A Complete List of Immigration Documents – Step by Step

In this article, we have compiled the maximum number of necessary documents that might be requested during your interview or in your new country, at your new job.

We urge you to be as organized as possible and ready to provide all the requested documents for the consul or border officer.

We recommend starting to organize your documents in advance, about 3-4 months before, collecting everything in one folder. It’s better to be early than to rush later and forget something.

Let’s start with the essentials.

1. Personal Documents

• Domestic passport, international passport, birth certificate;
• Diploma or certificate translated according to the rules of the country you are going to;
• Marriage and divorce certificates;
• Birth certificates of children;
• Obtain and, if necessary, translate a recognized COVID-19 vaccination certificate;
• Translate your immunization record for your entire life (check what is required for the country you are moving to);
• Gather, translate, and organize your medical records, including important diagnoses and life-sustaining medication prescriptions;
• Military ID, if applicable;
• Certificate of no criminal record.

Collect similar documents for yourself, spouse, and children, with a separate folder for each person.

2. Pet Documents

If you are traveling with pets to a new country, make sure to gather their documents as well. Find out the details of pet entry requirements for the destination country, visit a veterinarian, and do everything necessary.

Generally, you will need:

• Pet passport (translate and certify it);
• Vaccination records.

Check if microchipping is required before departure or upon arrival.

3. Real Estate and Business Documents

If you have decided to close a business before leaving or want to issue a power of attorney, take care of this in advance. The same goes for property.

Also, translate and notarize documents for any existing or sold property.

Many people ask why documents for sold property or a business might be needed. For the consul at the interview, these documents serve as good proof of your financial solvency.

4. Banking Documents

Close unnecessary accounts, open currency cards, and prepare statements of your savings for the interview. Also, take care of translating them.