Checklist emigration - Arrange your emigration in 10 steps

1. What are the issues to bear in mind when emigrating?

Keep track of the emigration process; for example write down what to do and what you are going through in an emigration diary.
Make use of the media and guidebooks when researching possible destinations.
Get an insight on the language, culture, health system, safety and criminality of the country.

2. What is on your emigration checklist and what kind of rules and regulations do you have to take into account?

Plan tasks together with all the other family members.
Gain enough basic knowledge about the law and rules of the country you are going to emigrate to.
Think about the legality of contracts and acts you have in your country of origin.
Start orientating yourself on the social system, educational system and culture.
Start making a list of agencies and organizations that you have to contact.
Start getting your things ready.

3. What about insurances when emigrating or going abroad for a longer time?

Think about a suitable international health insurance. Do this on time. Take into account a (sometimes) long process of medical acceptance.
Gain information about the advantages of local insurances and insurances via an employer.
Think about (international) travel insurance, insurance when you will travel back to your country of origin for a visit, transport insurance and arrangement for surviving relatives, home and household effects, incapacitation/inability to work, pension, car and other liabilities.
Since insurance options and obligation differ per country of residence and country you emigrate to, use the expert knowledge of JoHo Insurances to gather advice for your situation

4. How do you arrange your removal/migration and what to do with your household effects?

Get information and advice about legal regulations with regards to purchasing a house as a (foreign) private person; consider contacting a specialized agency or legal consultant.
Let the condition/state of your house be examined before selling it.
Consider using an agent if you want to (sub) rent your house and check the consequences for your house insurance.
When cancelling your house rental, find out in what kind of state you have to return the house.
Request international removal quotation. Make a basic list for different removers, in order to enhance comparability.
Don’t delay in requesting quotations. It can be cheaper if different cargo/loads can be combined.

5. How and where do you arrange your visa and which documents do you need?

Start on time with your visa application. Sometimes this can be arranged fast and easily, but a visa procedure can also take months.
When you are moving with more family members, make a list of the visa requirements for every person.
Also check visa requirements health certificates and medical examinations.
Find out which kind of documents need to be translated and legalized.
Consider using a legal advisor to check your legal status and possible risks.

6. What are the issues to bear in mind regarding banking and transactions abroad?

Ask about the consequences of current accounts, credit cards and savings when emigrating.
Be on time with paying tax.
Arrange your bank affairs in your country of origin and gain knowledge about the currency and bank affairs of the country you are emigrating to.
Consider using a financial advisor to determine your emigration budget, your financial situation and to get tax advice.

7. What kind of preparation could you do to stay healthy and safe?

Check necessary vaccinations and medical declarations, be aware that this can take a lot of time, from weeks to months.
Get an insight in the local health system; hospitals, general practitioners, dentists, maternity care.
Arrange a medical checkup by a reliable doctor in your home country.
Be aware of formal and informal safety advice. Also be ready for an adjustment process after arrival
Do a regular update on a contact checklist and list with emergency numbers.

8. Which agencies/authorities/organizations should you inform to let them know that you are leaving?

Make arrangements with those who stay behind about how to deal with illness or death.
Make sure that you can still arrange administrative tasks or other business from abroad.
Unsubscribe to gas, water, electricity etc. of your former home or make clear arrangements with your solicitor when you are renting your house.
Think about when would be best to say goodbye to colleagues and acquaintances.

9. What (other) issues should you be thinking about when you decide to live abroad?

Take your time to acclimatize and be aware of the culture shock.
Put energy into relationships with local people, besides putting energy into becoming a member of an international expat club.
Utilize relocation services if your employer is sending you abroad; they should support you and your family to settle down in another country.
Reflect and keep an eye on your partner and children, especially at the beginning.
Organize expectations regarding visitors to your new country and you going back to visit your country of origin.
Make appointments regarding important moments and holidays in your country of origin.

10. In what circumstances can you imagine returning to your home country?