The great adventure begins, your expatriation project becomes a reality! Deciding to move abroad is a choice that brings with it a multitude of changes in the lives of individuals and their loved ones. An ill-prepared expatriation can turn out to be a failure, leading to a hasty return to one’s country of origin. That’s why we’ve put together a checklist and advice to help you expatriate with peace of mind.
Why expatriate?
An expatriation project doesn’t just happen on a whim. It has to be carefully thought through. There are many reasons or motivations why many people want to move abroad:
– Change their environment
– Develop their career
– Discover other cultures or ways of life
– Learn a new language
– Develop their adventurous side by discovering the world
– Make their childhood dreams come true
– Leave to find a better job
Expatriation is an enriching and life-changing experience. If you don’t know exactly why you’re going, it’s not a good idea to leave. Evaluate the pros and cons in terms of your personal and professional life.
Anticipating departure for the country of expatriation
– I find out about the country of expatriation to obtain information about life there
– I learn the language of the country of expatriation (by taking courses, language methods…)
– I book the plane ticket in advance
– I inform my pension fund of my expatriation.
– I apply to the prefecture to obtain an international driver’s license.
– I organize my move with a certified international moving company and find out about customs formalities (pets, vehicle importation…).
Administrative procedures for expatriates
– Check that you have a valid travel document (passport or identity card, depending on your destination country). Note: some countries require passports to be valid for more than 6 months.
– If necessary, I have obtained a visa from the embassy or consulate of the country I am visiting. I have the necessary documents to obtain a residence or work permit.
– For both departure and return, notify the local postal services of your change of address and organize the follow-up of your mail
– I complete the necessary formalities with the local authorities (residence permit, tax authorities, social security affiliation).
– I’m also registering on the consular electoral roll if I want to take part in the elections organized abroad in my country of origin.
– I apply to my local consulate for the transcription of civil status documents (births, marriages) that occur during my stay.
Preparing for expatriation with your family
– I make an appointment with my doctor to check on recommended vaccinations, medical treatment and any medical risks incurred in the destination country. I do a medical check-up for each member of my family.
– I regularly check the validity of my passport and those of my children.
– I check that their birth certificate or family record book as well as their health record is up to date with vaccinations
– I think about my children’s schooling and enroll them in a school abroad. And don’t forget to re-enroll them once they’re back in their home country.
– I stay in touch with my loved ones back home. Read our article to find out how to manage the distance with your loved ones when you’re abroad.
Termination for just cause and expatriation
– Before leaving for the country of expatriation, I cancel all my contracts (water, gas, electricity, internet…), as well as for my return to my country of origin.
When you take out a subscription, you enter into a contractual relationship. To terminate it without incurring additional costs, you need to respect the end-of-contract clauses specified in the general terms and conditions of sale.
Expatriation allows you to terminate your contract for “legitimate reasons”. This entitles you to terminate any contract. Moving abroad is a circumstance that makes it easier for you to terminate your contract.
Preparing to return from expatriation
– I organize my move, taking into account deadlines and customs formalities.
– I make arrangements for social security coverage on my return to my country of origin
– If I have paid taxes abroad, I request a tax receipt from the relevant local administration before leaving the country
– I find out about my rights to drive with my driver’s license in my country of origin
– I keep all important supporting documents (employment, income, health, etc.).
Taking out health insurance for your expatriation
– I take the necessary steps to obtain the right social security cover. Contact an expatriate insurance specialist for advice tailored to my personal situation: age, marital status, destination and length of expatriation.
– I take out repatriation insurance.
– I’m taking out expatriation health insurance.
Mondassur, an international health insurance broker for over 20 years, can offer you the expatriate insurance best suited to your profile, depending on your country of expatriation, your age, your health budget and the level of cover you wish to benefit from. Contact one of our advisors today, who will answer all your questions, or request a free online quote for health insurance abroad.
To get your expatriation project off to a good start, you need to be well prepared both before and after your move.
