Planning to move abroad, whether it’s for a year of studies in London or an indefinite job stint in Bali, can seem daunting. However, with the right approach, it’s definitely achievable.
If just visiting your dream destination isn’t enough anymore and you find yourself yearning to live there full-time—savoring local cuisine, exploring beloved landmarks, and soaking in the culture every day—it’s time to take the plunge and relocate. If you’re truly committed to making this move, we’re here to guide you through the logistics. While your friends can provide emotional support, we’ll focus on helping you manage the practical aspects of your move.
To make this transition smoother, we’ve compiled 15 essential steps for anyone preparing to move to a new country. No matter where your next adventure takes you, these steps will help you get organized and ensure a successful relocation.
Start Saving for Your Move — Add an Extra 10% to Your Budget
Relocating to another country can be significantly more expensive than a local move. The costs of international living include not just the usual expenses like housing deposits, movers, and transportation, but also additional items such as visa fees, international insurance, and potentially hiring a lawyer to navigate legal requirements.
The traditional advice to save six months’ worth of expenses is particularly relevant here, but for an international move, aiming for more is wise. Begin by researching the exchange rates and cost of living in your new destination. Based on this information, create a monthly budget and aim to save six months’ worth of this budget before you move. This extra cushion will help you handle any unexpected costs that arise during your transition.
Apply for or Renew Your Passport Right Away
A valid passport is essential for obtaining a visa, and many countries have specific requirements regarding passport validity. Typically, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from your home country. This ensures that you won’t encounter any issues with your visa or entry into your new country.
If you’re planning to move abroad and do not have a set return date, it’s crucial to renew your passport well before your move. An expired passport can complicate your stay and create problems with immigration authorities. In case your passport does expire while you’re overseas, you can renew it through the U.S. Embassy or consulate in your new country. They will guide you through the process, but it’s much smoother if you handle passport renewals and updates in advance to avoid any disruptions or delays in your relocation plans.
Find Your New Home
Deciding where you’ll live is one of the most exciting parts of moving abroad. Whether you have a specific city in mind or are still exploring options, researching your potential new home is crucial. If you’re drawn to a country but unsure whether you’d prefer the energy of its capital or the tranquility of a coastal town, take some time to explore the lifestyle each city offers. Consider factors like city size, public transportation options, and healthcare facilities.
If you already know your destination, you’ll need to find a place to stay. If you’re planning to rent, start by checking popular online rental platforms and reaching out to local agencies. Since securing a rental contract from afar can be challenging, you might need to book temporary accommodation like a hotel or Airbnb for your first week and then conduct your search in person. If you’re buying a home, plan a visit ahead of time and work with a realtor to compare properties and view them firsthand.
Prepare Your Family for the Move
If you’re relocating abroad with your partner, children, or pets, there are additional considerations and preparations involved. Beyond managing extra paperwork, you’ll need to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.
For your partner, research job opportunities in your new location to help them find employment. For your children, look into schooling options to ensure they will have a suitable educational environment. Planning these aspects before finalizing your move can help prevent any surprises and ease the transition.
Pets also require attention. While they may adapt relatively easily, it’s important to plan how you will transport them and what their new life will be like. Research pet relocation services and ensure that you have everything in place to make their move as smooth as possible.
Apply for a Visa
Securing a visa can be one of the most stressful aspects of moving abroad, as there are many factors that could affect the approval of your application. To reduce the risk of issues, carefully review the requirements on your destination country’s official government website to ensure you have all necessary documents in order.
For instance, if you’re applying for a student visa in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to present your university offer letter and evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your studies. Depending on your destination, you might also need to visit an application support center to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
To avoid unnecessary stress, start gathering your documents well in advance of your visa appointment. This will give you ample time to prepare and address any potential issues before your application is submitted.
Think About Health Care
Health care systems vary widely across countries, and your access to medical services will often depend on your visa type. Before you move, check if your current health insurance covers you internationally. Request copies of your medical records from your health care providers and ensure you’re up-to-date on any required vaccinations. You can find out which vaccinations are needed for your destination from health resources online.
Also, verify whether your prescription medications are allowed and available in your new country. If they’re not, you might need to bring an extra supply with you or find alternative options.
After arriving in your new country, quickly familiarize yourself with the local health care system and understand how to access it based on your visa status. For instance, in Portugal, you need a residency card to obtain a health number, which grants access to the public health system. Be sure to complete all necessary steps to secure this access promptly.
