The Land of
Check Lists

Essential Identity & Travel Documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay)

• Visa/work permit/residency permit (current and copies)

• National ID card (from home country)

• Driver's license (home country and international driving permit if applicable)

• Birth certificate (original and certified copies)

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Divorce/separation papers (if applicable)

• Children's birth certificates (if applicable)

• Adoption papers (if applicable)

• Death certificates (of spouse/parent if relevant for legal purposes)

 

Educational & Professional Records

• Academic diplomas and transcripts (high school, university, postgraduate)

• Professional certifications and licenses

• Employment reference letters

• CV/Resume (updated and adapted for new country)

• Professional membership certificates

• Trade qualifications

• Language proficiency certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

 

Medical Records

• Vaccination records (including COVID-19)

• Medical history summary from your doctor

• Prescription records and current medications list

• Optical prescription (glasses/contacts)

• Dental records

• Specialist reports (for ongoing conditions)

• Medical insurance cards and policy documents

• Blood type documentation

• Allergy information

 

Financial Documents

• Bank statements (last 3-6 months)

• Tax returns (last 2-3 years)

• Proof of funds (for visa requirements)

• Credit reports (from home country)

• Investment/pension statements

• Property deeds/titles

• Vehicle registration and ownership

• Insurance policies (all types)

 

Legal & Authorization Documents

• Power of attorney (if someone managing affairs in home country)

• Notarized copies of all important documents

• Apostille stamps on documents (if required for destination)

• Translated documents (certified translations where required)

• Police clearance certificate/background check

• Character references

• Will and estate documents

 

For Families

• Custody agreements (if applicable)

• School records and transcripts for all children

• Immunization records for children

• Guardianship documents (if applicable)

• Pet vaccination records and health certificates

• Pet microchip documentation

• Import permits for pets

 

Organization Tips

• Create digital copies of all documents (encrypted cloud storage)

• Physical folder system with originals and certified copies

• Email copies to yourself as backup

• USB drive backup kept separately from other documents

• Share access with trusted person in case of emergency

• Translation folder for documents requiring translation

• Expiry date tracker for documents needing renewal

Initial Research & Eligibility

• Research citizenship by descent laws in target country

• Understand eligibility requirements (which generations qualify)

• Determine if there are registration deadlines (some countries have time limits)

• Check if country allows dual citizenship (and if your current country does)

• Understand if you need to renounce current citizenship

• Research application process (can it be done from abroad or must be in-country)

• Understand processing times (can range from months to years)

• Research application fees and associated costs

• Join citizenship by descent support groups (Facebook groups, forums)

• Consult with immigration lawyer specializing in citizenship by descent

• Determine which ancestral line to trace (maternal, paternal, or both)

 

Grandparents' Documentation

For Each Qualifying Grandparent:

• Full birth certificate (long form, with parents' names)

• Marriage certificate(s) (all marriages)

• Death certificate (if deceased)

• Citizenship documents or naturalization papers

• Passports (copies of all pages if available)

• National ID cards from country of origin

• Immigration records (arrival documents, ship manifests, etc.)

• Proof of residence in country of origin:

• • Census records

  • Electoral rolls/voter registration

  • Property records

  • Tax documents

  • Church records (baptism, confirmation, marriage)

  • School records

  • Military service records

  • Employment records

• Proof of non-naturalization (if they emigrated but maintained original citizenship)

• Certificate of no naturalization from countries where they resided

• Proof they didn't renounce citizenship of country of origin

 

 

Parents' Documentation

For Each Parent in the Lineage:

• Full birth certificate (showing grandparents' names and details)

• Marriage certificate(s)

• Citizenship documents or proof of citizenship

• Passport copies (all pages)

• Proof of registration with origin country (if born abroad)

• Proof parents were married at time of birth (if required by law)

• Certificate of no naturalization (from other countries, if applicable)

• Death certificate (if applicable)

 

Your Own Documentation

• Full birth certificate (showing parents' details)

• Current passport

• Marriage certificate(s) (if applicable)

• Divorce/annulment papers (if applicable)

• Police clearance certificates (may be required from all countries of residence)

• Proof of current citizenship

• Photographs (passport-style, as per requirements)

 

Additional Supporting Documentation

• Complete family tree showing lineage from grandparent to you

• Affidavits from family members confirming relationships (if documents missing)

