How to Move Abroad:
Step-by-Step Guide 2026
From picking a destination to your first month in your new home — the complete practical playbook for moving abroad in 2026.
Step 1 of 7
Choose Your Destination
Define your non-negotiables: climate, language, cost of living, visa accessibility, healthcare quality, and proximity to home. Narrow to 3–5 candidates, then do a research trip of 4–6 weeks in each before committing. Never move permanently to a country you have not lived in for at least a month.
Step 2 of 7
Secure Your Visa Route
Research the visa options available to you given your nationality, income, and family situation. Options typically include: digital nomad visa, skilled worker visa, retirement visa, investor visa, or long-stay tourist visa (less stable). Start the application early — government processing times can be 2–4 months.
Step 3 of 7
Sort Your Finances
Open a Wise multi-currency account as your primary hub. Consider Revolut as a spending card. Understand your tax position and when you cease to be a tax resident in your home country. Build up a 6–12 month emergency fund before you leave. Notify your pension provider and ensure contributions continue or are correctly paused.
Step 4 of 7
Arrange Long-Term Health Insurance
Standard travel insurance is not suitable as your primary health coverage for long-term residency. Get a proper international health insurance policy from a provider like Cigna Global, Bupa International, AXA International, or SafetyWing. For family moves, ensure all dependants are explicitly covered.
Step 5 of 7
Handle UK/Home-Country Admin
The administrative checklist for leaving permanently is extensive. Notify HMRC (or your national tax authority) of your move. Update or cancel subscriptions and financial accounts. Arrange mail forwarding. Decide what to do with UK bank accounts, pension contributions, ISAs, and property.
Step 6 of 7
Sort Accommodation for Arrival
Book short-term accommodation (1–3 months) for arrival — an apartment via Airbnb or local booking sites. Do not sign a long-term lease until you know the area well. Use the first few months to explore neighbourhoods before committing to a longer rental or purchase.
Step 7 of 7
Move, Settle, and Register
On arrival: register with your local council or foreigners' registration office (required in most EU and Latin American countries). Get a tax identification number. Open a local bank account. Register at your GP/local clinic. Build local community connections from day one — don't just socialise with other expats.
Sort Your Health Insurance Before You Go
Step 4 is critical: arrange international health insurance before departure. Most visa applications require proof of coverage, and a gap in cover can prove extremely costly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to move abroad?
This depends heavily on destination. As a rough guide: you need enough to cover 6–12 months of living expenses in your new country, one-way flights for your family, initial accommodation (typically 2–3 months upfront), shipping or storage costs, visa application fees (£200–£2,000+ depending on country), and an emergency buffer of £5,000–£10,000. Total costs range from £8,000–£30,000+ for a single person, and higher for families.
Do I need to sell my house before moving abroad?
No. Many expats keep their UK property and either rent it out or leave it empty initially. Renting it out generates income and maintains your asset, but has tax implications (Non-Resident Landlord scheme). Some people move with the intention of returning and keep their property as a safety net. Selling first provides a cleaner break and capital.
How do I sort out healthcare when moving abroad?
Get international health insurance in place before you leave — providers like Cigna Global, Bupa International, AXA, WorldNomads, or SafetyWing. Once you are established as a legal resident, you may gain access to the local public health system (included in most EU countries for legal residents). Your visa application may require proof of health insurance.
Can I move abroad without a job lined up?
Yes, if you have savings to support yourself, a remote job or freelance income, passive income, or a pension/investment income. Many digital nomad visas specifically cater to self-employed and remote workers. Retirement visas exist for those with pension income. Trying to find local employment in most non-English-speaking countries is significantly harder without prior language skills.
What happens to my UK State Pension if I move abroad?
You can continue to receive your UK State Pension while living abroad. In some countries (EU, Switzerland, USA, and others with bilateral agreements) it is uprated annually. In other countries it is frozen at the level you first receive it. You can also make voluntary National Insurance contributions while abroad to build up your entitlement.
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