Moving Abroad With Your Family: The Complete Checklist for Migrating With Dependants

Migrating alone is one thing. Moving an entire family to a new country is a different challenge entirely. You are not just managing your own visa and job search; you are responsible for your partner's career, your children's education, everyone's healthcare, and the emotional wellbeing of people who may not have chosen this move themselves.

The good news is that most major destination countries have well-established systems for family migration. The key is planning ahead, understanding the costs involved, and knowing exactly what paperwork and logistics to handle before and after arrival. This checklist covers everything.

Phase 1: Before You Apply — Understanding Dependent Visa Options

Before you file any applications, you need to understand how your destination country handles dependants.

Who Counts as a Dependant?

In most immigration systems, dependants include:

Spouse or common-law partner (legally married or in a recognized partnership, typically for 12+ months)
Dependent children under 18 (some countries extend this to 22 or 25 if the child is a full-time student)
In some cases: Elderly parents or other family members, though this is less common and usually requires a separate sponsorship process

Dependent Visa Costs by Country

These are approximate costs as of 2025 and change regularly. Always verify with the relevant immigration authority.

Country	Spouse Visa Fee	Per Child Fee	Notes
Canada	CAD 1,325	CAD 230	Included in Express Entry application
Australia	AUD 0 (included)	AUD 0 (included)	Dependants included in primary visa application fee of AUD 4,640+
UK	GBP 1,048-1,423	GBP 1,048-1,423	Per person; plus Immigration Health Surcharge of GBP 1,035/year each
Germany	EUR 75	EUR 37.50	Family reunion visa; spouse may need A1 German
New Zealand	NZD 0 (included)	NZD 0 (included)	Dependants included in partnership-based or family visa

Key Documents for Dependants

Gather these for every family member:

Valid passports (6+ months validity from travel date)
Birth certificates (for children; must be officially translated if not in English)
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law partnership
Police clearance certificates for all family members over 16 (some countries require this from age 18)
Medical examination results (most countries require immigration medical exams for all family members)
Proof of relationship: Photos together, joint bank statements, shared lease or mortgage, communication records (especially important for common-law couples)
Custody documents if applicable (for children from previous relationships, you may need notarized consent from the other parent)

Phase 2: School Enrollment for Children

Education is one of the top concerns for migrating families. Planning ahead can prevent your children from losing academic time.

Before You Move

Research the school system in your destination country. Public schools are free in Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, and New Zealand. Private and international schools are an option but expensive.
Gather school records: Report cards, transcripts, vaccination records, and any individualized education plans (IEPs) if your child has special needs
Have documents translated into the language of your destination country by a certified translator
Check enrollment timelines: In many countries, the school year starts in September (North America, Europe) or January/February (Australia, New Zealand). Arriving mid-year is possible but may limit school options.

After Arrival

Contact your local school board or district to enrol your children. In most countries, children are assigned to a neighbourhood school based on your residential address.
Bring these documents to enrollment: Child's passport or birth certificate, proof of immigration status, proof of address, vaccination records, previous school records
English/French language support: Most school systems offer ESL (English as a Second Language) or equivalent programs at no extra cost for children who need language support
Grade placement: Schools will assess your child and place them in the appropriate grade. This sometimes differs from where they were in their home country.

Country-Specific Notes

Canada: Each province manages its own education system. Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta all have dedicated newcomer support programs in schools.
Australia: Contact the state education department. Most states have an International Student Program even for PR holders' children.
UK: Apply through your local council. School admissions can be competitive in popular areas, so apply early.
Germany: Education is managed by each state (Bundesland). Children must attend school (education is compulsory), and there are dedicated integration classes for newcomer children.

Phase 3: Healthcare Registration for the Whole Family

Universal Healthcare Countries

In Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, and New Zealand, public healthcare covers your family once you are registered. However, there are important differences:

Canada: Each province has its own health plan. Most have a 3-month waiting period for new residents. During this time, buy private health insurance for the whole family (typically CAD 150-400/month for a family).
Australia: Register for Medicare once you have your permanent visa. You will receive Medicare cards for each family member. Children under 16 are covered under a parent's card.
UK: The NHS covers all residents. However, visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) upfront: GBP 1,035 per person per year. This covers the entire family for the visa duration.
Germany: Health insurance is mandatory. You will be enrolled in either public (gesetzliche) or private (private) health insurance through your employer. Family members are covered at no additional cost under public insurance (Familienversicherung) if they do not earn their own income.
New Zealand: Register with a local GP practice. Public healthcare is heavily subsidized but not entirely free for adults. Children under 14 receive free GP visits.

Vaccinations

Check the vaccination requirements for your destination country. Most require children to be up to date on standard vaccinations for school enrollment.
Carry your family's vaccination booklet or records. If you do not have written records, you may need to revaccinate.

