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Moving to Another Country? Here Is Your Step-by-Step Checklist

Moving to Another Country? Here Is Your Step-by-Step Checklist

Created15.01.2026, 15.20

Updated16.01.2026, 17.55

Moving abroad is possibly the most exciting adventure a person can take on.

Waking up in a different country every day, discovering a new pace of living, and adjusting to a brand-new culture is a thrilling experience. But, when you are getting very close to this dream, the whole process may seem more complicated than exciting. Here, a solid roadmap becomes a lifesaver.

Here is a complete checklist for moving abroad, organized into time-based stages to simplify the complex migration process.

Countdown to the Next Chapter: Checklist Before Moving to Another Country

Timing is essential. Rushing through the details can take the joy out of the experience; therefore, it is best to have a structured plan and start early. Assuming you have 8 to 12 months left, here is a simplified countdown to guide you:

8-12 Months Before Moving: Decision and Preparation

If you have a passport that allows visa-free travel, this period might be shorter for you. However, for most, starting early is the key.

If you are relocating for work or school, you probably know which country and city you will be moving to. If yes, start by researching daily life, cost of living, and the healthcare and education systems. Understanding immigration laws and tax liabilities is crucial, as missing documents can lead to legal consequences or delays.

If you haven’t decided which country you want to live in yet, the possibilities may feel wide open. From the laid-back lifestyle of Spain to the bold, ultra-luxurious atmosphere of Dubai, every place offers its own kind of appeal. When looking for the best places for expats to live overseas, keep your primary motivation in mind: You may be dreaming of retirement, job opportunities, a graduate degree, or simply a better life for your family. Every country has its rhythm, and at least one of them is perfect for you.

Take your time to decide, and feel free to explore different locations before making a decision.

The UAE: Moving to Dubai as an expat is the perfect solution for those seeking career growth and luxury living. With investor-friendly policies, the UAE also offers great tax advantages.
Turkey: Moving to Turkey with your family is a great idea to enjoy sunny weather, culture, and hospitality. Filled with international schools, various social activities, and beautiful beaches, Turkey’s top cities like Antalya, İstanbul, and İzmir can meet any lifestyle expectations.
Spain: If you are dreaming of a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, relocating to Alicante or Málaga can be a great move for your family. Spain is a great destination, whether you are looking for a retirement home, get an education, or an enjoyable lifestyle

Once the destination is clear, you can start planning other things to do before moving to another country: visa applications, budgeting, and learning the local language.

3-8 Months Before Moving: The Paperwork Phase

Chances are, the paperwork will not be the most enjoyable part of the process, but it is the foundation of your move. While most consulates accept applications 3-6 months in advance, securing an appointment and gathering documents can take months.

Create a personalized checklist for the visa application to ensure nothing is overlooked. While residency criteria often look similar, every country has unique laws (e.g., passport validity rules). Therefore, it is best to get legal support from experts to make sure that everything is in place.

Key things to consider in this phase:

Family Coverage: Almost all visa types allow you to relocate with your dependents. Check if you need a separate document checklist for a permanent resident application for your spouse, partner, or children.

Health Check: In countries known for medical tourism (like Turkey), you can access affordable, world-class care upon arrival. But if you are moving to a region with expensive healthcare (like the US or some European countries), complete your check-ups and dental work now.

Health Insurance: Research the specific health insurance abroad coverage required for your visa type. If you plan to travel often, valid international health insurance is a great solution.

Pet Relocation: If you have furry friends, research import laws, microchip requirements, and vaccination schedules, and make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Shipping & Packing: We recommend traveling light: only bring sentimental items, electronic devices, and clothing. If you choose to ship furniture, start getting quotes from overseas relocation services right now to compare costs and meet your deadlines. Always add shipping insurance to protect your valuables.

Bringing Your Car: Unless you own a rare vintage car, it is usually more cost-effective to sell your car and buy a new one in your destination. If you choose to import your car, research import taxes and local registration standards.

1-3 Months Before Moving: Logistics & Notifications

Once legal procedures are on track, it is time to focus on logistics. The two pillars of this phase are booking your flight and arranging housing.

When booking your flight, it is a good idea to prioritize baggage allowance and ticket flexibility over finding the cheapest fare. Once the date is set, you can schedule other moves like quitting your job or giving notice to your landlord.

You can choose to arrange housing before or after arrival. There is no single right answer, but understanding your options can save you time and money.

Option 1: Temporary Housing

Booking an Airbnb or hotel for your first few weeks allows you to explore neighborhoods and inspect properties in person before signing a lease contract.

This way, you avoid the risk of living in a place that looks nothing like the photos.

However, in competitive rental markets (like the UK or the Netherlands), finding an apartment can take several months. If you choose this path, make sure that your budget can handle an extended stay in temporary accommodation.

Option 2: Securing a Home Before Arrival

Moving directly into your own is a much more comfortable experience. To find a home abroad safely while in your home country, you must work with a transparent real estate agency that offers online property viewing tours.

