Advanced preparation

When you first move to a new country, you'll want to focus on settling in, rather than filling in forms. The more you can arrange before you leave, the more in control you'll feel when you arrive.

When it comes to your finances, Barclays Global Access package can really simplify the money management side of things. By setting up an offshore account for you, for example and helping you make the most of your new tax status.

This leaves you free to prepare for the other elements of your new life ahead. Here's some things worth considering in advance:

Do I need a visa?
Is my passport valid?
Do I need an International Driving Licence?
Who can help me with accommodation?
What about schools for my children?
What health & safety issues should I consider?
Should I make a will?
What happens to my UK vote?
How can I research my new home country?

Do I need a visa?
If you are going abroad on a work contract, your employer will probably arrange the necessary visa or work permit on your behalf.

If not, contact the visa department at the embassy of your destination country and find out which documents you'll need in order to live and work there.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has contact details for all foreign embassies in the UK on its website at.

There are also a number of independent companies that specialise in obtaining visas and understand the procedures.

Is my passport valid?
This may seem obvious but it's worth checking your passport is up to date and valid. It is likely to be the key piece of identification you'll need to produce as you set up your new home abroad. You'll find everything you need to know about renewing at the UK Passport Office.

Do I need an International Driving Licence?
If you are intending to drive abroad, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website advises that you check the licence requirements and driving laws specific to your destination country.

You may need to take an International Driving Permit (IDP) which, accompanied by a valid UK driving licence, allows you to drive abroad. You can only apply for an IDP in the UK, not when you're abroad. IDPs are issued by the AA and the RAC.

To replace a lost or stolen UK driving licence, or to change the name or address on it, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. You'll need to allow a minimum of three weeks for a new licence to arrive.

Who can help me with accommodation?
Finding the right place to live while abroad will be a key factor in the success of your relocation. If you are moving with work, you will probably find your employer will help you to find a place to live.

If not, there are professional companies which specialise in relocating individuals and families overseas. The Association of Relocation Agents can be contacted on 08700 737475 or visit their website.

For your accommodation, it may be a good idea to rent in the short term, until you get a clear idea of where you want to settle and what the property market is like in your destination country. If you do decide to purchase a property abroad, Barclays may be able to help. Barclays can help arrange a mortgage for you if the property is in France, Spain, Italy or Portugal, or recommend a local mortgage lender.

You may have a property in the UK that you wish to rent out while you're overseas. Or, while overseas, you may decide to purchase a UK property for future use. Barclays can help you with a mortgage, or recommend a property management specialist to manage your letting so you don't have to. You can find the details on our Barclays International Online Banking Service.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

What about schools for my children?
A significant number of overseas assignment failures are due to family issues. You'll want to ensure the comfort and welfare of your family, especially if you have school-age children. See Family Affairs for more detail.

What health and safety issues should I consider?
The FCO advises that everyone, whether they are travelling in Europe or further afield, should take out adequate insurance before leaving the UK.

It also recommends you check the FCO Travel Advice to see whether it's safe to travel to your chosen destination and what health precautions you need to take before you go. Bear in mind that some inoculations must be done six weeks before you leave.

If you are travelling within the EU, you may be entitled to free medical treatment. You'll need to get a European Health Insurance Card form stamped and signed to carry with you. You can get a request form at a Post Office, or download it from the Department of Health website, where you can also get further information on which EU countries offer free healthcare to UK nationals.

In other countries, healthcare may need to be wholly – or partly – paid for. To find out more about the health service and other useful information about your destination country, as a Barclays International Online Banking Service customer you can request a free country profile. To find out more about private medical insurance provided by AXA PPP healthcare designed specifically for UK nationals living abroad.

Should I make a will?
Yes. The FCO Office advises that you make a will before going to live overseas. This is especially important if you retain property in the UK and/or purchase property abroad. To ensure that your properties and investments would be dispersed according to your wishes, you may need to make a will which is valid not only in the UK but also in your destination country. the FCO has a list of English-speaking legal professionals operating globally, who can advise you.

What happens to my UK vote?
Did you know that a British citizen living abroad can still vote in certain UK elections? You'll need to read and fill in the following Electoral Commission form:

How can I research my new home country?
Naturally, you'll want to find out as much as possible about where you're headed. Get off to a great start with a detailed country profile to the destination of your choice. You can soon request a copy on our Barclays International Online Banking Service.

You should contact the embassy for your destination country for leaflets, books and advice about your future home. The FCO website contains a list of all foreign embassies in the UK and their contact details.

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