentation other than a passport in order to remain abroad conducting their business.
Should this same person, however, undertake a project that requires approximately eighteen months of their time then they will have to relocate to the country in which the project is taking place. Now, unlike traditional travel, they must notify both their home country and the foreign country of their intent to remain there on business for more than a year. This is going to require some form of “working visa” and many countries make all kinds of accommodations for such a need.
What if someone is visiting their family for two or three months? Many people have citizenship in one country, but travel back to their original “homeland” for lengthy periods. Some people are even obliged to return in order to retain possession of property such as a family home. Most visas allow for this kind of visit as well, though it is not viewed as a relocation.
When someone relocates they are going to have to make arrangements for all of the necessities of regular life. They will have to find a bank, doctor, lawyer or counselor, arrange for housing and utilities and really get to know the area. This is not uncommon and many companies have offices dedicated to facilitating such issues. This same person is also going to have to deal with their belongings, property and life back in their original country as well. This can present some serious difficulties and fortunately there are many services and businesses that make such issues easier to handle.
For example, the business person relocating for more than a year can either put their belongings into storage and sublet or rent their home or apartment, or they can investigate hiring a professional “house sitter” who is licensed and insured and who will make regular inspections of their property.