Relocating to a new country is often an exhilarating yet strenuous procedure. Not only does it involve moving your entire life thousands of miles away, but it also means having to navigate a number of paperwork.
In order to make your international move a successful one, you will need to bring all important documents with you. Before we attend to the documents, you must take note of the following:
• Don’t ship documents with your other belongings. Whatever you do, avoid packing them with the other cargo. Your documents could become lost or damaged while in transit.
You will also need these documents to prove your identity when entering a new country.
Keep them with you during the move. To avoid losing them, you should consider placing them in a file folder or secure binder in your carry-on bag.
• Always bring plenty of copies, for instance, two to five copies per document should be on hand when moving abroad.
• Place them in a safe and secure location once you’ve arrived in your new country. Whether it’s a safe or a file cabinet, be sure to keep them organized and secure at all times.
Below are the important documents you need to bring with you:
• BIRTH CERTIFICATE
When changing location to a new country, it’s crucial that you keep all vital documents with you during the relocation. This includes your original birth certificate as well as several official copies.
For further explanation, a birth certificate is an official document issued at birth to identify a person’s name, gender, birthday, birthplace and parents. If you can’t find your birth certificate at home, we recommend checking with your parents. There’s a good chance they have a copy.
• PASSPORT
In order to travel and/or move abroad, you will need an official, government-issued passport. This document is the single most important thing you’ll need when moving internationally. A government-issued passport approves of the owner’s identity and citizenship.
Most countries do not allow travelers to enter without an official passport. If you and your family do not currently have a passport and plan to move, we suggest starting the application process as soon as possible. Obtaining a passport can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
• VISA
In addition to a passport, you will indeed need a visa. A visa is an official travel document placed inside your passport that allows the traveler to remain in a certain country for a certain purpose and for a particular amount of time.
The visa is approved and issued by the country where you wish to live, work and/or visit. Most countries offer a variety of visas. Categories of visas include a short-stay visa, a residence visa and a tourist visa.
To learn more information about procuring a visa, you have to contact the consulate office of the destination country that you wish to move to.
• WORK PERMIT
While a visa may allow you to enter a specific country, it probably won’t allow you to work there. Many countries mandate that newcomers acquire an official work permit in order to be officially employed in the country.
If you’re moving to a new country for work, your employer should be able to assist with getting you a work permit (or at least be able to point you in the right direction).
• MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES
A marriage certificate is an official record that a couple was legally married on a certain day at a certain place. Marriage certificates are mandatory for changing a last name, for tax purposes, and for proving a marital relationship.
When moving abroad, don’t leave your marriage certificate. Bring several copies. From changing citizenship to paying taxes, you never know when you might need this handy document, so keep it in a safe place at all times.
• MEDICAL RECORDS
When traveling abroad, it’s smart to not take chances with your health. Whether you’re moving abroad for a long period of time or just a short while, you’re going to need to bring all medical records with you.
After all, you never know when an illness will strike. Once you’ve moved to the new country, you should establish a doctor as soon as possible.
When packing copies of your medical records, don’t forget to also include all immunization records for you and your family. A record of immunizations may be required for you to work and/or go to school in your new country.
• SCHOOL RECORDS
Speaking of school, make sure to bring copies of all school records with you when moving internationally. This is particularly significant when moving with school age children.
Commonly, a child’s school will need transcripts with grades and test scores. Other important school records to bring with you when you move include teacher notes, letters of recommendation and immunization records.
Other important documents to take with you when moving abroad are:
~ Dental records
~ Power of attorney
~ Child custody papers
~ Divorce papers
~ Driver’s license
~ Tax records
~ Health insurance card
~ Insurance documents
~ Living will
~ Adoption papers
~ Pet vaccination records
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