If you plan to buy property eventually, doing it now might be more cost-effective than renting in the long run.

Whether renting or buying, navigating a foreign market with professional support is vital. If you are unsure about housing abroad options, you can contact TEKCE Real Estate experts anytime.

1-Month Before Moving: The Final Preparation

With only four weeks left, your focus can shift back to excitement and emotional closure. Here is your relocating overseas checklist for the final weeks:

Pack Your Essentials: Do not pack everything in boxes. Keep daily medications, chargers, a few outfits, and valuables in your carry-on bag.

Critical Document File: Gather your passport, visa docs, rental/sales contracts, insurance policies, and birth certificates in one folder. Keep digital copies of all these documents on your phone.

Update Your Address & Subscriptions: Let your bank, insurance providers, and government agencies know you are moving. Cancel any subscription you no longer need.

Emotional Closure: Time flies in the last month. You can host a going-away party or schedule coffee dates for closer friends. Also, visit your favourite local spots one last time.

The Moving Day & Arrival

This is often considered the most stressful part of the entire journey. However, if you have managed the previous steps (logistics, packing, and planning) correctly, today can be exciting rather than stressful.

Arrange the Airport Transfers: It is best to book your airport transfers in advance, both for your departure and your arrival.

Have an “Essentials Bag”: Your passport, visa documents, boarding passes, and the address of your new accommodation should be easily accessible.

Post-Arrival: Settling in & Integration

Start your first week by completing any remaining administrative or setup formalities. Collect your residence card/foreign ID, open a local bank account, and get a local SIM card. Learning how public transportation works will make everyday life easier. If you have children, complete their school registrations at this stage so they can settle into a routine as soon as possible.

Once you are fully moved in, you can connect with expat communities and meet people with similar backgrounds who can help you understand local customs. However, it is good to step out of your comfort zone and take chances to meet locals and practice your language skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Abroad

If you haven’t found all the answers you need, here are some of the most common questions asked before moving to another country:

What are the things to consider before moving to another country?You must evaluate the language barrier, the cost of living, healthcare quality, and safety. Researching tax obligations and visa procedures is also crucial to avoid legal issues. Finally, learning the basics of the local language and business norms will speed up your adaptation.

What are the best places to live overseas for expats?The best countries for expats depend on your goals. For career growth and tax advantages, the UAE (Dubai) is a top choice. For a relaxed lifestyle and sunny climate, Spain (Alicante, Málaga), Portugal, and Turkey (Antalya, İstanbul) are global favorites.

Which are the best countries for remote jobs and digital nomads?Spain has ranked first in multiple lists for the digital nomad lifestyle in recent years. Dubai (UAE) offers world-class infrastructure and zero income tax, while Portugal and Turkey provide excellent internet speeds combined with a lower cost of living.

How to get a job in another country before moving?Optimize your LinkedIn profile for your target location and mark yourself as "Open to Work." Network with local recruiters online and check international platforms like Glassdoor. If you work for a global company, asking for an internal transfer is often the quickest route.

How long does it take to move abroad?Realistically, the process takes 6 to 12 months. This includes the research phase, job hunting, visa processing, and the physical move.

How much money do you need to move abroad?You should have enough savings to cover visa fees, flight tickets, health insurance, education fees, and shipping costs. Ideally, you should also have at least 3-6 months of living expenses in your savings account.

How can I estimate the cost of living in a new country?Use comparison tools like Numbeo or Expatistan to compare prices of rent, groceries, and transport between your current city and your destination. To be on the safe side, always budget slightly higher than the online estimates.

Should I buy or rent a home when moving abroad?If you know the area well and have the capital, buying is often more cost-effective in the long run than paying rent. However, if you are unfamiliar with the city, renting for the first few months gives you time to explore the market before signing any contract.

Do I need health insurance abroad immediately upon arrival?Yes. In almost all cases, having valid comprehensive health insurance is a mandatory requirement to obtain a residence permit or long-term visa.

Should I use overseas relocation services for my move?It is best to only bring valuable items, electronics, clothing, and essentials. Bringing heavy furniture can complicate things and lead to a higher cost. But if you choose to bring them to your new home, opt for overseas relocation services with insurance.

What are the most common mistakes people make when moving abroad?The biggest mistake is underestimating the timeline for bureaucracy. Another common error is trying to navigate legal and real estate matters without professional help to save money, which often leads to costlier problems. Lastly, failing to learn the basics of the local language can isolate you socially.

What are your top tips for relocating overseas?Start early and stay flexible. Plan your moving abroad checklist, learn the basics of the local language before you go, and hire professionals for legal and real estate matters.

What is included in the document checklist for a permanent resident application?While it varies, the universal checklist includes: A valid passport, proof of income/savings, comprehensive health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of accommodation (Title Deed or rental contract).

Note: Documents often need to be translated and apostilled.