Posted on by Mary Bishop

Your Guide to Moving Out of the Country from Tacoma, Washington

Summary: 

  • Start planning your international move out of Tacoma at least 3 months in advance. Passport review and approval processes can sometimes last longer than you think.
  • There are US expat communities all over the world! Go online and see if you can find a few for your destination country, so you can always have a connection to home.
  • Choose a moving company that offers a specialized move manager for your international move. You’ll want someone you can directly contact to ask questions about the state of your shipment and get help with logistics issues like paperwork and money transfers.

Hello, I’m Mary Bishop, International Move Manager here at Lincoln Moving and Storage. I’ve helped hundreds of people get prepared to move out of the country over the course of my 10-year career. In this blog, I’ll overview the high-level steps you need to take to make sure you’re prepared to move out of the US

Every year, residents of Tacoma pack their bags and head overseas, drawn by the promise of new careers, higher education, family connections, or the thrill of making a new start in a totally new environment.

The city’s unique blend of natural beauty, military presence, creative energy, and diverse cultural roots creates a population that’s already globally minded. No matter your reason for moving abroad from Tacoma, every relocation abroad starts with a plan.

So what needs to be on your radar before making the leap? 

Secure the Paper Trail: Passports, Visas, and Legal Documents

Applying for or Renewing a Passport in Tacoma

Without a valid US passport, international relocation stalls at step one. 

Begin by collecting key documents: proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate), government-issued photo ID, and a recent color passport photo that meets US State Department specifications.

Appointments can be made online or by phone at local passport acceptance facilities. In Tacoma, the following locations handle standard passport applications (Form DS-11 for new applicants or DS-82 for renewals, if eligible):

Routine processing through these offices takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks, but expedited services are available for an additional fee and often require proof of travel within 14 calendar days.

Visas: Matching Your Destination’s Rules with Your Intentions

The type of visa you’ll need depends entirely on what you plan to do abroad: work, study, retire, or simply live. Visa application processes vary dramatically between countries. 

For example, moving to Spain under the non-lucrative visa route requires proof of 12 months of financial solvency (€28,800 per person in 2024), plus a comprehensive private health policy. In contrast, Canada’s Express Entry system prioritizes applicants with skilled work experience and high language proficiency scores on the IELTS or CELPIP exams.

Start by identifying the exact visa type that aligns with your long-term plans. PassportIndex.org can help you find out how difficult different countries are to get visas for. Then, determine application location: some consulates serve residents by jurisdiction. 

Tacoma falls under the purview of consulates located in Seattle for countries like Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Other countries, like Australia, might require online visa applications through their online portal.

Build a checklist based on these common requirements:

  • Completed and signed application forms (country-specific)
  • Letter of intent or purpose of visit
  • Proof of housing or accommodation arrangements abroad
  • Health insurance coverage documentation, where required
  • Financial statements (often with a minimum balance shown for X months)
  • Background check and/or FBI clearance, notarized and apostilled

Need help preparing your finances for your international move? Check out this blog.

Getting to Know the Entry and Residency Requirements

Not all passports carry the same privileges abroad. A US passport offers strong visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries as of 2025, according to Atlys.com, but that doesn’t mean automatic entry or residency rights. 

For instance, you can enter Portugal for 90 days visa-free as a tourist, but staying beyond that period, or buying property and becoming a resident, requires a different legal framework under SEF (Portugal’s immigration authority). 90 days is often the limit for other countries as well.

Each nation defines its own terms. Japan, for instance, caps work visas based on employer sponsorship and does not allow simple residency without a predefined purpose. Mexico allows easier transitions through its Temporary and Permanent Resident Visa programs, but those involve minimum income thresholds documented through bank statements.

Before setting departure timelines, cross-reference embassy websites, carefully read immigration guidelines, and check forums maintained by expatriates who’ve completed the process recently. Need help finding the embassy of a country you’re moving to? The US Embassy can help with its foreign embassy directory. 

