International relocation guide

{{whyLabel}}: Most countries require at least 6–12 months of validity beyond your intended stay to issue a visa.

{{howLabel}}:

• Verify the expiration date of every passport.
• Renew immediately if the remaining validity is less than 15 months.
• Ensure you have at least 2–4 blank pages for visa stamps.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All passports are valid for at least 12 months from the move date.

{{whyLabel}}: Your legal right to stay depends on selecting the right path (Work, Digital Nomad, Study, or Family Reunion).

{{howLabel}}:

• Visit the official embassy website of your destination country.
• Check for 'Digital Nomad Visas' if you work remotely (common in 50+ countries like Portugal or Spain).
• Verify if your profession is on a 'Shortage Occupation List' for easier work permits.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Visa type is selected and the official document checklist is downloaded.

{{whyLabel}}: International moves often cost 20-50% more than estimated due to hidden fees and currency fluctuations.

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• Include 'Hard Costs': Flights, shipping ($3k-$10k), and visa fees.
• Include 'Settling-in Costs': 3 months of rent as a deposit and initial furniture.
• Add a 15% 'Emergency Buffer' for unexpected administrative hurdles.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A spreadsheet exists with a total estimated cost and a funding plan.

{{whyLabel}}: An Apostille is an international certification that makes your documents (birth/marriage certificates, degrees) legally valid in other Hague Convention countries.

{{howLabel}}:

• Request fresh certified copies of birth and marriage certificates.
• Send these to your state's Secretary of State or relevant national authority for the Apostille stamp.
• Get professional translations if the destination's official language is different.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All core documents have the official Apostille seal attached.

{{whyLabel}}: Traditional banks charge high fees for international transfers and often require local residency to open an account.

{{howLabel}}:

• Sign up for a multi-currency platform (e.g., Wise, Revolut, or N26).
• Set up 'Local Bank Details' for your destination currency (e.g., an IBAN for the EU).
• Transfer a small amount to test the conversion rates and speed.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a debit card and account details ready for your destination currency.

{{whyLabel}}: Most visas require proof of health insurance, and local public systems may have waiting periods for new arrivals.

{{howLabel}}:

• Compare expat-specific plans (e.g., Cigna Global, Allianz Care, or SafetyWing for nomads).
• Ensure the policy includes 'Medical Evacuation' and 'Repatriation'.
• Check if pre-existing conditions are covered or excluded.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Insurance certificate is received and ready for the visa application.

{{whyLabel}}: FIDI/FAIM is the only globally recognized quality standard for international movers, ensuring they understand customs laws.

{{howLabel}}:

• Request three quotes for 'Door-to-Door' service.
• Decide between Sea Freight (cheaper, 4-8 weeks) or Air Freight (expensive, 1 week).
• Ask about 'LCL' (Less than Container Load) to save money if you aren't moving a full house.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Moving contract is signed and a pickup date is scheduled.

{{whyLabel}}: Customs officials use the Harmonized System (HS) codes to determine if you owe duties on your personal effects.

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• List every box and its contents (e.g., 'Kitchenware', 'Books').
• Mark items owned for less than 6-12 months (these are often taxable).
• Take photos of high-value items for insurance purposes.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A digital and physical packing list is ready for customs clearance.

{{whyLabel}}: Voltage differences (110V vs 220V) and plug types make many appliances useless or dangerous abroad.

{{howLabel}}:

• Check the 'Input' label on your devices (100-240V is safe globally).
• Sell large appliances (fridges, washers) as they are expensive to ship and often incompatible.
• Use local online marketplaces or donation centers to clear stock.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Only dual-voltage or essential electronics remain in your shipping pile.

{{whyLabel}}: Preventing ongoing charges and ensuring you get your security deposits back.

{{howLabel}}:

• Notify electricity, water, and internet providers of your move date.
• Cancel gym memberships and local insurance policies.
• Request a 'Certificate of Coverage' from your current social security if moving within the EU/treaty countries.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All local contracts are terminated or scheduled for cancellation.

{{whyLabel}}: Your main shipment may be delayed by customs; you need to survive with just your luggage.

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• Include all original documents (Passports, Visas, Insurance).
• Pack 7 days of clothes, essential meds (with prescriptions), and universal power adapters.
• Include a small amount of local cash for the destination.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Suitcase is packed and weighs within airline limits.

{{whyLabel}}: Most countries require you to register your address to receive a Tax ID and access public services.

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• Book an appointment at the 'Bürgeramt' (Germany), 'Ayuntamiento' (Spain), or equivalent.
• Bring your rental contract and passport.
• Request your official 'Registration Certificate'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a physical document proving your local residency.

{{whyLabel}}: You cannot open a local bank account or sign a phone contract without a local Tax ID and phone number.

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• Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or a local shop for immediate data.
• Apply for the Tax ID (e.g., NIE in Spain, SSN in USA, Steuer-ID in Germany) using your registration certificate.
• Update your 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) on your bank accounts to the new number.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a working local number and a Tax ID number.