Are you moving abroad? Good for you! Being a world traveler and experiencing different cultures is a priceless experience! Now, before you run towards the airport, stop for a moment and check if you have all the necessary documents you will need for international relocation. Keep reading to find out.
You are going to need your passport
Passport is a government-issued id that certifies the nationality and identity of the holder, and allows you to travel abroad. Obviously, this is the No.1 document you need. Passport is valid for a certain number of years and needs to be renewed. Make sure your passport is up-to-date, and check when it needs to be renewed. Some countries won’t permit entry if your passport will expire during the time of your planned stay. What do you need to obtain a passport? First off, you should start the process on time, don’t wait until the last moment. Secondly, you can find all the information regarding obtaining a passport on the Kuwait Government official website.
Don’t forget about obtaining a Visa
A visa is an authorization by the government of the country you want to visit that permits you to remain within its borders for a specified purpose and period of time. A visa may be issued as a separate document or in the form of a stamp in your passport. There are several types of visas, some of which are:
- short-stay visa – allows you to stay in your destination country for a short period of time (for example, you can apply for a medical visa, a business visa, tourist visa…)
- long-stay visa – for longer stays
- residence visa – for those seeking long-term, permanent residence (this is the one you will need)
Your destination country’s consulate office in your home country is where you apply for a visa. While you will usually have to obtain your visa before your move, you may be able to acquire one after you have entered the destination country. The process depends on the country. For example, if you are shipping from Kuwait to UK, you can check the visa info here.
Other important documents you will need for international relocation
There are many important documents you and your family will need when moving abroad to establish identity, pay taxes, verify legal arrangements, and apply for permits and licenses. They include:
- Birth certificate
- Dental records
- Driver’s license
- School records
- Adoption papers
- Financial records
- Social Security cards
- Immunization certificates
- Tax records
- Medical insurance documents
- Divorce/child custody papers
- Wills
- Power of attorney
- Veterinary International Health certificate (for pets)
Note: Make sure you have more than one copy of these documents. Do not pack them with your goods to be shipped by the movers. There are lots of trustworthy international moving companies, but nonetheless, it would not be wise to trust them with these documents. Instead, pack them with your luggage so you can take them with you on the plane (or car, if that’s how you’re traveling). It would be wise to pack them in a carry-on, to be absolutely sure they are not lost during the travel.
Not that you know what kind of documents you will need for an international relocation, you can start collecting everything necessary and look forward to your stress-free move. The world is your oyster!