How to Move to Another Country: The Ultimate Guide

Moving to another country from the US is a long process, but with the right know-how, planning and paperwork, you can make your expat dreams come true.

Having the right international moving company by your side helps. Atlas International has decades of experience making cross-border moves happen, providing logistics support and packing and transportation services.

This extensive guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to move to another country from the US.

Research and Planning

Whether you've always dreamed of moving abroad or it's a spontaneous decision, an international relocation requires research and planning.

Research Potential Destination Countries

Your international plans start with deciding where to relocate. Look at potential countries based on climate preferences, cost of living, culture, quality of life and language compatibility. 

Expat forums and travel blogs can be beneficial when researching potential destinations, and government websites can provide insight into requirements for residency.

Common destinations for American expats include:

• Canada: Canada is a popular choice for its high quality of life, cultural similarities to the US and similar cost of living. However, obtaining a visa can be difficult without marketable skills and proof of funds. 
• Mexico: Beautiful weather, a vibrant culture, easy immigration and a lower cost of living make Mexico a particularly appealing expat destination for Americans.
• The UK: The cost of living is lower in the UK, but the British pound is stronger than the US dollar. Getting a residency visa to the UK can also be complicated, especially if you don't qualify for a skilled worker visa.
• Germany: American expats look to Germany for a bold culture rich in history and a high quality of life. Obtaining a German residence permit is usually relatively simple, but you must pass an interview and possess all necessary documents.
• Australia: Australia is known to have strict policies that can make immigration more difficult than other destinations, but you may find it worthwhile for the lifestyle and laid-back culture of the English-speaking country.

Evaluate Cost of Living, Job Opportunities, Health Care, Etc.

Before deciding on a country, get to know the cost of living. Use tools, such as Numbeo, to compare living costs for housing, utilities, groceries and other monthly expenses.

Consider the job market and how you fit into it. Is it expat-friendly? Do you have qualifications that carry over internationally? What kind of income can you expect? 

Health care also factors into the general cost of living, but many nations offer public insurance to lawful residents. Alternatively, you can purchase expat health insurance, which provides international health care coverage.

Set a Budget for Your Move

Calculate how much you can afford and how much it costs to relocate. Include currency exchange rates and account for salary differences to determine your budget and the costs associated with moving and creating an emergency fund. 

Plot a Time Line for Your International Move

After deciding where to move and completing your budget, set up a realistic international moving time line. This plan will likely take 6-12 months when factoring in time for:

• Applying for a visa or completing residency paperwork according to deadlines
• Collecting moving quotes and selecting international moving services
• Gathering all necessary paperwork
• Sorting and packing your belongings
• Securing new housing
• Getting refills for any necessary prescriptions
• Packing luggage

Legal Requirements

Before relocating internationally, you must consider the legal requirements in your destination country. 

Obtain or Renew Your Passport

Your government-issued passport verifies your identity and citizenship at the border. If you don't already have one, leave ample time for processing. Routine processing for a first passport takes 6-8 weeks, but it can be expedited to 2-3 weeks. Apply early to avoid delays.

If you already have a passport, ensure it's valid for at least 6 months beyond when you plan to return home. If it's not, you should renew it before departure.

Check Your Visa, Residency and Work Permit Options

You may need a visa, residency permit or work permit, depending on why you're moving and what you qualify for. Review the different visa options and requirements, such as work, student, retirement and family reunification.

The application process and required documentation vary by country. Some countries allow you to work with a residency permit rather than applying for a separate work visa. Others require an employer to sponsor your work visa.

Logistics of Moving Internationally

Once your international move is set in stone, it's time to start planning the logistics, such as what you plan to bring and how to get your items to your new home.

Decide What to Bring vs. Sell/Store

Not everything you own has to go with you. Some items may be more cost-effective to replace than ship.

Decide whether the items make sense in your new climate and environment and how practical it would be to ship them. Sentimental and difficult-to-replace items, such as discontinued products or artwork, may be worth taking or placing in storage. 

Explore International Shipping Options

International shipping usually goes through air or sea freight. Generally, air freight is quicker, while sea freight is slower and more economical. 

We help thousands of people relocate overseas annually, and you could be our next success story. Our international relocation experts can help you determine the best global relocation services to suit your needs, time line and budget. 

Look Out for Customs Regulations and Documentation

Review the customs regulations in your destination country regarding what you can bring, what's banned and any potential duties you may have to pay.

Complete a detailed inventory list and necessary customs forms while packing. This can be a long process, but you must declare all packed items to avoid delays and potential penalty fees at the border.

