Quick Summary
Most international moves require authenticated U.S. documents. Preparing them early prevents delays and stress.
Documents Most People Need
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- FBI background check
- Diplomas or transcripts
- Proof of income or employment
These documents often require apostilles before being accepted abroad.
Commonly Overlooked Documents
- Divorce decrees
- Powers of attorney
- Name change records
- Court orders
- Medical records (in some cases)
Each country sets its own requirements.
Apostille + Translation (Correct Order)
- Apostille the original document
- Translate the apostilled version
The order matters — doing it backwards can mean rejection.
👉 Certified Translations: When and Why You Need Them
Start document prep 2–3 months before moving whenever possible. Rushed timelines are the most common source of stress in international relocations.
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