What To Do When Moving Abroad

Moving abroad with the person you love is one of the most exciting adventures you can take together. New cultures, new opportunities, and a fresh start in a new country can be incredibly rewarding — but before the plane tickets, romantic goodbyes, and Pinterest-worthy travel boards, there’s one essential step couples often overlook:

The paperwork.

When you relocate to another country with a spouse or partner, you’ll likely be asked to validate important life documents — especially your marriage certificate. This process often requires an apostille, which is an international certification proving that your document is authentic and legally recognized overseas.

So before paperwork complications rain on your parade, here’s a complete guide on what to do when moving abroad, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

1. Understand Your New Country’s Requirements

Every country has its own rules for allowing spouses or partners to relocate. Some countries require extensive documentation, while others only ask for a passport and marriage certificate. But almost all countries require your documents to be officially validated.

As you research what to do when moving abroad, make sure your first step is to review:

• Spousal visa requirements
• Residency application steps
• Legal proof of marriage
• Whether your documents need to be translated
• Whether your marriage certificate needs an apostille or full authentication/consulate legalization

If you’re unsure what your destination country needs, A Notary On The Go Florida is happy to help you understand the apostille process and point you in the right direction.

2. Don’t Forget the Apostille for Your Marriage Certificate

This is the step that catches most couples off guard.

If you’re moving abroad and your new country participates in the Hague Apostille Convention, you must provide an apostilled marriage certificate. Without it, your visa or residency application could be delayed — or worse, denied.

Here’s why the apostille matters:

• It proves your marriage certificate is legitimate.
• It allows foreign officials to accept your document without additional verification.
• It ensures your new country recognizes your marriage legally.

Since Florida marriage certificates can only be apostilled by the Florida Secretary of State in Tallahassee, the process must be handled correctly and efficiently. Instead of driving to Tallahassee or dealing with confusing government instructions, you can simply ship your document and let A Notary On The Go Florida manage the entire apostille process for you.

3. Make Sure You Have a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

Before you can get an apostille, you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate — not a photocopy.

If you don’t have one, you can easily request it through the county where you were married or through the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Once you have the certified copy in hand, A Notary On The Go Florida can take it from there and handle the apostille certificate for you.

4. Check Whether You Need Additional Apostilles

Depending on the country you’re relocating to, you may need more than just your marriage certificate apostilled.

Other commonly requested documents include:

• Birth certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Background checks (FBI or state)
• Adoption paperwork
• Proof of single status (if applicable)
• Power of attorney documents
• Educational records or diplomas

When researching what to do when moving abroad, always check the full list of required documents. Preparing them early saves you time — and prevents headaches later.

If you’re unsure which documents need an apostille, A Notary On The Go Florida can help review the list and guide you.

5. Prepare for Shipping and Processing Times

The apostille process takes time, especially if you’re mailing documents to Tallahassee from other parts of Florida. That’s why starting early is essential.

Here’s what to expect:

• Standard apostille processing can take several business days.
• If your country requires translations, add extra time.
• During peak travel seasons, processing times may increase.

A Notary On The Go Florida helps speed up the process by ensuring your documents are completed correctly the first time — and returned to you as quickly as possible.

6. Make Copies and Digital Backups of Every Document

When moving abroad, never rely on a single copy of an important document. Once your apostilled documents are complete, create:

• Scanned digital copies
• Printed copies
• A secure folder for your originals

Many foreign embassies, visa offices, and immigration attorneys ask for both original and digital versions. Keeping them organized makes everything easier.

7. Consider Having a Power of Attorney Document Apostilled Too

If you’re moving abroad for work, school, or military relocation, you might not be in the U.S. long enough to handle future paperwork issues. Many couples choose to create a power of attorney before leaving the country — and often, that POA needs an apostille too.

This way, one partner can legally handle matters in the U.S. without the other needing to fly back.

8. Work With an Apostille Professional — Don’t Do It Alone

Government paperwork can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time dealing with international documentation. When you’re already juggling packing, moving logistics, and emotional goodbyes, the last thing you need is added stress from apostille requirements.

That’s where A Notary On The Go Florida can help.

We handle:

• Document review
• Apostille preparation
• Submission to the Florida Secretary of State
• All shipping and return steps
• Rush apostille options (when available)

Our job is to make your international move feel easier, smoother, and stress-free — so you and your partner can focus on your new life abroad.

9. Give Yourself Plenty of Time Before Your Move

The biggest mistake couples make when moving abroad is waiting too long to start their paperwork. Immigration offices overseas run on strict timelines — and if you don’t have your apostille, you may be unable to complete your application.

Starting early gives you:

• Time for any unexpected delays
• Time to request new certified documents if needed
• Peace of mind as your departure date approaches

10. Enjoy the Journey — Your New Life Awaits

Moving abroad with someone you love is a life-changing experience. You’ll build new memories, explore new places, and grow stronger together as you adapt to a new country.

And when your paperwork is handled correctly, everything else becomes so much easier.

If you’re figuring out what to do when moving abroad, one of the smartest decisions you can make is to get your apostille requirements handled early — especially for your marriage certificate.

A Notary On The Go Florida is here to help you secure your future together, without the stress. Contact us today!

Disclaimer: A Notary On The Go Florida notaries are not attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.