Moving is already one of life’s more demanding transitions. Moving internationally takes that complexity and multiplies it, with new paperwork, new timelines, new rules, and a whole new country to navigate on the other side. Whether you’re relocating for work, for a new chapter, or simply because the world called and you answered, preparation makes all the difference.
Here are five of the most important questions to answer before you go.
When should I start planning my international move?
As early as possible, and that’s not a throwaway answer. Visas, residency permits, and work permits can take months to process depending on your destination country, and scheduling a reputable international mover during peak season can add even more lead time to your timeline.
If your employer is handling work permits and visas on your behalf, that helps, but it’s still worth checking in directly with the embassy or consulate for your destination country. They can fill in the gaps on local rules, regulations, and what to expect once you arrive. The general rule of thumb: start planning at least six months out, and more if you can.
What documents do I need?
Beyond the obvious visas, work permits, residency permits, and passports, there are about a dozen other important documents you should collect when moving abroad.
Beyond the obvious (passports, visas, work and residency permits) there are several other documents worth gathering before you leave. Here’s a practical breakdown:
Bring with you:
- Driver’s license(s)
- Birth certificate(s)
- Marriage certificate
- Adoption certificate(s)
- Medical and dental records
- Health insurance cards
Leave in a safe deposit box in your home country:
- Wills
- Deeds for property in home country
- Titles for vehicles left in home country
- Power of Attorney
- Notarized paper copies of birth, marriage, and adoption certificates
Getting these organized before your move, not during or after, will save you a significant amount of stress.
Who do I need to notify?
An international move comes with a longer notification checklist than a domestic one, and some of these have deadlines or lead times that make them worth handling well before your departure date.
US Postal Service
Set up mail forwarding early. USPS will forward your mail to an overseas address for up to a year using the standard change of address form (Form 3575). Note that your new address is overseas even if there’s no dedicated field for it — and consider designating a trusted stateside contact to handle anything that can’t be forwarded.
Internal Revenue Service
Before you leave, do some research to learn how your tax obligations will change. US citizens are subject to US tax law regardless of where they live, so your filing requirements don’t go away. Make sure you understand the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, any applicable tax treaties, and whether you’ll need an expat tax professional going forward. Filing from abroad comes with an automatic two-month extension, but interest on unpaid taxes still accrues from April 15.
Voter Registration
If you want to maintain your ability to vote from abroad – and you should – submit a Federal Post Card Application to your local election office before you go. This registers you to receive ballots electronically, typically 45 days ahead of general and midterm elections. It takes minutes and is easy to let slip through the cracks during a busy move.
Social Security Administration
If you’re currently receiving Social Security payments or will become eligible while abroad, verify your status before your move date. Payments can generally continue overseas, but there are country-specific restrictions — including Cuba, North Korea, and several former Soviet republics. Check the SSA’s official guidance and update your contact and banking information before you leave to avoid any interruption in payments.
Social Security Administration
As long as they are eligible for payments, U.S. citizens living abroad can continue to receive Social Security payments. However, payments cannot be sent to expatriates living in: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, North Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan.
How do I get my belongings there?
A few things to keep in mind when selecting an international mover:
First, look for FIDI FAIM certification. The FAIM (FIDI Accredited International Mover) designation requires movers to meet more than 200 quality standards. It’s the clearest indicator that a company has the expertise and network to manage a complex international move. JK is one of a select group of FAIM-certified movers in the United States.
Second, understand how international shipping works. In most cases, the company that packs your household goods won’t be the same one that delivers them at the destination. When you work with a mover in the FIDI network, you can trust that their overseas partners meet the same rigorous standards.
Third, get your customs paperwork right. Every country has different requirements, and errors can delay delivery significantly. Your mover should walk you through what’s needed well before moving day.
Finally, be intentional about what you ship. International moves are priced by volume and weight, so the more you send, the more you pay. It’s worth taking stock of what you truly need versus what makes more sense to store, sell, or donate before you go.
How do I register with the US embassy or consulate?
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service from the US State Department that every American living or traveling abroad should use. Enrolling through your nearest US embassy or consulate means you’ll receive up-to-date safety and security information for your destination country and makes it much easier for the embassy to reach you in an emergency. It takes just a few minutes and is one of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself once you’re overseas.
Ready to start planning? Explore our international moving services or visit our international FAQ page for more guidance.