Do Plenty of Research
Even if you’re somewhat familiar with your destination, thorough research is crucial for a successful move. One key aspect to consider is how you’ll handle your belongings.
Shipping vs. Storage vs. Selling
Decide whether you’ll ship your items, store them, or sell them before your move. Each option has its own costs and logistics, which can be significant. For a more permanent relocation, selling your belongings might be a practical choice. If you’re only bringing a few bags, research where you can buy essential items like furniture, bedding, and kitchenware in your new location.
From personal experience, shipping large items can be problematic. I once shipped a crate from the U.S. to Europe, and it still hasn’t arrived. It might be more practical to downsize and only bring items that truly mean a lot to you.
Transportation
Consider how you’ll get around in your new location: will you drive or rely on public transportation? If you plan to drive, weigh the options of shipping your car, buying a new one, or renting. Each choice has its own benefits and challenges.
You might also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your move and a new local driver’s license once you’re settled. Research driving regulations in your destination country, as IDPs are often only valid for a limited time. For instance, in Spain, you have a six-month grace period to use your IDP before you must start the process to obtain a Spanish driver’s license. This process includes completing a Spanish driving course and passing a driving test. Make sure to understand these requirements in advance to avoid any legal issues and to ensure a smooth transition.
Culture
Before you move, take time to familiarize yourself with the culture of your new home. Research the country’s history and current government to understand its context. Learn about social norms and etiquette to avoid common pitfalls and ease your transition. Engaging with books, films, and other media set in your destination can provide valuable insights into everyday life.
If you’re moving to a place where you don’t speak the language, consider taking language classes or using a language-learning app. You can choose to work with an online language tutor, a face-to-face language instructor, or even enroll in language courses at a local school. This will help you communicate effectively, fit in more easily, and build connections with locals. Understanding and adapting to the culture will help you manage culture shock and integrate smoothly into your new environment.
Contact Your Bank
Before you move, it’s a good idea to reach out to your current bank to inform them of your relocation. Keeping your existing account can help maintain your credit score and manage any ongoing bills or loans. Let your bank and credit card company know about your move to avoid any issues with your accounts.
Consider obtaining an international credit card to minimize foreign transaction fees. Additionally, research banks in your new city to understand their requirements for opening a new savings or checking account. This will help you smoothly transition your finances and access banking services in your new location.
Get a New Phone Plan
Staying connected while living abroad is essential, and relying on free WiFi won’t always be practical. To avoid high international phone plan costs, make sure to unlock your smartphone before you move. Once you’re in your new country, you can purchase a local SIM card, which will allow you to make local calls and use data more affordably.
If you want to keep your existing phone number from your home country, consider using a virtual phone service provider like Grasshopper or a mobile virtual network operator like Google Fi. These services let you manage your phone number and access messages online, so you can stay in touch with friends and family back home while adapting to your new location.
Call Your Accountant
Regardless of how long you’ve been living abroad, as a U.S. citizen, you’re required to file taxes annually, even if you haven’t been back to the U.S. during that time. You may also need to file taxes in your new country. Since dealing with both tax systems can be complex, it’s beneficial to consult an accountant experienced in international tax matters. They can help you understand any exemptions you might qualify for and ensure that you comply with both U.S. and local tax regulations.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Before you move, create copies of all essential documents, such as your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, immunization records, and visa information. These copies will be useful for residency appointments and other official matters.
If you prefer to store these documents online, use a secure platform with two-factor authentication to protect your information from unauthorized access. Keeping both physical and digital backups ensures you have access to your important documents when needed.
Throw a Goodbye Party
Celebrate your departure with a farewell party! Gather your friends and family for one last get-together filled with your favorite comfort foods and joyful moments. This is a great opportunity to share your excitement for the new adventure ahead and create lasting memories with those you’re leaving behind.
Encourage your loved ones to visit you in your new home, so they can experience your new life alongside you. While saying goodbye might be bittersweet, remember that exciting new experiences and joys await you. Embrace the change with optimism and look forward to the new chapter in your life.
Connect with your fellow expats
The process of moving abroad is daunting, but you are far from alone. Expats are some of the most welcoming people you’ll find while living abroad. They are often eager to pay it forward by sharing tips about navigating the local bureaucracy and vouching for lawyers, accountants, and any other services you might need when navigating the nitty-gritty of living abroad. You can find many online forums for expats, but you should try to find a group for people living within your city, as there may be meet ups where you can connect in person — you may even get some new friends out of the experience!
