International Relocation Checklist: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Abroad

Congrats! You’ve accepted an exciting new career opportunity halfway across the world, and now it’s time to start planning your international move. In our two-plus decades of relocation management, CapRelo has worked with literally thousands of international movers just like you. Here’s our step-by-step guide to make your international relocation seamless, stress free and, yes, even fun!

Get organized!

Of course, your passport is probably the first document that comes to mind. You’ll want to confirm that it meets the passport requirements for your destination country. Don’t get caught by surprise last minute to learn the country requires six or more months remaining past the travel date.

But that is just the start. Begin gathering other important documents like your Social Security cards and driver’s licenses, insurance policies, estate planning documents like wills, powers of attorney and medical powers of attorney, medical records and prescriptions, marriage and birth certificates. Make copies of bank statements, tax returns and documentation of financial accounts, or be sure you have online access to them. In addition to having hard copies of critical documents, be sure to scan and save them digitally as well.

In some countries, you may be required to provide apostilles or authenticated documentation. “Apostilles and authentication certificates verify signatures, stamps, or seals on important documents” notes the US General Services Administration. “These documents can include court orders, contracts, vital records, educational diplomas, and more.”

Whether or not you will need these is determined by the country in which you want to use the document. If it is on the 1961 Hague Convention member list, you will need an apostille. If it is not on that list, you’ll need an authentication certificate. Check the USGA website and State Department website for more details.

Set a timeline.

As with most major life transitions, the farther out you begin the planning, the smoother the experience likely will be. Starting your relocation process in advance allows for better decision-making and avoids last-minute scrambling. A timeline can keep everything on track.

Make housing arrangements.

A major component of corporate relocation programs has always been home sale assistance and purchasing a new residence at the transfer destination. However, not all relocating employees will be homeowners and may opt to rent in the new location instead. And even those who are current homeowners may not want to purchase a home in the new location.

Will you sell your current home, or lease it out? Will you buy in your new international location, or rent short-term housing until you are more familiar with the area? And, what benefits does your employee offer under each scenario?

These are questions you’ll want to fully explore with your relocation consultant, who knows your company’s international relocation policies inside out. If you choose to sell your home and buy in the new location, they will also be your most informed source for vetted real estate experts who are specialized in international relocations.

Early in your international relocation timeline, schedule visits to research neighborhoods and tour housing. The sooner you’ve chosen a new location, the sooner you can begin sharing the details with others.

Be sure to notify utilities of your move out, and move in, dates, and provide a forwarding address to the post office. Change your mailing address with subscription services and other accounts. And set up a new local bank account with your new address.

Research immigration requirements.

What are the visa and residency requirements for moving abroad? As with many other aspects of international relocation, the answer varies depending on the host country. For example, a work permit can be approved in as little as four weeks in Canada, or might take as long as four months in Germany.

Not only do they vary, but the entire landscape of visa applications is dramatically changing. Governments are moving from paper-based, physical border controls to digital, biometric, and automated systems. Digital travel authorizations and risk assessments before arrival are becoming more common, as are more rigorous ID checks at the border.

Visa and residency systems are also in flux. On one hand, many governments are loosening rules to capture skilled professionals or remote workers through expanded long-stay or digital-nomad visas. On the other hand, countries are also adding more conditions to their immigration programs.

It’s clear that this is a detail that should be tackled early on and with guidance from your relocation management consultant. CapRelo’s Visa & Immigration Coordination services offer end-to-end support, helping employees and their families navigate complex immigration systems and avoid delays or denials that could jeopardize assignments.

Choose an international moving company.

Selecting the right moving partner is essential for a smooth relocation. A reliable international moving company should have experience with overseas shipments, positive customer reviews, and clear pricing. Checking industry affiliations like FIDI or IAM can help verify a company’s credibility.

“Before choosing a mover, give serious thought to how much support you want from the mover versus how much you prefer to do yourself. Then be sure the mover you choose is skilled, experienced and comes highly recommended in delivering that level of service,” advises David Cox with JK Moving Services. “The level of service obviously factors into price, so be sure your expectations align with your mover’s expertise, and with your budget.”

It’s also important to ask about strategies for managing shipping delays, including those caused by national holidays or customs slowdowns. An experienced moving company will know all the packing tips for international moves and have contingency plans to keep the process on track.

Get quotes from several companies, ask how they vet employees and confirm their Federal Maritime Commission or FIDI licenses are current and in good standing.

Protect your pets.

Ask your relocation management consultant about the pet shipment services your employer’s international relocation policy offers. Pet shipment coordination is a specialized service that manages the logistics of relocating pets safely and comfortably. It includes transportation, documentation, and compliance with travel regulations.

Pet vaccination and health requirements vary by destination. Research what your destination country requires for proof of vaccinations, health certificates, microchipping, and any quarantine documentation. Some countries such as Australia have strict requirements on the types of animals that may enter the country.

Make a vet visit a few weeks before your international move to update shots and confirm a clean bill of health. Ask your vet for an international health certificate and all your pet’s shot records. And, don’t forget to purchase an IATA-approved pet carrier.

Consider children’s relocation needs.

International relocations including children come with their own special considerations. Helping find the right school for your child can be challenging – and another area where your relocation consultant can provide input.

Think about the type of environment best suited to your child. Will they do better in an international school surrounded by other expats, or in a local public school immersed in the language and culture? Education costs and quality also vary dramatically by country. Many – like France – offer high-quality public education at no cost to you, while international schools can be expensive. You can check their accreditations through the Council of International Schools and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies.

When in doubt, ask your experts.

Relocating for an international work assignment is a major life event, one that encompasses hundreds of decisions while juggling myriad moving parts. Decisions that CapRelo’s seasoned relocation consultants have helped employees navigate across 160 countries for the past 25 years. There’s a good chance that, no matter what questions you have, we’ve answered them before. As you prepare for your international relocation, take advantage of CapRelo’s industry-leading customer service and decades of international experience.