• DNA evidence (rarely accepted, but worth researching)

• Statutory declarations for any name changes/discrepancies

• Explanation letters for any gaps in documentation

• Historical context documents (war records, government policy documents explaining missing records)

 

Document Preparation

• Obtain original documents (not photocopies) where possible

• Get certified copies from issuing authorities

• Apostille all documents (if required - check Hague Convention status)

• Get official translations (by certified translators) for all foreign-language documents

• Ensure translator certifications are included with translations

• Verify document expiry dates (some documents must be recent)

• Create document checklist specific to your country's requirements

• Organize chronologically and by person

• Make multiple certified copies (for different stages of application)

• Keep digital scans of everything (high resolution)

 

Genealogical Research

• Search national archives in country of origin

• Access civil registration records (births, marriages, deaths)

• Research church records (baptism, marriage, burial registers)

• Explore immigration databases (Ellis Island, Castle Garden, etc.)

• Check census records in all countries of residence

• Review military records (if grandparent served)

• Search ship passenger lists/manifests

• Check naturalization records (to prove or disprove naturalization)

• Contact local historical societies in ancestral towns/regions

• Hire professional genealogist (if needed, especially in country of origin)

• Use genealogy websites (Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, MyHeritage)

• Connect with distant relatives who may have family documents

 

Application Process

• Determine correct application pathway (consulate, embassy, or in-country)

• Complete application forms (accurately and completely)

• Gather all required fees (check payment methods accepted)

• Schedule appointment (if required) well in advance

• Prepare application package with all documents in correct order

• Include cover letter explaining your claim and lineage

• Submit application through correct channels

• Obtain receipt/confirmation of submission

• Track application status (if tracking system available)

• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information

• Be prepared for interviews (if required)

• Understand appeal process (if application denied)

 

 

 

 

Special Considerations by Country

Common Issues to Research:

• Gender discrimination (some countries only allow descent through male line)

• "Broken chain" rules (whether parents registered before you were born)

• Birth in/out of wedlock requirements

• Renunciation clauses (whether ancestors formally renounced citizenship)

• Compulsory military service (if citizenship granted, may be required)

• Language requirements (some countries require language tests)

• Residence requirements (some require period of residence first)

• Age limitations (some programs have age cutoffs)

• Registration deadlines (some countries require registration by certain age)

 

Post-Application

• Maintain copies of entire application package

• Keep record of submission date and reference numbers

• Monitor email and postal mail for correspondence

• Update contact information if you move during processing

• Research oath/ceremony requirements (if applicable)

• Understand rights and obligations of new citizenship

• Plan for passport application once citizenship granted

• Consider implications for taxes, voting, military service

• Update your home country about dual citizenship (if required)

• Celebrate! This is often a multi-year journey

• Resources & Support

• Join online communities for citizenship by descent (country-specific)

• Follow immigration law blogs for updates on policies

• Connect with others going through same process

• Consider hiring specialists:

• Immigration lawyer (for complex cases)

• Genealogist (for document finding)

• Document retrieval services (in country of origin)

• Translation services (certified)

• Budget adequately (process can be expensive: fees, documents, translations, travel)

• Be patient (processing can take 1-5+ years depending on country)

• Common Roadblocks & Solutions

• Missing birth/marriage certificates → Request from civil registries, church records, or use alternative evidence

• Name discrepancies → Provide statutory declarations and supporting evidence

• Lost documents → Request duplicates from issuing authorities

• Destroyed records (war, natural disaster) → Use alternative evidence and affidavits

• Inaccessible archives → Hire local researchers or document retrieval services

• Denials based on technicalities → Understand appeal process and consult lawyer

Pre-Departure Health Preparation

• Schedule comprehensive check-up (medical, dental, vision)

• Update all vaccinations (routine and travel-specific)

• Obtain vaccination records (official documentation)

• Get prescriptions refilled (maximum allowed quantity)

• Obtain prescription documentation from doctor

• Research medication availability in new country (some may be unavailable/different names)

• Get generic names for all medications

• Complete any planned medical procedures

• Get dental work done (cleanings, cavities, etc.)

• Update eyeglass/contact prescription

• Order extra glasses/contacts

• Obtain medical summary from your doctor

• Get copies of important test results (blood work, imaging, etc.)

