What you need to know

Arranging Your Visa or Work Permit
Unless you are a resident in the country you are moving to, you will most likely require a visa or work permit. If you are going over on a work contract, you need to contact the appropriate administration department of your company to see whether they will arrange the necessary documents for you. Otherwise, you may need to contact the visa department at the embassy of the country you are moving to and find out how to obtain the appropriate documents. For a list of embassies in Indonesia, visit The Department of Foreign Affairs
Visa and work permit applications can take some time to prepare, so you should start looking into it about a year before your departure. You should also make sure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months at the time of your move.

Driving Overseas
Unless your driver’s license was issued in the country you are moving to, you will probably need an international license to allow you to drive as soon as you arrive. Visit The National Police of Indonesia website on the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license. Once you arrive at your new destination, you should check with the local transportation authority to find out how to apply for a local license.

Accomodation
Finding a right place to live can be quite difficult, especially if you are moving with your family and children. You need to contact a relocation companies with expertise in your new destination and get a head start in your search. If you decide to buy property abroad, we can assist you for overseas mortgages in selective locations. Contact our International Banking Center to find out more. Alternatively, renting a place can be an option in the short term until you are more familiar with the property market in your new destination.

Children Education
Finding the right school for your children will no doubt be an utmost priority if you are moving your family overseas. Depending on where you move to, you will have a few options to ensure your children’s education does not suffer:

• International schools
  If your children attend an international school here in Indonesia, you may want to find a similar school in the city to which you are moving. Find out if there is a suitable school where you will be relocating by searching the directory of international schools on the internet.
• Local School
  If you are going to stay a while in the country you are moving to, you may want to consider enrolling your children in a local school. Contact the embassy of the country you are moving to for a list of schools and the application procedures.

Aranging Your Finances
Check with your relationship manager 3 months before your departure to see if an overseas account and other financial arrangements can be set up prior to your move, or ask them for a reference letter that you can take with you.

Family Healthcare
Hospital services, doctors’ consultation, emergency services and other forms of healthcare may be wholly or partly paid for by the recipient in the country you move to. This is an expense that you need to factor into your finances or make sure that you have the appropriate health cover. A doctor’s check up for each member of your family is also a good idea. It should be done no later than six months before departure.

Insurance Coverage
You should consider getting travel insurance coverage in case of emergency whilst traveling. Other coverage to consider is a policy to protect the contents of your home while it is being relocated.

Other issues
Do not forget to inform your tax office of your departure, as will your utilities companies and bank. If you have pets, you should contact a pet relocation agency to check quarantine requirements of your destination. For more information, please check www.groovy.co.id, a pet relocated based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Packing Up and Moving
Once you decide on the date of your move, make sure you give the moving company plenty of time, at least 2-3 months ahead. In addition, obtain a complete listing of your belongings from your mover and check out what customs and excise documentation you will need to clear customs in your new country.

Just to be safe, leave a photocopy of your passport, visas and other important documents in a safe place before you move.

How we can help you

Opening an Overseas Bank Account
Having a bank account set up in the country you are moving to before you arrive will give you time to concentrate on settling in and finding your feet. We can help you open an account for your day-to-day transactions in the local currency, as well as arrange other financial services to help you get started. Please contact an HSBC branch for more information. Click here for the location of HSBC branches in Indonesia.

Learn More about the HSBC International Network
Whether you are looking for offshore banking outside of Indonesia or wish to invest in Indonesia as a non Indonesian resident, we can help you explore a range of options.