6 Steps to help you move to Bermuda

Step 1: Get started with your work permit application

The Bermuda work permit application process is onerous and time consuming. ?If your employer is not processing your work permit then working with a relocation agent to apply for your work permit will streamline the process for you.?Understanding the documentation required is essential and knowing the turnaround time will help you plan your timeline for arrival. Enlisting professional help is especially useful if you need to organize permits and visas for the rest of your family.

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Step 2: Ship or sell your belongings

Shipping from the US to Bermuda is typically a four week minimum timeframe; shipping from Europe, 8-10 weeks. The busy summer months can mean longer shipping timelines. Plan now what you intend to ship to Bermuda and ask your Relocation Consultant to initiate your shipping and explain Bermuda Customs Duty. Shipping can be expensive, but it may be more affordable than buying everything new in Bermuda. It is important to know that 80% of residential rentals are unfurnished and most people ship to Bermuda not knowing what type of long term home they will end up with.?

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Step 3: Start looking for accommodation before you arrive

Given the size of the residential rental market in Bermuda, it’s never too early to start researching your accommodation options. More often than not, it’s better to look at temporary accommodation first to allow yourself time to get to know the island. Air BnB’s are popular and are typically booked up to three months in advance. Deciding where you are going to live requires a great deal of consideration. Whether you’ll be working from home or commuting to the office every day, whether you’ll be using public or private transport to get around, whether you’ll be living alone or with family or roommates, and how much you are willing to spend on accommodation each month will all factor into this decision. All of Bermuda’s real estate agencies are accessible online. Relocation Consultants will be able to work with you to find the right home for you, provide useful information on residential areas and help you get your new Bermuda home set up.

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Step 4: Get the logistics in order

There will be many loose ends at home before you depart. This may include setting up a mail forwarding address, cancelling any subscriptions and services, getting your taxes in order and managing your finances (be aware that when you sign a Bermuda residential lease, you will be required to pay one month’s rent by way of deposit and the first month’s rent upfront). If you own property, you’ll need to decide whether you are going to sell or rent it out for extra income. You could appoint a property agent to manage this for you. If you sell or rent your home before your Bermuda departure date, then you will have to consider where you will stay. That’s when friends and family are useful, and you can always offer to host them when they visit you in Bermuda! Don’t worry about setting up utilities, mobile phones, driving licenses, and other services in Bermuda – your Relocation Consultant will do this for you.

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Step 5: Prepare for change

Moving abroad is a big step in your life. While a new pace of life is exciting, it can also be overwhelming. You can prepare for some of the changes you’ll be facing by talking to others who have relocated to Bermuda in order to gain some perspective. Ask your Relocation Consultant to introduce you to others who have recently moved to the island. You can join online expat communities to start networking and learning about Bermuda. Be ready to embrace the opportunities Bermuda presents and be willing to take up new hobbies and meet new people. Coming to Bermuda with an open mindset and friendly disposition will ensure your success!

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Step 6: Book your flights

…And off you go! After months of planning and preparing, you are finally ready to pack your bags and order a taxi to the airport! Most people spend between three and six months planning their move to Bermuda. But not to worry if you don’t have this much time, our Relocation Consultants have worked with clients who moved within six weeks! Rest assured that once you disembark the plane in Bermuda, your Relocation Consultant will take care of everything – leaving you time to explore the pink sand beaches, discover the railway trail and relax in the warm azure waters! Bermuda awaits you!

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Ready to move to Bermuda? Reach out to Corporate Concierge today to?schedule a call?to discuss your needs. We are ready to help you every step of the way!

Tel: +441 296 8575 [email protected]

www.CorporateConcierge.bm and www.BermudaRelocation.com

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