Your Current Position
You are turning 30, you have one child (5 years), stable employment earning KES 80,000 gross, and KES 4 million in savings. That combination already gives you options, which is very important.
Your question is not “Can I move?”
It is “Should I use my savings to move, or invest instead?”
That is a wise question.
About Relocating to Norway
Norway is a high-quality country with good work–life balance, but it is also:
- One of the most expensive countries in Europe
- Very strict with student visa rules
- Not easy to convert from student to permanent work unless:
- You learn Norwegian well
- You get local-recognized qualifications
- You secure employment in an in-demand field
Learning Norwegian is a big plus, but it takes time (often 1–2 years to reach professional level).
Also, Norway is not a Schengen “starter country”. It is better suited for people who already have:
- A clear professional pathway, or
- Employer sponsorship, or
- Very strong financial backing with a long-term plan
Student Visa + Child: Important Considerations
Relocating as a student with a child means:
- Higher proof of funds
- Schooling considerations
- Childcare costs
- Limited working hours at the beginning
This is manageable, but it raises the risk level if your entire savings are used.
About Using Your KES 4 Million Savings
Using all your savings to relocate is high risk.
Here is why:
- Europe does not guarantee quick financial returns
- First 1–2 years are usually about adjustment, survival, and language
- Many migrants break even only after 3–5 years, sometimes longer
There is no guarantee you will recover the full KES 4 million within 3–5 years — especially through a student pathway.
So the honest answer is:
👉 Yes, it is risky to use all your savings.
What About Love and Settling There?
It’s okay to desire companionship and stability – that is human.
However, relocation should not be driven by the hope of love.
Love is a bonus, not a strategy.
The foundation must be:
- Legal status
- Financial stability
- Emotional resilience
Better Strategic Options for You
Instead of an “all-or-nothing” move, consider this:
Option 1: Partial Relocation Strategy
- Keep part of your savings invested or reserved in Kenya
- Use only a portion for relocation
- Maintain a financial safety net
Option 2: Consider More Flexible Countries First
Some Schengen countries are more realistic entry points than Norway:
- Germany (education + work pathways)
- Finland (education sector links)
- Ireland (English-speaking, education background useful)
- Netherlands (select programs, but costly)
Option 3: Strengthen Employability Before Moving
- Short international certifications
- Education-related postgraduate courses aligned with European demand
- Language learning before travel (this saves money and time)
Probability of Recovering Your Savings (Honest Estimate)
- 3 years: Low to moderate
- 5 years: Possible, but not guaranteed
- Depends heavily on:
- Job secured
- Language proficiency
- Immigration status
- Cost control
Europe is about long-term stability, not quick financial wins.
Final Advice (Most Important Part)
You are not desperate.
You are not late.
You are not choosing between “success” and “failure”.
Right now, the smartest move is strategy, not risk.
If you decide to relocate:
- Do not drain all your savings
- Choose a country based on pathways, not dreams
- Move with a clear exit plan if things don’t work out
Sometimes, the best decision is not where to go – but when and how.
XXX
