Moving Abroad with Children: Everything You Need to Know

Moving home is a big step for any family, but when that new home is overseas, that one step becomes a giant leap. Whether you’re chasing a dream job, looking for a better quality of life or simply seeking an adventure, moving abroad with a child can make an international move that little bit more complex. From schooling and healthcare to emotional adjustments, there’s a lot to think about — but with the right preparation, it can be an exciting and positive experience for everyone involved.

This guide covers everything you need to know about moving abroad with children, from choosing the right country and preparing your kids for the transition to settling into your new home. We’ll also cover practical advice on schooling, healthcare and what to do with your belongings while you move.

Whether you’re moving with a toddler, a teenager or kids of all ages, this guide will help you plan every step of the journey — so you can focus on making it a smooth and memorable adventure for your family.

Planning Your Move: Things to Think About Before You Go

Moving abroad with a child takes careful planning. Beyond the usual logistics of visas, packing and housing, you’ll need to consider how the move will affect your child’s education, healthcare and emotional well-being. A smooth transition starts long before you leave — so taking the time to research and prepare will make all the difference.

Involve Your Children

The sooner you begin involving your children in the moving process, the better. While it might seem easier to wait until everything is confirmed, sharing the news early on gives them time to adjust emotionally. It also shows that their thoughts and feelings matter, helping to build trust and reduce anxiety.

For many children, the fear of the unknown is the hardest part, so offering regular updates and involving them in small decisions can provide a sense of control. This involvement doesn’t need to be complicated — even small things, like asking which toys or books to pack, what colour their new room might be, or which after-school activities they’d like to try in your new country.

Look at photos and maps together and try to explore your home-to-be as much as possible — you could even learn about the local cuisine, culture, climate and wildlife together. The more familiar the destination feels before you arrive, the easier the move will be.

Choosing the Right Country

Not all destinations are equally family-friendly. While job opportunities, lifestyle and climate might be high on your list, it’s important to also think about:

• Education: Does the country have good international or local schools? Will your child need to learn a new language?
• Healthcare: Is there free or affordable healthcare for expats, or will you need private insurance?
• Safety & Quality of Life: How do crime rates compare to where you are in the UK? Are there family-friendly communities and activities?
• Cost of Living: Will your income allow for a comfortable family life? Are there any schooling or childcare costs?

Some countries are well-known for being great places to raise children, offering high-quality education, healthcare and strong expat communities. For inspiration, we covered some of the best places for families to live in our guide to The Best Places to Move Abroad From the UK.

Visas, Paperwork & Schools

Sorting out the legal side of moving is one of the biggest tasks, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what to check in advance:

• Visas & Residency: Make sure your child’s visa status is covered under your own. Some countries have different rules for children, including requirements for medical checkups or specific entry documents.
• Changing Schools: For safeguarding reasons, removing a child from school to move abroad isn’t easy. Be sure to check local regulations about withdrawing them as you may need to give formal notice and obtain records for their new school.
• Education Options: Decide whether to enrol your child in a local or international school, or consider homeschooling (if it’s allowed). To help you decide, spend some time researching curriculums, application deadlines and tuition fees.

Healthcare & Insurance

A new country may mean a completely different healthcare system, so it’s important to understand what’s available before you move. Some countries offer free or subsidised public healthcare to residents, while others require private insurance — even for children. Be sure to check what your child is eligible for and arrange coverage in advance if needed.

If your child is starting school abroad, find out whether vaccinations are needed as part of the enrollment process. Some countries have specific immunisation requirements, and you may need to provide proof of vaccinations before your child can attend classes.

It’s also worth requesting your child’s medical records from your GP. This will make it easier to register with a new healthcare provider and ensure continuity of care, especially if your child has any ongoing medical needs or takes regular medication. If prescriptions are involved, research how they are handled in your new country and whether your child’s current medication is available.

Preparing Your Children for the Big Move

Moving abroad isn’t just a big transition for you — it’s a huge change for your child, too. Whether they’re excited, nervous or a little unsure, it’s important to prepare them for what’s ahead. Helping them understand the move, involving them in the process and giving them time to adjust can make a world of difference in how they settle into their new home.

Talking to Your Kids About Moving

How you approach the conversation about moving abroad will depend on your child’s age and personality. Some children might be eager for the adventure, while others may feel anxious about leaving behind friends, school and familiar surroundings.

Be open and positive, explaining why you’re moving and what they can look forward to. Younger children may need reassurance that their favourite toys, pets and routines will be coming with them, while older kids and teenagers might need more involvement in the decision-making process to feel in control of the change. Encourage questions and address their concerns honestly — even if you don’t have all the answers yet.

Pro Tip: If you are taking your furry friends with you, be sure to check out our guide on Moving Abroad with Pets.

Helping Kids Adjust Before You Leave

Moving abroad doesn’t begin when you arrive in your new country—it starts long before you leave. Giving your child time to process the change in advance, and making the unfamiliar feel more familiar, can make the change much easier.

If possible, visiting your new country beforehand can help ease anxieties. Exploring neighbourhoods, seeing potential schools and even trying local food together can turn uncertainty into excitement. If a visit isn’t an option, look at pictures, watch videos and connect with other families online to help them get a sense of what life might be like.

For children old enough to understand, learning a few words of the local language together can be a fun way to prepare. Even basic greetings can help them feel more confident when they arrive. If they’ll be attending school in a new language, finding books, films and TV shows in that language, or practising on a language-learning app, can be a gentle introduction.

