Moving abroad is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. After helping over 500 families relocate internationally, I've built this checklist to keep you on track from 12 weeks out to your first day in a new country.
12 Weeks Before: Legal & Administrative
- Apply for your destination country's visa or residency permit
- Notify your tax authority of your planned departure date
- Set up a multi-currency bank account (Wise, Revolut, or Charles Schwab)
- Get international health insurance quotes β mandatory for most visas
- Contact your home country's pension/social security office about contributions abroad
8 Weeks Before: Financial Preparation
- Open a bank account in your destination country if possible
- Convert and transfer an emergency fund of 3β6 months living expenses
- Cancel or freeze subscriptions tied to your home country
- Notify your bank of your international move to avoid card blocks
- Research tax treaties between home and destination country
4 Weeks Before: Practical Logistics
- Book temporary accommodation for first 2β4 weeks (Airbnb or serviced apartment)
- Ship, sell, or store belongings β international shipping is expensive
- Transfer prescriptions and get 3-month supply of regular medications
- Download offline maps, translation apps, and local transport apps
- Join expat Facebook groups and Reddit communities for your destination
First Week Abroad: Critical Actions
- Register with your embassy (many have a voluntary registration system)
- Get a local SIM card immediately
- Open a local bank account β brings down ATM fees dramatically
- Register at the local municipality if your visa requires it
- Get your international driving permit validated locally if you plan to drive