Moving abroad is thrilling — and a hundred moving parts all at once. The families who land well aren’t the ones with the most money or the least to lose; they’re the ones who answered the big questions before they committed. Here are ten to work through first.

1. Agree the “why” as a family

Before anything practical, get aligned. Why are you moving? What does a good life there look like in one, three and five years? Everyone — including school-age children — should feel heard.

2. Confirm your right to live and work

This is the gatekeeper, so check it early. Which countries can you realistically get a long-term visa for? Can both partners work? Is there a path to permanent residency? Visas shape everything else.

3. Pressure-test the money

Compare the real cost of living to your realistic income there — not the brochure version. Line up your income (a job offer, remote contract or business) before you hand in any notice, and build a 6–12 month buffer.

4. Get the tax picture

How will you be taxed, and could you be taxed twice? Tax residency rules are easy to get wrong and expensive to fix. Get proper advice for your situation.

5. Sort the children’s schooling

Research state, international and bilingual options, the language of instruction, and whether the curriculum continues what your child knows. Good schools have waiting lists — apply early.

6. Check healthcare access

Understand how healthcare is funded (state system vs private insurance), confirm any ongoing medications are available, and budget for cover — it’s often a visa requirement.

7. Plan the move itself

Decide what ships, sells, stores or comes with you. Declutter early — the less you move, the cheaper and calmer it is.

8. Protect the home front

Decide what happens to your current home and assets — sell, rent or keep — and make sure wills and key paperwork are in order.

9. Prepare the paperwork

Passports, birth and marriage certificates, school and medical records — gathered, apostilled and translated where needed, with copies kept safe.

10. Visit before you commit

Shortlist two or three places, score them against your non-negotiables, and visit before any irreversible step. Talk to people who’ve actually made the move.

Make it easy on yourself

We’ve turned this into free, tickable checklists you can work through (and save as a PDF): from choosing a country to before you leave to your first 30 days.

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