Choose the country you would like to move to and research its immigration policies. While the idea of setting up house elsewhere can be romantic, there are certain realities that affect any move to a new country. In most countries, permission to live there is obtained more easily when you're married to a citizen, attending college there or move as part of a job transfer. Most countries have a website outlining the requirements for residency or citizenship. Other options include contacting the embassy of that country in the United States or locating an expatriate community online where you can ask for advice from others who have made the move.
Obtain a United States passport if you don't already have one. Instructions for doing so are on the U.S. Department of State's website, along with filing fees, photo requirements and application locations. While estimated processing times are four to six weeks as of February 2011, you may want to allow longer to ensure you have your passport in hand when you're ready to leave. If you're moving your entire family, each member will need a passport of their own, including children.
Fill out the required paperwork to obtain permission for residency in the country of your choice. Pay all fees and obtain permission to relocate. Many countries require that you obtain a residency visa when you plan to move there permanently. Find out whether or not a work permit is required, as well, if you plan to obtain employment while you're there. Permission to reside in a country does not always grant you the right to work there. If you're interested in becoming a citizen of that country, investigate whether or not you can retain your U.S. citizenship as well. Many countries permit dual citizenship. With the political unrest in much of the world, it is wise to retain ties to the United States.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), offered for free through the U.S. Department of State. You can do this on its website by creating an account and entering your personal information. The purpose of the STEP program is to provide the U.S. government with contact information, so you can be reached in the event of an emergency, and registers you with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that area. This is important to do no matter what country you relocate to, but is especially critical when moving to countries with political unrest.
Learn the language of the area you are moving to. This is just common sense when you plan to live where English is not the first language spoken. Even in countries where many people speak English, it is nice to be able to communicate with locals in their own language. Even when you move to a country where English is the native language, such as England or Canada, there are often phrases and expressions that differ. Sign up for a class, purchase a course on CD, or purchase a book and start studying as far in advance as possible. Purchasing a phrase book to help you communicate easily in a pinch is a good idea, too.
Determine what you are taking with you and what you are leaving behind. If you are maintaining your home in the U.S., then you can easily leave behind everything except the bare necessities. Many people find it's inexpensive to start from scratch with household items and furniture in a new land, as it is to ship large quantities of furniture and other items. Consider also that many appliances and electronics do not work in other countries without the aid of a power converter. A little research will point you in the right direction of what to take with you and what to leave. Call several shipping companies for estimates on how much it will cost to transport your goods.
Arrange for accommodations in your new country. You are better off to book a temporary place to stay, such as a hotel or guesthouse, and view houses and apartments once you arrive. It is possible to arrange a permanent accommodation from overseas in some countries, but it is a risky proposition without viewing the place in person.
Choose a moving date and arrange transportation. Book your plane tickets, or other method of travel, as far in advance as possible. Take important papers with you like identification, passports and medication you'll need while in transit. Remember to bring reading material, a hand-held video game, word search and crossword puzzle books or other items for entertainment while traveling.