Phase 4: Childcare for Young Children

If you have children under school age, childcare is one of the largest expenses you will face and one of the most important things to arrange early.

Childcare Options and Costs

Country	Average Monthly Cost	Subsidies Available
Canada	CAD 200-1,500	Federal CAD 10/day program rolling out; varies by province
Australia	AUD 500-2,500	Government Child Care Subsidy covers 50-90%
UK	GBP 800-1,500	15-30 hours free for 3-4 year olds; tax-free childcare scheme
Germany	EUR 0-400	Kita (daycare) is free or very cheap in many states
New Zealand	NZD 400-1,200	20 hours free ECE for 3-5 year olds

Tips for Finding Childcare

Register early. Waitlists for quality childcare can be 6-12 months long in popular areas of Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Ask settlement agencies for recommendations. They often know which centres have availability and are newcomer-friendly.
Look into home-based daycare (licensed providers who care for children in their home). These are often cheaper and more flexible than centre-based care.
In Germany, register your child for a Kita (Kindertagesstatte) spot as soon as possible after arriving. Demand far exceeds supply in most cities.

Phase 5: Partner Employment

If your partner is also a working professional, their ability to find employment in the destination country is critical to your family's financial stability and their personal fulfilment.

Work Rights for Dependent Visa Holders

Canada: Spouses of skilled workers and PR holders receive an open work permit with no restrictions on employer or occupation
Australia: Dependent visa holders on a partner visa or included in a skilled visa application generally receive full work rights
UK: Dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders can work in any job without restrictions
Germany: Spouses on a family reunion visa can work, but may need to apply for a separate work permit depending on their qualifications
New Zealand: Partners included on a skilled worker visa typically receive an open work visa

Helping Your Partner Find Work

Update their resume for the local market before arrival
Research whether their qualifications need local recognition or registration (particularly important for regulated professions like nursing, teaching, engineering, and law)
Connect them with newcomer employment programs specifically for spouses and partners
Encourage them to network independently and build their own professional contacts

Phase 6: The Logistics of Moving Day

Shipping Your Belongings

Sea freight is the most cost-effective for large shipments. Expect 6-10 weeks for delivery from most origins. Cost varies from USD 2,000-8,000 depending on volume and destination.
Air freight is faster (1-2 weeks) but significantly more expensive. Reserve this for essentials you need immediately.
What to bring vs. what to buy: Large furniture is rarely worth shipping. Electronics, personal items, important documents, and sentimental belongings are usually the priority. Kitchen items, furniture, and winter clothing can often be bought more cheaply at your destination.

Pets

If you are bringing pets, start the process at least 3-6 months before your move:

Check destination country requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, blood tests, quarantine)
Australia and New Zealand have the strictest pet import rules, with mandatory quarantine periods
Book a pet transport company or confirm airline pet travel policies
Budget USD 2,000-5,000+ for international pet relocation

Phase 7: Keeping Your Family Together Emotionally

The logistical checklist is important, but the emotional dimension of family migration often gets overlooked.

For Your Partner

Involve them in every major decision. Moving abroad should be a joint project, not something that happens to them.
Acknowledge that they may be giving up a career, friends, and a support system. This sacrifice deserves recognition and active support.
Help them build their own independent social life in the new country.

For Your Children

Be honest about the move in age-appropriate ways. Let them ask questions and express concerns.
Help them say goodbye to friends and extended family. Let them carry comfort items.
After arrival, maintain routines as much as possible. Consistent mealtimes, bedtimes, and family activities provide stability.
Give it time. Most children adapt faster than adults, but the first 3-6 months can be rocky. Monitor for signs of anxiety or withdrawal and seek support if needed.

For Yourself

Connect with other immigrant families in your area. Settlement agencies, cultural organizations, religious institutions, and school parent groups are all good starting points.
Do not try to do everything at once. The first year is a marathon, not a sprint.
Celebrate small wins: the first paycheck, the first parent-teacher meeting, the first time your family explores a new neighbourhood together.

The Master Checklist

Here is a condensed version you can save and reference:

Confirm dependent visa eligibility and fees
Gather passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate
Obtain police clearances and medical exams for all family members
Research schools and enrollment timelines
Collect school records and vaccination documents
Register for healthcare (or purchase interim private insurance)
Research childcare options and join waitlists
Understand partner's work rights in destination country
Arrange shipping or decide what to buy locally
Start pet relocation process if applicable
Prepare children emotionally for the move
Book temporary accommodation for the first 2-4 weeks
Carry essential documents in hand luggage, not checked bags

You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone

Moving a family across borders involves dozens of moving parts, and missing just one can delay your plans by months. NextMigrate helps families plan and execute every stage of their migration, from dependent visa applications to school enrollment research and settlement logistics. Whether you are just starting to explore your options or you already have a visa and need help with the next steps, our team is here to guide you. Visit nextmigrate.com to get started.