Moving Internationally Checklist

I Want to Move Abroad, Where Do I Start?

How can you move to another country when it’s your first time? Here’s where to begin:

• Establish a timeline: When do you plan to move abroad and which countries are at the top of your list?
• Define priorities: Are you moving internationally for career opportunities, lower living costs, or a different lifestyle? Defining your goals will help you choose the best country.
• Research good places to move abroad: Look into quality of life, healthcare, and safety. Consider factors such as climate, opportunities, language, and expat communities.
• Check visa requirements: See which visas you’re eligible for and their processing time. For some visas, you need employer sponsorship or a large investment.

Especially if you’ve never been to the country you’re moving abroad to, it’s important to have a general idea of the visa process, living expenses, and quality of life.

Many countries offer digital nomad visas to live in the country while working for international clients. Other common visas are for studying, retirement, and entrepreneurship. In Sirelo’s moving abroad guides, you’ll learn about visas, moving costs, and living expenses in specific destinations.

6 Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country

Moving internationally is more than just packing your bags. First, we need to research if the move abroad is feasible in terms of work permits, finances, and career opportunities. Here’s what to consider when preparing for an international move:

1. Research the job market and remote work options.
2. Check visas, work permits, and residency regulations specific to your destination.
3. See whether your qualifications are recognised abroad.
4. Understand the visa process and duration to plan moving abroad accordingly.
5. Learn how your move to another country affects your tax obligations.
6. Use Sirelo’s moving guides to see the cost of living and research salary expectations.

Budget For Moving Abroad

A well-planned budget makes it much easier to move overseas. If you know what to save up for, you’ll prevent financial stress and won’t be stranded in a new country with insufficient funds. These are the main costs to research when preparing your budget for moving abroad:

• Visa and immigration fees
• Shipping and moving costs, including insurance
• Accommodation, including deposit fees
• Monthly living expenses in your new country abroad
• An emergency fund for unexpected expenses

Moving Abroad Checklist

We’ve collected all the steps for British expats moving abroad in the guide below. From six months before moving internationally to your big moving day, see which items need to be checked off at what stage of the journey in this international relocation checklist.

3-6 Months Before

The 3-6 months before your international relocation are for research, preparation, and budgeting. Calculate the approximate moving costs and create a budget. Then research good places to move abroad and start the visa application early to make moving abroad less stressful.

Moving

• Research visa or work permits
• Understand tax obligations, including dual taxation.
• Research neighbourhoods on location, safety, and community (expat vs. local)
• Explore nearby facilities (healthcare, international schools, leisure)
• Schedule virtual tours for homes and schools.
• Learn about cultural norms, climate, and local laws.
• Start language classes when English isn’t widely spoken
• Resign from your current job, if needed
• Notify your landlord or real estate agent about your move overseas

Documentation

• Ensure your passport is valid and renew if necessary.
• Start the visa application process early
• Request an international driving permit (IDP)
• Apply for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC for healthcare abroad

Budget

• Research the costs of living in your new country
• Calculate international moving company fees, flights, visas, and housing costs
• Adjust your spending and start saving for the move

2-3 Months Before

Let’s check off more moving abroad checklist items and make key decisions about your relocation. In this phase, you’ll decide on your new accommodation and start looking for international movers to compare quotes, so you get the best price and moving date.

Moving

• Research international moving companies in the UK on Sirelo
• Get removal quotes, confirm insurance options, and set a date
• Start decluttering by selling, donating, or storing items
• Finalise housing arrangements and sign leases
• Book flights after confirming the moving date
• Cancel or transfer UK utility services

1 Month Before

With just a month to go, it’s time to focus on your finances and the changes that come with your move abroad. You’ll make an expat moving checklist for what to take, start packing, complete forms, and notify authorities.

Documentation

• Make copies of all essential documents
• Check import rules and apply for special permits, if needed
• Register as an overseas voter
• Microchip your pet
• Get a rabies vaccination (at least 21 days prior)
• Apply for a pet health certificate (within 10 days before travel)

Moving

• Create an international moving inventory list
• Pack items carefully and label boxes
• Rent a storage unit for items staying in the UK
• Arrange mail forwarding
• Microchip your pet and immunise against rabies, at least 21 days before travel

Finances

• Notify UK tax authorities (HMRC) and banks of your overseas move
• Complete and submit form P85
• Complete form R105, if you receive income through interest on UK savings
• Update your address with relevant institutions
• Research pension and savings account transfer options
• Set up an international bank account
• Cancel UK phone plans, memberships, and local services

Miscellaneous

• Purchase travel insurance or local (private) health coverage
• Buy adapters and other necessary electronics
• Schedule last-minute medical and dental appointments
• Order extra medication or prescription eyewear
• Stock up on products unavailable in your new country

Final Week Before Moving Overseas

The final week is all about last-minute checks and preparation. These are the checkmarks to consider in the final week before moving to another country.

Moving

• Complete all packing and label boxes clearly
• Arrange for help on moving day (friends, babysitter)
• Confirm your flight details and baggage restrictions.
• Secure an IATA-approved travel crate for pets

Finances

• Finalise bank transfers
• Withdraw or exchange cash in the local currency

Moving Day

You’re officially about to move to a different country, how exciting! Let’s check off the final to-dos.

Moving

• Do a final walkthrough of your home
• Turn off utilities and hand over keys if necessary
• Supervise the movers and check for fragile items
• Keep essential documents and valuables in your carry-on
• Arrange transport from the airport to your new home.
• Download local apps for taxis, public transport, and maps

After Moving to A Different Country

You’ve officially moved overseas, congratulations! You’ve almost completed all the to-dos on this expat moving checklist. Complete these last checkmarks to settle into your new home away from home smoothly.

Moving

• Inspect your new home and report any issues
• Ensure utilities are functioning
• Clean your new home abroad
• Unpack your belongings once they arrive

Settling in

• Get a local SIM card or set up an eSIM
• Register with local authorities
• Update visas or residency permits, if needed
• Open a local bank account
• Explore nearby essentials (supermarket, pharmacy, gym, etc.)
• Join social groups or expat communities to build connections

Documents to Take When Moving Abroad

Make sure to apply for and complete all the documents for moving abroad on time, including:

• Passport
• Work permit (if applicable)
• Travel documents
• Bank account details and financial documents
• Birth certificate
• Marriage, divorce, adoption, or child custody certificates
• Academic records and professional certifications
• Driver’s license and international driving permit (IDP)
• Vaccination records
• Medical and dental records
• Pet travel documents (if applicable)
• Insurance policies copies (health, travel, home, vehicle)
• Spare passport-sized photos for official documents

International Moving Packing List

This international moving inventory list ensures you bring all the essentials when traveling to your new home overseas. Prioritise the important documents from above and don’t forget to pack items that may not be available in the new country, like certain spices or toiletries.

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Essential toiletries
• Special medications or health supplements
• Emergency cash in local currency
• Universal power adapters and converters
• Laptop, phone, and chargers
• External hard drive or cloud storage backup
• SIM card or eSIM
• Headphones and travel essentials