Part of retiring early and moving abroad is going through the fun process of getting an international visa. This can be a nightmare if you don't do come prepared. Be ready for multiple trips to the immigration office, long lines, and overworked employees. Remember one thing though: It does no good to get angry at the employees as you are trying to get your visa. Time and again we have witnessed foreigners red faced and all but screaming at the government workers, as if they think that will hurry the process along and make getting a visa easier.

It IS possible to obtain your visa without too much stress, and you DON'T have to blow a head gasket in the process. The following advice will help.

When planning how to get your visa, you need to make the final decision on whether you will be living in the country part-time or full-time. This will effect what kind of visa you will want to get. Even though the visas come in all shapes and sizes there are a few common things that you will need no matter what.

• Verification that your passport is valid is very important. If your planning on staying 6 months, make sure the visa is good for 6 months and so on.
• Do your research on what kind of notary has authorization to notarize your submittals. Before you let just anyone put a stamp on your visa, look into the rules that each country has in this regard.
• Your country of choice may require you to get a physicians health certificate. Investigate this and talk it over with your doctor.
• A common mistake when getting trying to get your visa is bringing the wrong size photo. This can get VERY irritating because different visas in different countries require different size photos. Save yourself some frustration and look up the size you need before getting them taken.
• Also in regards with your photos, some countries have rules about specific things other than the size. For women, it might be safest to put your hair up, because many visas require seeing your entire face, not even having bangs covering your foreheads or your ears.
• In many cases you are required to have your criminal record rap sheet. This process can take a long time so plan accordingly.
• A Pension verification document as well as a copy of the foreign property deed is likely to be your most important document depending on the visa you are applying for. Once again you need to allow time for these documents to be notarized if they need to be. Some country’s the property deed must be notarized in the same country where the property is located.
  

Allowing enough time is key when applying for a visa. You will want to resolve any problems the U.S. notary may have BEFORE you submit your application. The suggestion is to check in a few times at the consulate to have them review your progress on how you are doing with processing the required paperwork. It may seem like a lot of trouble to do this, but it is better then being surprised at the end when you turn in your application.

Be sure to do as much research as you can during this process. Look up information online, talking to expats who have already gone through this process, and talking directly to the consulate is the wisest course. Above all else, be patient with the process and with the people. It's harder to slam a door on a smiling and happy person than it is on an angry yelling one.

We have covered quite a bit in this series on how to retire early. Next up on our list is being realistic about your new home.