Ready to dig into which visa fits your life abroad? Start a folder, physical or digital, and begin collecting copies of the documents your foreign embassy requires as early as possible. 

 

Know Before You Go: Understanding Laws, Customs, and Communities Abroad

Where to Learn About Your Destination

Start with the official embassy websites for both the US and your destination country. These sites publish visa requirements, travel advisories, and cultural expectations. The US State Department offers a Country Information database that includes details on entry rules, safety, and health risks.

Online expat forums like ExpatExchange, InterNations, and Reddit’s r/expats feature real-time discussions on challenges and customs in specific countries. You’ll find everything from bureaucratic hurdles to grocery shopping tips. Many users share detailed threads around schooling, healthcare, or setting up a bank account, nuances that guidebooks often skip.

We also have another blog here on getting to know a new country before you move.

US Expat Communities Around the World

American expat clusters exist worldwide, providing a softer landing for those moving from cities like Tacoma. According to the US State Department, over 9 million US citizens live overseas, with the highest concentrations in Mexico, the UK, Canada, Germany, and the Philippines.

In cities like Berlin, Tokyo, or Mexico City, you’ll find American schools, English-speaking doctors, and Meetup groups centered around US holidays or professional networking. These pockets help ease the initial transition without sealing you in a cultural bubble. Some communities even have their own newsletters and social spaces, ideal for plugging in quickly once you arrive.

Choosing the Right International Moving Services from Tacoma

Start with Trusted International Movers Based

Relocating across borders requires more than trucks and boxes; it demands logistics expertise and global reach. 

In Tacoma and across Pierce County, many companies perform international moves, but few specialize. Companies that stand above others for international moves will often have dedicated international moving managers and offer door-to-door shipping, customs clearance assistance, and multi-modal transport options tailored to international relocations.

Look for movers who are certified or part of the International Association of Movers (IAM), as these accreditations reflect adherence to global standards for quality and accountability. 

Contact at least three providers to compare credentials, services, and availability. Walkthrough assessments, even virtual ones, allow companies to provide more accurate quotes and expose potential logistical hurdles early.

Organizing, Labeling, and Tracking Your Shipment

Once your shipping method is booked, preparation begins. Poor labeling can cause customs delays or misdelivery. Use durable, waterproof labels with clear contents descriptions and destination addresses. Place a duplicate manifest inside each box. For electronics and valuable items, include serial numbers and photos as part of your shipment documentation.

Many Tacoma-based movers provide tracking portals that mirror the logistics platforms used by global freight carriers. These systems update in real-time as your shipment passes through ports, airports, and customs checks. Ask your moving company if they offer text or email notifications on your shipment’s progress so you can always be aware of issues or delays with your shipment. Always keep digital and physical copies of all shipping documents, waybills, and receipts.

 

Conclusion

Preparing for an international move from Tacoma is a major undertaking, but it becomes far more manageable when you understand the requirements, timelines, and resources available to you. 

From securing the right passport and visa to researching local customs, connecting with expat communities, and choosing a reputable international moving company, each step builds the foundation for a smooth transition into your new life overseas.

Whether you’re relocating for career growth, education, family, or the adventure of starting fresh in a new culture, the key is thoughtful preparation. Begin gathering documents early, stay informed through official government channels and expat networks, and partner with experienced movers who understand the complexities of global relocation.

With the right planning and support, your international move won’t just be a major life change; it will be the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Safe travels as you take your Tacoma roots to new horizons around the world.

FAQ’s

Depending on the level of services you need, a move out of the country from Washington can range in cost from as low as $1,500 to $12,000.

The application process can be as brief as two weeks or last as long as several months. There are expedited approval and delivery options available in Washington State, but it’s always wise to start your application as early as possible.

It depends entirely on the coverage you have with your provider. If you’re planning on leaving the country for a short time or moving out altogether it’s important you talk with a representative from your health care provider to see how far your coverage goes.

Most large banks today can make the process of converting your money into another country’s currency very simple. What you may need to look into is whether there are costs associated with converting your money and current exchange rates. Websites like X-Rates or even just Google can help.