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As the saying goes, fail to prepare - prepare to fail, and when it comes to moving abroad, preparation is definitely the key. In fact, the minute you know you're making that move, start the organisation.
Make a List
Write down everything you think you’ll need to do before you go away and keep it close by at all times, so you can add to it whenever something comes to mind.
Contact the Embassy
Talk to advisors in the embassy in your home country for information on where you’re heading to. They can provide invaluable information on anything from taxes to health and safety.
Take a trip
If you can afford the time and the money, pay a visit to your new home country to get your bearings, familiarise yourself with the areas you’ll be living and working in and meet with local companies that may be helping you with the move, such as estate agents and relocators.
Think about your house
What do you want to do with your house while you’re away? Leave it in your family’s capable hands, sell it, or let it? If you let it, do you want to employ a letting agency to handle it, etc. Think carefully about what’s best for you, both financially and in terms of your future needs.
Research new accommodation
Research the property market of your new home country so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to buy a home there. Check out the cost of renting in the area you would like to live in and decide whether that’s the better option.
Research Schools
If you have children that are accompanying you, find out about local schools. The relevant embassy in your home country and relocation companies in your new country can provide you with this kind of information.
Organise your healthcare
Organise a medical check-up for yourself and your family before you leave. Find out if your healthcare provider has a specific package for expats and investigate the healthcare situation in the country you’re heading to. Also, find out if you need to get any vaccinations.
Keep it Legal
Arrange a meeting with your solicitor to make sure your legal affairs are in order before you go and provide him/her with a forwarding address, if you have one.
Stop the Utilities
A notoriously difficult one to do smoothly, without spending weeks without heating or getting billed when you’re away, is organising for your utilities to be stopped. Give the companies lots of notice and make sure someone is there to accommodate final meter readings.
Decide what to bring
Decide on what you need to bring with you and whether you need the help of a removals or relocation company to transport it.
Find out about Driving
You may need an international drivers licence or to take another driving test this is something you should see to as early as possible, so you’re not stranded when you arrive. Decide, also, what you want to do with your car while you’re away or is it possible to bring it with you.
Send out Your New Address
If you know where you’ll be living, forward your new address to relevant parties, including your bank, building society, accountant, etc.
Have your Mail Redirected
You usually need to give five working days’ notice and a small fee to have your mail redirected to your new address.
The information provided in this guide gives only general guidance and does not constitute tax, legal, investment or any other advice.
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