Moving Abroad Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before You Go
— In short
A successful international move follows a sequence — not a list. This checklist orders the work across six phases, from the first decision 6 months out to your first 30 days on the ground. Use it as a backbone; add the country-specific items from your destination guide.
6 months before
- Decide on destination country and city
- Identify the right visa or residency route
- Start saving / liquidating to cover relocation costs
- Begin language learning if applicable
- Order apostilled birth, marriage and degree certificates
- Request criminal record / police clearance
- Research international and bilingual schools
- Visit destination if you haven't already
3 months before
- Submit visa application
- Notify employer / arrange remote-work agreement / hand in notice
- Get 3 quotes from international removers
- Vet pet relocation specialists if moving with pets
- Apply to top-choice schools
- Open digital multi-currency banking (Wise, Revolut)
- Plan tax-residency exit with cross-border specialist
- Book flights (refundable) and temporary accommodation
1 month before
- Confirm visa approved
- Confirm shipping pickup date
- Cancel utilities (effective post-departure)
- Notify bank, broker, government of address change
- Take pet to vet for final paperwork
- Pre-pay or schedule final bills at home
- Set forwarding address for mail
- Make digital copies of all key documents
1 week before
- Pack essentials carry-on (documents, medication, chargers, change of clothes)
- Confirm pickup with movers
- Confirm school start dates
- Notify destination contact of arrival time
- Print or download offline maps and key addresses
- Buy local SIM if shipping early; or research arrival options
- Final farewells
Arrival week
- Collect residency / visa stamps as required
- Get a local SIM
- Activate temporary accommodation
- Begin neighbourhood walk-throughs for long-term housing
- Open local bank account
- Register address with local authorities
- Purchase any essentials shipping won't arrive in time for
First 30 days
- Sign long-term lease
- Receive shipped belongings and unpack
- Set up utilities and home internet
- Apply for tax identification number
- Register with a doctor / health system
- Enroll children in school
- Convert or apply for local driving licence
- Join expat / interest community groups
- Schedule 60-day check-in with relocation agent
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The Moving Abroad Checklist
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Last reviewed: April 2026 — Relocation Assist Editorial Team