Our News

The Ultimate Moving Abroad Guide 2024

12th January 2024

Moving abroad brings lots of questions, such as: What is the first thing I should do if I want to move abroad? Can I move abroad as a British Citizen? Or Is it hard to move abroad? Our Ultimate Moving Abroad Guide aims to break down everything from where to start when you’re considering moving abroad to settling into your new home. Keep reading to discover top tips to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Preparing For Your Move Abroad

Preparing before moving abroad is the easiest way to make your move seamless and stress-free whilst ensuring that nothing gets forgotten. We recommend making a timeline or checklist of things you need to do before leaving, including some of the following.

From when you should begin your move to the documents you need to gather, let’s explore how to prepare for your move abroad.

What time of the year should I move abroad?

Of course, you can move abroad any time of the year; however, some months are notoriously busier than others, potentially leading to longer waiting times and higher fees.

The best time of year for moving abroad with children is the start of summer, so you can move your family abroad and settle in before the new school year. The summer is usually the busiest time for international moves, so planning in advance is a great way to save time and money.

Research Your Destination

The first thing you need to do is research the country you are planning on moving to. Whether this is somewhere you have always dreamt about moving to or if you are being relocated for work, it is important to really understand your new home.

It is recommended that you research the following topics:

• The cost of living
  Laws and politics
  Culture
  Weather

Consider why you are moving abroad; if you are looking to retire abroad, you may want to consider different elements of life than if you were relocating abroad for work.

Managing Finances

The next thing to do is establish how much a move abroad will cost you, from starting your removal in the UK all the way through to settling in at your chosen destination. Costs associated with moving abroad can include:

 

• Passport and visas
  Removals company (shipping vehicles, pets, and other personal belongings, excluding tax or customs payments)
  Flights and other transport
  New Insurance and healthcare policies
  House or accommodation prices in your new country
  Furnishing your new property
  Any legal fees for selling and buying property, advice, transferals of banks
  General cost of living

Create a budget and use quotes to determine if your move is feasible.

Entry Requirements and Documents

Other than a passport, there are several documents you will need to gather and request before you can begin your move abroad.

 

• Passport
  Visa
  Work permit
  Birth certificate
  Work contracts
  Drivers licence
  Qualifications
  National insurance details

Moving abroad for work may require more documentation, so double-check with your employer and individual country regulations when you are planning your move.

You might be required by the authorities in some countries to also present the following documents. It is a good idea to have these papers with you anyway to avoid any later complications:

 

• Divorce papers
  Child custody papers
  Pet vaccination papers
  Medical record

Shipping Your Belongings Abroad

Unless you are being relocated to a furnished property through work or school and have very few personal belongings, you will need to ship your items to your new home.

Start by researching international removal companies; consider their fees, location and reviews.

Once you have selected your removal company, there are several options to choose from when deciding how to ship your belongings abroad:

Full Packing Service

This includes an initial virtual or physical survey to assess the items being shipped and determine what size shipping container will be required.

A team will then create a fully comprehensive inventory and pack your items ready to be transported to your destination on your chosen date. A local partner will collect your items, deliver them to your new home, and unpack them at your request.

Self-Packing Services

You can also opt for a slightly different shipping service; this consists of packing and unpacking your own belongings and creating the inventory. Safe transportation is still included.

Here, you will need to ensure your inventory is completely accurate to prevent complications or fines through customs.

Method of Transporation

All shipping services allow the option of three different methods of transport, Sea Freight, Air and Road, depending on your budget and timeline, as well as your home and new destinations.

Vehicle Shipping

It is also worth considering if you want to continue driving in your new country and whether you plan on shipping your car. Many international shipping companies offer this service; your car can either be transported in a shipping container with other vehicles or in the container with the rest of your belongings.

Pet Shipping

If you have any pets you plan on moving abroad with you, then you need to consider how you will transport them. At Eurogroup, we work with specialists to ensure safe and comfortable transport for your extended family members.

Eurogroup offers various packing and shipping services, including vehicle and pet, for all your needs. Enquire today.

Plans For When You Get There

Being prepared for all elements of your move is the best way to ensure it is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Banking

You cannot continue to use your British bank account outside of the UK without difficulty. It is recommended that you consider one of the following options:

 

• Open a UK bank account with no fixed currency (for example, Monzo). This can be used in many countries, and you will not face transfer fees or high exchange rates.
  Open an expat account, like those offered by HSBC, that are multi-currency accounts for GBP, EUR and USD and are specifically for those moving abroad for work.
  Open a new account in your chosen location. Visit an in-person branch to verify your identity and proof of income. Keep your UK account and transfer your funds across – you could face transfer fees, but this is one of the most common options.

Learning the Language

Unless you are moving to somewhere where English is the primary language, it is recommended that you begin to learn the native language in preparation for your move abroad. Learning the language can help you to feel integrated within society and make settling in much easier.

Who to Tell

Who do I need to tell that I’m moving abroad?is a question that is frequently asked when moving abroad.

HMRC

You must tell HM Revenue and Customs if you’re either: leaving the UK to live abroad permanently or going to work abroad full-time for at least one full tax year.

GP

If you’re moving abroad, you willll no longer automatically be entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules. You need to notify your GP practice so you and your family can be removed from the NHS register.

Pension provider

It is important to let your UK pension provider know that you are no longer living in the UK. In most cases, your UK pension will still be accessible when you move abroad, but it will need to be transferred

If this blog has given you the confidence you need to start making your move abroad, contact us on 01638 515335 or request a callback and begin your adventure.