Between accommodation, paperwork, finances, visas, healthcare, research of the place you want to visit and more, it is easy to get lost in small details and then wholly overlook the most critical steps in your relocation. This is why we put together this checklist of the most important things you have to do to relocate to a new country as an expat successfully.
- Accommodation
- Healthcare
- Vaccination check
- Tax
- Finances
- Electrical devices
- Documents
- Cancel subscriptions
- Medication
- Authorities
Accommodation
Finding suitable accommodation is one of the first proper steps towards relocation. You want to know you have enough money to pay for the accommodation and any other fees connected to the rental. Look for the location of the housing and then reserve it.
And check out our monthly rentals on Flatio for the best accommodation.
Healthcare
Visiting most countries without healthcare will get you stopped right at the border, so make sure you have international healthcare coverage when you travel.
Additionally, research what kind of healthcare you will have in the country of your choice - public or private. Make early arrangements for both the international and local types of healthcare before you leave.
Vaccination check
Vaccinations don’t just include COVID passes. There are region-specific vaccinations that you might need to have before you can visit. Check online or with your doctor if you have the proper vaccinations.
Tax obligations
Make sure that your income fulfills tax obligations of both your country of origin and the country you want to move to. This might be easier if you are an employee, but there may be new challenges ahead if you are a business owner.
Check with local authorities and foreign embassies for more information.
Finances
You want to make sure your finances in the new country are easily accessible. This might mean negotiating a new account at your bank or researching opening a new bank account in the land of your choice.
Make sure to compare the various bank fees between accounts and think of all the new ways you will need to use your card:
- withdrawing money at a foreign ATM
- card payments abroad
- money transfers to and from the country
- and more
Choosing the best financial option will save you a lot of money in the future.
Compatibility of electrical devices
This might seem small, but you don’t want to spend the first day of your visit running around trying to find an electrical socket adapter. This is doubly true in our modern days of dependency on electronics.
Just make sure you have a few adapters or converter packed with you before you leave.
Prepare documents
This includes everything from:
- renewing your passport
- packing your birth certificate
- sorting out the international driving permit
- bringing academic records and diplomas
- employee records
- living testament
Having all the documentation will save you a lot of pain when you are in your target country. At this point, you should be sure you will make a move.
Cancel subscriptions and forward mail
This is one of the final steps before you leave. You don’t want to be paying for any services that you won’t be using abroad.
Make sure your mail is also forwarded and that you communicate to your friends and social circles about your new address.
Bring medication
The last thing before you leave is stocking up on your medication. The country of your choice might not have the same drug as you do, or if it does, it may take you some time before you can access it. Talk to your doctor about an additional prescription, and make sure you pack all of your medication with you.
Communicate with authorities
After you get to the country of choice, you should notify authorities both in your country of origin and your new home.
This might be done through embassies or immigration offices, depending on the country. This step is crucial for a problem-free stay.
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