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Explore our handy guides and prepare your move abroad now!
Check out expat blogs and discover all the tips and tricks for a hassle-free move abroad.
Use our relocation services to ensure that you have everything planned before you move abroad.
You may be asking how do I move abroad? The first thing that should be on your list if you’re set on moving abroad should be preparing your documents. Unless you intend to move to another British territory or within the Common Travel Area, meaning to Ireland, you’ll need to do some paperwork before you can start your new life abroad. Moving overseas from the UK can require multiple necessary documents, depending on the country, so starting the process early on is crucial.
Before you move or retire abroad, it’s important to research the culture, language, and lifestyle of your new home. Understanding the country you are moving to can help make the transition much smoother. While it might be a lot less fun, researching the country’s visa requirements, healthcare system and tax laws is also crucial. If you’re looking for the best places to move abroad from the UK have a browse through the countries.
It’s important to check the visa requirements of the country you are moving to well in advance. If a country requires a visa you might have to spend multiple months with the application process. You can find information on the requirements of all countries on the UK government website.
Before moving abroad, you will need to inform the UK government that you are leaving the country. Depending on your specific situation, there be different forms and documents you will need to fill out for them to process your departure.
On the official government website, you can find information on the relevant government offices you must inform before your relocation.
For now, here is a list of the documents you’d be wise to prepare as part of your checklist for moving abroad:
With your documents ready and your visa application being processed, it’s time to start planning the next steps of moving abroad from the UK. We recommend allowing yourself a 3-month planning window and having a moving abroad checklist.
Having a financial plan is crucial when moving abroad to another country. Consider exploring available job opportunities and evaluate your savings and investments for financial stability while living abroad.
In addition to organizing your budget, managing your finances abroad may involve opening bank accounts in your new country, transferring money from the UK, and being knowledgeable about tax regulations.
Need help with your move abroad? Check out our relocation service directory and find the professional to assist you!
We recommend that you start saving and budgeting before your move since moving overseas doesn’t come cheap.
An important cost to factor into your moving abroad from the UK budget is the price of your ticket. If you plan far enough in advance you can get a pretty good deal on your travel costs. You can compare ticket prices online.
If you’re moving abroad from the UK, you must research and search for accommodation in your destination country. We believe in starting early as it can be a time-consuming process.
Remember to sort out leaving your current accommodation. That can be informing your landlord that you’ll be moving out or putting your house on the market unless you intend to return.
If you aren’t moving abroad permanently consider investing in a storage unit. This way you can save furniture or household goods that might be too expensive to bring with you.
If you want to make moving overseas from the UK easy and stress-free, we advise you to compare shipping companies and choose the one best suited for your needs. By filling in Sirelo’s 3-step form, receive up to 5 free international moving quotes. This way you ensure that you get the best estimate for the cost of relocating houses.
The more you move, the higher the cost will be. We advise you to declutter all the unnecessary junk before packing since it only adds to the volume of your move and space is money when you move!
If you’re looking to move abroad on a budget, try decluttering your belongings. Sell or donate items you no longer use or wear to save money on international shipping costs. Make sure to consult our guide on packing to move house. It’ll save you time and it’s filled with great tips and tricks.
You must contact HMRC to check whether you will be taxed while living abroad. You should also fill out your p85 form. In addition, if you are moving abroad for work, it’s important to look into relevant taxes that will apply to you, such as income tax, social security tax, property tax, etc.
If you will continue to receive interest income from savings based in the UK, it’s essential that you complete an R105 from HMRC and pass it on to the institutions where your money is stored.
Having to convert money into a different currency is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, we recommend setting up a local bank account in your destination country. In the meantime, it’s worth looking into money transfer companies that can help you transfer funds while you set up in your new home.
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When moving abroad from the UK, you’ll no longer need your water, gas, telecom, or electricity subscriptions, so it’s best to cancel them. Remember to correctly coordinate it to the date of moving out.
Don’t forget to update the billing address and other subscriptions. This is an important step for mail and packages to be delivered to your new home!
Notify the post through the Royal Mail’s mail redirection service about your new address.
Moving overseas can be risky and insuring everything beforehand can save you a lot of damage costs. Below you can find important insurances to consider:
We know that more paperwork and more expenses are not what you want, but trust us, you won’t regret it if something happens to your new sofa in transit.
You must organize healthcare and set up your health insurance in your destination country.
If you move overseas, you will no longer be covered by the NHS, nor will you be entitled to use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Europe. If you have private healthcare in the UK, make sure to speak with them to see what your options are, otherwise, it may be wise to look into new healthcare options.
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Contact your current GP and dentist to inform them you’re moving abroad from the UK and obtain your medical records. It might also be wise to stock up on prescriptions before you move, just in case!
We know that leaving a pet behind is simply not an option. For most countries there are import requirements for pets, so check the specific rules of your destination country. However, in most cases you can assume that you will need to:
Looking for more information? Read our page on moving abroad with pets.
The specific import requirements on vehicles depend on your destination country; so ensure that you read up on shipping a car overseas. The following steps on our moving abroad checklist are suggestions for moving your car that is generally considered good practice wherever you are moving:
Congratulations! You have made it through our moving abroad checklist. Now you know how to move abroad from the UK, you can sit back and catch your breath! Remember that moving abroad is something to be excited about. Take a good rest before getting the process started!
