Moving Abroad Checklist

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Moving Abroad Checklist – The Essentials Every Expatriate Needs

Moving to a different country is certainly an exciting, life-changing experience. However, getting ready for the big move can be stressful and overwhelming – especially if you are not sure how to get started! While a lot will depend on your destination country and professional goals, the moving abroad checklist below can guide you in the process of getting ready to start your life as an expatriate. Let’s dive in.

Carry Out Your Due Diligence

Whether it is for an exclusive job offer or you are looking to change up your current lifestyle, moving abroad to live, study, or work can get you a step closer to your career or personal goals. Nonetheless, not all countries have the same health and safety standards, and different cities or locations might have different crime levels.

To stay safe, be sure to carry out your due diligence, learn more about your destination country’s political and economic situation, and keep up with official travel advisories on reliable resources.

Organize Your Documents

Once you have checked that your destination country can provide you with a safe and engaging lifestyle, it is time to address the paperwork needed to move abroad. Some key actions to take include:

Check that your passport is still valid and in good condition
Forward your mail to your new address
Make copies of all of your documents (i.e.: passport, driving license, medical record, etc.)
Carry digital copies of your documents
Address outstanding contracts, such as utilities and gym memberships

Find Accommodation

Before boarding your flight to your destination, you should always make arrangements and find appropriate accommodation – at least for the first few nights! Indeed, landing in a new country can be bewildering, and having a pre-booked hotel room or apartment where you can rest and regain your bearings can help you get rid of a lot of unnecessary stress.

Once you have a better understanding of your location, you can start getting in touch with local real estate agents and find more permanent accommodation.

Pro tip – Although looking for accommodation online from your home country might seem convenient at first, trusting the advice of a local agent who can help you find the best location and accommodation for your needs can be invaluable.

Get Your Visa and Necessary Permits

Before moving abroad, you’ll need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have the necessary visa or residency permit to legally enter your destination country.

Depending on the kind of visa you need, you should consider applying for it 3-6 months before your trip and make sure that all of your paperwork is in order before relocating.

Make Sure To Have Proper Insurance Coverage

Next up is your insurance coverage. Although you might have a reliable insurance policy in your home country, each state or nation might have different requirements in terms of medical, health, and car insurance.

For example, if you are looking to relocate to Dubai – one of the most sought-after locations for expatriates – you will need to compare health insurers in the UAE and invest in private health insurance to legally work and live in the country.

Make a Budget and Learn About the Cost of Living in Your Destination Country

The cost of living can vary drastically from one country to another. So, while there are plenty of financial and lifestyle benefits of expat life, it is important not to underestimate the impact that moving abroad might have on your finances.

Before relocating, take time to assess your financial health, make a budget for the move, and analyze the cost of living in your destination country. Even more importantly, be sure to have enough savings to be able to count on a sturdy financial safety net!

Manage Your Properties in Your Current Country

Throughout your life in your home country, you might have built a portfolio of assets, including vehicles, real estate properties, savings accounts, retirement funds, insurance policies, and rentals. Before moving abroad, take time to make the necessary arrangements and tie up any loose ends.

Although this might seem stressful at first, managing your properties and possessions when you are in your home country is much easier than taking care of them from abroad!

Set Up a Bank Account

Before moving abroad, make sure that you can access your money while in another country – and that you can do so conveniently! Once your plans are confirmed, speak to your bank and let them know of your upcoming travels.

Also, consider applying for a travel credit card and obtaining a card that can be used with minimal fees around the world. Once you have relocated, you might even consider opening a local account.

Get Ready by Taking Language Lessons and Studying the Local Culture

And now, the fun part! Once you have taken care of all the legal, financial, and practical aspects of moving abroad, you can start getting ready for the upcoming trip by taking language lessons and learning more about the culture that makes your destination country unique!

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.