Question 1

What does Relocation Assist actually do?

Accepted Answer

We're a personal relocation agent — a single point of contact who coordinates every part of your international move: visas, housing, schools, healthcare, banking, shipping and settling in.

Question 2

How is this different from a moving company?

Accepted Answer

Moving companies move boxes. We manage the entire relocation around the boxes — visas, housing, schools, healthcare, the lot.

Question 3

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Packages range from $1,500 (focused services) to $15,000+ (full concierge family or HNW). We discuss scope and pricing transparently on the first call.

Question 4

Do you work in my country?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate moves into and out of 60+ countries through vetted local partners.

Question 5

What's the first step?

Accepted Answer

A free 30-minute consultation call. We talk through your destination, timeline and priorities — and you decide if we're the right fit.

Question 6

Do you give immigration advice?

Accepted Answer

No. We coordinate regulated immigration advisers in your destination country. We never give regulated immigration advice directly.

Question 7

How long does a visa take?

Accepted Answer

Typically 4–12 weeks once filed. Document gathering adds 4–8 weeks. Plan 3–6 months end-to-end.

Question 8

Can I move first and apply for a visa later?

Accepted Answer

Almost always no. Most countries require visa approval before arrival. The exceptions (UK, UAE for some routes) are limited.

Question 9

Can you find me housing before I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Yes — through local partners we can shortlist properties, arrange virtual or in-person viewings, and coordinate lease signing remotely or on a brief house-hunting trip.

Question 10

Should I rent or buy?

Accepted Answer

Always rent for at least 6–12 months. Most movers change neighbourhoods or even cities once they understand the local rhythm.

Question 11

What documents do I need to rent abroad?

Accepted Answer

Typically: passport, visa / residency, proof of income or savings, references, and (often) a local guarantor. Requirements vary by country.

Question 12

When should I apply to international schools?

Accepted Answer

6–12 months before your move. Top schools have multi-year waitlists.

Question 13

What curricula are available?

Accepted Answer

British (Cambridge, A-levels), American, IB (PYP, MYP, DP), French (Lycée), German, plus local bilingual options. We help you match curriculum to your child's profile and likely next moves.

Question 14

Do I need private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Almost always yes — at least during the gap before public eligibility. International policies cost $80–$300/month.

Question 15

Can my family access public healthcare?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the country, your visa type and (sometimes) a contribution period. Most relocations include private cover for the first 12+ months.

Question 16

How much should I budget for the move itself?

Accepted Answer

Plan for $8,000–$30,000 in relocation costs depending on family size, shipping volume and how much temporary accommodation you'll need.

Question 17

Should I bring my furniture?

Accepted Answer

Calculate cost-to-ship vs cost-to-replace. A 1-bed shipment is often $3,000–$6,000. For most movers, ship sentimental and high-value items only; buy bulky furniture locally.

Question 18

Can I bring my pet?

Accepted Answer

Almost always yes. Plan 4–6 months: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, sometimes titre tests or quarantine for some destinations.

Question 19

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Sea freight: 4–10 weeks depending on origin / destination. Air freight: days but expensive. Plan for 6–8 weeks of overlap with temporary furnished accommodation.

Question 20

What about tax?

Accepted Answer

Tax residency typically triggers after 183+ days. Some countries (USA, Eritrea) tax citizens worldwide. We connect you to cross-border tax specialists — we never give tax advice directly.

Question 21

How long do most relocations take?

Accepted Answer

3–6 months from decision to arrival for most international moves. HNW and family moves with property purchase often run 6–9 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Abroad

About our service

Visas & immigration

Housing

Schools

Healthcare

Cost & budgeting

Pets & shipping

General relocation