1. 1

   Research & decide

   6+ months out

   0/7
   • Confirm your visa eligibilityCheck which your destination routes you qualify for and what each requires.
   • Shortlist your destinationsCompare a few options on cost, jobs, lifestyle and safety before committing.
   • Line up a job or incomeSecure employment, a transfer, remote income or proof of funds for your route.
   • Set your relocation budgetEstimate the upfront move cost (deposits, flights, shipping) and ongoing living costs.
   • Start a moving fundBuild savings for deposits, flights, shipping, fees and a settling-in buffer.
   • Check passport validityRenew if it expires within ~12-18 months of your move.
   • Plan the move with familyAlign partner work, children's schooling and any caring responsibilities.
2. 2

   Apply & arrange

   3 months out

   0/7
   • Gather your documentsPassport, qualifications, references, financials, certificates and any certified translations.
   • Lodge your visa applicationSubmit your your destination application and pay the government fees.
   • Get qualifications recognisedStart any credential assessment or professional registration your job or visa needs.
   • Get quotes from international moversCompare shipping / removals companies early and book in advance for the best rates.
   • Research & apply for schoolsShortlist schools or nurseries and start applications, good ones fill up early.
   • Plan pet relocationCheck import rules, start vaccinations/microchipping and book a pet-travel service.
   • Arrange health & travel insuranceCover from departure until local healthcare applies.
3. 3

   Wind down at home

   1 month out

   0/7
   • Give noticeResign and/or end your tenancy with the required notice period.
   • Book shipping / containerConfirm dates, choose air vs sea freight and prepare an inventory for customs.
   • Sell, donate or storeDecide what ships, what goes into storage and what to sell or give away.
   • Sort banking & money transferSet up an international transfer service and decide which home accounts to keep.
   • Notify tax & governmentTell your tax authority you're leaving and update benefits, pensions and electoral roll.
   • Collect medical & school recordsGet copies of medical, dental, vaccination and school records to take with you.
   • Redirect mail & cancel utilitiesSet up forwarding and close or transfer subscriptions, gym and contracts.
4. 4

   Final preparations

   Final 2 weeks

   0/7
   • Book your flightsLock in travel to your destination once your visa is approved; check the baggage allowance and excess.
   • Book first-nights accommodationReserve a hotel or short-let for your arrival while you find a permanent home.
   • Arrange airport transferPlan how you'll get from the airport to your accommodation on arrival.
   • Pack your essentials bagDocuments, medication, chargers and a few days of clothes to travel with you.
   • Carry copies of key documentsVisa, passport, job offer, tenancy, insurance and shipping paperwork, digital and paper.
   • Get some local currencyOrder a little destination cash and make sure a card works abroad for day one.
   • Say your goodbyesTime with friends and family, and a final clean / handover of your home.
5. 5

   Land & settle

   Arrival week

   0/6
   • Register your your destination addressComplete any required local residency / address registration.
   • Clear your shipment through customsProvide your inventory and pay any duties so your belongings are released.
   • Open a your destination bank accountYou'll need this for rent, salary and bills.
   • Get a local SIM / phone planA local number unlocks most other sign-ups.
   • Activate health coverRegister with the local system or confirm your private cover.
   • Sort local transportGet a transit card, or start licence steps if you'll drive.
6. 6

   Put down roots

   First 3 months

   0/6
   • Collect your residence permitBiometrics / residence card, as your route requires.
   • Get your tax / ID numberRegister for the local tax or national ID system.
   • Find longer-term housingMove from temporary digs into a permanent home.
   • Enrol children in schoolComplete enrolment and settle the family into local routines.
   • Exchange your driving licenceWithin the allowed window, and buy or import a vehicle if you need one.
   • Build local credit & communityStart a local credit history and find expat/local groups to settle in.

GuideA general moving timeline, exact steps and their order vary by country and visa. Your ticks are saved privately in this browser.