5 Essential Questions To Ask An Expat Consultant

You’ve decided it’s time to set up your Plan-B or even make the leap to move abroad for good. Whether you’re looking to secure a new passport for a second place to call home or open an offshore bank account to protect your wealth, achieving these goals on your own can be more complicated than you think.

At first, it may seem straightforward. But once you go through the process, you encounter common challenges like delays, bureaucracy, and even a completely new language. So, why figure it all out yourself when you could work with someone in the same position who can show you the path forward?

That’s exactly what you get when you work with the right expat consultant. However, before hiring them, you need to ensure they can truly help you achieve your goals. Think of a consultant like your doctor; you want an experienced professional who understands your issues, guides you through the process and ultimately, helps you live a better and longer life. 

In today’s article, I’ll outline the five most important questions you must ask an expat consultant before hiring them. These queries will help you gauge their expertise and know whether they fit your needs.

Many consultants lack transparency about their fee structures, often leading to clients being overcharged. Transparency is essential for understanding exactly what you're paying for and the services you receive

1. BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT SHOULD BE MY TARGET COUNTRY?

Becoming an expat involves making multiple difficult decisions, including choosing which country is ideal for your Plan-B, opening bank accounts, setting up foundations, etc. A good expat consultant will provide you with honest advice tailored to your needs. Ask them whether they have personal experience with different countries. Have they dealt with the local bureaucracy, bought real estate, or integrated into the local culture?

Understanding their firsthand experience will help determine their ability to guide you effectively. A consultant who has lived through the ups and downs of moving abroad can show you what to expect and how to prepare. They should offer not mere generics but the specifics you need. For example, if you’re American, your tax obligations will differ from those of a Singaporean. That’s why assessing every case separately and offering customized guidance is essential.

Another major factor is honesty. This may sound evident or repetitive, but far from being upfront, multiple consultants sell you on the dream but never paint a realistic picture of potential hurdles. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their personal experience and how they have helped others achieve their goals; this way, you will decide whether they have the practical knowledge to help you move to your new home. 

2. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE SCOPE OF YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT, IF ANY?

As mentioned above, a consultant is like a doctor assessing your case and giving you guidance. Just like a good doctor explores the root causes of your issues, a good expat consultant will study your case thoroughly, come up with a solution and be with you every step of the way. This journey, though, doesn’t end when you move abroad, as unexpected issues may arise. For that reason, ask your consultant about the nature of their post-move support. Will they assist you after relocating and help you deal with unforeseen challenges? 

If they can help you once you’re settled in your new country, ask whether there will be additional costs. Will there be extra charges for ongoing support, and if so, what do these services include? Many consultants out there are not transparent about their fee structure, causing their clients to pay more than expected. A transparent consultant should outline their fees and explain what you’re getting in return. 

Last but not least, get familiar with how they handle unexpected issues. Ask for examples of how they have supported other clients in similar situations. This will give you a sense of their reliability and commitment to your success. Ensuring comprehensive, ongoing support can make all the difference in feeling confident and secure in your new home.

An experienced consultant who has handled a variety of cases will possess a breadth of knowledge sufficient to deliver a fully customized service tailored to your reality, making your journey smoother

3. HOW DO YOU TAILOR YOUR SERVICES TO EACH CLIENT’S NEEDS?

Let’s go back to our medical analogy. When facing health issues, you want to be in good hands. Which doctor would you choose: someone who just sells pills or someone who sits down with you to listen to your concerns and offer a personalized step-by-step process? The bottom line is that a cookie-cutter approach simply won’t cut it; you need a consultant to meet your specific needs. 

Ask them how they customize their services for each client, especially those in a similar position. For instance, if you’re an American planning to renounce your citizenship, you may want to know they have successfully handled such cases in the past. A great consultant will provide examples of how they have adapted their approach based on individual client needs. Whether it’s the various visa processes, buying a property that suits your lifestyle or assisting with banking, their ability to offer customized solutions is key to your success. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to becoming an expat. Your goals may differ from someone else’s, and that’s okay. You may want to secure a second residency in case things go south in your home country, while others may want to acquire overseas rental properties to diversify their cash flow. The options are limitless, so make sure your consultant can understand your objectives and, most importantly, provide results. 

4. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO LEGAL AND VISA ISSUES?

Legal and visa issues are probably the most difficult part of being an expat. You might be prepared to invest a lot of money into the country, build businesses and create jobs, but there are so many hoops you must jump through. Staying compliant with long lists of regulations and documentation is hard and time-consuming, and doing it all by yourself is nearly impossible. 

So, ask your consultant about their process for handling legal and visa issues. How do they ensure compliance with local laws? A competent consultant will take a step-by-step approach and stay updated on the latest regulations and requirements to prevent any legal missteps. Also, make sure they never leave any loose ends, preferably taking you by the hand every step of the way. Finally, their knowledge, or that of their attorneys for that matter, is not enough, as it is fundamental to apply legal knowledge to your specific situation.

Ask for examples of how they have successfully dealt with legal and visa challenges for past clients. For example, if you’re American and plan to renounce your citizenship, will this consultant find a way for you to travel if you’re not an American citizen anymore? Having a consultant who can expertly navigate these issues will provide peace of mind and a solid foundation for your new life abroad.

Check an expat consultant's track record and ask for references to ensure they can effectively address your needs and handle challenges.

5. CAN YOU PROVIDE REFERENCES OR TESTIMONIALS FROM OTHER CLIENTS?

When you're picking an expat consultant, it's important to check their track record. Make sure they've successfully helped others in situations like yours and can do the same for you. A great way to tell whether they’re good at their job is by asking for references or testimonials from their previous clients. Start by asking the consultant for references or written testimonials from clients they've worked with before. 

A consultant with a solid track record will happily share these testimonials or connect you with past clients. This openness builds trust and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect. Pay close attention to how former clients describe their experiences. Were their needs met? Did the consultant go above and beyond in providing support? Were there any hurdles, and how were they handled?

This step is essential to making an informed decision. If a consultant consistently receives positive feedback, it's a good sign they're likely to help you achieve your expat goals, making your move smoother and more manageable. For example, if multiple clients mention how the consultant effectively handled unexpected issues, like a last-minute visa problem, it's a good sign of the consultant's reliability and problem-solving skills. This kind of detailed feedback helps you feel more confident in your choice.

Related content: What's It Like To Work With Expat Money?

Establishing a Plan-B is a complex task, as it involves your future and that of your family. It is essential to have a reliable partner to guide you through the entire process

CONCLUSION: VET THEM OUT

Choosing the right expat consultant is crucial for a smooth and successful transition to your new life abroad. These five questions will make sure that your consultant has the experience, honesty, and commitment to provide personalized and ongoing support. 

At the end of the day, setting a Plan-B comes with its complexities, from selecting the right country to handling legal and visa issues. Working with Expat Money can make you feel confident, knowing that you have a reliable partner to guide you throughout your process.  Your journey to a new home should be exciting and seamless, and the right person makes all the difference.