• Research medical conditions and local treatment options

• Stock first aid kit for travel and initial period

 

Health Insurance

• Research health insurance requirements in new country

• Understand employer health benefits (if applicable)

• Purchase international/expat health insurance (if needed)

• Maintain home country insurance during transition (if possible)

• Understand coverage waiting periods

• Research what's covered vs. out-of-pocket costs

• Obtain insurance cards/documentation

• Understand claim procedures

• Save emergency insurance contact numbers

• Research if home insurance covers emergency visits back home

• Understand pre-existing condition coverage

• Get travel insurance for the actual move

 

Healthcare System in New Country

• Research healthcare system type (public, private, or mixed)

• Register with national health service (if applicable)

• Understand how to access care (referral system, direct access, etc.)

• Locate nearest hospitals and clinics

• Find English-speaking doctors (if needed)

• Research emergency room procedures

• Understand ambulance services (free, paid, how to call)

• Find pharmacy near your home

• Understand prescription system (how to refill, etc.)

• Research specialist referral process

• Find mental health services (therapists, counselors)

• Locate support groups (if needed for ongoing conditions)

 

Finding Healthcare Providers

• Register with general practitioner/primary care doctor

• Find dentist and schedule cleaning

• Find optometrist/ophthalmologist (if needed)

• Locate specialists for ongoing conditions

• Find OB/GYN (if applicable)

• Find pediatrician (if applicable)

• Research alternative medicine providers (chiropractor, acupuncture, etc.)

• Join expat health groups for recommendations

• Schedule initial appointments (may have long waits)

 

Medications & Pharmacies

• Research local pharmacy chains

• Understand prescription requirements

• Transfer prescriptions to local pharmacy

• Find medication equivalents (if home country medication unavailable)

• Understand medication costs (what's covered by insurance)

• Learn pharmacy hours (24-hour options)

• Understand over-the-counter medication availability

• Research import restrictions on medications

• Keep medications in original packaging (with labels)

• Carry prescription documentation when traveling with medications

 

 

Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Acknowledge moving stress and give yourself grace

• Find therapist/counselor (in-person or online)

• Research mental health coverage in insurance

• Join support groups (expat, immigrant, cultural)

• Maintain routines from home (exercise, hobbies)

• Set up stress management practices (meditation, yoga, etc.)

• Stay connected with home support system

• Be aware of culture shock stages

• Plan self-care activities

• Join social/sports clubs for community

• Consider life coaching for transition support

 

For Families with Children

• Find pediatrician and schedule initial check-up

• Transfer medical records for all children

• Update vaccinations (may need additional ones for new country)

• Research school health requirements

• Find child-friendly dentist

• Locate child psychologist (if needed for transition support)

• Find children's activities (for routine and socializing)

• Understand child healthcare in new system

• Find parent support groups

• Research childcare/babysitting options

 

Fitness & Wellness

• Find gym or fitness center

• Research fitness class options (yoga, pilates, etc.)

• Locate running/walking routes

• Find sports clubs or teams

• Research outdoor activities available

• Maintain exercise routine through transition

• Find healthy food options near home/work

• Join wellness communities

 

 

Social Services & Support

• Research social services available to immigrants/expats

• Register with relevant agencies (family services, etc.)

• Find community centers

• Locate religious/spiritual communities (if important to you)

• Research volunteer opportunities

• Find cultural organizations (from home country and local)

• Join professional networks

• Connect with expat organizations

• Find parenting groups (if applicable)

• Research senior services (if applicable)

 

Disability Services & Accessibility

• Research disability rights in new country

• Register with disability services (if applicable)

• Understand accessibility standards

• Find accessible transportation options

• Locate accessible housing

• Research assistive technology availability

• Connect with disability organizations

• Understand accommodations (workplace, public spaces)

 

Emergency Preparedness

• Learn emergency numbers (ambulance, fire, police)

• Understand emergency room process

• Know location of nearest hospital

• Keep emergency contact card in wallet

• Inform someone local of any health conditions

• Wear medical alert bracelet (if applicable)

• Keep list of allergies and medications (in English and local language)

• Understand how emergency services work (free, paid, etc.)

