One AxionRelocation

Documents & paperwork

A document checklist — what to gather, make official, and keep safe for your move abroad.

Paperwork makes or breaks a smooth move. Gather these early, get copies and translations sorted, and keep the originals safe. Tick items off as you go; your progress saves automatically on this device.

1Identity & travel

Passports valid 6+ months — every family member (renew early if not).
Visas, residency permits or entry documents.
National ID cards and driving licences (+ international permit if needed).
Recent passport photos — digital and printed.

2Civil & family records

Birth certificates for everyone.
Marriage / civil-partnership certificate; divorce decree if relevant.
Custody or parental-consent documents for children if applicable.
Adoption or name-change documents if relevant.

3Make them official (translation & legalisation)

Check which documents need a certified translation.
Get apostilles / legalisation where the destination requires them.
Order extra certified copies — you’ll need more than you think.
Confirm each document’s accepted format and validity window.

4Education records

School reports, transcripts and references for each child.
Proof of enrolment or a leaving certificate from the current school.
Your qualification certificates and transcripts (for work or recognition).
Professional licences or accreditations (translated/recognised if needed).

5Health records

Vaccination records for everyone (including any required for entry).
Medical history and a repeat-prescription list.
Dental and optical records.
Health insurance documents.

6Money & legal

Bank statements and proof of funds (often needed for visas and rentals).
Tax records and any leaving-country tax documents.
Employment contract, job offer or proof of income.
Wills, powers of attorney and key insurance policies.

7Property, belongings & pets

Tenancy or sale documents for your old and new home.
Inventory / valuation of shipped belongings (for insurance and customs).
Vehicle documents (title, registration) if you’re importing one.
Pets: microchip + vaccination records, pet passport / import permit, and a vet health certificate within the required window.

8Keep it all safe

Scan everything — keep secure cloud copies plus an offline backup.
Carry originals of the critical documents in your hand luggage, never checked.
Leave copies with someone you trust back home.
Keep a simple index so you can find any document in seconds.