Relocating abroad requires considerable planning and preparation; it’s much more complicated than moving cross-country or to a new city. The added layer of immigration, overseas shipping, and customs complex international moves.
But even so, you can eliminate most of the stress associated with relocation by crafting a solid plan.
This international relocation checklist will help you achieve a stress-free transition.
Table of Contents
Opt For Insurance
Before you start sifting through international shipping companies and comparing flight deals, it’s wise to make sure you have the right insurance.
US health insurance for UK citizens abroad will ensure you can access quality healthcare services. And if you’re relocating to anywhere else in the world, international health insurance will ensure your health is covered.
It’s wise to compare global health insurance plans and evaluate available levels of coverage. Choose an expatriate healthcare plan that suits your healthcare needs and your budget.
Consult An Immigration Professional
Even though you can plan and execute your relocation on your own, it’s easier to rely on immigration professionals. When moving abroad, particular documentation is required, and an immigration officer will know which documents are applicable.
Moreover, these professionals will also help you understand the relevant immigration laws, document deadlines, and vaccine requirements as well. As a result, you won’t experience time delays.
Arrange Accommodation
It’s also wise to arrange your accommodation long before your flight. Otherwise, you could experience housing issues upon arrival in your new home country.
In some cases, it’s wise to secure your forever home before moving, but for others, arranging temporary accommodation is best. You can find short-term rentals, private rentals, or even secure a bed and breakfast stay beforehand.
Find The Right International Moving Company
You’ll need to find a suitable international moving company if you plan to relocate with your household belongings. This step will require extra time and specific documentation. So, make sure the company you opt for is licensed and bonded for international moving.
Moreover, a reputable international moving company will go the extra mile by helping you with customs forms that ensure you can legally bring your household items to your new home without delays.
That said, if you’re hoping to move your car with you, you’ll need to use a different shipping company.
Determine The Local Tax Laws
If you are working abroad, you’ll need to understand the tax laws in your new home country. Additionally, you’ll also need to understand the tax laws in your native country.
In some cases, expatriates need to pay a percentage of income tax to their native country after relocation for a period, which is typically lower than standard income tax. And There’s a good chance you’ll need to pay income tax in your host country as well.
Sort Out The Important Documents
A few documents you will probably need when moving abroad are school records, medical and dental records, social security cards, marriage certificates, divorce papers, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, TEFL certification and child custody papers, depending on what’s relevant. It’s advisable to consider utilizing translation services to ensure accurate understanding and processing of these documents in your new country like having your birth certificate translated for example.
Vaccinations
Depending on your new home country, you might also need to obtain vaccination records. These vaccines will protect you from certain infections and viruses.
Speak to your doctor to determine which vaccines you might need, and keep a record of your shots.
Banking And Accessing Your Funds
You’ll also need to plan for a way to access your funds. Unfortunately, your local bank card probably won’t work abroad, so you’ll need to find an alternative while opening a new bank account in your host country.
More often than not, global accounts are the ideal solution for accessing funds abroad.
Speak to your local bank to determine the best way to move your funds abroad and ensure you can access your money upon arrival.
Phone Service
It’s also wise to check with your cellphone service provider to find out if they offer services in foreign countries. If they don’t, it’s essential to have your phone unlocked upon arrival.
Pet Documentation
For those moving abroad with a pet, you’ll need to ensure your pet has the correct documentation. It’s not as simple as packing your puppy in a carrier and shipping them off with your luggage.
It’s crucial to do your research in this regard to determine what kind of documentation your pet will need in accordance with the specific country you are moving to; your immigration officer can also help with this. But most of the time, you must obtain a health certificate that proves your pet has received essential vaccinations. Even so, your pet might be quarantined for a period upon arrival.
Relocating abroad is a lot less stressful with a detailed plan of action. Once you have planned for everything on this list, you can book your flight and start packing for the big day.
