Moving Overseas Checklist for Partners, Spouses, and Families

🚚 Pre-Move Planning

• Visa & Residency Permits – Confirm your visa requirements and visa for dependents. Understand if the team assists with visa applications and fees associated. Otherwise, apply early. See the bottom of the checklist for additional important context to why this matters.
• Visa Time Period - Confirm how long your visa is applicable for. Does it cover the full year or just the length of the season? *Sometimes, teams only supply visas up until a specified date, at which point partners, spouses, and families must leave the country.
• Work Eligibility – Check if a work permit is needed to work abroad. *If you already work remote, discuss with your employer any logistical HR policies that would put this at risk.
• Healthcare Coverage – Verify the country’s healthcare system and private insurance options if you’re not covered by the team.
• Schooling & Childcare – Research international or local schools, daycare options, and costs. Ensure enrollment is done well in advance of moving as European schools fill up quickly.
• Bringing your dog? – Learn about how to do this hassle free in each country leveraging our partner, Doodle Passport. They can help discuss the best options for you based on the size of your dog.
• Extra Baggage – Understand if you are reimbursed by the team for additional baggage when flying or if this is out of your pocket. This can add up quickly so be mindful.
• Language Support – Is translation assistance provided for you? Understand if there is a dedicated contact for the team who assists in getting you set up locally.
• Language Barrier – Consider language courses offered by the team or translation apps if needed.
• Cultural Adaptation – Learn about local customs, laws, and social norms.
• Cost of Living – Understand monthly budget for groceries, utilities, and transportation. (If not covered 100% by the team)
• Banking & Money Transfers – Set up a local bank account if necessary; confirm how to transfer funds internationally and any international wire transfer fees.
• Taxes & Financial Planning – Understand tax implications for both home and host country.
• Emergency Services – Save contacts for the local embassy, hospitals, and emergency numbers.

🏡 Housing & Living Arrangements

• Accommodations – Confirm housing arrangements are suitable for your situation.
• Furnishing & Essentials – Confirm if housing is furnished or if furniture needs to be purchased. Understand if you are reimbursed for small improvements to your housing arrangements.
• Neighbourhood & Safety – Research crime rates, expat communities, and accessibility to grocery stores and pharmacies.
• Transportation – Learn about public transport, international driver’s licenses, and car rental options.

💬 Daily Life & Social Integration

• Community & Social Life – Find expat or partner team support groups, both online and locally.
• Grocery Stores & Shopping – Locate stores that carry familiar food items.
• Phone & Internet – Set up a local SIM card or an international phone plan.
• Gym & Fitness – Check if there are fitness facilities for the team that you have access to or if there are public one’s available. Research outdoor activity options.
• Hobbies & Activities – Research clubs, volunteering, or part-time work opportunities.
• Travel Opportunities – Plan weekend trips or local experiences to make the most of the time abroad.

🏒 Team Integration

• Team Expectations – Understand team schedules, road trips, and game-day commitments.
• Mental & Emotional Support – Be aware of possible challenges like loneliness or homesickness. Meeting local expats is a great way to get involved in local community activities.
• Networking with Other Families – Connect with other players’ partners or families for support and advice.

🔁 Post-Move Adjustments

• Residency Registration – If planning to stay longer term, check if there are local requirements to register as a resident.
• Learning the Language – Continue language practice for better integration.
• Review & Adapt – Reassess your budget, lifestyle, and work opportunities after a few months.
• Enjoy it – There is lots to see and do in Europe. Don’t hesitate to get out of your comfort zone and explore.

🚨 Context to Visa Requirements

Current player on my team (and teams in the past) have had a hard time getting girlfriends overseas for more than 90 days in a 180 day period. Visa complications. - DEL Player

This is a common issue across the Schengen Zone, which includes most of Europe. For non-EU citizens (like Canadians or Americans), the standard rule is:

You can only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

That means:

Unless a girlfriend or partner secures a long-stay visa (which is difficult unless married, studying, or employed), they’re limited to short visits.

A full hockey season typically spans 7–9 months, so a basic tourist stay doesn’t cover it.

Some try to leave the Schengen Area (e.g. to the UK or Balkans) to reset the 90-day clock, but border control can deny re-entry if it looks like they’re abusing the system.

Teams generally don’t assist with visa paperwork for non-married partners, which makes long-term stays tough. It's advised to find out what the team will cover and make your own personal plans to ensure your partner is covered.

This checklist is designed to help you and your family transition smoothly when moving overseas for a hockey contract. Having a plan in place will make the move less stressful and more enjoyable!

Have questions? Get in touch with us