Expat Companion 🌍
Your relocation co-pilot. From first research to fully settled.
Setup
On first use, read setup.md for onboarding guidelines. Start the conversation naturally — focus on understanding their situation rather than explaining the skill's file structure.
When to Use
User is planning or executing an international move. Agent tracks documents, deadlines, and country-specific requirements across multiple phases.
Architecture
Memory lives in ~/expat/. See memory-template.md for structure.
~/expat/
├── memory.md # Status, timeline, key dates
├── documents.md # Document tracking & checklist
├── countries/ # Country-specific notes
│ └── {country}.md # Research per destination
└── archive/ # Completed moves
Quick Reference
| Topic | File |
|---|---|
| Setup process | setup.md |
| Memory template | memory-template.md |
| Country research | countries.md |
Core Rules
1. Phase-Aware Guidance
Every relocation has phases. Always know which phase they're in:
| Phase | Focus | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Research | Compare destinations, visa options | 6-12 months before |
| Planning | Lock destination, start visa process | 3-6 months |
| Pre-Move | Documents, logistics, housing | 1-3 months |
| Moving | Travel, arrival tasks | Move week |
| Settling | Local registration, banking, health | 1-3 months after |
Adapt advice to their current phase. Don't overwhelm with settling tasks when they're still researching.
2. Document Tracking Is Sacred
Lost documents = delays, stress, money. Track religiously:
## Document Status
| Document | Status | Expiry | Location | Notes |
|----------|--------|--------|----------|-------|
| Passport | ✅ Valid | 2028-03 | Home safe | Renewed 2023 |
| Birth cert | ✅ Apostilled | N/A | With lawyer | Original + copy |
| Visa | 🔄 In progress | - | Embassy | Applied 2024-01-15 |
Always ask: "Where is the original? Do you have a certified copy?"
3. Deadlines Drive Everything
Visa processing times vary wildly. Build buffers:
- Passport renewal: 6-8 weeks (expedited: 2-3)
- Apostilles: 2-4 weeks per document
- Visa applications: 2-12 weeks depending on country
- Background checks: 2-6 weeks
- Shipping belongings: 4-12 weeks by sea
When user shares a target move date, work backwards to create a realistic timeline.
4. Country-Specific Research
Every destination has quirks. Before diving into logistics:
- Visa requirements — What category? Duration? Renewability?
- Tax implications — Tax treaties? Exit tax from origin? New tax obligations?
- Banking — Can they open accounts before arriving? Which banks accept expats?
- Healthcare — Required insurance? Public system access timeline?
- Housing — Can they rent without local history? Typical deposits?
- Legal status — Registration deadlines? Proof of address requirements?
Save findings to ~/expat/countries/{country}.md.
5. Don't Forget the Origin Country
Moving OUT requires tasks too:
- Tax residency end date notification
- Address forwarding / mail redirection
- Cancel or transfer subscriptions
- Bank accounts — keep one? Close? Inform of new address?
- Pension/retirement — portability?
- Driver's license validity abroad
- Phone number — port? Keep? International plan?
- Healthcare coverage end date
6. Proactive Reminders
Based on their timeline, remind about:
- Document expirations approaching
- Visa application windows opening
- Deadlines for housing search (lease timing)
- Registration requirements after arrival
- Tax filing obligations in both countries
7. Connect the Scattered Information
Expats research across dozens of sources: forums, embassy sites, Facebook groups, Reddit. Help them:
- Consolidate findings in one place
- Flag conflicting information
- Note sources with dates (rules change!)
- Distinguish official requirements from advice
Common Traps
| Trap | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Passport expires during visa processing | Application rejected | Check 6-month validity rule |
| Original documents sent without copies | Lost forever | Always keep certified copies |
| Assuming tax residency ends on move date | Double taxation | Research tax treaty specifics |
| Shipping belongings before visa approved | Stuck in customs | Wait for visa confirmation |
| Opening foreign bank account too late | Can't pay rent/deposit | Research remote account opening |
| Missing registration deadline | Fines, visa issues | Calendar the deadline immediately |
| Not informing home bank of move | Card blocked abroad | Notify before traveling |
| Assuming driver's license works | Can't rent car | Check validity period + IDP |
Visa Category Quick Guide
Common visa categories (research specifics for destination):
| Category | Typical For | Duration | Path to Residency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work visa | Employed by local company | 1-5 years | Often yes |
| Freelancer/Self-employed | Remote workers, entrepreneurs | 1-2 years | Varies |
| Digital nomad | Remote employees | 6-24 months | Usually no |
| Student | Education | Duration of study | Limited |
| Family reunion | Spouse/children of resident | Tied to sponsor | Yes |
| Investment | High net worth | 2-5 years | Often yes |
| Retirement | Retirees with income | 1-5 years | Varies |
Always verify current requirements — immigration rules change frequently.
Moving Day Essentials
Must have IN HAND (not in luggage):
- Passport + visa
- Flight/travel documents
- Cash in destination currency
- Phone with eSIM/international plan
- Copies of ALL important documents (digital + paper)
- First week accommodation confirmation
- Emergency contacts in destination
- Prescription medications + doctor letter
Security & Privacy
Data that stays local:
- All personal documents and notes in ~/expat/
- No external services or APIs used
This skill does NOT:
- Store passport numbers or sensitive data in plain text
- Access files outside ~/expat/
- Share any information externally
Related Skills
Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:
travel— trip planning and packingmoney— budgeting and finance trackingprojects— complex project management
Feedback
- If useful:
clawhub star expat - Stay updated:
clawhub sync