The High-Level Process of Moving Abroad

January 12, 2026

Moving abroad is an administrative process with a strict order of operations. Whether you are moving for political reasons, a lower cost of living, or adventure, the logistics remain consistent.

This guide outlines the high-level ecosystem of international relocation—from essential paperwork to the first steps upon arrival.

1. Passport and Documentation

You cannot apply for a visa without a valid "global identity."

• Passport Validity: Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. If it expires within a year, renew it now.
• Blank Pages: Ensure you have at least two blank visa pages.
• Apostilled Paperwork: Foreign governments require proof that your documents (birth certificates, FBI background checks, marriage licenses) are legitimate. An Apostille is an internationally recognized form of authentication. You must get this done before you leave.

2. Determine Visa Eligibility

Do not choose a country based solely on preference. Choose based on where you can legally stay. Most options fall into three categories:

• Digital Nomad Visas: For remote workers earning income from outside the country.
• Retirement/Passive Income: For those with savings or pensions (e.g., Portugal’s D7).
• Ancestry: Citizenship by descent (common in Ireland and Italy).

Note: Do not assume you qualify. Check income thresholds and age limits immediately. The Bring Me Abroad report filters these options based on your specific life data to verify eligibility instantly.

3. Cultural and Legal Due Diligence

Before committing to a location, understand the laws that will govern your daily life.

• Rights and Protections: Confirm if your rights (women’s rights, LGBTQ+ protections) are codified in local law.
• Religious Influence: Determine if the country is secular or religious, and how that impacts business hours, dress codes, and public holidays.
• Age Limits: Some countries have strict age cutoffs for specific work visas or working holiday permits.

4. Sequencing the Paperwork

The timing of your application is critical.

1. Gather Documents: Order birth certificates and background checks.
2. Apostille: Authenticate the documents.
3. Apply for Visa: Submit application to the consulate.
4. Wait for Approval: Do not book non-refundable flights during this stage.
5. Logistics: Give notice to landlords and employers only after visa approval.

5. Moving Pets

Moving animals requires strict adherence to agricultural laws.

• Microchips: Must be ISO-compliant (15-digit).
• Vaccines: Rabies shots usually must be administered at least 21 days before travel.
• Health Certificates: These must be signed by a vet and endorsed by your government’s agriculture department within a specific window (often 10 days) of the flight.

6. Banking and Connectivity

Set up your digital infrastructure before you board the plane.

Get a Travel eSIM (e.g., Airalo) You need data immediately upon landing to access maps and translation apps. Keep your home number active or port it to a virtual service (like Google Voice) to receive 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) codes for banking and email.

Open a Borderless Bank Account (e.g., Wise) You typically cannot open a local bank account without a lease, and you cannot sign a lease without a bank account. A service like Wise provides a debit card and local account details (IBAN) instantly, allowing you to pay deposits while you wait for a traditional bank account.

7. Flight Strategy

• Proof of Onward Travel: If you are entering on a tourist visa or a one-way ticket, airlines may deny boarding unless you have a return ticket. If you don't have a return date, buy a fully refundable ticket or use a ticket-renting service to satisfy this requirement.

8. The First Few Days

Focus on bureaucracy, not tourism.

1. Sim Card: If you did not get an eSIM, purchase a physical SIM at the airport.
2. Cash: Withdraw local currency for small vendors.
3. Registration: Many countries require you to register your presence with local police or the town hall within 72 hours.
4. Utilities: Set up electricity and internet immediately if you have housing arranged.

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Relocation Checklist

• [ ] Passport: Valid for 6+ months with blank pages.
• [ ] Visa Audit: Confirmed income/age eligibility for target country.
• [ ] Documents: Birth certificate and background checks ordered.
• [ ] Apostilles: Documents sent for authentication.
• [ ] Pet Protocol: Vet visited; vaccination timeline mapped.
• [ ] Banking: Wise account opened and physical card ordered.
• [ ] Connectivity: Phone unlocked; eSIM plan researched.
• [ ] Health: Prescriptions filled; medical records requested.
• [ ] Accommodation: First week of housing booked.

Get Your Feasibility Report

Manual research for moving abroad takes approximately 100 hours. Bring Me Abroad asks you a few questions and creates a tailored report for you in a few minutes. We provide the "Day 1" data so you know exactly what is possible before you spend money on legal fees.