10 important items to remember to do or close before immigrating from South Africa to New Zealand
Here's a checklist of 10 important items to remember to do or close before immigrating from South Africa to New Zealand:
Visa and Immigration
- Obtain the necessary visa or immigration documentation required for moving to New Zealand.
- Research the different visa options available and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Financial Matters
- Inform your bank and financial institutions about your relocation and discuss options for transferring funds or closing accounts.
- Settle any outstanding debts, loans, or credit card balances.
- Consider transferring your pension or retirement funds to a suitable account in New Zealand or explore options for international fund transfers.
Property and Tenancy
- If you own property in South Africa, decide whether you will sell it, rent it out, or make other arrangements.
- If you are renting, provide notice to your landlord within the required timeframe and settle any outstanding rental obligations.
Healthcare and Insurance
- Cancel or transfer your existing medical insurance policies and make arrangements for healthcare coverage in New Zealand.
- Obtain copies of your medical records, including vaccinations and prescriptions, to provide to healthcare providers in New Zealand.
Education and Schooling
- Notify your children's current schools about your relocation and complete any necessary paperwork for transferring school records.
- Research and identify suitable schools in New Zealand for your children, and start the enrollment process well in advance.
Utilities and Services
- Arrange to disconnect or transfer utilities such as electricity, water, internet, and telephone services.
- Settle any outstanding bills and ensure you have final meter readings for accurate billing.
Postal Services
- Inform the South African Post Office of your change of address and arrange for mail forwarding or redirection services.
- Update your address with any relevant organizations, such as banks, insurance providers, and government agencies.
Personal Documents
- Gather and organize important personal documents such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational certificates, and employment records.
- Make certified copies of these documents and keep them in a secure location.
Social and Professional Networks
- Notify friends, family, and professional contacts about your impending move and provide them with your new contact details.
- Join social media groups or online communities that connect South African expatriates in New Zealand to seek advice and support.
Emotional and Cultural Adjustment
- Prepare yourself and your family for the emotional and cultural adjustments that come with relocating to a new country.
- Research and familiarize yourself with New Zealand's culture, customs, and way of life to ease the transition.
Remember, it's important to start planning and completing these tasks well in advance of your intended departure date to ensure a smooth and organized transition.
