A practical guide to relocating to another country, covering visa requirements, shipping logistics, banking, health insurance, tax implications, and adjusting to life abroad.
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Visa and Work Permit
Determine the correct visa type for your situation
Work visas, spousal visas, student visas, and retirement visas have completely different requirements and timelines. Processing times range from 2 weeks (intra-company transfers) to 12+ months (family-based immigration).
Check if your employer handles visa sponsorship or if you must apply independently
Schedule visa interviews or biometrics appointments early
Embassy appointment wait times vary from 2 days to 6 months depending on the country and time of year. Summer and holiday seasons have the longest waits. Book as soon as your documents are ready.
Authenticate and apostille any required documents
Apostilles (international notarization) cost $10-$20 per document in the US and take 4-8 weeks by mail or 1-2 days in person at the Secretary of State's office. Many countries require apostilled birth certificates, marriage certificates, and diplomas.
Research residency registration requirements upon arrival
Many European and Asian countries require you to register with local authorities within 7-30 days of arrival. Failure to register can result in fines of $50-$500 and complicate future visa renewals.
Shipping vs. Selling Belongings
Get quotes for international shipping by sea and air freight
Sea freight for a 20-foot container (enough for a 2-bedroom apartment) costs $3,000-$8,000 depending on the route and takes 4-8 weeks. Air freight costs $4-$8 per pound and arrives in 5-10 days.
Request door-to-door quotes that include customs clearance
Ask about restricted items that cannot be shipped to your destination country
Calculate the cost-to-replace value of each item versus shipping cost
Furniture is almost always cheaper to replace abroad than to ship. Electronics may be cheaper in the US. Calculate the per-pound shipping cost and compare to local prices at your destination.
Research customs duties and import taxes at your destination
Many countries allow duty-free import of personal household goods if you've owned them for 6-12 months. New items and electronics often face 10-25% import duties plus local sales tax.
Decide what to put in storage versus sell or donate
A 10x10 storage unit costs $100-$300/month in the US. If you're abroad for 2+ years, the storage cost often exceeds the replacement value. Sell items worth less than 12 months of their share of storage fees.
Banking and Finances
Open a bank account in your destination country
Some countries allow you to open an account remotely before arrival; most require you to visit in person with your passport, visa, and proof of address. International banks with branches in both countries simplify the process.
Set up an international money transfer service
Traditional bank wire transfers charge $25-$50 per transfer plus a 2-4% currency conversion markup. Dedicated transfer services charge $3-$10 per transfer with rates 0.5-1% from the mid-market rate—saving hundreds per transfer.
Keep your US bank account and at least one no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card
Many US banks close accounts for non-residents. Notify your bank of your move and confirm they'll keep the account open. A credit card with no foreign transaction fees saves you 3% on every purchase abroad.
Understand the FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements
US citizens must report foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000 in aggregate on FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) by April 15. FATCA Form 8938 thresholds are $200,000 for single filers living abroad. Penalties for non-filing start at $10,000.
Health Insurance Abroad
Research whether your destination has public healthcare and how to enroll
Countries with public healthcare (UK, Canada, France, etc.) typically require 3-6 months of residency before coverage kicks in. You'll need private insurance to bridge the gap between arrival and public enrollment.
Get international health insurance for the first 6-12 months
Global health insurance plans cost $150-$500/month depending on coverage level and age. Plans with US coverage included cost 40-60% more. If you won't return to the US for care, exclude it and save significantly.
Get a full medical and dental checkup before leaving
Schedule checkups 4-6 weeks before departure. Fill 90-day prescriptions and bring a letter from your doctor explaining any ongoing medications in generic (non-brand) names for international pharmacies.
Request copies of your medical records and vaccination history
Ask your doctor for prescriptions using international generic drug names
Tax Implications
Understand that US citizens must file US taxes regardless of where they live
The US is one of two countries that taxes citizens on worldwide income. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion lets you exclude up to $130,000 (2026) of foreign earnings. You must file even if you owe nothing.
Research tax treaties between the US and your destination country
Tax treaties prevent double taxation on the same income. About 70 countries have tax treaties with the US. Treaty benefits must be claimed on your tax return—they're not applied automatically.
Hire a tax professional experienced with expat tax filing
Expat tax returns are significantly more complex than domestic ones. A qualified expat tax preparer charges $500-$2,000 annually. The filing deadline for Americans abroad is automatically extended to June 15, with a further extension to October 15 by request.
Cultural Preparation
Start language basics if your destination country speaks a different language
Even 50 hours of language study (about 30 minutes/day for 3 months) gives you enough vocabulary for daily interactions. Focus on practical phrases: directions, ordering food, medical emergencies, and numbers.
Research local customs around housing, tipping, and social norms
Housing expectations vary widely—deposits in Japan can be 4-6 months' rent; in Germany, apartments often come without kitchens or light fixtures. Knowing these norms prevents expensive surprises.
Join online expat communities for your destination city
Expat forums and social media groups provide real-time advice on neighborhoods, landlords, doctors, and bureaucratic processes. Members who recently went through the same move are the most helpful source of current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning an international move?
Begin planning 4-6 months before your target move date for a smooth international relocation. Visa and work permit processing alone can take 2-4 months depending on the destination country, and international shipping of household goods requires 4-8 weeks for ocean freight or 1-2 weeks for air freight. Giving notice at your current lease, selling a car, closing bank accounts, and transferring medical records all have lead times that stack up quickly.
How much does it cost to ship household goods internationally?
A 20-foot shipping container (enough for a 2-3 bedroom home's contents) costs $3,000-$8,000 for ocean freight depending on origin and destination ports, with transit taking 4-8 weeks. Air freight runs $5-$10 per pound, making it cost-effective only for time-sensitive items weighing under 500 lbs — a small air shipment of essential items typically costs $2,500-$5,000. Customs duties and import taxes at the destination country can add 5-20% of the declared goods value, though most countries exempt personal household effects that have been owned for 6+ months.
Do I need to pay US taxes if I move abroad?
US citizens and permanent residents must file US tax returns regardless of where they live or earn income — the US is one of only two countries (alongside Eritrea) that taxes based on citizenship rather than residency. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) lets you exclude up to $126,500 (2026) of foreign-earned income if you meet the physical presence test (330 days outside the US in a 12-month period) or bona fide residence test. Foreign tax credits prevent double taxation on income taxed by both the US and your country of residence.
What happens to my US health insurance when I move abroad?
US-based health insurance plans (employer, marketplace, Medicare) do not cover medical expenses outside the United States except for rare emergency exceptions. You'll need international health insurance ($150-$500/month depending on age, coverage level, and destination country) or enrollment in the destination country's national health system if eligible. Expat-specific insurers like Cigna Global, Aetna International, and GeoBlue offer plans designed for Americans abroad that include US coverage for visits home.