International relocation guide
How do I plan an international move — visas, shipping, banking, and logistics?
Projekt-Plan
Why: Most countries require at least 6–12 months of validity beyond your intended stay to issue a visa.
How:
- 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.
Done when: All passports are valid for at least 12 months from the move date.
Why: Your legal right to stay depends on selecting the right path (Work, Digital Nomad, Study, or Family Reunion).
How:
- 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.
Done when: Visa type is selected and the official document checklist is downloaded.
Why: International moves often cost 20-50% more than estimated due to hidden fees and currency fluctuations.
How:
- 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.
Done when: A spreadsheet exists with a total estimated cost and a funding plan.
Why: An Apostille is an international certification that makes your documents (birth/marriage certificates, degrees) legally valid in other Hague Convention countries.
How:
- 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.
Done when: All core documents have the official Apostille seal attached.
Why: Traditional banks charge high fees for international transfers and often require local residency to open an account.
How:
- 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.
Done when: You have a debit card and account details ready for your destination currency.
Why: Most visas require proof of health insurance, and local public systems may have waiting periods for new arrivals.
How:
- 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.
Done when: Insurance certificate is received and ready for the visa application.
Why: FIDI/FAIM is the only globally recognized quality standard for international movers, ensuring they understand customs laws.
How:
- 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.
Done when: Moving contract is signed and a pickup date is scheduled.
Why: Customs officials use the Harmonized System (HS) codes to determine if you owe duties on your personal effects.
How:
- 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.
Done when: A digital and physical packing list is ready for customs clearance.
Why: Voltage differences (110V vs 220V) and plug types make many appliances useless or dangerous abroad.
How:
- 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.
Done when: Only dual-voltage or essential electronics remain in your shipping pile.
Why: Preventing ongoing charges and ensuring you get your security deposits back.
How:
- 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.
Done when: All local contracts are terminated or scheduled for cancellation.
Why: Your main shipment may be delayed by customs; you need to survive with just your luggage.
How:
- 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.
Done when: Suitcase is packed and weighs within airline limits.
Why: Most countries require you to register your address to receive a Tax ID and access public services.
How:
- Book an appointment at the 'Bürgeramt' (Germany), 'Ayuntamiento' (Spain), or equivalent.
- Bring your rental contract and passport.
- Request your official 'Registration Certificate'.
Done when: You have a physical document proving your local residency.
Why: You cannot open a local bank account or sign a phone contract without a local Tax ID and phone number.
How:
- 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.
Done when: You have a working local number and a Tax ID number.