Moving to another country sounds very exciting, and often, it truly is. But it also comes with many tedious, yet important things that have to be done if your move is to go well. Don’t worry, though – Flatio can help. Here you’ll find a handy checklist of what you need to do so that your new adventure begins smoothly.
How to move abroad - checklist and todo list
Are you eager to start your new life abroad right away, but feel like all the duties connected with it are slowing you down? We’ve got you – with our todo list, everything will go much more quickly and smoothly!
Things to do before moving
Getting ready to set off? Here’s what you need to do:
- Look up the rules of your new country. Laws and regulations differ between countries, so it’s important to get familiar with the ones of the country you’re moving to. Contact the country’s embassy or consulate and ask about things such as visas, insurance, and vaccines.
- Get your documents ready. Have official copies made of all your important personal documents, such as your passport, medical records, academic diplomas, or birth certificate. Request these copies well in advance, just to be on the safe side.
- Move your belongings. Research which international shipping company is the most cost-effective, and pack up everything you want to take with you, but can’t fit in your suitcase. Just be careful not to pack anything you’ll need right after you arrive, as the shipping can take a while!
- Sort out your bank accounts and credit cards. Contact your bank and talk to them about planning to live in a foreign country, and look up whether your credit cards are accepted in your new country.
- Have your mail forwarded to you and cancel your subscriptions. Let your post office know you’re moving abroad and have them forward your mail to you. If you’re currently subscribed to a newspaper or magazine, make sure to cancel the subscription before you leave.
- Find accommodation. It’s hard to feel at home in your new country without having a stable place to live, so make sure you sort out your accommodation in advance. With Flatio and our handy virtual tours, you can find yourself a place before you even start packing!
- Get a job. Most countries will not give you a work visa unless you already have a job there, so it’s best to find one before you set foot on the plane. What’s more, oftentimes companies also have so-called relocation packages, which can help you with the visa process and other such things. So browse through some company websites and job listings, and with some luck, you’ll soon find an offer that suits you.
Living in another country
So, you’ve just arrived. Welcome! Here are some things to help you settle in:
- Learn more about your new home. It’s good to have at least some general knowledge about your new country’s history and culture - you’ll find your bearings much quicker and avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Find out about your tax obligations. The taxation rules for income earned abroad are different in each country, so make sure you learn about your obligations.
- Get health insurance. Research how your new country’s healthcare system works. The main questions you should be asking is whether your new home has a public healthcare system; whether you are entitled to public health insurance; and, if you aren’t eligible (or there is no public healthcare system), what kind of private health insurance you should purchase.
- Learn the language. It takes a while to adjust to living abroad, but if you make an effort to learn the local language, you’ll settle in much quicker. For instance, you won’t always have to seek out places with English-speaking staff, and you can chat with the locals and get useful, insider’s tips from them.
- Embrace your new country’s culture. Why live in a foreign country if you’re just going to carry on as you would back home? Immerse yourself in the local culture by asking locals about restaurants serving authentic, traditional meals, about what hobbies are most typical for your new country, or about the customs you should know in order to fit in.
Working abroad advice
Moving abroad for work? If yes, then in addition to the tips above, we especially recommend you learn about employment rights, because it’s always good to know those, but especially when you’re moving to a different country; and that you pick a country that aligns with your career goals and your personal preferences – you don’t want to end up in India and only then remember you aren’t a big fan of warm weather, for instance!
Best countries for expats
Want to move to a different country, but don’t yet know what that country should be? In recent rankings, Vietnam, Czechia, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands tend to come out on top in terms of expat satisfaction, so why not start with these and see if any of them fit your expectations? The world is out there for you to explore!
Moving abroad doesn’t feel as overwhelming when it’s all nicely written out like this, right? Follow our advice, and you will find yourself entering this new life chapter of yours with surprising ease!
