Moving abroad is exciting, but the reality is that the decisions you make in the 90 days before you leave will shape your experience far more than the destination itself. This is the period where good planning reduces stress, saves money, and prevents common expat mistakes that can linger for months after arrival.

The following guide breaks down the most important things to handle before an international move, with each step explained clearly so you understand not just what to do, but why it matters.

1. Confirm Your Visa Type and Conditions

Before anything else, make sure you fully understand your visa. This includes how long it lasts, whether you are allowed to work, any income restrictions, and what is required to renew or extend it. Many expats run into trouble simply because they misunderstood what their visa allowed them to do.

2. Check Your Passport Validity

Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and some require more. If your passport is close to expiring, renewing it early avoids unnecessary stress and potential travel disruptions.

3. Gather All Essential Personal Documents

Collect important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic qualifications, employment contracts, and driving licences. Having everything organised before you leave will save you time and frustration when paperwork is required abroad.

4. Create Secure Digital Copies of Documents

Scan all important documents and store them securely online. If documents are lost or stolen while travelling or living abroad, digital backups can be invaluable.

5. Arrange Certified Translations if Required

Some countries require official translations of documents for visas, residency registration, or employment. Certified translations can take time, so arranging them early prevents delays later.

6. Research Residency and Registration Rules

Many countries require new residents to register with local authorities shortly after arrival. Understanding these rules in advance helps you avoid fines or legal issues during your first weeks abroad.

7. Build a Detailed Moving Budget

International moves often cost more than expected. Creating a realistic budget that includes flights, accommodation, shipping, visa fees, and daily expenses helps you stay financially stable during the transition.

8. Notify Your Bank About Your Move

Banks often block cards when they detect foreign transactions. Informing your bank before you move helps prevent frozen accounts and payment issues when you arrive.

9. Decide How You Will Manage Money Abroad

You may need to open a local bank account, keep your home account, or use international banking services. Choosing the right setup early can save you money on fees and make managing finances much easier.

10. Understand Your Tax Obligations

Moving abroad does not automatically end your tax responsibilities at home. Understanding tax residency rules and double taxation agreements can prevent costly mistakes and penalties.

11. Build an Emergency Savings Fund

Having three to six months of living expenses set aside provides a safety net if things do not go as planned. This financial cushion gives you flexibility and peace of mind.

12. Research the Healthcare System in Your New Country

Healthcare systems vary widely. Understanding whether care is public or private, and how access works, helps you avoid confusion when you need medical attention.

13. Arrange International Health Insurance

Even if it is not required for your visa, international health insurance can protect you from high medical costs and long waiting periods in public systems.

14. Collect Medical Records and Prescriptions

Request copies of medical records and prescriptions before you leave. Some medications may be restricted or unavailable abroad, and documentation makes the process easier.

15. Schedule Medical and Dental Checkups

Handling medical and dental appointments before you move is often cheaper and more convenient than trying to arrange them in an unfamiliar system.

16. Decide What to Do With Your Current Home

Whether you sell, rent out, or leave your home, this decision has legal and financial consequences. Sorting this early avoids last-minute pressure.

17. Arrange Temporary Accommodation Abroad

Booking short-term accommodation allows you to explore neighbourhoods and understand local life before committing to a long-term lease.

18. Research the Local Housing Market

Rental processes, deposits, and tenant rights vary by country. Knowing what to expect helps you avoid scams and poor housing decisions.

19. Decide What to Ship and What to Leave Behind

Shipping everything you own is rarely necessary. Many expats find it cheaper and simpler to sell or donate items and buy replacements locally.

20. Understand Customs and Import Rules

Some countries restrict what you can bring, including electronics and medications. Knowing these rules prevents delays and confiscations at the border.

21. Confirm Employment or Income Details

If you are moving for work, ensure contracts, start dates, and payment terms are confirmed in writing. Financial uncertainty creates unnecessary stress early on.

22. Research the True Cost of Living

Online estimates are often misleading. Learning real costs for rent, food, transport, and utilities helps you budget realistically.

23. Learn Basic Language Skills

Even limited language skills make daily life easier and help you integrate socially. They also show respect for local culture.

24. Learn Local Laws and Cultural Norms

What is normal at home may be illegal or offensive abroad. Understanding local expectations reduces misunderstandings and cultural friction.

25. Prepare for Culture Shock

Culture shock is a normal part of relocating. Knowing what to expect emotionally helps you navigate frustration and adjustment periods more calmly.

26. Join Expat and Local Communities Online

Connecting with others before you arrive provides practical advice and a sense of belonging during your early days abroad.

27. Say Meaningful Goodbyes

Leaving friends and family behind can be emotionally challenging. Giving yourself time for proper goodbyes helps with closure and adjustment.

28. Cancel or Transfer Subscriptions and Services

Cancel utilities, memberships, and subscriptions you will no longer use to avoid unnecessary expenses after you move.

29. Set Up Mail Redirection and Digital Access

Ensure important mail reaches you and that you have access to essential online accounts and backups.

30. Create a Simple First-Week Plan

Planning basics like transport, communication, and food for your first week reduces stress and helps you settle in faster.

Final Thoughts

An international move will never be completely stress-free, but preparation makes a huge difference. By using the 90 days before your move wisely, you create a strong foundation for your new life abroad and give yourself the best chance of settling in smoothly and confidently.