Emigration Checklist
What do you need to arrange if you are going to emigrate?
Emigrating abroad is a dream for many Belgians, Dutch, English, Germans, and people from other countries: for the sun, tax benefits, or a fresh start. But between dreaming and actually leaving lies a world of paperwork, decisions, and risks.
With this practical emigration checklist, you will be well prepared. Whether you are moving permanently or planning to live abroad part-time, this guide helps you step by step so that you do not overlook any important matters.
Did you know that thousands of people from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, England, etc., emigrate every year to enjoy lower taxes, better weather, and more freedom? So you are far from the only one. People also come to Cyprus in large numbers from Russia and China, for example, and the island is now known for its large expat community.
Emigrating is more than just packing your bags. Those who do not prepare properly risk double tax liability, missed deadlines, and administrative chaos that lingers for months.
This emigration checklist helps you step by step: from deregistering with your municipality to arranging your tax residency abroad. Practical, comprehensive, and specifically free to use for everyone.
Deregistration and municipality
If you do not have a new address yet, you can often provide a “blank” address for a few months. Otherwise, it is best to visit the country where you want to live to explore the area, buy a home, and/or arrange a rental contract.
However, if you are in a hurry and starting a business in the new country, you can often use an “office address” where your new company will be established and provide this as your new address, so that authorities in your home country know where to send any correspondence.
| Land | System / App | Works from abroad? | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | itsme · eID+ card reader · MyGov.be | Yes | Activate itsme with a Belgian banking app before departure. Foreign phone numbers are accepted. Renew eID via the embassy. MyGov.be is a new alternative (2025). |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | DigiD · DigiD app | Yes | Activate the DigiD app with ID check before departure. Apply for an expired DigiD via video call (NederlandWereldwijd) or the embassy. The BSN remains valid after emigration. |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ELSTER · BundID | Yes | Export your ELSTER certificate (.pfx) before departure. BundID accessible with ELSTER certificate or eIDAS. No physical step required. |
| UK | GOV.UK One Login | Yes | Create account entirely online (passport + selfie). Link an authentication app before cancelling your British SIM. Access to HMRC, DWP and NI overview. |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Profil Zaufany · e-Urząd Skarbowy | Limited | Activation requires a Polish bank account or a visit to an activation point. Arrange this before departure. After that, it also works from abroad. |
| 🇫🇷 France | FranceConnect · impots.gouv.fr | Yes | Keep active with a French phone number or authentication app. Identity verification can be done online. |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Cl@ve · DNIe | Limited | Cl@ve PIN activation requires NIE number. DNIe works with Spanish chip ID. Remote activation is cumbersome. |
General tip: activate all digital access methods before you officially deregister — it is always more complex afterwards.
Identity documents
Collect official documents
This is the phase that most emigrants underestimate, and where the biggest mistakes are made.
Terminate tax residency
Finances in home country
Pension is one of the most underestimated aspects of emigration. The rules vary significantly by country of origin, and mistakes made now are difficult or impossible to reverse later.
Pension
| Land | System | Payment abroad | Point of attention |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | State pension (SVB) + supplementary pension | Yes, worldwide. Sometimes lower due to tax/health insurance withholding. | -2% state pension per missed accrual year. Voluntary insurance is possible, but must be applied for within 1 year of departure. Action required |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | Federal Pension Service (employees/self-employed/civil servants) | Yes, worldwide. The Guaranteed Income (GOD) lapses upon emigration. | Report departure at least 2 months in advance via the Federal Pension Service. Annual proof of life required. Relatively simple. |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) | Yes, also outside the EU. Taxation depends on the tax treaty. | Annual Certificate of Life required (to be stamped by embassy or local authority). Provide new address via form V800. Certificate of Life |
| UK | State Pension (DWP) | Yes. Indexation depends on the country: EU = indexed; e.g. Canada/Australia = frozen. | Voluntary NI contributions (Class 2/3) from abroad are possible and financially very attractive for closing pension gaps. Check NI overview. |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | SISTER (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych) | Yes, within the EU without restrictions. Outside the EU, depending on the treaty. | Annual proof of life. Payment to a foreign account possible via SEPA. No major obstacles (EU) |
Have you worked in multiple countries? Apply for a pension at the authority of your country of residence or last country of work, which coordinates international applications.
Home in home country
TIP: In some countries, you can safely keep your current home, while in others it is best not to. Check this information carefully!
Arranging insurance
Work and paid employment
Entrepreneurs and self-employed
Relocation
Pets
Mail and subscriptions
Do you want to make sure you don't forget anything during your move to another country?
Download our free Emigration Checklist here. Fully up-to-date, practical, clear, and with bonus tips for anyone wanting to emigrate to another country, such as Cyprus.
Top destination: Cyprus
Are you specifically planning to emigrate to Cyprus?
Then there are a number of additional steps that apply specifically to Cyprus, such as registering as an EU citizen, applying for your TIC number (tax identification number), registering with GeSY (the Cypriot health fund), and potentially setting up a Cyprus Ltd
Cyprus also has a particular advantage for emigrants: the Non-Dom regime, under which you pay 0% tax on dividends and passive income for up to 17 years, and one of the lowest taxes in Europe.
Your pension is also taxed at only 5%.
Would you like personalized advice or to have your situation reviewed? Schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting with us.
What do I need to arrange if I want to emigrate? The most important steps are: deregistering from your municipality, ending your tax residency, arranging your finances and pensions, adjusting insurance, and getting your documents in order. Use the checklist above as a guide and start at least 3 months before your departure date.
What do I need to do before I leave my country? Make sure you are deregistered, your final tax return is ready, your rental contract or housing is arranged, your health insurance runs until you are registered abroad, and your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
How do I deregister for emigration? In the Netherlands, you report this to your municipality via the BRP (Basic Registration of Persons). In Belgium, you do this at the municipal counter. You will receive proof of deregistration — keep this safe, as you will need it for your tax return and for foreign authorities.
Do I also need to settle my taxes if I emigrate? Yes, and this is one of the most underestimated steps. You must report your departure to the Tax and Customs Administration or the FPS Finance, file a final tax return, and ensure that your tax residency actually ends. Otherwise, you risk double taxation. Exit tax is also relevant in the case of substantial assets or a private company.
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