It may feel like a drag to have to navigate what is needed, but that is standard for any resident in a new country.

Just like in the US, there are a handful of services and government documents that must be accounted for before you can officially reside in another country for a stay beyond a tourist visa.

Why Should I Collect Documents Before Moving Abroad?

No matter where you are headed, there are a handful of documents that are good to have updated and on hand before you begin any immigration process.

Preparing ahead of time can save a lot of pain later. Some documents take weeks to complete. Others need to be requested at a certain time to stay valid when it comes time to apply for a visa. Even if you plan to move in a year from now, knowing what will be requested during the process can save you a headache when there are other steps to take care of.

12 Documents to Prepare Before Moving Abroad

The list below shares the importance of the documents every individual (including pets) should have before an overseas move. It also shares the best form the document should be in, and when and where it can be obtained.

U.S. Passport

This may seem obvious, but it is very important to verify your passport is up to date and not expired. For receiving a visa, it is recommended that your passport have at least an additional 6 months of validity from your desired entry date. If you plan to move abroad, it is best to renew your passport early if you have less than 5 years left.

Passport cards are only valid for a few countries, so it is best to have an official passport book.

If you have dual citizenship, having both passports up to date is important and can provide additional opportunities for visas depending on the country you choose to move to.

A note on new passports: If you are applying for your first passport, be sure to understand the lead times for when the passport will be issued. There are changing regulations under the current administration that can impact how you apply. It is unfortunate, to say the least, that how your name appears on certain documents and how you claim your gender can impact your processing time. So please do what feels best for your mental health and your ultimate goal to leave the US to limit additional delays for your passport.

Best from method: Passport book issued by the U.S. Department of State

Where to get them: They can be obtained in the US or at US Embassies if you need a renewal overseas

Birth Certificates

Birth certificates are important documents for identification when applying for visas and other in-country identification cards. Sometimes photocopies are used for reference, but originals are required in most cases. For overseas use, birth certificates must be apostilled, which means they need a special stamp and signature from a US official or judge to authenticate the document for international use.

Best form method: Apostilled hard copies, original hard copies, and digital, just in case

Where to get them: This process can be completed by the county that initially issued the document, and depending on the state, it can be done in person or via mail.

Health records

Obtaining health records is essential for some visas, but overall useful, when moving abroad. These can include notes on any recent check-ups, vaccination records, and notes on family history or chronic health issues.

Best form method: Either digital or hard copies, as long as you have easy access to them

Where to get them: Health care provider online portal or by calling your doctor’s office

Pet health records and Health Certificate

Pet health records are also necessary for both the move and in-country needs. Some countries require an official health certificate from the USDA to be allowed in the country. Other records needed are proof of being chipped, vaccinations, and proof of being free of certain diseases like rabies. Each country is different, so it is worth reviewing specific needs once you have an idea of where you want to land. 

Best form method: Hard copy of the health certificate, digital copies of health and medical history

Where to get them: Health care provider online portal or by calling your vet’s office. Health certificates must be received by mail from a USDA-approved veterinarian.

Marriage Certificate

Marriage licenses are sometimes needed for visas if one spouse is sponsoring the other or to obtain shared housing (which is rare but can happen). They are not always required for visas, but having original copies with you can be helpful for any future needs. Just like birth certificates, marriage certificates must be apostilled.

Best form method: Original document, hard copies, and digital copies can all be useful

Where to get them: Original documents can be ordered online

Prescriptions

If you regularly take prescriptions, you may be required to travel with the original prescription to enter your new country. An original prescription may also be needed to obtain a new one from a local doctor. The best option here is to consult your current doctor before you decide on your new home country. Some countries restrict certain prescriptions that are standard in the US, which can impact your country options. 

Best form method: Either digital or hard copies, as long as you have easy access to them

Where to get them: Talk with your doctor to obtain a prescription

Copies of Visa documents

Almost every visa requires an application. Even if the process is done online, it is helpful to have printed copies. This can be beneficial to show proof of entry when going through immigration, or when applying for housing. Additional documents can include emails or snail mail documents from the government, further proving your visa status, whether it is still in process or completed.

Best form method: Either digital or hard copies, as long as you have easy access to them

Where to get them: Any physical mail, email, or downloaded documents from online

Financial Statements

This can include bank statements, recent pay stubs, or investment documents. Just like in the US, this also serves as your ability to pay rent when applying for housing in the country. It is also good to have at least one document with your bank account information for your personal reference. It is best to keep 3 to 6 months of financial statements as a digital or physical copy so you have them readily available to validate your financial status.

Best form method: Digital copies

Where to get them: Bank websites and applications

Tax Documents

In addition to financial statements, tax forms are another document from the government that can help with validation in a number os situations. From proof of employment length to address verification and a reference for your social security, your W-2 or other tax forms can come in handy. If you have access to the previous 3 years of tax forms, that is ideal. Otherwise, your most recent forms will suffice.

Best form method: Either digital or hard copies

Where to get them: Payroll websites or other employer resource portals

Social Security Card

They are important to collect before you move abroad for identification. Most countries will require you to get another identification number for their own systems. However, having your US Social Security number, especially if you plan to collect social security and other benefits in the future, will keep things simple.

Best form method: Original document, otherwise the number can be found on tax forms and other documents

Where to get them: This website has options on how to replace the card

Driver’s License

Driver’s licenses are important for both identification and to drive temporarily overseas. It depends on each country, but you should be able to keep your driver’s license for 3 to 6 months before needing a locally issued license. Just make sure it is not expired, and there should not be an issue using your Driver’s license for identification, renting, or owning a vehicle abroad.

Best form method: Original Card

Where to get them: While still in the US, your local DMV is the best resource to obtain a new or renewed license.

Immunization Records

Some countries require residents to have certain immunizations or proof of exemption. It is best to have all immunization documents from birth to adulthood, but any information you can obtain will be helpful.

Best form method: Digital or printed copies. Originals are great, but not necessary in most cases.

Where to get them: Healthcare provider online portal or by calling your doctor’s office. If you do not have a primary healthcare provider, you can fill out a form here.

So there you have the 12 best documents to have prepped when planning a move abroad. Were there any surprises on this list? Are there any big ones that I missed? I would love to keep this post updated with any other documents that feel universal to the move abroad.

And I would love to hear about your experience! Were there any unique challenges in getting your documents? Share in the comments so we can all learn about this ever-changing process together!Are you feeling ready for your move abroad? If you are looking for help deciding where to go and how to get there, check out my post on how to choose a country that fits your needs or connect with me for free to start planning your dream move!