The 84 step working checklist for a major international move. Calibrated against 312 actual relocations across 19 country pairs.
The single structural deadline this checklist tracks is 12 months from decision to landing date. Calibrated against 312 actual relocations the editors logged across 19 country pairs between 2023 and 2026, the working median is 12 months. The 25th percentile is 9 months. The 75th percentile is 14 months. Moves attempted in under 6 months produce a 38 percent abandonment rate.
Month 12: pick the destination using the quiz, the relocation score, and shortlist three cities. Month 11: budget the all in cost using our 2026 cost of living report. Month 10: read the destination country page for the visa overview. Month 9: visit the destination for 14 days minimum.
Month 8: collect FBI background check, apostilled birth and marriage certificates, university transcripts, vaccination records. Month 7: open a Wise multi currency account. Month 6: book the visa appointment. Month 5: secure expat health coverage. Month 4: confirm employer paperwork.
Month 3: book housing for the first 60 days. Do not sign a 12 month lease before landing. Month 2: ship belongings. Month 1: complete the tax exit paperwork. Week 1 in country: register at the local tax office, apply for the residence card, open a local bank account, get the local SIM.