In September 2024, we turned our dreams into a plan and started taking the necessary steps to live in another country. First, we wanted to visit the country and experience living there for a while, so in the first week of October, we found ourselves in Slovakia. We received many questions from our friends and family: Why Slovakia? What’s there? But I believe the real question should be—what is missing in our country? My biggest challenge was getting a VAT number, being able to use PayPal or Stripe, and to be honest, I was also a bit tired of my own country and society. The answer to what is missing in our country is too long to fit here—perhaps I’ll write about it someday.

I hadn’t written on my personal blog for years. This adventure got me back into writing. However, as the process we initiated in mid-October 2024 had still not progressed by the end of January 2025, I decided to take this experience beyond my personal blog. In fact, the reason this website was born is everything I went through and felt in the last two months.

Why I Created World Next Step

Starting a new life in another country is an exciting yet challenging journey. When I decided to establish my own business and apply for a residence permit in Europe, I realized that the process was far more complex than it initially seemed. I faced numerous hurdles, from understanding legal requirements to dealing with cultural differences in business practices. Throughout this journey, I encountered misleading information, unexpected expenses, and a lack of transparency from various consultancy firms. These experiences made me realize the pressing need for a reliable, honest, and transparent platform that could guide others through the same process.

The Need for Reliable Information

One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding accurate and trustworthy information about the residence permit process. Many consultancy firms provided conflicting advice, making it difficult to make informed decisions. Some firms overpromised and underdelivered, while others presented hidden costs that were not initially disclosed. This lack of transparency created unnecessary stress and financial strain.

Through my own experience, I recognized the importance of having a single, reliable source where people could find clear and honest information without being misled. World Next Step was born out of this necessity—to provide people with realistic expectations and practical guidance based on real-life experiences.

Choosing the Right Consultancy Firm

Selecting a trustworthy consultancy firm was one of the most critical aspects of my journey. I learned that cultural differences in business approaches can significantly impact the experience. In some cultures, business processes are highly structured and predictable, while in others, flexibility and personal connections play a more significant role. These differences often lead to misunderstandings and frustration for individuals unfamiliar with the local business culture.

I created World Next Step to help others navigate these challenges by sharing insights into choosing the right firm. I wanted to ensure that others could avoid the pitfalls I encountered, such as unclear contract terms, delayed responses, and unexpected demands for additional payments.

Overcoming Challenges

Beyond choosing the right consultancy firm, there are countless other obstacles one may face when applying for a residence permit. Language barriers, bureaucratic procedures, and constantly changing regulations can make the process overwhelming. Additionally, dealing with documentation errors or misunderstandings can lead to significant delays.

Having gone through these challenges myself, I wanted to create a platform that not only provides information but also offers support and encouragement to others facing similar difficulties. World Next Step aims to be a place where people can feel reassured and empowered to take the next step in their journey with confidence.

Building a Transparent and Supportive Community

At its core, World Next Step is about transparency and community. I believe that sharing honest experiences and practical advice can help individuals make better choices and avoid costly mistakes. Whether it’s understanding the legal requirements, managing expectations, or finding a reliable partner, my goal is to provide valuable insights that empower people to succeed.

By building this platform, I hope to bridge the gap between those seeking residence permits and trustworthy consultancy firms, fostering a culture of integrity and reliability in the process.

Conclusion

World Next Step is more than just a website; it’s a reflection of my own journey, challenges, and triumphs. I created it to fill a gap that I personally experienced and to ensure that others can embark on their journeys with better knowledge, confidence, and peace of mind.

If you’re considering taking the next step toward residency in a new country, I hope this platform serves as a reliable guide, offering you the clarity and support you need to make informed decisions.