Moving from the United States to Another Country (2024)

Relocating to a new country from the United States can be an exciting but overwhelming journey. The experience offers amazing opportunities such as experiencing a foreign culture, connecting with new people, and gaining insight into how other regions of the world operate. However, the logistics of planning a move overseas can be challenging.

This hurdle doesn’t deter every American looking to move internationally as according to the US State Department, an estimated 9 million US citizens currently reside abroad. While this represents a relatively small portion of the total American population, it indicates an increasing interest among those considering an international move.

If you are also considering or in the process of planning a move to another country, we have several tips to help your process. Including information on how U-Box® containers can help provide a stress-free transition, allowing you to make the most of your new surroundings.

How to Move to Another Country

Moving abroad is a big decision that can be a challenge to plan for and execute. The journey of moving to another country requires careful planning and preparation, as well as the ability to be flexible as changes potentially occur throughout the process. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or adventure, there are a number of important factors to consider before making the move.

Here are some steps to guide you through the process of moving to another country:

Research Your Destination Country

Prior to making any firm plans, it’s important to research the country you’re considering or planning a move to. For your research, investigate factors such as the cost of living, job opportunities, cultural differences, and even the economic stability of the country. Depending on the reason for your move, this research should ultimately help you decide if a specific country is a good fit for your personal and professional goals.

Obtain or Update Your Passport

Before you can apply for visa programs to move overseas, you will need to obtain a valid U.S passport. Securing a new or updated passport can be a lengthy process of up to eleven weeks, so confirming your current passport status should be an early step in your process.

Apply for the Necessary Visas and Residency Permits

Moving to another country typically requires obtaining a visa or residency permit. The requirements for obtaining these documents will vary depending on the destination country and the reason for your move. For example – if you’re moving for work, you will need a work visa, while if you’re moving for retirement, you will need a retirement visa. Additionally, many countries operate on a points-based immigration system. Be sure to research and apply for the visa that will be required for your move overseas.

Prepare Financially

Moving to another country can be expensive, so it’s important to plan for all the costs involved. To start this process, it’s vital to create a budget and research the exchange rate between the United States Dollar and the currency of your destination. Also, consider mapping out your other financial obligations such as housing, transportation, and the initial cost of moving overseas.

Arrange Your Move Overseas

If you plan to transport a considerable amount of your belongings overseas, hiring an international moving company is a smart choice. Using a service that can ship your belongings internationally will make your move easier to manage. U-Box and its international moving service is a tremendous option for a cost-effective and stress-free experience when moving overseas.

Become Familiar with the Culture and Customs

Finally, it’s important to become familiar with the culture and customs of your destination country. Prepare yourself for any culture shock you may encounter upon arrival by researching its history and social norms. Additionally, learning a few key phrases or words in the native language of your new country can make the transition much smoother.

Moving to the United Kingdom from the United States

The United Kingdom is a popular option for Americans looking to relocate abroad. Due to this, there are certain advantages when compared to moving to other countries. For example – as an American citizen, you can visit the United Kingdom for up tosix months without a visa. This policy makes it much easier for citizens of the United States to travel to the United Kingdom, while still awaiting the processing of their visas. During this time period, you can remain in the United Kingdom, but you will not be permitted to move and import household items or other personal effects without a visa.

Following these six months, you will need to apply for a visa to remain a legal resident of the United Kingdom. There are several different types of visas available, including work visas, student visas, and family visas. It’s important to research the different requirements for each type of visa to determine which is necessary for your stay in the United Kingdom.

Following your move – as an American, you can enjoy the similarities it shares with the United States such as a shared heritage, cultural overlaps, and a centuries-old foreign kinship. With careful planning and a bit of patience, you can successfully make a new home for yourself in the United Kingdom.

Moving to France from the United States

Moving to France from the United States can be an exciting and rewarding experience. France is renowned for its rich history and culture and is a popular destination for immigrants from all over the world including Americans. Before making the move, it’s important to understand the visa requirements needed for permanently relocating to France. The type of visa you need will depend on your reason for moving, whether it is for work, study, or to retire. It’s recommended to start the visa application process well in advance of your planned move, as it can take several weeks or even months.

In addition to visa requirements – it’s important to consider the cost of living in France. It’s recommended you do extensive research on the cost of living in the area you plan to live in, and to budget accordingly. Compared to many cities in the United States, living expenses in France can be quite high, particularly in urban centers like Paris. However, there are many benefits to living in France, such as access to universal healthcare and a high quality of living.

Finally, it is important to be prepared for the cultural differences that come with living in France. French culture and social norms may differ from what you are used to in the United States, and it can take time to adjust properly. Learning some basic French phrases and immersing yourself in the local culture can help you adapt more quickly to your new surroundings. Ultimately, moving to France can be a life-changing experience, offering the opportunity to explore a new country, learn a new language, and broaden your horizons.

Moving to Germany from the United States

Another popular destination for Americans who decide to relocate abroad is to Germany. Germany is well known for its beautiful architecture and high standard of living. If you plan on making the move, be sure to do your due diligence on the requirements and legal procedures involved with obtaining a visa. As a citizen of the United States, you can stay in Germany for up to three months before needing a long-stay visa. However, it is important to mention that German language skills are required depending on the type of visa needed for your relocation.

While the cost of living in Germany can be high compared to other countries, it is generally less expensive than living in major cities in the United States. Germany also offers a high standard of living, with excellent public transportation, high-quality healthcare, and affordable education. Moving to Germany as an American can be a tremendous experience.

How U-Box Helps Those Moving Overseas

U-Haul is widely known and has a celebrated history with over 75 years of being America’s leading moving and storage resource. But did you know you could move to another country using U-Haul services? Well, with U-Box containers you can! U-Haul offers international moving and storage to almost any destination in the world with U-Box portable moving containers.

With U-Box you can request an international moving quote online. Once you have accepted your custom quote, our international team will work directly with you to plan your move overseas. U-Box International Shipping customers are assigned a move manager that will assist you with the required documentation needed for international shipping and customs clearance. They will also provide an in-depth walk-through regarding the logistics of your move.

Moving overseas with U-Box is also cost-effective as our portable moving containers are not charged by weight and we provide you with a comprehensive quote. You can also reserve as many U-Box containers as you believe you need and only pay to ship the containers you use.