Requirements · Relocation and moving
What to sort out before moving abroad
Last updated 25 October 2026 · 2 sources listed · Reading time about 3 minutes
Short answer
Requirements vary by destination and nationality. The core items are the right to live and work there (visa or residence permit), passport validity, documents such as birth and marriage certificates, tax residency implications in both countries, health coverage, shipping and customs rules for belongings, and arrangements for pets and driving licences. Start with the destination government official guidance and consider qualified immigration and tax advisers.
Who this is for: An individual or family planning a long-term move to another country who wants to understand the legal and administrative groundwork.
What to evaluate
Immigration status
Without the right visa or permit you may be unable to stay, work or access services.
How to check: Check the destination government immigration pages for your nationality and purpose.
Civil documents
Authorities often require certified or translated records.
How to check: Ask what documents need official certification or translation and how long that takes.
Tax residency and obligations
You may owe tax in more than one country around the move.
How to check: Consult tax authority guidance or an adviser about residency rules and exit or entry reporting.
Healthcare and insurance
Coverage may not carry over and may be required for residence.
How to check: Confirm public system eligibility and whether private insurance is mandatory.
Customs and shipping
Rules on importing household goods, vehicles and restricted items differ.
How to check: Read customs guidance and ask movers about documentation and any duty relief.
Pets, driving and finance
Animals, licences and banking each have their own procedures.
How to check: Check veterinary import rules, licence recognition and how to open a bank account.
Comparison
| Area | Typical lead time need | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Visa or permit | Often longest and gates other steps | Destination immigration authority |
| Documents | Requires certification and translation | Issuing authority and destination embassy |
| Tax | Before departure and after arrival | Tax authorities in both countries |
| Shipping | Book ahead and prepare inventory | Customs authority and mover |
| Healthcare | Before arrival if mandatory | Health authority or insurer |
Decision worksheet
Rate up to three options against this guide’s own criteria. It runs in your browser and saves only on this device. It is a thinking aid, not a recommendation.
1. Have you checked each criterion?
0 of 6 criteria checked.
2. Compare options (0 = fails or unknown, 3 = meets it well)
| Criterion | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration status | |||
| Civil documents | |||
| Tax residency and obligations | |||
| Healthcare and insurance | |||
| Customs and shipping | |||
| Pets, driving and finance | |||
| Total (max 18) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Questions to ask before you commit
- What visa or permit category fits my purpose and how long does processing take?
- How long must my passport remain valid and does it need blank pages?
- Which documents need certified translations or authentication?
- How will I be treated for tax in each country and when does residency start?
- Will my healthcare cover continue, or must I arrange separate insurance?
- What can I import duty-free and what is restricted or prohibited?
- What rules apply to pets, vehicles and driving licences?
- How do I set up local banking and a registered address?
Typical trade-offs
Shipping belongings versus buying locally
- Upside
- Familiar items and sentimental value.
- Downside
- Shipping, customs and delays can outweigh the benefit.
Using a relocation consultant versus doing it yourself
- Upside
- Reduces errors on paperwork and timelines.
- Downside
- Adds cost and requires vetting.
Temporary housing on arrival versus a long lease before arrival
- Upside
- Time to view areas in person.
- Downside
- Extra costs and a second move.
Common mistakes
- Starting the visa process late; confirm lead times first and plan around them.
- Assuming documents from home are accepted as is; check certification and translation rules.
- Overlooking tax in the departure country; get advice about exit obligations.
- Shipping restricted items; check customs lists and prohibited goods.
Related questions
Where should I begin?
Begin with the official immigration or government website of the destination country to confirm what status you need and its processing steps. That determines timing for everything else. Then list documents, tax matters, health cover, shipping and housing, and build a timeline working backward from your intended move date. Whatever you decide, write the reasoning down, name who is accountable for the follow-up, and revisit the choice after a realistic trial period so that early assumptions are tested against what actually happens in practice.
Do I need a lawyer or adviser?
Not always, but complex situations benefit from professional advice, such as family applications, business ownership, multiple citizenships or tax complications. Choose advisers licensed in the relevant country and ask for a written scope. Official guidance should still be your reference for requirements, since rules change and agents can be wrong. Whatever you decide, write the reasoning down, name who is accountable for the follow-up, and revisit the choice after a realistic trial period so that early assumptions are tested against what actually happens in practice.
Will I pay tax in two countries?
It is possible in the year of the move or if you keep ties to your former country, though tax treaties and relief mechanisms often reduce double taxation. Residency tests vary widely. Check the guidance of both tax authorities or consult an adviser who understands both systems before finalising dates and arrangements. Whatever you decide, write the reasoning down, name who is accountable for the follow-up, and revisit the choice after a realistic trial period so that early assumptions are tested against what actually happens in practice.
How should I handle shipping belongings?
Obtain quotes from international movers who can explain documentation, customs and delivery to your address. Prepare a detailed inventory, check restrictions, and decide what to sell or leave. Allow generous time, since international shipments can take weeks and customs checks may delay delivery. Whatever you decide, write the reasoning down, name who is accountable for the follow-up, and revisit the choice after a realistic trial period so that early assumptions are tested against what actually happens in practice.
Sources and further reading
These pages were reachable when we last checked. They informed definitions and rules referred to above; they do not endorse this guide. Where rules differ by country, check the authority for your location.
- Protect Your Move — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, retrieved 27 October 2026
- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — GOV.UK, retrieved 27 October 2026
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