Moving abroad involves dozens of tasks spread across months of preparation. Missing even one step — an apostille, a vaccination, a bank notification — can cause expensive delays or derail your move entirely.
This checklist covers everything from 6 months before departure to your first week in the new country.
6 Months Before: Research & Planning
- ☐ Research visa requirements for your specific nationality and destination
- ☐ Verify your profession is recognised in the destination country
- ☐ Begin language study if required
- ☐ Get a financial health check: savings, debts, credit
- ☐ Research cost of living in your target city
- ☐ Start gathering required documents (degree certificates, work references, birth certificates)
- ☐ Check passport validity (most countries require 6+ months remaining)
- ☐ Research healthcare system and insurance requirements
- ☐ Join expat groups and forums for your destination
Not sure which country fits you?
Find out which country matches your profile.
Get Your Free Verdict →3-4 Months Before: Documentation
- ☐ Submit visa application (processing times vary widely)
- ☐ Get documents apostilled or legalised
- ☐ Arrange certified translations of key documents
- ☐ Get credential evaluations done (WES, NARIC, etc.)
- ☐ Complete medical examinations if required by visa
- ☐ Arrange police clearance certificates
- ☐ Book flights (flexible tickets recommended)
- ☐ Research and secure temporary accommodation for first 2-4 weeks
- ☐ Get international driving permit if needed
- ☐ Start decluttering and decide what to ship vs sell
1-2 Months Before: Finances & Logistics
- ☐ Open a borderless/multi-currency account (Wise, Revolut)
- ☐ Notify your bank about the move (avoid cards being blocked abroad)
- ☐ Set up currency transfer for large amounts (compare rates)
- ☐ Arrange international health insurance for the transition period
- ☐ Get prescriptions filled (3+ months supply)
- ☐ Get vaccination records and any required vaccinations
- ☐ Arrange pet transport if applicable (health certificates, airline requirements)
- ☐ Get quotes from international moving companies
- ☐ Research tax obligations in both countries
- ☐ Cancel or redirect subscriptions, memberships, mail
- ☐ Back up all digital documents to cloud storage
Final 2 Weeks: Pre-Departure
- ☐ Confirm visa approval and print all documentation
- ☐ Confirm flights and accommodation
- ☐ Pack carry-on essentials separately (documents, medications, electronics, 3 days of clothes)
- ☐ Notify employer, landlord, utilities in current country
- ☐ Deregister from current address if required
- ☐ Set up mail forwarding
- ☐ Make copies of all passports, visas, and key documents (physical + digital)
- ☐ Exchange some cash into local currency
- ☐ Download offline maps and translation apps
- ☐ Say your goodbyes
First Week Abroad
- ☐ Register with local authorities (mandatory in most countries)
- ☐ Open a local bank account
- ☐ Get a local SIM card or phone plan
- ☐ Register for local healthcare/insurance
- ☐ Register with your home country's embassy or consulate
- ☐ Begin apartment hunting for permanent residence
- ☐ Get local tax identification number
- ☐ Enrol children in school if applicable
- ☐ Start building your local network (expat meetups, professional events)
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start preparing to move abroad?
Start 6-12 months before your target move date. Visa processing alone can take 1-6 months. Document preparation (apostilles, translations, credential evaluations) adds another 1-3 months. Starting early gives you buffer for unexpected delays.
What documents do I need to move abroad?
Essential documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), visa/permit, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), degree certificates, work references, police clearance, medical certificates, proof of finances, health insurance. Most need to be apostilled and translated.
How much money should I save before moving abroad?
A safe minimum is 3-6 months of living expenses in your destination city, plus visa fees, flights, shipping, and deposit for accommodation. For a single person moving to Western Europe, budget €10,000-20,000 minimum. For families, €20,000-40,000.
What is an apostille and do I need one?
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates documents for use in other countries (under the Hague Convention). Most countries require apostilled copies of birth certificates, degree certificates, marriage certificates, and police clearances. Get them from your home country's designated authority.
Should I ship my belongings or sell everything?
For moves lasting 2+ years, shipping large items (furniture, kitchenware) is usually worthwhile if costs are under €3,000-5,000. For shorter stays, sell everything and buy locally. Always ship sentimental items. Electronics may not work due to different voltages and plugs.
Visa rules change every month.
Get the changes that matter for your move — one email a month, unsubscribe anytime.
About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
How we verify our data · Editorial standards · About whereTOemigrate