• Save poison control number

• Research natural disaster risks (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) and preparedness

Pre-Departure in Home Country

• Apply for visa/work permit/residency permit (with sufficient lead time)

• Obtain police clearance certificate

• Get documents apostilled (if required)

• Arrange certified translations of key documents

• Register intention to move abroad with government (if required)

• Update or cancel voter registration (depending on country rules)

• Notify tax authorities of departure

• Obtain tax clearance certificate (if required)

• Cancel or transfer vehicle registration

• Cancel or transfer business registrations

• Set up mail forwarding or virtual mailbox service

• Designate power of attorney (if needed for home country affairs)

• Update will and estate planning with new international situation

• Research inheritance laws in new location

 

Upon Arrival in New Country

• Register with local authorities (within required timeframe - often 1-2 weeks)

• Apply for residency registration (if separate from visa)

• Obtain local ID number (social security/tax/national ID)

• Register address with local government

• Apply for local ID card (if available/required)

• Register with home country embassy/consulate

• Update passport with new address (if applicable)

• Apply for work permit (if not obtained before arrival)

• Register for tax purposes in new country

• Understand tax residency rules and implications

• Apply for driver's license (check if home license valid, or if need to convert/test)

• Register vehicle (if bringing one)

• Obtain local vehicle insurance

 

For Families

• Register birth of any children at embassy (to maintain home country citizenship

• Enroll children in school (obtain school registration documents)

• Update custody agreements with new address

• Register family members with local authorities

• Apply for family member visas/permits (if not done together)

 

Ongoing Legal Compliance

• Set calendar reminders for visa/permit renewals

• Track residency requirements (minimum days in country, etc.)

• Maintain required documentation of employment/enrollment

• Keep proof of address documents current

• Understand path to permanent residency (if desired)

• Research citizenship requirements (if interested long-term)

• Stay informed on immigration law changes

 

Legal Protections

• Research tenant rights in new country

• Understand employment law and worker protections

• Know consumer protection laws

• Understand your visa conditions and restrictions

• Keep legal advisor contact information (if needed)

• Join expat legal support groups or services

Phone Services - Home Country

• Research international roaming costs

• Consider suspending service vs. canceling

• Port number to VoIP service (to keep home number)

• Unlock phone (if carrier locked)

• Ensure phone is compatible with new country networks

• Back up contacts and data

• Cancel or transfer phone contracts

• Set up international plan (if keeping service)

• Understand calling rates to new country

 

Phone Services - New Country

• Research phone providers (coverage, plans, costs)

• Compare prepaid vs. contract plans

• Check phone compatibility with local networks

• Purchase local SIM card (upon arrival or order online)

• Set up phone plan (data, minutes, international calling)

• Obtain local phone number

• Test coverage in your area

• Set up voicemail in local language

• Download local apps (banking, transport, maps)

• Update phone number with contacts and services

 

 

Internet & Utilities

• Research internet providers in your area

• Compare plans (speed, data limits, costs, contract terms)

• Check availability at your address

• Schedule installation (often takes 2-4 weeks)

• Understand equipment needs (modem, router)

• Budget for installation fees

• Set up Wi-Fi network

• Test internet speed and reliability

• Keep backup internet option (mobile hotspot)

 

Digital Communication Tools

• Set up WhatsApp/Telegram with local number

• Continue Skype/Zoom with home contacts

• Research local messaging apps (WeChat, Line, Kakao, etc.)

• Set up VPN service (access home country content, security)

• Test VPN before moving (ensure it works in new country)

• Consider VoIP services (Skype, Google Voice) for cheap international calls

• Update communication preferences with family/friends

• Set up video calling for regular check-ins

 

Mail & Addresses

• Set up mail forwarding from home address

• Consider virtual mailbox service

• Update address with all important contacts

• Provide new address to:

  • Banks and financial institutions

  • Insurance companies

  • Government agencies

  • Subscription services

  • Professional organizations

  • Educational institutions

  • Employers (former and current)

  • Family and friends

• Research local postal service (delivery times, PO boxes)

• Understand package delivery (signature requirements, fees)

• Set up local address for official correspondence

 

Staying Connected with Home

• Schedule regular call times (mindful of time zones)

• Set up family group chat

• Create photo/video sharing system

• Plan virtual celebrations for birthdays, holidays

• Keep streaming service from home (with VPN if needed)

• Subscribe to home country news

• Join online communities from home region

• Maintain social media presence

 

Building Local Connections

• Join expat forums and groups

• Find Facebook groups for your city/country

• Download Meetup or similar apps

• Join local social media platforms (if different from home)

