The big day has arrived! You’ve finally decided to move abroad, whether for love, because you have fallen for a country, for work, or simply for a greater sense of freedom.
More and more people are choosing expatriation, with nearly 5 million Brits living outside the UK.
However, settling in another country requires careful preparation. Documents, administrative formalities, health insurance, shipping your personal belongings, accommodation and, if you have children, schooling – the list is long.
To help you prepare for your move, we’ve put together a complete checklist of the essentials you should not forget, based our expat community’s experiences.
Discover the keys to a successful international move, with a summary checklist at the end of the guide!
Key takeaways
Your watchword as a future expat? Plan ahead! The earlier you organise everything, the smoother your move will be.
Research your future destination before you leave. Visa requirements, cost of living and work permits: check the conditions that could affect your move.
Prepare your administrative documents several months in advance. A valid passport, proof of address, criminal record certificate and civil-status documents will save you time later.
Arrange for certain documents to be translated if necessary.
Plan ahead for banking and tax matters. Tell your bank, check for international transaction fees, and find out about your future tax position.
Compare international removal companies to transport your belongings. Request several quotes, check the insurance offered and, where possible, choose a mover that also handles customs formalities.
Do not neglect your health! Find out about the local healthcare system, choose cover that suits your circumstances and prepare your medical records.
If you are moving with your family, also consider your children’s schooling. Research schools, enrolment procedures and journeys between school and your future home.
As departure approaches, complete the final formalities in your current country. Cancel contracts and subscriptions you will no longer need, arrange mail forwarding, and check that everything is in order before moving day.
1. Research your destination country
You’ve probably chosen your destination country already. If you are still deciding, start by defining one or two priorities, such as career opportunities, climate, or taxation, then make a practical comparison.
Once you have chosen your destination, do not rely on first impressions alone. Consult specialist guides and read about the experiences of expats who already live there.
You should also check a few basic points, including:
Entry requirements and available visa types: the first step in making sure your plans are feasible. You will generally find full details on the country’s official website or its embassy website. You can also contact the embassy directly to find out which conditions you must meet.
The cost of living in the shortlisted cities: compare living costs in the cities where you are considering settling, particularly rent and groceries, which are often the two largest expenses.
Language and work-permit requirements: find out whether a specific language level is required and what conditions you must meet to work locally.
2. Plan your international move
Prepare your documents and apply for your visa 3 to 6 months in advance
It’ll come as no surprise that applying for and obtaining a visa is often one of the most time-consuming steps. Processing times vary from 2 to 12 weeks depending on the country.
Apply as early as possible, either online or through the embassy or consulate of your destination country. Make sure you apply for the visa that matches your circumstances, including a work or student permit where necessary.
You’ll need several documents for your application. Keep them safe, as you may be asked for some of them again after you arrive:
A valid passport;
Two 35 x 45 mm passport photos that meet international standards;
Proof of address or evidence of accommodation;
A criminal record certificate;
Civil-status documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate or family record book, with a translation by a sworn translator if necessary;
Proof of health insurance;
Evidence of the purpose of your stay, such as an employment contract, explanatory letter or proof of university enrolment;
Evidence of financial resources, such as payslips, proof of income for the previous six months if you are self-employed, or evidence of pension or annuity income;
Where applicable, a medical certificate issued by an approved doctor.
Remember. Book your appointments well in advance. For this type of process, it is better to be prepared than to find yourself rushing to gather every document at the last minute.
Check local authority registration rules
Once you arrive, you may need to register with the local authorities. In many countries, including Spain, Switzerland, Japan and South Korea, this must be done between two weeks and three months after arrival, at the immigration office, local police station or town hall.
Set a budget and create a contingency fund
Prepare your relocation budget in advance, including the main expected expenses: accommodation and set-up costs, visa and document fees, insurance, flights, and moving your belongings.
We also recommend setting aside an emergency fund so that you can deal with unexpected costs without having to dip into your savings at the last minute.
Create a moving timeline
An international move takes several months to prepare. Some steps should be completed 3 to 6 months before departure, others 1 to 2 months beforehand, and further steps after you arrive.
To keep track, create your own timeline in Excel, Notion, or simply on paper, whichever suits you best. Record every task and deadline.
To make things easier, we have prepared a complete checklist at the end of this guide.
3. Prepare your bank accounts
Before leaving, prepare your banking arrangements in two stages: notify your current bank and plan to open a local bank account after you arrive.
First, make an appointment with your bank and tell your adviser the planned dates of your move abroad.
Use the opportunity to ask about international money transfers and any associated fees.
Order at least two debit cards that can be used internationally and check the fees for cash withdrawals abroad.
Note. If you use an online bank, you can of course keep the same account without taking any additional steps.
Once you arrive, opening a local bank account will make everyday life easier, particularly for receiving your salary, paying rent and covering day-to-day expenses.
To save time, check in advance which documents are required. The following are commonly requested:
A valid passport or identity document;
Proof of residence or address;
Your visa or residence permit;
Evidence of income or employment status;
Your local tax identification number or personal identification number, if required.
When you open the account, ask your new adviser or the customer service team any questions you may have. It’s better to clarify everything from the outset!
4. Compare removal companies for shipping your belongings
Furniture is often an integral part of the move, particularly when relocating with a family. However, shipping prices can vary enormously from one company to another.
Here are five steps that can make this process easier:
Request personalised quotes from several international removal companies.
Check the insurance options offered by the movers and the claims procedure. This is very important!
