Prep Your Paperwork Before an International Move

An international move requires more than just a plane ticket in hand. In addition to packing boxes and suitcases, it’s important to prepare the appropriate paperwork documenting your identity and obligations when living abroad. What follows are some documents you should have available while en route to your final destination, as well as while you’re settling in.

While traveling

When packing your carry-on for the plane, not only do you need a passport and visa, it’s also advisable to pack these documents for each member of your family (as applicable):

• Identification
• National driver’s license
• Certificates of citizenship for naturalized individuals
• Marriage certificate
• Adoption papers
• Divorce and child custody papers if your children are accompanying you abroad

Important documents needed

Depending on the country you’re traveling to, you may also need passport-size photographs for your visa upon your arrival, as well as the lease or rental agreement for housing in your new country so authorities know where you’ll be living.

It’s also useful to have several copies of employment contracts. If you don’t have a contract, you should have a letter from your employer outlining terms of the overseas assignment such as length of stay, salary, housing arrangements, and any other pertinent considerations.

Although your employer may already have secured the necessary permits and approvals for you to live and work abroad, having such documentation handy may answer any questions that arise when dealing with local host-country authorities.

During emergencies

In addition to the documentation necessary for your family to enter the country, you also want to have important paperwork close by in case of emergencies. It should include the following:

• Medical insurance coverage
• Medical records
• Dental records
• Property and motor vehicle insurance records
• Income tax records for several previous years
• Wills
• Power of attorney

Moving overseas tips

Remember to make multiple copies of every important document to take with you and don’t accidentally pack them away with belongings you’re shipping. Gathering all of this essential paperwork ahead of time will help to ensure you’re prepared for your transition to living in a foreign country.

Updated from an earlier version