Moving you (and your business) to another country?

[HC_Charlie]

Greetings from the US to my friends in Canada! With just a few weeks to go until the election in the United States, I've been wondering very seriously if potentially the "grass is greener" living in another country?! Maybe I'm too much of a pessimist or doomsday thinker, but I wonder what it would be like to live in a country that didn't have so much political drama. Maybe it would be better if I didn't absorb so much news and current events?,...

So I'm just wondering if anyone has experience moving themselves and their business to another country. I just started reading about some requirements, and it seems daunting to even begin to think about it, but I can't help worrying about how life in the U.S.A will evolve in the coming years because America seems so divided. I don't want to start any political debates here, just curious and wondering about any experiences other Square Sellers may have in starting life in another country.

[lenjobakes]

Hey @HC_Charlie !

Well...it's been a few months since your post and 🫠

The grass isn't always greener, unfortunately! But, I did start my business in New Zealand and then decided that for the sake of permanence, it would be better for to move back home in Canada.

To be honest, there wasn't much of a process except winding up the business completely in New Zealand and starting it up in Canada. Just like for a person who immigrates, your credit and goodwill (in terms of lenders, banks, etc.) for your business does not travel with you. However, the traction that we'd gained on social media was easily redirected with an update of our location specific hashtags.

As you can see, life in Canada is not particularly easy when life in America isn't easy. The best thing we can do is continue to attempt to run our businesses and live our lives to the best of our ability. Vote every day with our actions and vote at the ballot boxes when called upon.

I hope you're doing well!

[HC_Charlie]

thanks for the update @lenjobakes , it certainly is a challenging time right now...and you're absolutely correct in that when one place/country is in a state of disarray, it carries over to other places as well. Late last year I did some investigating into moving to another country and it was really daunting in terms of learning  about particulars. Even though the countries may share common languages and even customs, the workings of permits, government, and laws is completely different. So for now I'm staying put...doing well right now and continuing to try and grow my business.

[lenjobakes]

I love this for you, @HC_Charlie !

I'm sure you'll find a way to make that sun shine so you can get stuck in to making some hay while it does! ☀️

I've moved to 3 different countries in my life and my respect for people who are able to pack it all up to start somewhere else has been changed forever. Definitely not done on a whim and not for the faint of heart!