Prepare a detailed inventory of the items to be shipped and their estimated value.
Agree collection and shipping dates with the selected removal company.
Choose an international mover that handles customs formalities where possible, saving valuable time and avoiding the need to manage them yourself.
For furniture that you want to keep but don’t necessarily want to ship, you can also rent a storage unit.
Preparing to move abroad with your pet?
Does your move also involve your furry companion? Animal entry requirements vary from one country to another.
Generally, each country requires certain vaccinations and a minimum age, and may request specific documents. In the United States, for example, a dog must be at least four months old to enter the country.
Some countries even require a quarantine period. Australia, for example, requires animals to stay in an isolation facility for a defined period before entering the country.
Check the requirements with the embassy of your destination country.
Also confirm transport arrangements with your chosen airline and make sure your future accommodation allows pets.
5. Plan your health cover abroad
An expat may automatically join the public health insurance system in their destination country, or may be required to take out public or private health insurance.
The first step is therefore to learn about the local healthcare system. Depending on your status and the eligibility rules, you may be covered by the public system.
However, many expats choose to supplement public cover with private insurance, particularly international health insurance, to prepare for costs that are not covered, differences in standards of care and waiting times.
This type of insurance is designed for the mobile lifestyle of expats, covering them in several countries or even worldwide.
Tip. Before moving, remember to gather your medical records and prescriptions, and arrange any vaccinations recommended for your destination country.
Global Health, your international health insurer
At Global Health, we specialise in health cover for expats and everyone who has chosen an international lifestyle. As our team is made up of expats too, we understand the needs of a mobile life and of the people close to you.
Do you have a question or would you like to find out more about the options available to you? Explore our health plans or contact us to speak with our team.
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6. Plan your children’s schooling
Planning your child’s education before a move abroad is a priority, both to make sure everything is ready when you arrive and to help them picture themselves at their new school.
First, choose the type of school. British families generally consider British, bilingual or international schools, depending on their plans and destination country.
For education in English,
You can find accredited British schools overseas.
Next, prepare your child’s application file with the required documents, including school reports.
Once you have selected a school, apply for a place and pay any relevant fees in advance to make sure everything is ready before the start of term.
Important : Also consider the journey between home and school. Will your child walk, take the bus, or travel with you? Choosing accommodation close to the school can make everyday life significantly easier.
7. Complete the final steps before departure
Thirty days before departure, there is still plenty to arrange: contracts to cancel and organisations to notify. The main steps include:
Cancel contracts linked to your current home: electricity, gas, internet, telephone and so on.
Cancel subscriptions you will no longer need abroad: gym membership, streaming services, subscription boxes, local services and so on.
Tell the Post Office about your move and arrange for mail to be forwarded to your new address.
If you rent, notify your landlord so that you comply with the notice period in your tenancy agreement.
Notify your pension fund or health insurance fund that you are moving abroad and complete the necessary formalities for your circumstances.
Check your driving licence: find out whether your current licence is recognised or must be exchanged for a local equivalent. You can also apply for an international driving permit.
Your complete checklist for moving abroad
6 months before your move
Choose your destination country if you are still undecided.
Check entry, residence and visa requirements. If in doubt, contact the embassy directly.
Start gathering the documents required for your visa or residence permit application.
Check the terms of your health insurance and compare international health insurance options.
Compare international removal companies and request several quotes to find the most suitable option.
Prepare a realistic relocation budget, with a small contingency fund for unexpected costs.
Research schools and their locations if you have children.
3 months before departure
Apply for your visa. In some countries, the entire process can be completed online.
Check that your passport and supporting documents are still valid.
Book important appointments, including a health check with an approved doctor and a meeting with your bank.
Sort through your belongings and decide what will be shipped, sold, donated, or stored.
Contact your chosen removal company and agree on collection and shipping dates.
Start dealing with your current accommodation, including giving notice if you rent.
Notify the relevant organisations about your departure.
1 month before the move
Cancel contracts and subscriptions you will no longer need after leaving.
Notify the Post Office and arrange mail forwarding.
Tell your bank about your move and check the terms for using your cards abroad.
Check the rules for your driving licence and apply for an international driving permit if necessary.
Make digital copies of your important documents and store them securely.
2 weeks before moving day
Confirm your flight times and the shipping dates for your belongings.
Finish packing and prepare a bag with essentials for the first few days.
Prepare a small amount of local currency for your first expenses after arrival.
Review any contracts, subscriptions, or administrative tasks that are still outstanding.
Keep important documents, prescriptions and medicines in your hand luggage.
The week of departure
Empty your fridge and cupboards, then do a final clean.
Charge and pack all electronic devices, with a fully charged power bank.
Keep valuables and important documents with you rather than in shipped luggage.
Walk through your home one last time to check that nothing has been left behind.
Tell friends and family that your departure is imminent and give away your houseplants, a small farewell gift that is always appreciated!
On arrival: practical steps in your new country
Register with the local authorities if this is compulsory in your destination country.
Obtain your tax identification number and open a local bank account if you have not already done so.
When your belongings arrive, check that they’re undamaged and report any damage to the removal company promptly.
Familiarise yourself with public transport routes and buy the necessary tickets or travel passes.
Identify nearby healthcare professionals and medical facilities, and register with a doctor if necessary.
Join expat communities for advice and support locally. You can find them online, through word of mouth or via a local English-speaking organisation.
With that, we wish you every success with your preparations and your move!
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