Documents Needed for an International Move
You probably figure that if you are going to move overseas, there will be very important documents that are required in order for you to do so. While which documents you need depends on what country you are moving to, there are ones that are universal for anywhere that you plan on moving too. The big three when it comes to relocating to a new area are passports, visas, and work permits, although there are other documents that you should take with you.
A passport serves as your primary identification for your journey. Because it is government issued, it will be accepted into any country that you will move. All of your vital information will be located here, such as name, nationality and age. If you already have one, you will want to make sure it is up to date and valid. They do have an expiration date, so keep that in mind. If you do not have one, plan on getting it well in advance. The application process can take some time, and you will want to make sure you get one for every person that is moving. You can apply at any library or post office, and it is absolutely essential for international travel.
A visa is a document that grants you permission to live within the borders of your new country. It has different levels that distinguish between your purpose for visit, and the length of your stay. Visas can be issued for a short-stay, long-stay, or residence. Short and long stay visas are issued for people on vacation whether for business or personal reasons. A residence visa is issued if you are looking to permanent live in the new country. If you are moving, this is the level that you will want to get. You can get a visa from the consulate in the country that you are moving to.
A work permit is a document that allows you to get a job in a foreign country. If you have been transferred within the company you already work for, they can help you get your work permit, otherwise, they can be difficult to get. A lot of countries are hesitant to hire people who are not naturalized citizens of their land. Similarly, some countries do not allow both spouse in a marriage to work at the same time, which could cause problems if you were planning on this arrangement. Finally, some countries require to have a job offer before they will grant you a permit. You should contact the consulate’s office early on in your moving process if you are planning on working at your new location.
There are other documents that you should consider taking with you as well. If you have children, you should bring birth certificates, school records, and any medical records that they have, so you can get them into school without a hassle. You may have to prove that you are married, so a marriage certificate is another good idea to bring. You should also bring any medical records for anyone in your family, including pets, so if you have to visit the doctor, they will know your medical history. And of course, you will want to bring standard documents like driver’s licenses and social security cards, which can help you get back into the United States if you need to.