Staying In Touch

Leaving friends behind is often one of the hardest parts of moving — especially for older children and teenagers. Saying goodbye can feel overwhelming, and the idea of starting over socially might bring up feelings of anxiety and sadness.

Fortunately, modern technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch and one of the best ways to ease this is by encouraging your kids to stay connected with their friends back home.

Before the move, you could help them swap contact details, connect through messaging apps or set up a regular video call. Some children might even enjoy making a scrapbook, photo album or digital memory board to take with them as a keepsake. Maintaining these bonds can give your child a sense of continuity and comfort as they adjust to their new environment — especially in the early weeks, when everything else still feels unfamiliar.

Talk About Cultural Differences

Every country has its own set of customs, traditions and social norms, and what feels completely normal at home might be seen differently elsewhere. Helping your child understand these cultural differences before you move can make day-to-day life feel less confusing and more exciting. Even simple things like how people greet each other, what food is eaten, or what’s considered polite can come as a surprise if they’re not prepared.

Try to approach this as something fun to learn together. Watch videos, read books, or look up interesting facts about your destination’s culture — from local festivities and school routines to attitudes towards punctuality or personal space. Encouraging curiosity (and a bit of humour) can help your child feel more open-minded and less intimidated by change when they arrive.

Packing & Storage: What to Do with Your Belongings

When moving abroad, it’s not always practical to take everything with you. Deciding what to bring, what to leave behind and what to put in storage is a big part of the moving process — especially with children, who may struggle to part with their belongings.

Some kids find it comforting to take familiar items with them, like a favourite stuffed toy, blanket or even a small collection of books. These little things can make a new environment feel like home. At the same time, larger items like furniture, keepsakes or outgrown toys may need to be stored safely in the UK until you’re settled.

If you’re wondering what to do with furniture or household items you’re not taking, check out our Guide to Moving Furniture Abroad for more practical tips.

Settling In

The first few weeks in a new country can feel overwhelming for both you and your child. Everything, from the language and culture to the smallest daily routines, may feel unfamiliar at first. But with a little patience and planning, you can help your child settle in quickly and start to feel at home.

Helping Kids Adapt to a New School

Starting at a new school is one of the biggest changes for children moving abroad. Even if they were excited about the move, first-day nerves are completely normal. You can help make the transition smoother by preparing them in advance.

If possible, arrange a school visit before their first day so they can see their new classroom, meet their teachers and get a feel for the environment. Talking about what to expect — like how the school day might be structured differently or how they’ll make new friends — can help soothe any worries. If language is a barrier, reassure them that it takes time to adjust and that teachers and classmates will likely be supportive.

Pro Tip: Encouraging your child to take part in after-school activities or clubs can also help them settle in faster by making friends outside the classroom.

Building a Home

A familiar home environment can make a huge difference in how quickly your child feels comfortable in a new country. While everything around them is changing, keeping certain routines the same — like bedtime stories, family meals or weekend traditions — can provide a sense of stability.

Unpacking your child’s room first can also help them feel more settled. Having their favourite toys, books and decorations in place will make their new space feel safe and familiar.

Making Friends

Making new friends is key to helping children feel at home. Some kids will dive straight in, while others may take longer to adjust.

Look for ways to help them meet other children — whether it’s through school, local clubs, sports teams or community events. Finding other families who’ve been through the same thing can also make a huge difference, offering practical advice, emotional support and even new friendships for both you and your children.

Local parenting groups, expat forums, school communities and social media can be great places to start. You might even find meet-ups, clubs or activities designed specifically for expat families. Surrounding yourselves with a support network can help everyone feel less alone, especially in those early weeks when everything is new.

Plan Visits Back Home

Don’t forget that keeping one foot in your old world can be just as comforting as stepping into a new one. Even if you’re excited about your new life abroad, it’s normal for both you and your children to miss friends, family and familiar places. Knowing you’ll all have a chance to visit home — or that loved ones might come to visit — can make the move feel more manageable.

If your circumstances allow, talk about when your first visit home might be, or start planning for family members to come and stay. Having something to look forward to can be a real comfort during the early stages of settling in.

While moving abroad with children comes with plenty of challenges, a little bit of planning can go a long way —  it can also be one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences your family will ever share. For more support as you prepare, take a look at our full Guide to Moving Abroad and our handy Moving Abroad Checklist — perfect for keeping everything on track.

FAQs

Can one parent move abroad with a child?

Yes, but you’ll usually need permission from the other parent if they have parental responsibility. Taking a child abroad without consent can be considered child abduction under UK law. Always seek legal advice before making plans.

What is expat child syndrome?

It refers to the emotional stress some children experience after moving abroad. Signs may include withdrawal, anxiety or behavioural changes. Creating routines and offering emotional support can help ease the transition.

Do you lose Child Benefit if you move abroad?

In most cases, yes. Child Benefit usually stops if you leave the UK permanently, though some exceptions apply. For the most up-to-date advice, check the official UK Government website.

Which country is easiest to immigrate to with a family?

Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Portugal are known for being family-friendly, with fairly straightforward visa options. Your eligibility will depend on your skills, job offers and personal circumstances. Always check the immigration requirements carefully before applying.

How much money do you need to move overseas?

Costs vary, but you’ll need to budget for flights, visas, housing, schooling and everyday expenses. Many families aim to save 3–6 months of living costs before moving. A detailed budget will help you plan with confidence.