That is just about how mine is going to go. My husband continues to waffle BUT is sounding more accepting of the idea. I may just grab and go for at least 3 months, get him out of the country, then see how he feels.
Most countries only look at recent or serious convictions when they run background checks. A 60-year-old record is very unlikely to matter, especially if it was minor and there’s been nothing since.
Background checks are mostly there to make sure there’s no current risk (not to judge someone’s past). It can still help to double-check the rules for the specific country you’re applying to, since every government has its own approach.
It wasn't minor, but a case of being wrongly accused. The record has been spotless since. We are mostly interested in Spanish speaking countries near the US, such as Costa Rica, Mexico Panama, and maybe Uruguay. We just started our research and not even sure how to start, but we are a bi-racial family and getting more concerned for our safety. Thanks for any advice! We are especially interested in countries most friendly to African-Americans.
Even if the case wasn’t minor, it usually doesn’t cause problems in Spanish-speaking countries, especially when your record has been clear for many years.
Most immigration offices in places like Costa Rica, Panama, and Uruguay focus on whether there are any current legal issues. They rarely go deep into old or resolved cases (especially when yours was 60 years ago).
If you want somewhere that feels safe, welcoming, and open-minded, Costa Rica and Uruguay are both excellent options. Both have good reputations for how they treat foreigners and for being family-friendly.
You can check those countries current long-term visa options for free here: https://clubcitizen.app/.
If you need any further advice, feel free to DM me!
I don’t know if this is in my plans, largely due to a very elderly mother in law who cannot relocate (my wife is an only child and partial care provider for her) … but Thank You Very Much for compiling this and freely sharing it. Having studied the hard realities of relocating to another country over the years, I can testify that these recommendations will help prevent many headaches for those who decide to take the expatriot leap.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment! Comments like yours keep me going and remind me why I started this whole thing. For me, having moved so many times, those items are a given (I could have made the list longer without having to think twice) but for people who haven't done this yet, I always get reminded how valuable it is. And about the caregiving part - this is something I also heard more than once now. I actually wrote a piece about this, which is not public yet, I will send it to you. Maybe it helps to bring in another perspective!
It’s a wish list, usually 3/6 months before we move (we move a lot) of things to do, which are usually based on the property itself. So repaint that scratch on the wall, repair the holes the dogs have created in the garden, maybe, if we’re moving countries, rent the unit etc. It’s all the mundane stuff you forget.
It wasn't minor, but a case of being wrongly accused. The record has been spotless since. We are mostly interested in Spanish speaking countries near the US, such as Costa Rica, Mexico Panama, and maybe Uruguay. We just started our research and not even sure how to start, but we are a bi-racial family and getting more concerned for our safety. Thanks for any advice!
My checklist…
Passport? Check.
Tickets? Check.
Money? Check.
Ok everything else can be sorted out. XD
That is just about how mine is going to go. My husband continues to waffle BUT is sounding more accepting of the idea. I may just grab and go for at least 3 months, get him out of the country, then see how he feels.
For 3 months only the checklist can surely be shorter ;)
Well, you got the most important ones in order for sure haha ;)
Thank you so much. This is so timely...
Haha, that's great! Glad it is of use to you 🫶🏻
Would a 60 year old crime on the background check disqualify someone? I see the checks are usually required.
Great question Carolyn.
Most countries only look at recent or serious convictions when they run background checks. A 60-year-old record is very unlikely to matter, especially if it was minor and there’s been nothing since.
Background checks are mostly there to make sure there’s no current risk (not to judge someone’s past). It can still help to double-check the rules for the specific country you’re applying to, since every government has its own approach.
Any country you have in mind? Maybe I can help
It wasn't minor, but a case of being wrongly accused. The record has been spotless since. We are mostly interested in Spanish speaking countries near the US, such as Costa Rica, Mexico Panama, and maybe Uruguay. We just started our research and not even sure how to start, but we are a bi-racial family and getting more concerned for our safety. Thanks for any advice! We are especially interested in countries most friendly to African-Americans.
Even if the case wasn’t minor, it usually doesn’t cause problems in Spanish-speaking countries, especially when your record has been clear for many years.
Most immigration offices in places like Costa Rica, Panama, and Uruguay focus on whether there are any current legal issues. They rarely go deep into old or resolved cases (especially when yours was 60 years ago).
If you want somewhere that feels safe, welcoming, and open-minded, Costa Rica and Uruguay are both excellent options. Both have good reputations for how they treat foreigners and for being family-friendly.
You can check those countries current long-term visa options for free here: https://clubcitizen.app/.
If you need any further advice, feel free to DM me!
Wish I had a checklist when I moved abroad 13 yrs ago. I learned on the fly, but this is great!
Aw thanks Jenn! But I feel you, I could have needed this 5y ago as well!
I don’t know if this is in my plans, largely due to a very elderly mother in law who cannot relocate (my wife is an only child and partial care provider for her) … but Thank You Very Much for compiling this and freely sharing it. Having studied the hard realities of relocating to another country over the years, I can testify that these recommendations will help prevent many headaches for those who decide to take the expatriot leap.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment! Comments like yours keep me going and remind me why I started this whole thing. For me, having moved so many times, those items are a given (I could have made the list longer without having to think twice) but for people who haven't done this yet, I always get reminded how valuable it is. And about the caregiving part - this is something I also heard more than once now. I actually wrote a piece about this, which is not public yet, I will send it to you. Maybe it helps to bring in another perspective!
Every time we move we have a moving book - helps to get it all written down!
Uh nice! Is there anything in your moving book, that I was missing in my checklist? 👀
It’s a wish list, usually 3/6 months before we move (we move a lot) of things to do, which are usually based on the property itself. So repaint that scratch on the wall, repair the holes the dogs have created in the garden, maybe, if we’re moving countries, rent the unit etc. It’s all the mundane stuff you forget.
That sounds very organized, good job guys!
Thank you for sharing this information so freely!
Very welcome! Glad if it helps 😊
Thank you for your generosity with this!
You‘re very welcome Kathleen, I‘m happy if this helps you on your journey! 🙏🏻
It wasn't minor, but a case of being wrongly accused. The record has been spotless since. We are mostly interested in Spanish speaking countries near the US, such as Costa Rica, Mexico Panama, and maybe Uruguay. We just started our research and not even sure how to start, but we are a bi-racial family and getting more concerned for our safety. Thanks for any advice!