When moving overseas, it's important to first secure a work visa
in advance to work legally in your new country. If you're moving
overseas with a family, it is also essential to research school
districts for your children and bring all necessary documentation
to transfer them to a new school abroad.
Moving overseas requires much more planning than moving within
your city or to another state. In order to move abroad, you must
plan far in advance to gather the necessary paperwork, like a
passport and work visa.
So where should you begin?
The necessary paperwork
This may seem obvious, but you will need a job to move abroad
and work overseas, unless you plan to live off savings. If you are
moving overseas because of a job transfer, then you will need to
fill out the necessary paperwork with the government in advance to
get a work visa for your new country.
Depending on the country that you are moving overseas to, you
will need to submit individual visa requirements. Many times, you
can apply for a work visa online to work for the long term or as a
short term holiday worker.
According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship,
Australia offers reciprocal work holiday visa programs with a
number of countries that have the same basic requirements.
How to move overseas with family
If you are moving overseas with family, you will not only have
to iron out the details of your work visa in advance, but you will
have to enrol your children in school in the country you are moving
to. Enrolling your children in school abroad will take research and
dedication since it may be difficult to find a quality school in
your area.
You can begin by asking for referrals from your new place of
work or any other contacts you may have in your new country. You
can then contact the school you are considering to ask for
references and further information.
Finally, once you have chosen a school for your children, ask
for a detailed list of the documentation that you will need to
transfer your children to the school. This documentation may
include school records, medical records, and records of
vaccinations.
Packing and moving abroad
Last of all, it's time to pack up all your belongings and ship
them overseas to your new home. If you're moving overseas
permanently, you will need to pack and ship all belongings in your
house.
If you're moving temporarily on a working holiday, take only the
items that you will need for your stay to minimise costs.
Additionally, if you're staying temporarily abroad, it may be best
to rent a furnished home or apartment instead of shipping your
furniture with you.
Before shipping your belongings internationally, take note of
any restricted items that cannot be imported into your new country.
Most countries will prohibit alcohol, drugs, firearms, and
political literature from being imported. Other prohibited items
may include fruits, vegetables, plants, and even pets.
Other things to do when moving overseas:
- Schedule international removals and storage services, if
necessary. Determine if you will use door-to-door, door-to-port, or
port-to-door shipping for your belongings.
- Book airline tickets and hotel travel
arrangements.
- Arrange temporary accommodation until you find a
permanent home.
- Rent a vehicle for temporary transportation.
- Check with the consulate to see if you can bring your pet
to your new country. Your pet will need vaccinations, blood tests,
and a microchip to move internationally. There is also a customary
waiting period after blood tests are complete to allow your pet to
enter a new country without undergoing quarantine.
Top moving tip
Should you ship your car abroad with you? Shipping a car
overseas can be quite expensive but may be necessary if you have no
other means of transportation in your new country.
However, first consider selling your car and using public
transportation in your new country to save money. Second, consider
selling your vehicle and buying a new or used car in your new
country to avoid the cost of shipping internationally.