🌍 Moving abroad checklist

The whole point of this list is the last group: things that are easy at home and close to impossible once you have gone. Do those before the flight, whatever else slips.

38 items

1. Six months out
2. Confirm which visa or permit you actually need
3. Check the processing time and apply early
4. Passport valid well beyond arrival
5. Check qualification recognition for your profession
6. Get documents translated and legalisedApostilles and certified translations take weeks and can usually only be obtained in the issuing country.
7. Understand the tax position in both countries
8. Check what health cover you will have on day one
9. Three months out
10. Housing arranged, at least for the first month
11. Shipping quotes, or decide to travel light
12. Pet import rules, which are slow and unforgiving
13. School places and their enrolment deadlines
14. Driving licence exchange rules
15. Bank account in the destination, if it can be opened remotely
16. Tell your employer, landlord or tenants
17. One month out
18. Cancel or transfer utilities, phone and subscriptions
19. Notify tax authorities, pension providers and the electoral roll
20. Set up post redirection to someone you trust
21. Keep one home bank account and card open
22. Insurance for the move itself
23. Book flights, allowing for excess baggage
24. Do it before you go
25. Dentist and optician appointments
26. Repeat prescriptions and a supply to carry
27. Copy of medical and vaccination records
28. Certified copies of every important document
29. Update your address with your bank while you still have one
30. Power of attorney for anyone handling things at home
31. Note down anyone whose number lives only in a work phone
32. First month there
33. Register with the local authority if required
34. Tax and social security registration
35. Register with a doctor
36. Local bank account and phone number
37. Residence permit collected
38. Find where the consulate is