Moving abroad: a paperwork checklist
Most of the work in moving abroad is paperwork, and much of it is easier to do before you leave than from overseas.
Months before
- Passports: many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your stay. Renew early if it is close to expiry.
- Visas: apply through the official government channel and keep copies of everything you submit.
- Documents: birth and marriage certificates, degree certificates and police certificates may need an apostille or legalisation, and a certified translation.
- Pets: check import rules, as some tests must be done well before travel.
Weeks before
- Medical and school records: ask for copies, including vaccination records, and prescriptions for regular medicines.
- Driving: find out if your licence can be used or exchanged. Some countries need an International Driving Permit, issued under the 1949 or 1968 conventions.
- Banking: tell your bank you are moving, and check whether it will keep your account open for a non-resident.
- Tax: find out how your home country treats you once you leave. Many countries use day-count tests, often of 183 days, alongside other tests. Take advice if you have income in both places.
- Post and subscriptions: set up mail forwarding and cancel or move contracts.
On arrival
- Register your address or residence where required, often within a few days or weeks.
- Get a local tax or identity number if one is needed for work, banking or a phone contract.
- Register with a doctor and find the nearest emergency hospital.
- Register with your embassy if it runs a registration service.
Keep copies
Keep scans of every document in a secure place you can reach from anywhere, and carry certified copies of the most important ones.