Transport Your Pets Internationally

Many countries have pet import or quarantine requirements to ensure animals brought into their borders don't pose a risk. Some countries may have bans on certain species or breeds.

Once you confirm you can bring your pet, research the necessary regulations. Your pet might need certain vaccinations and an international health certificate dated within the last 10-15 days before travel.

Financial Considerations

Your finances move with you, which can mean setting up new financial accounts and facing new tax implications.

Open an International Bank Account

Many banks offer expat-friendly services, and you can likely find recommendations on expat forums. To open a new account, you may need proof of identity, income, employment and address, depending on the country and bank regulations.

Managing Currency Exchange

You likely need to convert your funds into your new local currency. For large amounts, you may want to use specialized forex services. Exchange some cash before you travel for immediate access to funds.

Consider setting up a multicurrency bank account tailored to expats and travelers for streamlined currency exchange.

Understand International Tax Implications

US citizens pay tax on all income, regardless of where it was earned. However, the foreign earned income exclusion can reduce your tax liability if you earn your income abroad.

Several countries have tax treaties with the US that can further reduce how much you owe during tax season. Review any treaty terms in your destination country to determine how you may be taxed.

Navigating the laws surrounding foreign income and taxation for US citizens living abroad can be confusing. An international tax expert can help you understand reporting requirements for foreign income and assets and how to file taxes.

Budget for Initial Setup Costs

Don't forget to budget for settling, including a security deposit for housing and utilities. Set aside money to replace any essentials you left behind. 

It's a good idea to also plan for unexpected expenses. You might forget or underestimate certain costs, or emergencies could arise.

Adjusting to Life Abroad

Adjusting to life abroad can be a bit of a struggle for even the most enthusiastic of expats. These tips and tricks can help make the process a bit more manageable.

Deal With Culture Shock, Homesickness and Career Changes

Culture shock is one of the most common problems when moving to another country. It involves four stages:

1. Honeymoon: During this stage, you're curious and excited about your new home. It often lasts for the first few months.
2. Frustration: Within the first 3 months, you start to face the reality of the challenges of moving to a new country. Social interactions may feel uncomfortable or even impossible. However, this stage passes.
3. Adjustment: At some point, you have to adjust expectations and decide if living abroad is right for you. Stay open-minded and keep immersing yourself in the local culture.
4. Acceptance: Over time, you realize you don't need a perfect or native understanding of your new home. You accept that mistakes happen and begin to thrive.

It can also help to keep in touch with family and friends back home to avoid feeling isolated.

As you settle, you need to create a sense of familiarity and belonging in your home. Try implementing these tips to make it more comfortable:

• Create a new daily routine.
• Celebrate holidays from home that are important to you.
• Personalize your living space.
• Find your new favorite cafés, bars, clubs, stores and other places.

Your job search may make adjusting to your new life difficult if you aren't already employed when you move. You may need to take a job unrelated to your previous experience, especially if you aren't yet fluent in the local language.

Explore Learning the Local Language and Adapting to a New Culture

Learning to adapt to a new language and culture can make moving to a different country challenging. 

Ideally, you should speak the local language proficiently before moving. If you don't, look for local classes hosted by your new country's immigration services. Language exchange apps can also provide casual practice.

Start adjusting and learning local customs and etiquette before you move. While you may be hesitant to change your ways for fear of losing your cultural identity, you can adopt local norms while still maintaining who you are. It's polite to learn how society operates in your destination.

Build a Social Network

Building a new social network can make you feel at ease in your new home and help you settle in. Expat groups provide a space to meet others who understand your situation. 

Consider attending local community events to meet your new neighbors and start making friends. Meetup apps and social media can also help you connect with others who have similar interests. 

Learn About Health Care and Insurance in Your New Country

Countries have regulations surrounding health care and insurance for expats. Research the local health care system to determine whether you need to register for public services or obtain private insurance with international health insurance coverage.

Learn to Deal With Bureaucracy

Dealing with the government is often a trial of patience and persistence. This can be especially true in foreign systems as you learn to navigate them. Your local expat services or relocation specialists can help you navigate any necessary government processes.

Make Your International Move Stress-Free With Atlas International

If you're ready to start planning your international relocation, Atlas International is the team to call. Our trained international relocation experts have the experience to guide you through every step, whether you need support navigating the paperwork, planning your move or adjusting to your new country.

Get started today by contacting us online or calling 1-888-669-6031 (US only) or 1-206-526-1137 (worldwide) to begin your moving consultation. If you prefer, fill out our online tool for a free, no-obligation quote.