Home Countries Cities Visas Visa compare Compare Quiz Calculator Action plan Map Language

Roadmap

90-day action plan

A phased checklist from pre-departure paperwork to month-three integration. Progress saves to your browser — no account needed.

0/38

Pre-departure (60–90 days out)

0/12

Paperwork, finances, and the hard logistical decisions.

Choose target country and 1–2 backup cities
Apply for or renew passport (6+ months validity)
Get FBI / RCMP background check + apostille
Apostille birth certificate, marriage certificate, diplomas
Translate apostilled documents (certified Spanish/Portuguese)
Open USD-denominated home-bank account
Notify CRA / IRS of intended departure date
Book consultation with cross-border tax specialist
Get international health insurance quote (Cigna, IMG, GeoBlue)
Inventory & decide: ship, sell, or store
Schedule pet vet visit (rabies titer, USDA / CFIA papers)
Book one-way flight + first 30 days of accommodation

Week 1 on the ground

0/7

Land, settle, get a local SIM, scout neighborhoods.

Arrive — keep all paper docs in carry-on
Buy local SIM / eSIM at the airport
Withdraw local cash from a bank ATM (skip currency exchange)
Register at home-country embassy / consulate
Book Airbnb or short-stay for 30+ days while scouting
Walk 3–5 candidate neighborhoods at day and night
Visit one supermarket, one bank, one pharmacy

Days 1–30

0/7

Visa appointments, housing search, basic banking.

Submit residency / visa application at immigration
Get local tax ID (RUT, RUC, NIT, RFC, etc.)
Open local checking account (bring apostilled docs + reference letter)
Sign 6–12 month rental lease with utilities included
Get local driver's license or international permit
Choose primary care doctor + dentist
Set up local mobile phone plan (post-paid)

Days 31–60

0/6

Integrate: language, networks, business setup.

Enroll in 2x/week Spanish or Portuguese classes
Attend at least one expat or chamber-of-commerce event
Find local accountant for personal + business filings
If running a business: register company / branch
Order business cards or set up local invoicing
Establish two emergency contacts — one local, one consular

Days 61–90

0/6

Lock in residency, optimize, plan year 2.

Pick up residency card (cédula / DNI / DIMEX)
File first local tax declaration if applicable
Re-confirm Canadian / US non-resident status with accountant
Review insurance: health, renters/home, liability
Plan year-2 housing: renew lease or buy
Explore second-city or weekend base (Airbnb test)