Last updated: 23 October 2026

Moving abroad is one of the biggest projects you will ever take on. Visas, removals, money, tax, healthcare, pets and dozens of accounts all need sorting, and many have deadlines. This checklist breaks the move into stages, from six months out to your first week in your new country. Save it and tick it off as you go.

1. Check your visa or residence route and start the application. Some visas take months.
2. Check your passport is valid for at least 6–12 months beyond your move.
3. Research the cost of living, healthcare and schools in your destination.
4. Decide what to ship, store, sell or give away.
5. Get quotes for international removals. See our Guide du déménagement international.
6. Plan for pets: some countries need microchips, vaccinations and tests months in advance.
7. Talk to your employer about remote work, transfer or notice periods.
8. Start learning the language, even the basics.

3 months before

1. Book your removals company and agree the dates.
2. Arrange somewhere to live, even temporarily.
3. Give notice on rentals, or put your home on the market or arrange letting.
4. Plan how you’ll move money: compare banks and currency specialists in our moving money abroad guide.
5. Check your UK pension and State Pension forecast.
6. Get international health insurance if your visa requires it.
7. Decide about your car: ship it, sell it, or check car shipping costs.
8. Collect documents: birth and marriage certificates, degrees, references, and any apostilles needed.

1 month before

1. Tell HMRC you are leaving (form P85 if relevant) and get tax advice on your situation. See UK tax for expats.
2. Tell your GP and dentist, and get copies of medical records and prescriptions.
3. Notify the DVLA, banks, pensions, insurers and HMRC of your new address.
4. Cancel or transfer utilities, broadband, TV licence, council tax and subscriptions.
5. Set up mail forwarding with Royal Mail.
6. Keep a UK bank account and phone number if you can; they help with UK admin later.
7. Check your driving licence rules for your new country.
8. Pack an essentials case for the weeks before your shipment arrives.

Moving week

1. Be home for the packers and check the inventory carefully.
2. Keep valuables, documents and medicines with you.
3. Take meter readings and photos of your empty home.
4. Hand over keys and confirm forwarding addresses.
5. Carry copies of your visa, insurance and removals paperwork.
6. Say goodbye properly. It matters more than you think.

Your first week abroad

1. Register your address with the local authorities, if required.
2. Get your tax or identity number, such as an NIE in Spain or a BSN in the Netherlands.
3. Open a local bank account.
4. Register with healthcare.
5. Get a local SIM card.
6. Prepare for your shipment arrival and customs clearance.
7. Explore your new neighbourhood.
8. Join an expat or local community group.

Country guides

• Moving to Spain et déménagements vers l'Espagne
• Moving to France et déménagements vers la France
• Moving to Australia et removals to Australia
• Moving to the USA et removals to the USA
• Moving to Canada et removals to Canada

Start your new life with a sea voyage

Instead of flying, some people sail to their new country on a cargo ship. It’s a calm transition, with time to think. Read voyage en cargo et holidays without flying.

Foire aux questions