Expats
Moving abroad: the list of what to close down before you go
Before you think about the destination you have to close things at home. Tax, healthcare, the bank, the post and the phone, and what each one involves.
Tomás Berruezo 7 min Photo by Marlin Clark on Unsplash Moving abroad always gets planned looking at the destination, and half the work is at the other end. What you do not close properly before leaving comes back as a letter, a fine or a blocked account.
The paperwork at home
- Registering with your consulate at the destination, or deregistering at home, depending on what applies.
- Your tax position: if your tax residence changes, how and when that has to be declared.
- Healthcare: what happens to your card and your doctor once you stop paying contributions at home.
- Post: a stable contact address for whatever keeps arriving.
- And the direct debits, which keep going out whether you are there or not.
The bank
Tell them your address has changed and check two things: that you can still log in without depending on a text to a number you may drop, and what happens to your account once you are no longer resident. Some products change their terms.
The phone, which matters more than it looks
Your existing number is the key to your bank, to the public administration and to half a dozen services. Cancelling it in the first month is one of the most regretted decisions on this whole list.
The usual thing is to keep it on the cheapest tariff you can find while you build a life over there, and decide later without the rush.
The options and what each one involves are in keeping your existing number while you live abroad.
A phone number is not an expense: it is the key to your bank and to the public administration.
The documents to get ready before you go
- Academic certificates and degrees, with an apostille and a sworn translation if the destination asks for them.
- Medical and vaccination records, and prescriptions for anything you take.
- A criminal record certificate, which expires.
- Vehicle papers or your licence if you are going to drive.
- And marriage or birth certificates if you are moving with family.
All of that is far quicker to get before you leave than to request from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to close before moving abroad?
The consular register, your tax position, healthcare, a stable postal address, the direct debits and the bank.
Should I cancel my number?
Not at first: it is the key to your bank and to the administration. The usual thing is to keep it on the cheapest tariff while you settle in over there.
What documents should I take?
Degrees with an apostille and a translation if they are needed, medical and vaccination records, a criminal record certificate, driving papers and family certificates.
Does my tax residence change automatically?
No. It depends on criteria set by law and by the applicable treaty, and it is worth checking with an adviser.
