8 Documents You Need Before You Move Abroad (+Templates You Can Use)
Have those on file for your new life abroad.
Which documents do you need when moving abroad?
Well, it depends.
Some countries only ask for your passport (e.g. Albania, as featured here). Others (usually the more popular ones) ask for several documents, especially when you are applying for visas / residencies that let you stay long-term or if you plan to buy property.
The document part is actually not that complicated. It’s just one of those things that needs to be done, and it needs to be done right.
What’s not included in this post?
Anything document-related you can only get after arrival. Local utility bills (e.g. for local bank account openings). New bank statements. Local tax certificates.
Those are for later. I’ll cover them in a separate post.
Now, some countries have stricter rules. Like Singapore or Switzerland. So called “high-control work visas”.
For these, you’ll find a short “complex cases” section later in this post so you know what to expect. But we won’t go into detail here, and rather handle those country-specific in separate posts.
Why bother with all this? Can I not just book a ticket and figure it out after arrival?
My honest take when I hear someone says this:
A few days (or even just hours) of prep here can save you weeks of wasted time, missed deadlines, and frustrating trips to government offices.
If moving abroad is even on your mind, start here.
How To Use This Guide
You start with the Base Pack.
That covers the documents almost everyone needs before a serious move. After that, you only add what fits your life circumstances.
If you are married or divorced, you add that section.
If you have kids, you add that section.
If you already have a job contract, you add that section.
If you are moving with a pet, you add that section.
If none of these apply, you stop at the Base Pack.
Some items are easy to get, while others take weeks.
Keep one clean cloud folder and one secure offline copy.
Inside this article you will get the full lists, short explanations for each item, the ‘Back Home Filing Sheet’, and a printable cover kit for each option.
But before jumping into the list, lets look at …
The Five Rules For Paperwork
Rule 1: Details Should Match Across Documents
Your name, date of birth, and address should read the same across every document. If a name changed, add the proof. Fix mismatches before you book appointments. Consistency prevents extra questions.
Rule 2: Start With Items That Take Longer
Start with what takes weeks. Passport renewal would be an example. Put those dates on your calendar and work backward.
Rule 3: Always Bring A Set Of Copies
Most offices scan the original and keep a copy. Some ask for certified copies. Translate or legalize only if the country requires it or the document is not in English. Check the exact format the destination accepts.
Rule 4: Clear Proof of Money
Bring recent bank statements as PDFs and a short bank letter on letterhead if you can get it. Do not include extra pages that were not requested.
Rule 5: Store Smart And Carry Light
Keep one clean cloud folder and one password-protected USB with the full set. Use simple file names so you can find things in seconds. I always include the year (e.g. 2025) in the file name, to remind myself to re-check year by year.
Some destinations are stricter and will ask for extra steps like specific formats, notarization, or apostilles. There is a short note on complex cases later so you know what to expect.
Let’s look at the Base Pack you should have ready in any case.