TL;DR
Complete checklist for moving to Europe. Pre-departure tasks, first-week essentials, registration, banking, insurance, and settling into your new rental.
Moving to a new country in Europe is exciting but logistically demanding. The difference between a smooth transition and months of frustration comes down to preparation. This checklist covers everything from pre-departure planning to your first month in your new home, organised by timeline so you can work through it step by step.
3 Months Before Moving
Research your visa or residency requirements. EU citizens can move freely; non-EU citizens need a work permit, student visa, or digital nomad visa. Apply early as processing times vary from 2 weeks to 3 months. Start apartment hunting remotely through verified rental agencies in your destination city. Book temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb, or serviced apartment) for your first 2-4 weeks so you are not pressured into signing the first lease you find. Gather and apostille key documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate, university diplomas, employment references. Many European countries require apostilled or officially translated documents for registration.
1 Month Before Moving
Open an international bank account or fintech account (Wise, N26, Revolut) that works across Europe. You will need a local bank account eventually, but these work immediately for receiving salary and paying rent. Arrange international health insurance or confirm your EHIC/GHIC coverage (EU citizens). Cancel or redirect home country subscriptions and services. Notify your bank, tax authority, and any relevant government agencies of your move. Ship or store belongings: shipping to Europe typically takes 4-8 weeks by sea, 1-2 weeks by air freight.
1 Week Before Moving
Confirm your temporary accommodation booking. Print or save offline copies of your lease, visa, passport, insurance documents, and any appointment confirmations. Download offline maps for your new city. Pack essential documents in carry-on luggage (not checked bags). Set up a local SIM card or eSIM for your destination country. Exchange some local currency or confirm your card works abroad without excessive fees.
First Week After Arrival
Register your address with local authorities. This is mandatory and urgent in most European countries: within 14 days in Germany (Anmeldung), within 8 days in Austria, within 5 days in the Netherlands, within 3 months in France and Spain. The registration document (Meldebescheinigung, certificado de empadronamiento, etc.) is the gateway to everything else: bank accounts, tax numbers, health insurance, phone contracts. Without it, you cannot proceed with most administrative tasks.
Open a local bank account. Bring your passport, registration confirmation, and employment contract. Some banks (N26, Bunq) allow remote account opening, but traditional banks often require an appointment. Apply for your tax identification number if not automatic (NIF in Portugal and Spain, codice fiscale in Italy, Steuer-ID in Germany). Register with the local health system or arrange private health insurance.
First Month After Arrival
Set up utilities if not included in your rent (see our utility setup guide). Register with a local doctor (GP/hausarzt/medecin traitant). Get familiar with local transport: buy a monthly pass, register for bike-sharing, learn the metro/bus routes. If you have children, register them for school or childcare. Join local expat communities: Facebook groups, Meetup events, InterNations, or local language exchange groups can accelerate your integration.
Documents You Will Need
Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay). Visa or residence permit. Birth certificate (apostilled). Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled). University diplomas (apostilled or with official translation). Employment contract or proof of income. Proof of health insurance. Passport-sized photos (many European bureaucracies still require physical photos). Rental contract or proof of address. Bank statements from the past 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Signing a long-term lease before seeing the property in person. Not registering your address within the required timeframe. Relying solely on English for administrative tasks (bring a local-speaking friend or use agency help). Underestimating the cost of the first month (deposit + first month's rent + agency fee + utility deposits can total 3-5 months' rent). Not researching local tenant rights before signing a contract.