Moving from Seattle to the Caribbean in 2020

Moving to the Caribbean sounds like a dream until one tries to do it.
Or at least begins the research. It would make perfect sense if
someone from Seattle, in the North Pacific, would want to move to the
sunny and warm Southeast. But relocation to this region even from the
U.S. mainland is not simple and fast, especially in 2020. While
wishful thinking alone is not enough, every big step begins with a
dream. Complemented with thorough analysis, organization, and
considerable savings, everything is possible. The article ahead will
provide much-needed insight into the matter to all aspiring
Caribbeans.

You’re moving to the Caribbean – but where
exactly?

The Caribbean region stretches over 1 million square miles and
encompasses over 700 islands, just if you have wondered how big the
area is. Knowing where you wish to live is the first and foremost
point to consider. Variety and diversity make this region unique
and so magically attractive and at the same time difficult to explore
in a short while.

Constituent kingdoms, republics, constitutional monarchies,
territories, all organized into sovereign states or dependencies,
have different rules and policies. Laws considering
immigration, residency, work permits, and real estate will be one of
the eliminating factors in the search.

Geography and climate, languages spoken in the area, and an
acceptable level of development are the other factors. And these are
only a few of the reasons why buying
your first home in the Caribbean needs to be an
educated decision. There is a vast number of locations in the region
that would be a perfect choice for an enthusiastic Seattle
transplant, a choice depending on the preferences and pocket size.

What does it mean to move overseas, long-distance, in
2020?

Half of 2020 has already passed and we're still not sure how it's
going to continue. Relocation within a single city is not easy, let
alone going through an overseas move in this uncertain time. Those
who are determined to conduct a long-distance relocation this year
need to start their preparation well in advance. And be ready for
delays in almost every phase of the process. This means that the
preparations should have already started.

The only safe
way to transport belongings overseas is to hire a
reputable experienced and licensed moving company. They will
handle the necessary paperwork and remind you of things you might not
have considered. This specifically relates to shipping terms and
conditions. Numerous important decisions rely on the possibility to
ship something to the Caribbean. Local laws may affect the import of
cars and involve quarantine for pets.

Is moving to and living in the Caribbean affordable?

Affordability greatly depends on the country. GDP per capita of the
countries in the Caribbean varies greatly, from ~800 USD in Haiti to
~80 thousand USD in the Cayman Islands, and everything in between.
The differences are most evident in the state of infrastructure, job
availability, real estate prices, and annual income disparity.

The best sources of reliable information necessary for accurate
budgeting are local government websites and real estate agencies.
Finding a place to live involves looking for the right property.
Whether you decide to rent or buy real estate, contact a licensed
local real estate agent. They have sufficient knowledge of the
property
markets in the Caribbean to help you out in your
search. It also means that you would need to travel to the desired
location and see the properties for yourself. You should account for
the travel and lodging expenses, at least for a month or two.

Contacting government institutions directly will also give you an
insight into the amount of all the necessary (and sometimes upfront)
fees and real estate investment amounts, both required to achieve
residency. If you're moving with a family, you would need to prove
that you can support the dependants.

Finally, there is a matter of the moving budget. As you're
moving from Seattle, the best option is to hire Seattle movers such
as hansenbros.com
who can take care of the relocation from the first step. Before you
do hire your movers, take a very good look at your belongings and
decide what is worth relocating. Bear in mind that the price of the
move depends on the distance, amount, and weight of your belongings
(among other things) and that you're moving to the Caribbean, across
the continent and overseas. Also, you would have to include the price
of plane tickets for you and your family members into your budget.

A few additional thoughts

All summed up, moving successfully from Seattle to the Caribbean is
based on several important premises. Most importantly, you have 

• 
  conducted thorough online research first
  
• 
  traveled and lived in the desired location in the Caribbean long
  enough to change your perspective from tourist's to resident's
  
• 
  created and triple-checked your budget, accounting for possible
  delays
  
• 
  hired only licensed, reputable, experienced, and local, movers, real
  estate agents, and other professionals to assist you in the process
  of relocation.
  

Bear in mind that each country in the Caribbean has its own rules and
regulation but they still have one thing in common. Their strict
policies on immigration serve to protect their residents and expect
you to contribute to the local community. If not by your profession
which is in high demand, then with your financial investments in
property.

Well paid jobs are difficult to find, especially in the poorer
countries, where locals have an advantage over foreigners. Ideally,
you'd be on a fixed income with considerable savings, enough to
ensure you a Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of
Independent Means, on the Caymans, or its counterpart in other
locations.

If you're intent on moving, the best things you can do for yourself
and your family is to play it safe in 2020. Plan for the worst and
hope for the best!