How to Move to Another Country

Moving to another country is an exciting proposition that appeals to many people for many reasons. This trend has been growing steadily for Americans, and as of 2022, around 9 million U.S. citizens are living abroad. The most popular destinations for American expats in recent years are Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.

The reasons that Americans leave their home country are diverse. However, according to recent surveys and our experience, adventure, work, joining a partner or family member, and seeking lower living costs were the most popular reasons.

Relocating abroad offers a fresh perspective and some unique experiences. However, moving to a foreign country is complex and requires careful planning. There are many factors to consider, including legal and visa requirements, international moving cost and financial implications, and logistical challenges. This article provides a basic overview of the process and preparation required for successfully moving to another country, along with some moving tips and recommendations.

How to Move to Another Country:  The Six Steps

Almost all the steps in moving abroad could be classified as planning and preparation. Thorough research and planning are crucial when considering an international move, as the information gathered will facilitate making informed decisions and avoid making expensive mistakes.

As international movers with many years of experience, we have had lots of helpful feedback from previous clients about their plans for moving abroad. We have created an essential guide to international moving based on this feedback that we use to help existing clients. Here's a breakdown of what we believe are the key steps in how to move to another country:

Step 1: Choosing your destination

The first step is choosing the right destination, or if you already have a potential job offer, deciding if that destination is a good fit. Some of the factors to consider include:

• Climate: If the weather patterns and average temperatures significantly differ from your current location, will you enjoy the weather? What about the rest of your family and pet(s)?
• Culture: Exploring new customs and social norms can be exciting but sometimes requires some adjustment.
• Cost of living: Comparing expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare system is essential. Remember to factor in the cost of visiting friends and family.
• Language: Do you need to learn a new language, or is English widely spoken?
• Political stability: Check your destination's current political climate and long-term outlook.

Researching potential countries is relatively straightforward, thanks to online resources such as expat forums and government websites like the State Department Travel Advisories service.

Books and travel guides are great, too, but nothing compares to visiting prospective locations in person and seeing for yourself. An extended stay is best, as this gives you the time to experience a destination beyond the obvious tourist attractions and to interact with locals and expats to gain firsthand insights into the country and assess suitability.

Step 2: Documentation and Visa Requirements

Most countries will have different types of visas you can apply for depending on the reason for your stay. The specific visa requirements will differ from country to country. But typically, you will find the following visa types are offered:

• Work visas
• Student visas
• Retirement visas
• Digital nomad visas
• Family reunification visas

The application processes for each visa will also vary, so it's essential to research the specific requirements for your chosen visa type. You need to be aware of application processing times and plan accordingly. Some visa applications require interviews, credit and financial checks, criminal background checks, and medical checks. Do not leave visa applications until the last minute; some visa applications could take six months or more.

Step 3: Legal and Administrative Preparation

This crucial step involves gathering all the essential documents required for visa and immigration processes. In addition to the essential immigration documents to support visa applications, you may need additional paperwork to address any healthcare issues and supporting documentation from your new employer or university. Here's a list of typical important documents you may need to gather or apply for:

• Passport renewal/application: Most countries would insist that your passport is valid for at least six months.
• Birth certificates and marriage licenses may be required for visa applications or residency permits.
• Academic and professional credentials are sometimes required for visa applications with skill/education criteria.
• Vaccination certificates
• Copies of prescriptions for any medications you require.
• Proof of health insurance coverage for your new country of residence.
• Offer of employment or offer of acceptance from an academic institution.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement.

Step 4: Logistics of the Move

The logistics of moving to another country from America can be complex, so it requires careful planning and preparation. The first challenge that many of our clients struggle with is decluttering. Decide what to take before packing or, more importantly, what to leave. This is a problem everyone must grapple with, but it’s essential to assess your belongings and decide what to take and what to sell, donate, or discard. Before throwing anything away, consider whether you need it and consider the cost of shipping vs. replacing items at your new destination. The sentimental value must be balanced with practicality.

Once you have decided what you are not taking with you, the next step is to create a detailed inventory of all items you plan to take. Also, check insurance documentation, as you may need to take photographs of expensive items before packing them for insurance purposes. Weighing the pros and cons of the shipping options is the next step. Air freight is faster but more expensive; sea freight is more cost-effective but slower. Some of our customers choose a hybrid option where they send the necessities by air for the first few weeks and the rest of their belongings by sea.

Finding accommodation can be tricky in another country, so many will choose a short-term rental booked online for their initial arrival and look for longer-term housing options once they're more familiar with the area. If you're moving with pets, there are additional logistical challenges. At a minimum, pet vaccinations and health certificates will likely be required, but there may also be mandatory quarantine periods. So, it’s vital that you research the pet import regulations for your destination country to check exactly what is required well in advance.

Step 5: Arrival and Settlement

 The first few weeks or months in your new home is a crucial phase that can significantly impact your overall expat experience. There are immediate practical steps new residents can take that will help them integrate into the local culture and build a social network.

Upon arrival in the new city, there will be a requirement to register with local authorities via the local city hall or registration office and obtain any necessary identification cards or residence permits. You may require documentation gathered from previous steps, so ensure you have everything on hand.

Obtaining a local phone number should be one of the next priorities, along with opening a local bank account if you have not been able to do so previously. However, the number one recommendation from clients we have resettled abroad is to learn the local language, customs, and etiquette.

Enroll in language classes if you need more fluency and try engaging with locals using your new language skills as soon as possible. Even in locations where most of the locals speak good English, making the effort to learn the language is appreciated and helps to integrate into the local culture and to make new friends. Building a social network by joining expat groups on social media platforms and joining clubs or organizations aligned with your interests is a good idea, too.

Step 6: Long-term Considerations

Beyond the initial relocation and settlement phase, long-term considerations can also ensure a successful experience abroad. Maintaining ties with the USA and staying connected with family and friends is essential. Schedule regular video calls or virtual gatherings with family and friends to avoid feeling too homesick.

Keeping up with news and culture back home is easy nowadays with online news sources and streaming TV shows or movies. However, you should recognize that some level of homesickness is a normal part of the expat experience, so allow time to adjust and seek support from other expats if needed.

Ready to move abroad?

If you are ready to move abroad and start a new life, please get in touch to learn more about our comprehensive door-to-door international service. As an expert in global relocations, we offer a full-service international moving experience dealing with everything from packing to customs clearance.

Our 30 years of experience means we understand the complexities involved and can provide valuable advice on all aspects of relocating internationally. Whether you are moving to Australia, London, Singapore, or even further afield, we can offer a personalized service and create tailored moving plans with precise schedules and deadlines.

Get a customized and free quote today!