• Research networking events in your field

• Find hobby/interest groups

• Connect with neighbors (in-person and on neighborhood apps)

• Join language exchange groups

 

Emergency Communication Plan

• Keep emergency contact list (local and home country)

• Share your contact info with family (local number, address)

• Know how to call emergency services (different numbers in each country)

• Save embassy contact information

• Set up emergency alert contacts on phone

• Keep backup charger/battery pack

• Write down key numbers (in case phone is lost)

• Understand how to contact local police/ambulance

 

Media & Entertainment

• Research local streaming services

• Evaluate keeping home country subscriptions (with VPN)

• Cancel unnecessary subscriptions

• Download offline content for transition period

• Research local TV/radio options

• Find podcast apps that work in new location

• Update app store region (or keep multiple accounts)

• Research local news sources (to stay informed)

Banking - Home Country

• Notify bank of move (prevent card blocking)

• Update address to mail forwarding service or trusted contact

• Set up online banking (if not already active)

• Understand international transaction fees

• Keep one account active for ongoing home country needs

• Close unnecessary accounts

• Update direct debits or cancel as needed

• Transfer automatic payments or set up international payments

• Obtain reference letter from bank (for opening accounts abroad)

• Check credit card international usage policies

• Set up international calling access for phone banking

 

Banking - New Country

• Research banking options (expat-friendly banks, fees, services)

• Understand document requirements for opening account

• Open local bank account (as soon as eligible)

• Set up online/mobile banking

• Order debit/credit card

• Understand local banking system (payment methods, check usage, etc.)

• Set up direct deposit for salary

• Link to international transfer services (if needed)

• Understand ATM network and fees

• Set up bill payment systems

 

 

Money Transfers & Currency

• Research currency transfer services (Wise, OFX, etc. vs. banks)

• Set up transfer accounts before moving

• Understand exchange rate timing strategies

• Transfer initial funds for settlement

• Set up regular transfers (if maintaining obligations in home country)

• Budget for transfer fees in financial planning

• Consider multi-currency accounts

• Keep some home currency for visits back

 

Tax Planning

• Research tax residency rules (both countries)

• Understand double taxation agreements

• Determine if you need to file in both countries

• Register with new country tax authority

• Obtain tax identification number

• Understand tax year (may differ from home country)

• Research tax deductions for expats/immigrants

• Keep records for foreign tax credits

• Hire international tax advisor (if situation is complex)

• Set up tax withholding from salary correctly

• Understand social security/pension implications

• Research tax-advantaged savings accounts in new country

 

Credit & Financial History

• Obtain credit report from home country

• Understand you'll start with no credit history in new country

• Research how to build credit in new location

• Apply for secured credit card (if needed to build credit)

• Keep home country credit cards active (for credit history)

• Set up utility bills in your name (helps build credit)

• Register to vote (helps with credit in some countries)

 

 

Insurance

• Review home country insurance policies (life, disability, etc.)

• Obtain international health insurance (if not covered by employer)

• Research local health insurance requirements

• Get renter's/homeowner's insurance

• Obtain liability insurance (if required)

• Consider travel insurance for trips home

• Update beneficiaries on all policies

• Get vehicle insurance (if applicable)

• Understand insurance claim processes in new country

 

Investments & Retirement

• Review investment portfolio with advisor

• Understand tax implications of investments while abroad

• Consider keeping vs. liquidating investments

• Research retirement account rules (contributions while abroad)

• Understand pension portability (if applicable)

• Set up retirement savings in new country

• Research government pension contributions and benefits

• Update investment account addresses

• Ensure online access to all accounts

 

Budgeting for the Move

• Calculate cost of living in new location

• Budget for moving expenses (shipping, flights, temporary accommodation)

• Budget for settlement costs (deposits, furniture, initial supplies)

• Plan for currency fluctuation buffer

• Save emergency fund (3-6 months expenses in new location)

• Budget for trips home (if planned)

• Account for income gaps (between jobs)

• Research salary expectations in new location

• Understand local cost norms (rent, food, transport, etc.)

 

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Financial Records

• Keep records of all transfers (for tax purposes)

• Document cost basis of investments (for future tax reporting)

• Maintain expense receipts for moving costs (may be deductible)

• Track days in each country (for tax residency)

• Keep digital copies of all financial documents

• Set up secure password management for financial accounts

• Create financial information document for emergencies