Visas and Documents Required for Moving Abroad

To visit some countries, you will need to obtain a visa before you arrive and without one you could be refused entry.
 
It’s important to find out if you need a visa before planning your move and make sure you leave plenty of time to apply for one and ensure that you apply for the correct one for your situation.

Visit the Foreign Travel Advice section of gov.uk to investigate the visa requirements for your intended destination.

Applying for a visa

If the destination of your international move does require a visa, it is important to allow plenty of time to apply, as the application process can be lengthy and complicated.

Check how long the visa application usually takes for the country you would like to move to and if possible allow some extra time in case of any delays.

The application process will be different depending on the country you will be entering, but you usually will have to send your passport and this process often incurs a fee.

The local consulate of the country you are moving to is your first point of contact when you know you will be moving to a new country. It may also be worth researching the country's embassy to find out what is needed.
To speed up the process, sometimes you can apply directly at the issuing office, or use a visa service. 

Work permit

If you have a job offer, this doesn't guarantee an automatic work permit.

To obtain any visa you must make a formal application, and this will involve a lot of paperwork.
 
Beyond proof of employment there are certain documents you must provide which vary from country to country.
In all cases, make sure you have a valid passport that is not close to expiry.

Other documents you may need when moving abroad

Other documentary requirements may include:

• Proof of qualifications and job references
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce certificates
• Medical certificates and health reports
• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• Details of investments
• Criminal record checks.

workpermit.com is a helpful resource when researching your chosen destinations immigration work rules.

Paper trail

While trying to obtain a visa it is important to be organised and keep a paper trail. Once you have arrived in the new country, this still stands. While on a temporary work visa your circumstances may change, or your work visa may expire.
 
It is important to obey the visa laws of your new home country and ensure your visa and the associated paperwork are all up to date, or you could face arrest or deportation.

Pet travel documents

If you are moving abroad with pets, you must make sure they also have all the correct paperwork and documentation.

It will depend on the destination of your international move what paperwork you will need for your animals.
If moving from the UK to a country in the EU, your pet must be up to date with vaccinations, be microchipped, and have a current animal health certificate (AHC).

If you are travelling to a non-EU country, then you will need to obtain an export health certificate (EHC) and fill out an export application form (EXA).

Make sure to double check the specific restrictions of the country you are moving to.

Visas and documents for moving abroad FAQs

Do I need to notify HMRC if I move abroad?

Yes, you will need to tell HMRC if you are moving to live abroad permanently or if you are going to work abroad for at least one full tax year.

How long can a British citizen live in another country?

You are allowed to live in another country for as long as you wish and will still retain your British citizenship.

Where can I move to from the UK without a visa?

There are four places outside of the UK that Brits can move to and work without a visa. These are:

• The Common Travel Area (Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and Ireland)
• Gibraltar
• Belize
• The Isle of Man and Alderney