Moving Abroad Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Do Before Leaving the US
Moving abroad is one of the most exciting — and logistically complex — decisions an American can make. After making the move ourselves to South Brazil, we learned that the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one comes down to preparation. This checklist covers everything you need to handle before you leave.
6–12 Months Before You Leave
Decide on Your Destination
This sounds obvious, but many people spend years "thinking about" moving abroad without ever committing to a specific country. Research visa requirements, cost of living, healthcare quality, and climate. South Brazil, for instance, offers a tropical beach lifestyle for under $2,000 per month — a fraction of what most Americans pay for a comparable life at home.
Secure Your Income Source
The single most important factor in a successful move abroad is having a reliable income that follows you. If you work remotely, confirm with your employer that you can work from another country. If you're self-employed or freelance, ensure your clients are comfortable with the arrangement. If you're retired, verify that Social Security payments can be received internationally — Brazil is on the approved list.
Research Visa Options
Most Americans can enter Brazil as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, Brazil offers several pathways including the Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV), retirement visas, and investor visas. Start this process early — immigration paperwork takes time.
Get Your Finances in Order
Open a Charles Schwab or Fidelity brokerage account if you don't already have one — both reimburse international ATM fees, which will save you hundreds of dollars per year. Notify your existing bank of your travel plans to prevent fraud blocks on your card.
3–6 Months Before You Leave
Gather and Apostille Your Documents
You will need apostilled copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and any professional licenses. The apostille process can take 4–8 weeks depending on your state, so start early.
Sort Out Your Health Insurance
Research international health insurance options. In Brazil, private health insurance (plano de saúde) is excellent and affordable — typically $50–150 per month for comprehensive coverage. Companies like SafetyWing and Cigna Global offer expat-friendly plans.
Handle Your US Taxes
Americans are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Consult a tax professional who specializes in expat taxes — look for someone familiar with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which allows you to exclude up to $126,500 of foreign-earned income from US taxes in 2024.
Set Up a Mail Forwarding Service
Services like Traveling Mailbox or PostScan Mail give you a US address for receiving important mail, which they scan and send to you digitally. This is essential for maintaining US bank accounts and receiving government correspondence.
The Financial Reality
One of the biggest misconceptions about moving abroad is that it requires a fortune. In our experience, you need two things: a way to earn money online and approximately $20,000 in savings as a cushion. That cushion covers your first few months of rent, setup costs, unexpected expenses, and gives you breathing room while you get settled.
| Expense | Monthly Cost in Florianopolis |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR furnished, near beach) | $400–600 |
| Groceries | $200–300 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | $80–120 |
| Health insurance | $50–150 |
| Transportation | $50–100 |
| Dining out and entertainment | $200–300 |
| Total | $980–$1,570 |
The One Thing Most Checklists Miss
Every moving abroad checklist covers the logistics. Very few address the emotional preparation. Moving abroad means leaving your support network, navigating a new culture, and dealing with bureaucracy in a foreign language. The people who thrive are those who approach it as an adventure rather than an escape. Go with curiosity, patience, and a willingness to be a beginner again.