Moving abroad is not quite like what many romantic comedies depict. It’s more than just packing your things in a half-filled suitcase and flying away.
International relocation is serious business and an endeavour that can become stressful if not planned properly. But even months of doing thorough research and reading moving guides may not be enough to prepare you for that gut-twisting feeling of moving away.
Still, you should see living in a different country as a chance to start anew. Whether it’s for work, family, or any other reason, this checklist will help you get through the process of moving house so you can have a stress-free start in a new home. See detail The Family Movers international moving services
Immigration Processing and Documentation
Processing the legal documentation of your relocation is a crucial aspect of moving abroad. Depending on the situation, you will need the following documents before you can move abroad:
Passport
Passports serve as your identification card no matter what country you’re in.
Most countries require a passport containing a minimum of two blank pages. It should also be valid for the next six months or more. If your passport doesn’t meet either of these, you should begin your passport renewal immediately to avoid paying extra fees to expedite the process.
Visa
A visa is a documentation that proves the legality of your move from one country to another. Many visas are temporary (e.g., student or work visas), but some can lead to permanent residency.
The requirements you need to complete and length of the processing when acquiring a visa depends on the country you’re moving to, so be sure to include that in your research. You should also consider meeting with an immigration official or the local embassy to get more information.
If you’re moving without an employer’s help, an immigration lawyer can assist you during the visa processing. Don’t forget to take notes of form submission deadlines, how long you can stay in the country, and the policies about importing currency and household goods.
Other Necessary Papers
If you’re moving with your family, you may also need to gather other documents for the rest of your household. Here’s an initial list that may be applicable for most families:
- Birth certificates
- Certificate of adoption (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate
- Current driver’s licences
- Professional licences
- School records
- Medical records
The Job Market
Before you move, you’ll also want to scout the job market in the country you’re planning to relocate to.
Most people moving overseas for work already have some lined up. Whether or not you have one, there are still a few things you need to learn about:
- Application deadlines, visa conditions, and potential working visas
- Transfer of industry accreditation or certification (i.e., professional licences)
- Industry-specific average wages and salaries
- Company relocation (can be up for negotiation)
You also need to research about annual holiday leave policies, national benefits, and even work-life balance.
Planning Your Finances
When you move abroad, you also need to take care of money matters. Familiarise yourself with local currencies and learn how to compute exchange rates. This will help you determine if you’re financially ready for the relocation and avoid being forced to return to your host country sooner than you’ve planned.
A well-thought-out budget will help you get by during the first few months after you move while you settle in the new country. This should also offset the initial costs of the move.
Below are some of the things you need to learn on the subject of finances:
- The average cost of living
- Local currencies
- Average annual budget (must be current)
Meeting with your accountant or financial advisor could also help you assess your level of preparedness for the move. Plus, you need to inform your bank and credit card company about the change in your address.
Secure Your Health
Consult your local health care provider or any certified travel health clinic about the vaccine you need before moving. Some nations have this information on their website, though it’s best to check with a travel health clinic to know the recommended shots.
Make sure that you keep a complete record of all the shots you received. You’ll need to bring this on the trip.
Do this for all members of your household moving with you, including your pets.
Depending on the destination country, you may also need to get health documentation for the four-legged members of your family. This should come up during your research into your destination country. Write a list of country entry requirements first before talking to your vet.
Moving abroad also typically means you’ll have to look for a different health insurance provider as the one you already have may not extend overseas.
While some countries offer health care programs, these don’t usually come with extensive coverage. To be sure, purchase separate health insurance for your family after thorough research.
Learn About the Country
Since it will be your new home, you’ll want to research as much as you can about the country you’re moving to. Besides reading online articles, you should consider buying a city and country guide prior to your relocation. This will help you learn about crucial information about the place you’re moving to and serve as an introduction to the new life you’ll soon be living.
Some of the basic things you need to learn are:
- Local customs, traditions, and manners
- Public transport options
- Routes to places you will frequent (e.g., office, school, home, places of worship, malls, etc.)
- Language or local dialect (if any)
If you have friends or relatives already living in the country, be sure to reach out before your move. Having someone you know to help you learn the way of life will make adjusting to the foreign place much more bearable.
Don’t Forget: Get Help.
While this guide will give you a good look at what you’re about to do, it would still be better to seek expert help for your move. Luckily, plenty of international movers in Dubai offer extensive services and can assist you in packing, transporting, unpacking, storing, and setting up your belongings in your new home.
AUTHOR BIO
Tarun Ramrakhiani is the CEO of Writer Relocations, India’s premier mobility services company that handles all types of moves: International & Domestic Relocations, Office Relocations, Commercial Move Management Services, Hospitality Logistics, Fine Arts Logistics, Orientation Services, and Storage Solutions. Headquartered in Mumbai, Writer Relocations has presence in 7 countries and operates in more than 190 countries.
