Moving Checklist - International Moving Checklist
Things You Need to Do to Move Overseas
International moving is difficult. There are so many extra tasks you need to do to prepare to move that it's often difficult to keep track. If you're moving overseas, use this checklist as a guide to help you through a complicated move.
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Meet With an Immigration Official
ferrantraite / Getty Images Even if you're receiving work permits or country visas through your employer, it's a good idea to set up a meeting with an immigration official. Contact the local embassy or consulate for information. Or if you're moving on your own without the help of an employer, you may need to hire an immigration lawyer to help you through the visa process. Just make sure you know the immigration laws and make notes about deadlines (for submission of forms), time frames (how long you're legally allowed to stay in the country) and policies regarding importing household goods and currency.
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Collect Necessary Documents
Tetra Images / Getty Images Make sure all family members have up-to-date passports. Documentation pieces that you should obtain are birth certificates (it's a good idea to have long-form documents as well as wallet-sized), current driver's licenses, professional licenses, and membership cards as well as marriage certificates, certificates of adoption, school records, and medical records.
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Obtain Necessary Immunizations
Hero Images / Getty Images Check with your local health care provider or travel health clinic to see which shots you'll need before traveling. Some countries will provide this information on their websites; however, a travel health clinic will know best what is recommended. And remember to keep good records of the shots you receive and add them to the records you'll collect and take with you.
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Obtain Health Certificates for Pets
Terry Husebye / Getty Images Depending on where you're moving to, pets may require health documentation. It's a good idea to research entry requirements for pets well in advance of moving. Some countries may require that your pet be quarantined or a quarantine period may be imposed if your pet does not have the proper documentation. Create a list of country entry requirements then talk to your vet.
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Check Tax Laws
Jeffrey Hamilton / Getty Images Check with your accountant or with your local government office about tax laws. You'll need to know policies for your current government as well as for the country you're moving to. It's a good idea to be prepared.
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Purchase Health Insurance
PhotoAlto / Frederic Cirou / Getty Images
Moving to another country usually means that your local health care coverage won't extend overseas. Some countries and health care plans will allow you a certain number of days coverage, but usually, it won't be extensive. Find out before you move so that you and your family are properly insured.
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Get Customs Forms for Household Goods and Pets
danielfela / Getty Images If you're using a mover to move your stuff to another country, the mover will provide the proper customs forms. However, it's a good idea to check with the consulate or embassy for the necessary forms to ensure you have the documentation you need to get your things across the border. You'll need both exit and entrance forms, so check for each. If you're moving a car, pets or other items that your moving company won't be moving, you'll need special forms that the local consulate or the country's official government website can provide.
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Arrange for Access to Funds
Sofie Delauw / Getty Images Before you move, make sure you speak to your bank or financial institution about accessing your funds while overseas. Some banks have branches or affiliated branches in other countries, making it easier to transfer funds. Or if you decide that you'll be moving all your funds to a foreign bank, find out how to arrange the transfer. Online banking does make it easier for you to maintain local access while living overseas. Ask your bank for more information.
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Buy a Travel Guide and Maps
mattjeacock / Getty Images Before you move, thoroughly research where you'll be moving to. In addition to researching information online, purchase a country and city guide before you move. Not only does a guide provide you with critical details, such as locations of hospitals, embassies, and foreign exchange offices, but it's also a great introduction to your new life.
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Get Ready to Live in Another Country
Fabio Nodari / EyeEm / Getty Images This is a pretty big task! Many of us forget that some of the best preparation you can make when moving to another country is to prepare yourself emotionally for the move. Check out the following guide to help you adjust and prepare for your international move:
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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"International Moving Checklist." UniGroup Worldwide, n.d. https://www.unigroupworldwide.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/International-Moving-Checklist.pdf.
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"Manual of Examination Policies, Section 11.1: International Banking." FDIC, n.d. https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/safety/manual/section11-1.pdf.
Source: https://www.thespruce.com/international-moving-checklist-2436177
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