Planning for International Relocation
Whether you are relocating employees to an international location, moving for a chance at your dream job, or finally retiring to your favorite place, the reality is that transitioning to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. While moving across borders involves more steps than moving domestically, the good news is that you have nothing to fear! With the right planning, and moving partner, your international relocation can be smooth and steady.
Choose a reliable international mover
International relocations from California can be complicated. Don’t hire someone who will be more confused about the process than you are.
Instead, find and reserve a mover who has the resources and expertise to simplify your move, ideally 8-12 weeks before the big day. Here at Atlas Allied, we have almost a century of international moves behind us. And, as a trusted partner of Allied Van Lines, we have access to their global network of resources that we will not hesitate to use for you.
Familiarize yourself with your destination
Whether you have spent years dreaming of your move or are relocating quickly for a job or family, the reality is that the more you know the better you can manage your move.
Take time before your move to get to know both your new country and the specific area you plan to live. You may also want to take care of certain logistics to save you time and stress on the other side of your move.
- Understand the immigration process
- Secure housing
- Research tax laws
- Set up a bank account
- Know how you will get around
- Familiarize yourself with the currency exchange
- Secure a job offer
- Know how to secure education for any children you have
- Make a list of places to explore once you move
Save for your international move
Finances are an important element of any relocation, but especially when you are moving across borders. Remove the stress of affording your move and the first few months in your new country by saving beforehand. Here are some things to consider:
- Save at least 6 months of your anticipated post-move budget
- Save 10 percent more than you think you will need
- Take exchange rates into consideration
- Take cost of living into consideration
- Create a realistic budget for during and after your move
Collect essential documents
Crossing borders and dealing with customs come with lots of paperwork. You can prepare early by collecting the documents you will need before moving day. The exact documents you require will depend on where you are relocating, but these are generally necessary:
- An updated passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Visa (or visa application)
- Work permit
- Proof of international health insurance
- Medical documents
- Academic records
- Social Security cards
Apply for a visa
Almost every country you enter will require you to have a visa and/or a work permit that allows you to settle there. You’ll need to apply for this visa before you move. Sometimes, the process can take a while, so start as early as possible to avoid problems that could delay your move.
Secure health insurance
Don’t let your health suffer when you move from California to a new country. Make sure you secure health insurance before your move, if possible. Make sure that you understand what your new country’s health insurance requirements are so you can stay both abreast of the law and sufficiently protected no matter what your health requires.
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We believe that every move requires a qualified and reliable moving partner. Let our team of professionals take care your move. We will do whatever it takes to make your moving experience a positive one. Contact us today to learn more!
